Tassie On My Mind, March 2012
- big in Tasmania

Welcome to the March 2012 issue of Tassie On My Mind, a free monthly newsletter keeping you informed of the latest news on what makes Tasmania such an attractive travel destination.

Recently I found myself singing the 80s hit Big in Japan. And it got me thinking there's a lot that's big in Tasmania too. Waves, preserving endangered species, anti-violence, Antarctica and cool events are all big in Tasmania.

Read on to see what I mean...

This issue:

  • Waves
  • Preserving endangered species
  • Anti-violence
  • Celebrating Antarctica
  • Events

Plus... your chance to be a part of tasmania-attractions.com!


Waves

The waves are huge in Tasmania. We found that out when Surfing Life's Oakley Big Wave Awards were presented last month.

As stated at the Big Wave Awards website, awards this year went to record breaking entries. Over 70 rides were submitted featuring locations in WA, VIC, NSW and in particular, Tasmania.

Who got the biggest award? That went to Damien Taco Warr - for the biggest wave ridden in Australasian waters for the past year.

However Tassie Tyler Hollmer-Cross nabbed the Biggest Slab Award. This award recognises rides on waves thicker than they are high! Imagine that!

Where do you think Tyler got this ride? You guessed it. Shipstern Bluff.

What's great about the judging system is this - riders get to vote on fellow riders' performances. And apparently this will continue.

Hmmm... I feel like watching Big Wednesday now. And maybe Blue Crush - a surf movie for girls...


Preserving endangered species

I was delighted to read some news recently about a group of walkers coming across a wild Tasmanian Devil in the Tarkine.

Tassie Devils are usually both nocturnal and shy. However in February to March, young devils who have not learnt to be wary of humans may leave their mums to go off and mark out their own territory.

In view of the threat of the deadly Tasmanian Devil disease, it was great to hear of this wild Devil sighting.

That reminds me of the plight of the orange-bellied parrot. Latest statistics indicate that there are only 21 of these birds remaining in the wild.

Apparently the birds breed only in the south-west of Tasmania, spending winter on the mainland.

At present, captive breeding of parrots is carried out in Tasmania, after which the birds are released in Tasmania's south-west.

According to Tasmanian Environment Minister Brian Wightman, work is also being done with other states and the Commonwealth to try and save the parrot.

Let's hope enough is done to save this lovely parrot before it's too late.


Anti-violence

Tasmanian born Crown Princess Mary of Denmark was in the US recently, speaking out against violence toward women. Mary was one of the key speakers at the World Conference of Women's Shelters.

The event was also attended by activists and support workers from around the globe.

The conference aims to share knowledge and tools for ending violence against women throughout the world.

Nice to see a Tassie speaking up for those who need help.

Mary is a patron of LOKK, a Denmark based organisation of women's crisis centres. Our very own Tasmanian royal is patron to many other organisations that do good work too.


Celebrating Antarctica

It's big in Tasmania if it's to do with Antarctica. Yes, Tasmania has strong links with Antarctica.

So on 11th March Tasmania will celebrate Roald Amundsen announcing, from Hobart, that he had arrived at the South Pole.

For me, the best part about the celebration will be the husky dogs! As you may be aware, in Amundsen's days, traveling in Antarctica relied greatly on sleds pulled by husky dogs.

Amundsen's historic South Pole achievement will be marked by husky sled dogs traveling around some of Hobart's streets. That will certainly be a sight to behold!

Plus, family friendly activies will be held in St David's Park. There will be Antarctic displays and Amundsen walking tours of Hobart.

Find out more about the Amundsen Centenary and Huskies Picnic at the Antartic Centennial Year website.


Events

And now for some big events.

Devonport Food and Wine Festival
In March the city celebrates its fine produce with the Devonport Food and Wine Festival.

Besides being Tasmania's third largest city Devonport is also the hub of Australia's market garden.

Hobart Gem Mineral and Fossil Show - Tasmania's Hidden Treasures
Tasmania has many fine treasures. And I love talking about them. So I can't miss telling you about the Hobart Gem Mineral and Fossil Show which will be held on the weekend of 17th/18th March at the Royal Hobart Showgrounds. You will get to see gemstones, minerals, crystals and fossils. The event should interest the kids too. And you might even win a raffle prize.

Jesus Christ Superstar
Tasmania's own Brett Budgeon will be playing the lead role of the superstar himself in one of the greatest rock musicals ever. You can catch Jesus Christ Superstar from 16th to 24th March at Princess Theatre in Launceston.

Well that's it for this issue.

It's nice to know what's big in Tasmania. And we want it to get even bigger - particularly important causes like anti-violence and preserving endangered species. We're fairly certain the waves and the events will stay big.

See you in April!


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