National role in focus at special sport forum

TASMANIA’S representation — and lack of it across most sporting codes — is a hot topic among sports fans in the state and several prominent names will discuss the issue at an event next week.

The Tasmanian branch of the Australian Cricket Society has organised a sports forum on Wednesday October 31 at Blundstone Arena with the theme “aspirations to participate in regular senior national competitions”.

Currently the state has only one code, cricket’s Tigers and the Hobart Hurricanes, competing regularly on the national stage, with soccer, AFL and basketball all not represented.

The forum will be hosted by retired ABC newsreader Peter Gee, with the panel including Cricket Tasmania chief executive Nick Cummins, new AFL Tasmania football manager Craig Notman, Matt Bulkeley (recently announced as Football Federation Tasmania’s new chief executive and high-profile basketballer Mark Nash. The Tigers’ women’s coach Salliann Briggs will also make a presentation.

Tasmania’s division of the ACS manages the museum and library at Blundstone Arena and is staging the event as a fundraiser.

The cost to attend the forum, which runs from 6.30pm to 9.30pm, is $35. Bookings need to be made by Monday by either calling 6282 0400 or in person at Cricket Tasmania’s reception at Blundstone Arena.