Grandvewe Cheeses of Birchs Bay is the only certified organic sheep farm in Australia. The business is a multi tiered family enterprise involving dairy sheep, manufacturing cheese and wine and gourmet products through value adding to any farm surpluses and also running as a tourist destination. Grandvewe produces award winning cheeses and yoghurts. It produces the only Australian sheep milk Gelato and a Vanilla Whey Liqueur, an Australian first and the only certified organic liqueur. Grandvewe maintains an annual growth rate of over 30% and have won numerous Awards for their cheeses.

*Hon Lisa Singh MP (far left) presents Grandvewe Cheeses representatives.

The Derwent Valley Autumn Festival of New Norfolk is held in April each year and over the past 8 years has become the premier event on the calendar. The event has grown significantly with over 15,000 attendees this year. Free admission and shuttle buses are provided with nonstop entertainment across three stages throughout the Festival. Over 100 stalls, fine food and wine, produce and arts and crafts are featured. Displays and a fantastic aquatic program including rowing events, water skiing demonstrations, steam boats and speedboat races all make it a great family event.

*Nicholas Hawker, The Franklin Press (back row middle) presents Derwent Valley Autumn Festival representatives.

Brian Gilligan of Claremonthas been an exceptionally motivated and capable teacher assistant for the past 17 years. He has cerebral palsy which affects his mobility and gross and fine motor skills. Brian receives payment for 8 hours work a week at Claremont College but volunteers his services full time with Special Needs Program students. He works with students across all subjects and can also be seen on bus duty in the mornings. He is a wonderful role model and mentor for all students at the college, particularly those with a disability. Brian has given over 10,000 hours in voluntary service to the community.

*Peter Roche(right), MAIB presents Brian Gilligan.

MacKillop College of Mornington has undertaken numerous recent environmental initiatives. A Federal Government Water Grant was submitted and approved for a major storm-water collection project and education program. Students were actively involved with planning and building and an estimated 1.2 mega litres will be saved each year in water irrigation of lawns, gardens and ovals. Other projects include a paper management software system, recycling, a reconciliation native garden and a 2,000 watt grid connected photovoltaic power system
installed. Animal husbandry and local food production are also now taught.

*Steve James, Nyrstar (second from left) presents MacKillop College representatives.

Rossarden and Friends Kids Christmas Club started in the 1930’s with miners donating to buy presents for the kids. The revived Christmas club started in 2003 to continue the tradition and provide Christmas festivities for children and their families. The club now cater for over 150 children and 200 parents. Family activities are organised during the year including Balls, Halloween Parties, Disco’s, BBQ’s and sporting events at little or no cost for low income families. A core group of 11 volunteers rely totally on fundraising efforts to cover costs. Donations are also made to charity from surplus funds.

*Maxine Griffiths AM, Volunteering Tasmania (right) presents Shirley Squires from Rossarden and Friends Kids Christmas Club Inc

Kim Schneiders of Launceston began developing arts programs for students with disabilities at St George’s Special school, winning a National Excellence in Teaching Award in 1998. She then established Interweave Arts Association, a not for profit organisation that promote arts, education, culture, community and health. Kim also established the Esk Markets to promote arts and culture in Launceston and set up Streets Alive Youth Arts Festival. She has coordinated 4 festivals and introduced the Car Park Cinema to the Festival. Under Kim’s direction Arts Roar and Manic Productions are also run. Kim has given more than 9,000 voluntary hours over the past 10 years to the arts and her community.

*Philippa Chong, Qew Orchards (left) presents Kim Schneiders

Westhaven Dairy of Launceston was established in 1967 with 2 dairy goats to provide family milk. Soon local supermarkets were being supplied with milk, cottage cheese and yoghurt and goat numbers increased to 200. In 1993 the Westhaven Dairy factory was born and in 2004 the farming side of the business was sold. The factory is the second largest producer of “chevre” in Australia, a soft French style fresh cheese. Goat and cow milk fetta and yoghurt and a variety of marinated products and paneer Cheese are also produced. With 59 staff and numerous awards and medals Westhaven Dairy is an industry leader.

*Craig Healy, Angove Family Winemakers (left) presents Westhaven Dairy representatives

Brighton Alive of Gagebrook was set up as a result of a community forum, to provide events and activities with an emphasis on coordination, communication, consultation and cooperation. Brighton Alive in just 2 years has become an outstanding success providing 35 community events. Locals have banded together in proactively building Brighton’s community capacity. Brighton Council has allocated 2 staff members to assist in both resources and expertise to ensure Brighton Alive is sustainable. The model is also being used by State Governments Stronger Community Taskforce and other Councils.

*Drew Chapple, Kleenheat Gas (far left) represents Brighton Alive representatives.