Crochet has Tassie hooked

CROCHET is making a comeback.

A growing number of Tasmanians are taking up the hobby, keen to make blankets and clothing the way their grandmothers did and create the trendy crocheted toys, high-fashion outfits and designer homewares they see in up-market boutiques and magazines.

At The Stash Cupboard in Hobart, crochet classes now outnumber knitting classes two-to-one, with many of the students aged in their 20s and 30s.

Sites like Facebook and YouTube are overflowing with how-to guides and forums, making it easier than ever to take up wool crafts.

The Stash Cupboard owner Penni Castellana said there had been a resurgence in knitting in the past decade, but crochet had boomed in recent months.

"Recently crochet has become more popular ... it's taking off all over the place," she said.

Howrah's Rebecca Spry, 30, was taught to knit as a child by her grandmother and rediscovered knitting and crochet as an adult.

She said it was a social hobby - enthusiasts get together weekly to crochet and chat at craft stores and cafes around Hobart, while others enjoy book clubs or dinner dates while they knit.

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Gourmet taste of cruising

AWARD-winning tourism operator Rob Pennicott is expanding his business to offer intimate luxury cruises to show the best of Tasmania's scenery and fresh produce.

The first of three new yellow boats, each costing $450,000, has arrived in Hobart, with custom charters now being offered for groups of up to 12 people.

It is the first time Pennicott Wilderness Journeys has run tours from the Hobart Waterfront. Currently, tours are run using two boats based on the Tasman Peninsula and four on Bruny Island. They carry a maximum of 43 passengers.

The new 11.3m Naiad rigid inflatable boats, which have a cruising speed of 50km/h and a top speed 90km/h, feature an enclosed cabin, leather seats and large awning windows.

A fold-down platform at the bow enables passengers to step on to the beach without getting their feet wet.

Mr Pennicott hopes to run seafood and champagne cruises featuring local produce and circumnavigations of Bruny Island, among other trips.

The boats were bought with the help of a Tasmanian Innovation and Investment Fund grant, enabling the project to be brought forward by three years.

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Brrr-other it's cold down there

COLD COMFORT: Maya Taylor, 12, and her brother Michael, 8, from Ferntree Gully, Victoria, try out some Antarctic clothing. Picture: SAM ROSEWARNE

FAMILIES rugged up to sample life in the freezer at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery's midwinter celebrations yesterday.

Visitors dressed in a selection of clothes worn by people who live and work in the extreme cold of Antarctica, as well as traditional outfits worn by the Inuit people of North America, made from arctic fox and caribou fur.

Learning and discovery manager Andy Baird said TMAG's third family open day encouraged people to engage with the exhibits.

"The cold weather clothes are real and were used in Antarctica," Mr Baird said.

"Now, after the $30 million redevelopment, the new museum is multi-generational for all the family with interactive displays."

The day attracted more than 3000 visitors who took in a variety of exhibits, including learning about the Tasmanian Aboriginal cultural tradition of mutton-birding.

Visitors chatted with award-winning children's book author Coral Tulloch, and a mobile puppet show delighted younger children.

Graeme McCormack brought his hurdy gurdy to life, playing Renaissance and medieval music.

The instrument originates from Central Europe with a history going back to the 11th century.

Richard Hale did experiments to show how sea ice melts at different temperatures to fresh water ice.

TMAG's family days will be on the last Sunday of every month.

roger.hanson@news.com.au

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Frank's birthday bonus

JOYOUS: Frank Gunn hangs out playing a Wii dancing game with his sister Rowena, 16, right, and her friend Tess Nettlefold, 17. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

TODAY is party time for Hobart's Frank Gunn.

The New Town teenager, born with Mowat-Wilson syndrome and its associated heart disease, epilepsy and bowel problems, turns 15 and will spend the day ten-pin bowling with friends and family.

But July 1 also means the start of the the National Disability Insurance Scheme trial, which Frank's mother, Megan, said could be the gift that lasts a lifetime.

Ms Gunn, who spoke to the Mercury in April about her hopes for the NDIS (since renamed DisabilityCare Australia), said she was confident the scheme would provide Frank with the quality of life most Australians take for granted.

"The difference is that Frank and I are now in the driver's seat," she said, after recently learning what the scheme would mean for them at a conference in Melbourne.

"No longer are we dictated to by what is available. Now they are asking us, 'what do you need to have a reasonable life'. And that's a very different way of thinking."

Ms Gunn said she and Frank were particularly encouraged by the scheme's flexibility, which gave clients the opportunity to tinker with their plans to find the option that best suited their needs.

The mother of three said she was realistic, not expecting overnight miracles from the scheme introduced earlier this year by then Prime Minister Julia Gillard.

But she said that long-term, her intellectually disabled son would have the substantially increased quality of life he deserved.

"I know he won't be going to the skate park, but he loves music, and would love to go to Salamanca to listen to the buskers or see a band with people his own age," she said.

"I want Frank to have as normal a life as he possibly can."

Ms Gunn described the introduction of the DisabilityCare Australia trial as exciting and empowering and said she and her son would no longer feel like second-class citizens with their increase in access and life choices.

And she described Frank turning 15 -- the eligibility age for the scheme --

"It's kind if exciting because now we have extra reason to celebrate," Ms Gunn said.

"Hopefully it is the start of a whole new way of living for Frank, and for us as a family."

duncan.abey@news.com.au

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Lotto luck pot of gold for Tassie

GOOD LUCK: Derwent Park Newsagency assistant Colleen Eyles and co-owner Glenn Commane at one of the luckiest places in Tasmania to buy a lotto ticket. Picture: SAM ROSEWARNE

IT was one of the biggest TattsLotto events of the year, and newsagents across the state yesterday reported they were flat out with customers hoping last night's $30 million Mid-Year Megadraw would make them instant millionaires.

And why not? Five Tasmanians have scored Division 1 prizes in TattsLotto so far this year, equating to more than $2.9 million in prizemoney.

According to Tatts, two Tassie suburbs share the Mid-Year Hotspot title -- Claremont and Devonport having both sold entries worth $832,269.66 in winnings this year.

Devonport has had the state's most winners since 2009, having sold four entries worth a total $3,756,819.45. The largest was $1,428,571.43.

In the south, Derwent Park ranks second, also with four winning entries. The largest was $1,363,636.37.

Last year 24 Australians began the new financial year as new millionaires after scoring an amazing $1.25 million each in the Mid-Year Megadraw.

Despite the large number of Tasmanian winners, many are reluctant to be identified. But they have wise words for those who get lucky.

John* was in his early 20s when he won $1.36 million in 2009 after buying a ticket at the Derwent Park Newsagency and says buying a house with his partner was his first priority.

He said the money had made everyday living easier and allowed him to be a stay-at-home dad.

He also bought a classic car but advised winners to lock their lump sum away in a bank for at least a month before spending any of it.

Derwent Park Newsagency struck gold in June last year when the Jones* family won $707,000. They have paid off their house, taken a few holidays and might retire early.

Stephen* described his $1 million win in 2009 as life-changing. From the proceeds of a ticket he bought from the Salamanca Newsagency, he travels every year, has invested in property and uses 10 per cent to spoil himself while living off the interest.

Caroline* won just over $380,000 in 2011 after buying a ticket at the Cove Hill Newsagency at Bridgewater. She invested it and cautions others to be careful who they tell.

Geoff* is still coming to terms with winning almost $970,000 18 months ago on a ticket bought at Winnings News and Lotto in Hobart. He warns others they will be overwhelmed by the options available to them.

* names changed

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Paddock to plate

MODERN FARMERS: Daniel Leesong with his wife Melanie and children, from left, Eleanor, 8, Noah, 4, Flynn, 7 months, Charles, 7, and George, 4, at his Cambridge property which he plans to develop. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

A HANDS-on farm tourism experience showcasing artisan cheese and chocolate makers, farm gate and pick-your-own stone fruit and berries is set to enhance the Coal River Valley's gastronomic reputation.

Leading Tasmanian tourism and hospitality players Daniel Leesong and Simon Currant plan to develop the boutique Coal River Farm, which Mr Leesong said would tap into a burgeoning worldwide demand, especially from Asia, for paddock-to-plate experiences.

"We want to celebrate the rich heritage of artisan production that Tasmania, and historically rural communities, have been known for," Mr Leesong said yesterday.

"We are proud residents of the Coal River Valley and love the community and its world-class produce. Bringing together people with traditional skills is what Coal River Farm is all about."

A development application for the small-scale, family-run operation is before Clarence Council.

Mr Leesong, a former Tourism Industry Council Tasmania chief executive and state director of the Australian Hotels Association, hopes to turn the first sod on the project within 12 months.

Features of Coal River Farm, which is being backed by local tourism figure Simon Currant, the man behind Cradle Mountain Lodge and Peppermint Bay, will include a restaurant, a 0.4-hectate hydroponic strawberry farm, peach and apricot orchards, a cheese cave incorporating private dining facilities, and family picnic areas.

Mr Leesong said the proposed farm was a major opportunity for tourism growth and would have particular appeal for Asian tourists.

"One of their key drivers is being able to see what is being produced and to pick it themselves and feel at one with that process," he said.

Tourism Industry Council Tasmania chief Luke Martin said the scale, location and innovative nature of the proposal represented a potential boon for the economy.

"If there was one particular development concept that captured where we want to go with food and wine from a tourism perspective in Tasmania, this is it," he said.

duncan.abey@news.com.au

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Giddings ready to sign Gonski

PREMIER Lara Giddings is still confident of signing on to Gonski education reforms before the end of the week -- despite Kevin Rudd toppling Julia Gillard as Prime Minister.

Ms Giddings, who was expected to announce Tasmania had signed on to the reforms with Ms Gillard at the Labor State conference at the weekend, said yesterday she was confident Mr Rudd was also dedicated to the Gonski reforms.

"I was pleased today to see the Prime Minister acknowledge the role of the former Prime Minister Julia Gillard in the Australian Parliament," she said yesterday.

"He very much acknowledged the role she has played in driving education reform and additional resources into the education system.

"I am confident, with the number of states that have already signed up to Gonski and the intention of Tasmania to sign up to Gonski, that we will see this reform continued to be rolled out."

Ms Giddings said she was still confident Tasmania could sign on to the Gonski reforms before Sunday, the June 30 deadline.

"I am hopeful we will be able to sign up to Gonski in coming days," she said.

"My confidence is based on the fact that Kevin Rudd has already acknowledged the legacy of the former Prime Minister and the importance of the education reforms and the increased funding for education."

Ms Giddings said she was confident Tasmania would not lose $100 million in GST payments if the state signed on to Gonski.

However, she did say the State Government had not received written confirmation from the Federal Government about the GST guarantee.

She said she wished she had been in a position to sign on to the Gonski reforms "many, many weeks ago".

"Neither side has deliberately stopped signing," she said.

"We have had real issues that we have had to talk through and negotiate.

"It would have been wonderful to sign up with the former Prime Minister who has driven these reforms."

matthew.smith@news.com.au

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Labor MPs keep mum

MOST Tasmanian Federal Labor politicians have dodged questions over who they voted for in the federal Labor spill.

The integral votes of Tasmanian Labor politicians that had Julia Gillard ousted and replaced by Kevin Rudd have cited the need to look to the future, but failed to tell the Tasmanian people who got their vote.

Tasmanian senators Lisa Singh, a Rudd backer, and Gillard supporters Catryna Bilyk and Helen Polley were the most forthright.

Carol Brown's office also confirmed the Labor Left powerbroker voted for Mr Rudd.

Tasmanian senator Lisa Singh released an early morning statement saying she had switched her vote to Mr Rudd "in the best interests of the Labor Party and the nation".

Ms Bilyk said she voted for Ms Gillard, but would fully back Mr Rudd.

Amid obvious criticism Tasmanian MPs had switched their allegiance to Mr Rudd in a bid to save their careers, other MPs were not so forthcoming.

Lyons MP Dick Adams, Bass MP Geoff Lyons and Braddon MP Sid Sidebottom, all of whom the polls are suggesting are in serious trouble, said yesterday the vote was a secret ballot.

Mr Adams said he believed the Tasmanian vote was split 50-50.

Mr Lyons and Mr Adams were both big supporters of Mr Rudd's parliamentary performance yesterday describing it as succinct and positive.

However the Mercury understands Ms Bilyk and Ms Polley were the only Tasmanian politicians to support Ms Gillard.

The most senior Tasmanian in the Commonwealth government, Franklin MP Julie Collins, would not be drawn on who she supported, but remained on the front bench yesterday, which supported rumours that she had switched her allegiance to Mr Rudd.

Tasmanian Premier Lara Giddings came under fire for comments she made in a newspaper interview in March 2011 where she said she "wasn't a great fan personally of the Kevin Rudd COAG process as a minister".

Yesterday afternoon she said she would have no trouble working with Mr Rudd.

"I have no problem in congratulating Kevin Rudd," she said.

"Kevin Rudd himself has acknowledged some of these criticisms, but he has said himself that he is a changed man.

"I look forward to working with Kevin Rudd."

Mr Rudd is now not expected to attend the Tasmanian Labor conference in Burnie at the weekend.

matthew.smith@news.com.au

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Boy drowns in fishing tragedy

A FATHER and son fishing trip has ended in tragedy at Bicheno with a man and his six-year-old son being swept off rocks by a wave.

Police last night confirmed the boy had drowned, while the search for his father was ongoing late last night.

The father and son, who were understood to be holidaying at Bicheno, on the state's East Coast, were reportedly fishing from rocks near the esplanade boat ramp when they were swept into the sea about 5pm.

Witnesses raised the alarm, sparking a major air and sea search involving a police rescue boat and the Westpac Police Rescue Helicopter. The body of the boy was pulled from the water about 7pm.

Bicheno By The Bay motel owner Andrew Thomas said the father and son were visitors who had been staying at the motel as part of a group.

The wife and mother of the two is believed to have been with the group.

Mr Thomas said the father and son had been fishing off rocks across the road from the motel when they were swept away.

He said although the weather was fine at Bicheno yesterday, there was a large swell that had been created by recent bad weather.

He described the spot where the pair were swept away as a sloping, rocky area.

He said while it was not a popular fishing spot, people did fish there from time to time and the water off the rocks was frequented by snorkelers and divers.

Mr Thomas said while the rocks were not known to be particularly dangerous, the surface of the rocks could be slippery.

"There is lichen and moss and algae there, it's slippery and people do have to be careful," Mr Thomas said.

Police investigations into the incident are continuing and a report will be prepared for the coroner.

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Nude swim a cheeky event

EXHILARATING. Freezing. Amazing.

That is how Dark MOFO artistic director Leigh Carmichael described his festival's inaugural nude swim which took place at first light off Long Beach in Sandy Bay today.

Hundreds of hardy souls wearing nothing but red swimming caps took to the River Derwent for the event.

Approaching the beach en masse with a cheer that broke the dawn silence, the group discarded their white towels as orange flares signalled the beginning of the winter solstice celebration.

Then began a mad charge for the water, which at 12C was considerably warmer than the heavily frosted beach the swimmers left behind.

After three minutes it was all over, as swimmers waded back out of the water.

Some raced for towels, while others were content to huddle naked around the barrels of fire dotting the beach.

Keeping a close eye on proceedings were two police boats and a small flotilla of surf lifesavers on boards.

Safety concerns meant the nude swim was staged in two parts -- 150 swimmers at dawn, followed by another 50 half an hour later.

"I don't normally swim at all in the ocean, so that was pretty brave for me," Mr Carmichael said.

"The community spirit was amazing. I think we've had a community spirit the entire festival and this really finishes it off. I'm really happy.

"This was about embracing the cold and the winter, and just celebrating as a community this time the year and the solstice."

Hobart Lord Mayor Damon Thomas was one of the first into the water, which took place on the shortest day of the year.

"It was a fantastic community effort," a bare-chested Mr Thomas told the media.

"This is just Hobart. We've broken so many barriers this week. We've proven that people will start looking to come here for weekends, rather than the old idea of pushing people away.

"I'd go out again"

Finally, a small group of about 20 clothed swimmers took to the water for the "prude" swim.

Then it was straight back to a heated room for hot chocolate, hot water bottles and most importantly, clothes.

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