A new customised bus to transport students with disabilities has recently begun operation in Devonport and Ulverstone.

  The bus, operated by Phoenix Coaches, and designed to cater for students unable to use mainstream public transport, is the first new bus for students with disabilities, being introduced following the review of Tasmania’s passenger bus services.

Minister Sturges said it was another example of the progressive modernisation and significant upgrading of the bus fleet, with which the Government had in mind when it set up the recent Review of core passenger bus services.

Graeme, pictured with Phoenix Coaches Staff and Labor Member for Braddon, Bryan Green MP

 On 16 September 2008, the Minister for Infrastructure, announced the launch of a search to crown Australia’s most Active Adults, with Spirit of Tasmania’s “Have You Got The Spirit?” community campaign.  Launched at the Golden Years Club of Glenorchy, the “Have You Got The Spirit?” search will seek out people over the age of 45, with incredible, wonderful, funny, sad or inspirational stories. 

This campaign is an exciting inititative from the Spirit of Tasmania to acknowledge the achievements of people in our community who are not letting age stop them when it comes to enjoying and making the most of life.  What’s more, there are over $15 000 in prizes to be won!

Graeme, being a Member of the Denison Electorate since 2002, decided that his chair must represent his Electorate in some way, and enlisted the assistance of Roseneath Primary School Art Teacher, Mrs Helen Watson and students,  Maddison Jones and Adam Schofield. 

 Â

In a considerably short time frame, Mrs Watson & Co, created an amazing collage with key significant landmarks to the Denison Electorate - The Derwent Bridge, James Austin Cottage, The Shot Tower, Wrest Point Casino, Cadbury, Cornelian Bay….the list goes on.  One could definitely spend a good few hours making a list of all landmarks visable.

For the latest group of graduates, Graeme was on hand to pass on the State Government’s congratulations, and hand over graduation certificates.

Graeme, pictured with Senator Carol Brown, and creator’s of Sweet Envy - commercialisation of cupcakes, cookies, icecream, candies and wedding cakes.

Graeme, pictured with Federal Member for Bass, Jodie Campbell MP.

Kalang Riding for the Disabled, were broken into earlier this year, and specialised riding equipment, along with various tack, was stolen.  Kalang RDA have had various items donated from the Community, as well as a $2000 grant from the State Government, to assist with the replacement of specialised equipment.

As well as handing over the cheque to an appreciative Cathy Bantick, President of Kalang RDA, Graeme also found time to hang out with the resident ponies, including Buddy, pictured below.

On 14 April 2008, Chigwell Community House’s new Mission Australia Centre was officially opened by the Minister for Health and Human Services, the Hon Lara Giddings MP, and Mission Australia Chief Executive Officer, Toby Hall.

Mission Australia was selected to develop and manage the historic Chigwell landmark after a comprehensive express of interest process.  Housing Tasmania has contributed $600 000 to the transformation of the heritage listed building, with a further $800 000 contributed by Mission Australia.  It is fantastic that an important Chigwell landmark has been restored to its former glory for the use of our local residents.

With the sunny weather and laughs aplenty, a great day was had by all.

On 5 December Graeme officially opened a new factory, Currawong Engineering that specialises in making innovative camera equipment for unmanned aircraft.  Currawong Engineering specialises in making an innovative camera-aiming device called The All Seeing Eye, which is attached to unmanned aircraft.

 ”The All Seeing Eye is used for military surveillance, but has the potential to also be used for scientific research, coastal surveillance and TV and film operations,” Graeme said.”Tasmania is an island of innovation and this is another superb example of Tasmnain ingenuity and a willingness to start up a business in our favourable economic climate.”

The State Government awarded Currawong with a $150 000 grant toassist with the production of the technology.

Here Graeme is pictured with Currawong Engineering’s Gavin Brett

The All Seeing Eye:

The Government’s Disability Framework,  which was launched in 2005, has a goal of supporting recreational cultural opportunities and encouraging more Tasmanians with disability to become involved in the arts. 

“Many people with disability have their identities shaped by judgements of what they can’t do rather than appreciation of their strengths and talents”, Graeme said.  “This Government will continue to work in partnership with organisations and individuals to ensure Tasmanians with disability have access to the personal development and cultural experiences that enrich all of our lives.”

For more information on the Government’s Disability Framework visit:  www.dpac.tas.gov.au/divisions/disability