‘I never thought University was for me, but I gave it a go because a mate of mine had done it’, is a statement I often hear from the students I teach. I am fortunate to work as a lecturer in Sociology at the University of Tasmania’s Cradle Coast Campus with students of all ages and from different paths of life. Here on this campus educational journeys often become [...]

Dad recently suggested that the Spirit of Tasmania vessels docks on the “wrong” side of the Mersey River, and he’s right. Too many cars turn left upon exiting East Devonport onto the highway, many without even spending a dollar until they hit Elizabeth Town or Launceston. The Tasmanian Government recently announced that the next Bass Strait ferries will be built in Australia, and that’s great. Wouldn’t it really be [...]

Using the distinctiveness of ‘place’ to enrich learning is not a new idea. A Tasmanian school inspector, Richard Davis, in 1927 noted that ‘Their own playground, the neighbouring hills and level spaces, the coast line, the little stream and pool, the long and short days, the heat of summer and cold of winter, the wet wind and the dry one - are all starting points from which the child, [...]

The economic outcome of renewable energy projects in the Cradle Coast isn’t always obvious. Some people wonder how the local community and the region benefit when global companies install internationally made metal wind turbines and export power to mainland Australia. Others wonder whether there are any local jobs and ask how we can make the most of this new industry. There are many benefits being proposed by both wind and [...]

In the middle of the coronavirus pandemic and the enforced lockdown, some green shoots of hope are appearing which are providing some real opportunities for our region.  One of these is to build on the increased interest in growing our own food. We humans have always turned to our own resources in times of crisis and older members of our community may even remember the ‘Dig for Victory’ campaign [...]

Reimagining is always easier in a crisis or time of challenge. Such occasions are often unwelcome and uninvited, but are times to reflect on what is. A chance to consider, to re-design, to plan for, or more constructively, do things better or differently. It’s also a time to dare. We live in a contradictory world. On the one hand we have a geo-political trend towards tribal nationalism, unilateralism, and [...]

These days we are all talking about our footprint on the earth and how we impact the world. I started thinking about this around 15 years ago, when I lived in Canberra. I reflected on the energy I consumed and that it was generated from burning coal, I thought about the water I used - it was a drought and there were stage 5 restrictions at the time. I [...]

Imagine you started a new job today, a job that not only looked after your prosperity but also ensured the prosperity of your offspring and the Cradle Coast region. While locked down at the height of our Coronavirus outbreak, I was stuck in a place with clean fresh air, rolling green hills and a view of the ocean. Though many days felt tediously long, and everything seemed out of [...]