Libby Bingham

Two Tasmania senators have welcomed a mandatory Food and Grocery Code of Conduct but also said the federal government was not doing enough to bring supermarket prices down for customers. Independent Tasmanian Senator Tammy Tyrrell supported the code finally becoming mandatory but added that the government missed the opportunity to increase competition in the sector. Greens Senator Nick McKim again called on the Prime Minister to back divestiture laws to break-up supermarkets that did the wrong t…

Devonport Councillor Leigh Murphy has proposed transforming the Rooke Street Mall through public art installations and portable pop-up dining options rather than reopening it to traffic. He said the mall makeover could focus on turning it “into a space for public art” and creating sheltered areas for alfresco dining used in other regional cities. He felt that Devonport had built a reputation as a regional arts hub in Tasmania, and the city could leverage this reputation by making the mall into…

A well-known car dealership property in central Devonport has sold for $7.5 million to an undisclosed buyer. Elders Commercial northern Tasmania manager Nicholas Bond said the sale of the Toyota dealership site at 37 to 41 Best Street “reflected a yield of 5.99 per cent”. While the dealership business had changed hands four years ago, it was the first time in more than five decades that the landmark commercial property, with an estimated net income of $449,661 per annum, was listed for sale. Mr…

Understanding the person living with dementia is the “first and fundamental step” in managing their care. It’s also key to addressing the overuse of medication. That’s according to the author of a book looking at the significant benefits of non-pharmacological interventions to address behaviours and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). The BPSD Textbook co-authored by the head of Dementia Support Australia (DSA) clinical services Associate Professor Stephen Macfarlane, seeks to get aged ca…

'Hoping this won't break your spirits.'

The iconic Tasmanian Arboretum is celebrating a major milestone.

Partly due to the national shortage of vets, some North-West vet clinics have reduced hours and no longer open weekends. However, pet owners can now use veterinary telehealth services to talk with vets 24-7. Dr Claire Jenkins, the founder of VetChat, has just launched a first-time service in Australia called VetChat Plus, providing unlimited 24-7 telehealth consultations with vets available within minutes, for the cost of a monthly subscription. The VetChat service has also partnered with severa…

Daniel and Shauna Tuson, the new owners of the Fourways Fruit and Veg outlet, eagerly absorbed all the knowledge they could from Devonport’s retired produce guru Doula Papas before she left the building. The couple intends to maintain the aspects that customers value about the unassuming store. People who shop there love the place that’s also become a stopover for visitors happy to rediscover the kind of fruit and veggie shop it’s harder to find interstate, offering the personalised service you…

Early Settler’s Devonport expansion plans

Family’s new store expansion.