Hugh McKenzie Councillor Launceston City Council | Community organisation

Hugh McKenzie Councillor Launceston City Council

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25.01.2022 Just thought I would brighten up your day by sharing some Sunday snaps of our beautiful City

25.01.2022 Whats happening in Launceston, a walk in Machens Reserve, NAIDOC celebration at UTAS Stadium ahead of the big win by the Hawks over Freo to the majesty of our gorge love this place

25.01.2022 A great day to be viewing the Citys facilities in amongst Mona Fona

23.01.2022 Princes Square fountain getting spruced up for the summer.

23.01.2022 Another 38 new citizens of our great country. Congratulations and welcome everyone

22.01.2022 Post Number 1 - Getting to know me Some of you already know me but for the uninitiated my background is that I come from a farm in the Fingal Valley. I was sent off to boarding school in Launceston when I was 10. I couldnt see myself as a farmer ( and I dont think dad did either) so I never went home after I finished school. I was fortunate enough to go to University (or the TCAE at Newnham as it was in those days) and earn a bachelors degree in business and equally lucky t...o get a job with a local firm called Newton & Newton which eventually became KPMG. This was the only job I had during my full time working life until I retired at age 52. My retirement was designed around continuing to consult whilst I established my credentials in giving back to my community. I was over the moon to be elected as an alderman of City of Launceston in 2011 and have been re elected twice since and still loving the role I play helping to make Launceston a better city for everyone to live. A large part of my focus have been in the northern suburbs where I am a member of the Northern Suburbs Community Centre Board and also sit on the Mens Shed committee in Ravenswood and work through a philanthropic foundation called Cape Hope which have helped fund garden projects and co-op shops. Throughout my working career I have touched many parts of the community and it has been good to me so now is my time to try and be good to my community by giving back. Outside my business interests I have been involved in playing sport through most of my life, including playing cricket at Launceston Cricket Club and Old Scotch Cricket Club, played a lot of footy in the Amateurs with Old Scotch and brief stint with East Launceston in the NTFA before rupturing my ACL and have been a member of both Launceston Golf Club and Bridport Golf Club for many years. I believe I am a very approachable person and am hell bent on making a difference and as such I am contactable and available to discuss matters of importance to you. I will however direct you to our council officers where the matter is operational as this is their job. What I am interested in is when you believe the system is not working or you have concerns or ideas that have a strategic impact on the city. We may not always agree but I will listen and give you a fair hearing as that is a function of everyday life. I prefer to discuss face to face than debate on facebook and as such will rarely enter into debate in this forum. I can be contacted by email on [email protected] Please feel free to share this post See more

22.01.2022 Had the pleasure of attending the Prospect High School Presentation Assembly this evening. A wonderful celebration of the 2018 school year. Congratulations to Jiranan Stearnes on being awarded the UTAS City of Launceston Springboard to Higher Education Bursary.

20.01.2022 Conversations on every month with great speakers like Owen. Check with Princess Theatre for further details.

20.01.2022 Great to see live citizenship ceremonies back. All spread out to meet social distancing requirements

19.01.2022 Great to attend Rae Smith real estate launch tonight. Want to find out more go to raesmith.com.au (in Monday) and look at for the bus. Works with Flanagan Residential.

18.01.2022 Happy Harmony Day what a great day to hold a citizenship ceremony. Given the events of last week it is great for people of different cultures to come together and celebrate being citizens of this great country

18.01.2022 Donation number 74. Just a reminder to those that havent donated for a while or never donated blood, plasma and platelets are needed by the Blood Bank so I implore you to head down to your local blood bank and help someone you may never know but be grateful you did

17.01.2022 Great to get back in to the business of Council again this week with our first Council meeting. A good start with respectful and thoughtful debate and a great contribution by our new members. Lets keep it up over the next four years. We wont agree on everything and that is good, as different perspectives are important. Its how we do it that will make us an effective group (or not)

17.01.2022 It was great to attend the opening of The Shed at King Billy Park this morning. This will be great facility to house the MensShed and a multitude of communit...y activities. City of Launceston, State Growth, Cape Hope Foundation and many others along with the Community have been great supporters of this project. Over to you Community to make it fly!!! See more

17.01.2022 WHAT HAPPENS WITH BAGGAGE? Over the weekend, one of the airlines had a major apparatus breakdown which caused a lengthy delay to luggage arriving. As an airpor...t, our team on the phones and social media fielded many, many enquiries about their luggage, some friendly but some people very upset and annoyed. Unfortunately we couldnt really help them and we want to explain to everyone why. Understandably, some passengers think that the airport manage all the baggage once it comes off the aircraft but thats incorrect. We only control the Baggage Handling System (BHS) which is a set of conveyors that bring the bags through the wall, in or out of the terminal. The airlines have local ground crew that are rostered on to manage the flights from check in to boarding to baggage. The airlines each have different types of aircraft with different loading systems and their own loaders, trolleys, tugs etc. Jetstar use containerised luggage for their Airbus aircraft which sees bags loaded in to aluminium containers then a loading machine used to put in to the belly of the aircraft, whereas Virgin load bags on by hand from a conveyor up to their Boeing aircraft. Lets go back a step When you purchase your ticket, you buy a ticket with an airline, not us. As an airport, we have no access to that information. Whilst we also want to make sure our customers are happy, often our hands are tied because we dont have any information to work with. Also we have always taken on feedback from customers and been your ambassadors for the best outcomes with airlines. Keep in mind that the airlines are actually our customers too, so its a balance to make sure we keep our airlines happy so they continue to offer seats between Launceston and other places, that we remain compliant with our Commonwealth regulations, we remain secure and deliver all passengers the best experience possible despite the very nature of travel being somewhat unpredictable. To provide a comparison, expecting that the airport can provide you any specific information is like making an order through Coles Supermarket, and then calling the Meadow Mews management when your home delivery is incorrect. Hopefully that comparison helps everyone understand how it works. Additionally the Flight Information Displays are installed and paid for by us, but they rely on the airlines updating that information in a timely manner. Why dont these delays happen at other airports? They do. One of the downsides of having such a short walk from the aircraft is that you arrive at the baggage carousels quickly and with no distractions. In most normal situations our baggage will arrive within 14-18 minutes from the time the aircraft doors open. This is in line with the faster airports in Australia and well ahead of International expectations. So normally your luggage will arrive within that time, but we know that there have been delays lately and we want to see this improve even though its not directly within our remit. What else can cause delays other than a break down? 1. Prioritising an outbound flight. If an aircraft has touched down late, the airline needs to make sure it can depart on time again. This might mean they prioritise their staff to reload the next aircraft rather than bring the luggage back in to the terminal. 2. A higher than normal number of bags or passengers with special needs because theres only a certain amount of ground staff to do all the roles. Now to solutions As many of you would know, we often jump to the assistance of passengers - for example if flights are cancelled, weve jumped in to help find accommodation, or stayed open overnight and adjusted our heating and brought in extra staff to keep the terminal warm and secure. When it came to delays in security screening, we had already installed and bought equipment well ahead of getting approval from airlines to open the second screening. We like to see ourselves as your ambassadors and we are again doing so with this issue. We are in discussions with both airlines and their ground handlers to look for solutions to both the extra wait times at specific times of day, to improve the reliability of their apparatus and also to improve communication if baggage is delayed. We too are locals that spend a lot of time trying to build an airport to be proud of. Any negative experience truly concerns us and we want to see consistently quick baggage return. Whilst its not in our direct control, were hopeful we can reach agreement with the airlines and agents to make some improvements. Well keep you posted. Thanks for reading and for being part of our online community.

15.01.2022 As part of our Thursday bus trip the Council visited Machen Reserve in Kings Meadows. This is somewhere i had never been before but I would recommend it to an...yone as a walking outing. It backs on to the old Machen Brickworks site near Shirley Place and it is a beautifully maintained space which is jointly looked after by Council and the residents in the area. Also a great interpretation panel showing the different styles of bricklaying See more

15.01.2022 It was great to be part of the COTA walk against elder abuse on Friday morning. If you know of anyone who may be subject to physical, financial or psychological abuse contact the Elder Abuse Helpline on 1800 626 221

14.01.2022 Very busy Christmas Farmers Market, searching for the very best produce for the Christmas table

14.01.2022 Had the great pleasure of visiting the Heritage Forest market garden yesterday. This project is being managed by Youth Futures and what you can see in the photo...s below is a paving configuration that is been installed by work for the dole participants under the guidance of the Youth Futures team. I hope you agree with me a stunning result and a great skill being taught to these young people which will hopefully lead to future employment for them.. I also note the pavers have all been recycled from the Civic Square. I also note the awesome restoration work that has been done on Lamont house one of Launcestons oldest residences. See more

13.01.2022 Had a great time at The Launceston City Mission Pay it Forward dinner last night, wonderfully hosted by Rick Marton and with special guest chef Massimo. Congratulations for another great fund/friend raiser

12.01.2022 We are certainly in unprecedented times, with the continued unfolding of the corona virus story. More and more cancellations of events and mass gatherings is going to cause major havoc to our economy. It is clear that there will be more to come as we see new measures by the hour being introduced overseas. The mass hysteria and panic buying is something we need to control as one thing about living in Tasmania is that there is an abundance of food, so we need to remember that, ...when going to the supermarket. The air is the best and cleanest in the world, so just be grateful for what we have. The toilet paper demand seems totally over the top to me but the nature of what panic does to people, so please just calm down and there will be plenty for everyone. My plea to fellow Tasmanians is that now is the time to really support our local businesses. With the unfolding crisis, cancellations will filter through everything we do, so by buying local you may well just be supporting a friend or a family member in maintaining employment and looking after their families. It is time to move away from buying the cheapest option on the internet and look after those in your town, your street or your house. If you agree, please share this post and lets look after our local businesses and families. See more

12.01.2022 A lot happened in Launceston last week, release of UTAS northern development plan, Skyway proposal for the Gorge and Rally Tasmania event at Inveresk on Friday and around the northern region over the weekend. Whether you agree with everything that is proposed or not what is certain are that things are happening in our City and the level of confidence displayed by investors is high. I stood for council just over seven years ago to use my experience and passion to try and drive... improvement in our City. It has been a wonderful place for me to work and raise a family and I am determined to be part of a Council that makes bold decisions (based on sound judgement) while still respecting the fabric of what we are. I have children and grandchild (recently) that live here and want to make sure there is a fabulous future for them here and not a need to leave to seek opportunity elsewhere. See more

12.01.2022 Early morning volunteering to set up The Harvest Market on Saturday morning. Great fun with good people. With Janie Finlay and Andrea Dawkins

11.01.2022 Just attended a sold out Remade a sustainable wearable art show being held at the Annexe this afternoon and tonight. This is great event showcasing what can be done with recycling and intuition. Congratulations to all involved. Also a wonderful tribute to Jay Watson who was so part of this organisation RIP and with pride.

11.01.2022 Another well attended dawn service in Launceston. Lest we forget

11.01.2022 *FUNDING AWARDED TO TWO LAUNCESTON SCHOOLS* SEED (Student Executive Equity Development) is a pilot leadership program run by Launceston Youth Advisory Group to ...help foster leadership and enable Launceston Student Council projects to get up and running. The City of Launcestons SEED funding program had a total budget of $2000 available to successful high schools or colleges within the municipality. This year the assessment panel - led by the Youth Advisory Group with support and guidance from Hugh McKenzie Councillor Launceston City Council - awarded funding to two schools for their stand-out submissions: $1000 awarded to "Kings Meadows High School Goes Green" project. The project includes purchasing of a variety of bins (compost, recycling & landfill) and educating students about environmental safe practices. The funding will also go towards a Mural at the school which will include environmental messages. $700 was awarded to St Patricks College, Launceston for two projects: -$500 was awarded to year 12 SEC to fund the "100 Year Celebration Fair" which will celebrate the centenary of St Patricks College. Any funds raised from the fair will be contributed to the schools charitable programs. -$200 was awarded to St Patricks Sustainable Planet Committee for a "sustainable products stall" which will raise awareness of plastic free alternatives. City of Launceston Official and the Launceston Youth Advisory Group congratulate these worthy recipients and we look forward to seeing the progress and outcomes of each of these successful funding applications.

11.01.2022 Hi everyone, just wanted to thank everyone who assisted me in being re-elected as an Alderman for the City of Launceston. To those that wont be returning I am ...sad as I have enjoyed working with you over the past four years, I wish you well and hope to see you all around the city sometime soon. For those newly elected, congratulations and I look forward to working with you to continue to move Launceston forward during the next four years. Albert, congratulations on being re-elected as Mayor and Danny for your election to Deputy Mayor See more

08.01.2022 A morning up in Rocherlea getting the Community Shed back in order for reopening to the public. More to being a community board member than attending meetings. I think cleaning windows is my forte.

07.01.2022 Great night at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards in our very own Cataract Gorge, going off

07.01.2022 Had the pleasure of attending the opening and key note address for the ADSA (Australasian Association for Theatre, Drama and Performance Studies) conference which is being held in and around the Annexe Theatre in Launceston. Speaking to a number of delegates from New Zealand, even Melbourne and Sydney who advised they had never been here before, or if they had many years ago, indicating their delight to be visiting and saying this wont be their last visit demonstrates we are very much a place to visit. The key note speaker Roderick Poole was amazing and his performance career is equally so, performing in or running festivals all around the globe. Google him if you want to know more.

04.01.2022 Great to attend the opening of Riverbend Park this morning. It will be a great asset for the greater Launceston area and our many visitors # LauncestonOneofAustraliasgreatregionalcities

04.01.2022 A great night supporting Stompin Nowhere on Tamar Island as part of Ten Days on the Island. Great job everyone. Check out the TDOTI program and get along and support.

03.01.2022 It is interesting following yet another political campaign where everyone is again promising us the world. We all know that most will not be delivered. My sense is to support candidates who have their feet on the ground and are likely to be genuine in their desire to make a difference in the community and not peddle well worn slogans and will stand up for us when it is important. That means even challenge their own party in a constructive manner when their values are compromised and common sense is missing. These candidates have a chance of influencing the future political agenda and start to bring trust back in to the political process, something that is sadly lacking to the every day Australian.

02.01.2022 Well the election is now done and dusted with a surprise result for many. Regardless of this Australia has now spoken and what I ask of all elected members is to please reflect on what has gone on in our recent political past. I hope like me you are embarrassed and dismayed as to how purportedly eminent people have behaved in the privileged role to which you have now been elected or re-elected. A politician is meant to be someone we can trust and admire for the selfless work... they do for our communities not the selfishness and bizarre behaviours we have witnessed over a long period of time. So please try to conduct yourselves with the statesman(woman) like qualities that your long ago forebears did and fight for these qualities within your parties so that at the end of this three (or six with the Senate) year term the country has respect for the way you went about it, even if we dont always agree with what you did. See more

01.01.2022 Still havent voted? Still intending to? Probably too late to post and have it arrive by Tuesday 10.00 am and have it count. My advice is to deliver to it to your local council office Monday morning, dont leave until Tuesday as something will inevitably get in the way.

01.01.2022 I would have to admit that I am not a big fan of Facebook as it opens the writer of anything to much unsubstantiated comment in response to any post. These comments can be both in the positive and the negative, so my issue is not with being criticised but more with the misinformation that I see written. I am also conscious that the many people who read posts from politicians it is the only direct communication they have with them, so I get the need to be heard on matters o...f personal interest. I also get the comment that the only time I hear or see a politician is when an election is about to be held. So my dilemma is how interact with those that use Facebook as their primary source of information about a person and what they stand for or do in the community so they can make an informed decision about their worth to either be elected or re elected. So, given that the next council election is still three years away I have determined to post a little about myself and my activities in the community on a regular basis so that you the reader have an opportunity to understand a little about who I am and what I do. You can comment if you wish but dont necessarily expect me to comment back. If you wish to discuss anything with me I am available to meet and discuss face to face as that is how I prefer to do things, that way there is no misunderstanding of either of our messages. So how do you do that, it is simple really, either go to the City of Launceston website and find my contact details or send me an email on [email protected] If you think my posts are of interest and maybe to others who dont receive my posts please feel free to share. I will commence with my first post (or is it my second? You will find I have a bit of a weird sense of humour that even my wife of 36 years still doesnt get) immediately following this. See more