Historic cottage gets full check-up
RESTORATION work is continuing at Tasmania’s Government House, with one of the estate’s cottages to undergo repairs.
Paradigm Construction has been awarded a $97,525 contract for upgrades to Rossbank Cottage and the adjacent garage.
A spokesman for the Department of Treasury and Finance said the works were to ensure the structural integrity and soundness of the buildings.
“These remedial works are the third and final stage of works at Government House with roof repairs and stonework restoration being completed by local contractors over the past two years,” the spokesman said.
Last year Treasury awarded a $117,000 contract to Cambridge-based business Heritage Stone for restoration work, to resolve issues with water ingress and sandstone deterioration.
Work included replacement of some worn decorative cobblestones at the main entry, repair and replacement of stone and paving to the Conservatory patio, installation of an air vent drain, recording of the excavation by an archaeologist, and installation of waterproof membrane to two external stair landings.
In 2019 Government House required major roof repairs to maintain the 162-year-old building’s structural integrity. That $333,000 job included new timber beams to connect roof gables to roof structures and the installation of tension bars to external stonework around the ballroom roof.
TASMANIAN talent will be the star of the show as this year’s Clarence Jazz Festival gets off to a swinging start.
Festival ambassador Kelly Ottaway is the first Tasmanian in the festival’s history to take on the role, and although it was a slight necessity because of the pandemic, he says it is an honour all the same.
The Hobart pianist and vibraphonist feels the highlight of this week’s festival for him is being able to attend every single day — both as performer and as part of the audience.
“I feel the entire program is a highlight because what we’re doing is showcasing Tasmanian talent — from those that are the next generation to the current generation who will pass the baton,” he said.
Ottaway said it was the most awesome feeling to be performing for crowds again.
“This festival is a chance for us to come together as a community and celebrate that we are still a community regardless of the separation of last year,” he said.
This festival will launch with a special event at piyura kitina in collaboration with the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre.
Festival convener and Clarence deputy mayor Heather Chong said it was the first time in the event’s 25-year history that they had been able to host an event at the site.
“Due to the impact that COVID-19 has on the local art community we really wanted to focus on supporting local Tasmanian artists, and we are so pleased that this event launches with the first Tasmanians,” she said.