City of Clarence welcomed Her Excellency the Honourable Caroline Wells, Governor of Tasmania, and Dr Rob Walters RFD for an official visit to the municipality on Wednesday, 2 September.
The visit provided an opportunity to showcase Clarence’s diverse communities, cultural life, natural environment, community organisations and local enterprises.
Mayor Brendan Blomeley and City of Clarence Chief Executive Officer Ian Nelson welcomed Her Excellency and Dr Walters to the council chambers, where they received an overview of the municipality’s social and economic landscape.
The visit continued at Rosny Farm, where they met staff and learned about the site’s role as the cultural heart of Clarence.
The tour explored Rosny Farm’s heritage, arts and events program, youth services and the vision to transform the site into a stronger creative and cultural precinct as part of the City Heart Plan.
Her Excellency and Dr Walters then visited Risdon Vale Neighbourhood Centre, meeting staff, volunteers and community members involved in its wide range of programs and support services.
The centre provides a welcoming place where people can connect, access practical assistance, develop skills and participate in community life. Its services include food relief, community meals, a café, children’s programs, a community garden and social activities.
The visit also included a meeting with members of Military Brotherhood Military Motorcycle Club Tasmania South, which supports serving and former Australian Defence Force personnel, veterans and their families through camaraderie, advocacy and practical welfare assistance.
At Seven Mile Beach, Her Excellency and Dr Walters toured 7 Mile Beach Golf Club and heard about the vision behind the course and its emerging contribution to recreation, tourism and the local economy.
The day concluded with a civic reception hosted by Mayor Blomeley at Killara Distillery in Richmond, attended by representatives from government, business, industry and community organisations.
Mayor Blomeley said the visit offered a window into the character, opportunities and community spirit of Clarence.
“Clarence is a wonderfully diverse city, encompassing established urban communities, growing suburbs, productive rural areas, historic villages and an extraordinary coastal environment,” Mayor Blomeley said.
“While it is impossible to capture everything that makes Clarence special in a single day, we were delighted to introduce Her Excellency and Dr Walters to some of the people and organisations that give our city its character.
“From arts and culture at Rosny Farm to the inclusive community support offered in Risdon Vale, the camaraderie of the Military Brotherhood and the ambition behind 7 Mile Beach Golf Club, each stop demonstrated what can be achieved when people care deeply about their community.
“A strong city is never built by council alone. It is built through partnerships with other levels of government, businesses willing to invest, organisations delivering vital services and community members who volunteer, advocate and look out for one another.”
Speaking to guests at the civic reception, Her Excellency thanked Mayor Blomeley and City of Clarence staff for helping make the visit possible, as well as everyone who generously opened their doors and shared their experiences.
“As we leave Clarence today, I think the strongest message we take with us is the importance of connection: connection to community, connection to place and, most importantly, connection to one another,” Her Excellency said.
“It has been wonderful to see first-hand the care, commitment and community spirit that exists right across Clarence, and to hear the stories behind the people and organisations that make this place so special.
“Today has given us some wonderful memories, a deeper appreciation for this community, and an even greater sense of the warmth and generosity of the people who call Clarence home.”
Mayor Blomeley thanked the Governor and Dr Walters for taking the time to visit Clarence, along with Government House staff.
“We are proud of our city, but we are prouder still of the people who give it life,” Mayor Blomeley said.
“We hope this will be the first of many visits by Her Excellency and Dr Walters during their time in office, and they can be assured they will always receive a warm welcome in Clarence.”