05 October 2008
loving life as it is

may we not look back in anger or to the future in fear - let us look around in wonder

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


26 December 2006
website updates

I am working on the updates to this site and expect that you will have something new to explore by mid January.

Until then I'd like to introduce you to a great friend of mine who is out there making a HUGE difference in this world. Each week she distributes a newsletter providing inspiration and challenge to her readers.  I thought you might enjoy reading an article from her newsletter.

I hope you enjoy her work as much as I do - introducing...

 Kirsty Dunphey - www.kirstydunphey.com

I have a friend who is in just a few weeks jetting off to Vietnam to volunteer in an orphanage for 2 months. I think she’s amazing and I really admire her commitment to this – but I could no more see myself doing this than I could giving up my entire shoe collection! However, I like to think that each week we could all do something that even in a small way, that helps improve the world around us.

Some suggestions for you for this week if you want to make a difference:

1. Give Blood – www.donateblood.com.au My Mum’s been a huge inspiration to me in this area. You see – I’m a big chicken when it comes to needles, but through my Mum I know the amazing work that the Red Cross does and I know they need your blood!

Here’s a story from the Red Cross website which I hope will make you realise that you can take half an hour out of your day to help save a life (it’s not many weeks you get to say that!)

Leona thought she knew what to expect from the birth of her third child, Harrison. But she wasn't prepared for the complications that arose during and after the birth, which caused her massive internal bleeding. During her three-day stay in intensive care, she received blood from 19 different donors. Leona still remembers doctors telling her how lucky she was to be alive. She is now completely well, thanks to those anonymous blood donors who saved her life.

2. Offer to Mentor someone who is at a stage in their career where you once were. I would not have achieved half of what I have without people out of goodness of their own hearts offering me their assistance and guidance.

3. Read a Book. Sounds simple doesn’t it? But if you read a book about financial literacy and then share that message with your partner or child or friend – you increase their financial literacy. If you read a great work of fiction and it improves your spirits and all you do is smile a bit more, you also help make the world a happy more educated place.

4. Share your Knowledge. Each week I send out a free weekly email from www.kirstydunphey.com with you in the hopes that I can reach and engage a whole heap of people at once. You can do the same thing – share your knowledge and experience.

5. Make someone’s day today. Strive to have at least one person go home with a smile on their face today because of something you’ve said or done.

So while you may not be making a grand gesture like my friend going to the orphanage – there’s some small ways you can get started today on making the world a better place. Don’t be discouraged if you can’t change the entire world all in one big go. By helping even just one person – you can change help their world.

Stay fabulous, keep learning,

Kirsty

Copyright/Reprint Info -  Reproduced with permission from the Kirsty Dunphey weekly email. To subscribe to Kirsty Dunphey's weekly email, go to www.kirstydunphey.com


24 September 2006
Young Business Professional Women

I am an inaugural member of the National Young Business Professional Women Board.  We met this weekend in Sydney and held some amazing workshops including: understanding the ways of Gen X and Y, how to build engaging and functional websites, pitching sponsorship deals to corporates and how to transition to Board directorships.

The purpose of the Board is to promote opportunities for Young Professional Women to further develop themselves personally and professionally and to raise awareness of BPW Australia.  The Board is made up of 9 fabulous women from around the country.  To find out more visit www.bpw.com.au


12 September 2006
friends that inspire

Last night following the Launceston City Council Meeting I went to dinner with three amazing women.  Each of us always looking for ways to improve on the position we find ourselves in right now.  There's nothing more inspiring than hearing and seeing the way other people are taking control of their lives and putting themselves "out there".

In any community, your family, school or business observing the actions of others as a way of finding new ways of doing things can be really immediate.

Sometimes it's easy to drift through life assuming that we've got it all - nothing needs to change.  I'm always on the look out for ways to improve and get more out of life. Last night I was reminded that opportunities can come in a variety of forms and even if you have only known someone for 5 mins and they make a generous offer it may be that they are simply generous and in closing yourself off - you may miss out on the most amazing experience in your life.

Often we judge people and in doing so miss out on things that will enrich our lives.

I am learning to be more open to people and their kindness.

A community that is generous, shares ideas and mutually inspires is the type of community I hope our children can grow up to inspire and be inspired by.

Look around you - all day everyday their are people out their doing amazing things that we can learn from - right now. 


09 January 2006
back from leave and raring to go!!!

Today is the first council meeting for 2006. 

I'm feeling good about being back and looking forward to again working to improve that alrady great city that we live in.

Check back here regularly to see what I am up to and what I am thinking and if you feel like it drop me a line to discuss those great ideas you have for our future.

 


28 October 2005
THANKS

to all my supporters just a quick message to say thank you for believing in me.  I am extremely proud of our achievements and really excited about the future.

 

regards

 

Janie

 

 


25 October 2005
BEST WISHES & THANK YOU

Well that's it then.  The ballots are almost closed (10am Tuesday).  I just wanted to write this as a message to all candidates - good luck.  Local government isn't easy and I believe that all people put their hand up for election because they have a passion for their local community.  It is now up to the community to decide who they want to take them forward. 

Thank you to everyone who has supported me over the last 5 years.

I'll write more tomorrow when we know what's what.

 

to everyone  THANK YOU  and GOODLUCK


24 October 2005
LAST CHANCE

If your ballot paper is not returned by 10am tomorrow morning you will not have your voice heard in this election.  This is your last chance.  Have your say.


23 October 2005
WOW! WHAT A DAY

Today at Churchill Park in Heritage Forest heaps of kids and their families soaked up the sun and enjoyed undoubtedly the best yet Festival of Kites.  It was all there games, face painting, big kites, little kites, swanky kites and hand made beauties. Congratulations to everyone involved it was an amazing success. Well done. 

Make sure you don't miss out next year.

What a great way to signal the beginning of Children's Week.


21 October 2005
CANCER COUNCIL
In the mall today the Cancer Council and Capri Body Fashions held a fundraiser to raise money for breast cancer research and for support for people with cancer and their families.  Monday is Breast Cancer awareness day so if you are in town wander through the mall and purchase a pink ribbon.  Donations can be made at Capri Body fashions and more information is available at www.cancertas.org.au


21 October 2005
DON'T MISS OUT
Your chance to vote closes at 10am on Tuesday.  If you have not already returned your ballot make sure you fill it in this weekend and return it before it is too late.  I have been advised by the Electoral Commission that there are almost 50% of the eligible ballots returned in Launceston which is about 1000 more than this time last election.  If you have any outstanding questions regarding matters in Launceston or the election process please email me at janie@janiedickenson.com


17 October 2005
ONE WEEK TO GO

At 10am on 25 October the election for 2005 will formally be over.  The electoral commission start counting the votes from about 5pm that night.

Don't forget that to have your say you need to make sure your ballots are returned on time.  If you haven't already done so I encourage you to complete your ballot paper and return it in the envelope provided.

Any last minute questions can be forwarded to me at janie@janiedickenson.com


16 October 2005
OUR GREAT CITY

I took a couple of hours off the campaign trail this afternoon to go and play in the City Park with Zac.  It was amazing.  We are so lucky.  The sun was shining, the park looked beautiful and it was full - and I mean full - of families, kids and adults loving life.

Remember - if you would like me to be re-elected as Mayor I have to be elected both as an Alderman and Mayor because to be the Mayor you have to be an Alderman as well.

Ballots close 10am Tuesday 25 October - so if you haven't already voted think about it because this is your city and your vote does count.

If you have any questions about things that are important to you please email me at janie@janiedickenson.com


14 October 2005
FILLED IN YOUR SURVEY?

Don't forget that the vision 2020 surveys have to be returned by Monday 17 October.

www.launceston2020.com.au to find out how you can have your say about your future in Launceston.


11 October 2005
BALLOTS OUT TODAY

From today the ballots for the 2005 election will be delivered.  You should receive your ballot by Friday.  If you are enrolled and you do not receive a ballot in the mail contact the electoral commission and request a replacement.  www.electoral.tas.gov.au

You will receive a form with the ballot (s) - there will be three - one for Aldermen, Mayor and Deputy Mayor.  The extra form contains statements from each of the Candidates - an opportunity for you to learn about them.  Remember this year - to elect me as Mayor you also need to elect me as an Alderman because I will only get to be the Mayor if I'm elected as an Alderman as well.

It's your future - It's your choice.  Have your say.


09 October 2005
BURNIE 10

Well - that's it then...I'm exhausted.  I've just got home from my first ever Burnie 10.  Congratulations to all from Launceston who entered.  I hope that you achieved all that you set out to achieve.  Personally I was hoping for a 1hour finish.  I haven't been out running much (at all) in the last two months with the election and so I suppose I’m pretty happy with my 1 hr 10mins finish -  Sets a benchmark for next year.  I had two goals - to run around 1hr and not to stop.  I didn't stop so at least I know I can run 10kms.  Physical activity is so important.  It doesn't matter how far or how fast - it's about being regular.  So if you don't regularly get out and go for a walk - think about starting something this week.  With Spring coming on it's beautiful out and around our city at the moment. Enjoy!

 

 


09 October 2005
BALLOTS OUT THIS WEEK

This week between Tuesday and Friday you should receive your ballots for the 2005 election.  If you don't receive your ballot and you are enrolled to vote contact the electoral commission for a replacement.  The ballots need to be returned in the stamped self addressed envelope by 10am 25 October 2005.  Remember to sign the envelope.

For the Mayor and Deputy Mayor ballots you only have to vote for one candidate and for the Aldermen vacancies you only have to vote for 6 candidates.  You will receive a form with your ballot that has a 150 word statement from each of the candidates. 

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to email me at janie@janiedickenson.com


07 October 2005
WALK TO WORK

So it's Friday - Walk to Work Day... I put on my shoes this morning and ventured down the hill.  Such a beautiful morning.  This time of the year it's getting better to prepare a schedule of walking to work.  Any extra physical activity that we can manage is good for us.  Even if you can't walk to work - how about taking a break at lunch time and going for a wander around the block -  and don't forget...


07 October 2005
BURNIE 10 THIS SUNDAY

...you can enter on the Day.

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS

 


05 October 2005
SHOW DAY
I hope you're all off to the show today! Sounds like it's going to be heaps of fun.  Lots to do rides, animals and great food. I'll be there with Derrek and Zac - watch out for the Fireworks on Friday night! 9pm they go off with a big bang.   Hope to see you there. 


04 October 2005
WALK TO WORK DAY

This Friday 7 October is Walk to Work Day.  I think it is really important that we take every opportunity we can to participate in physical activity.  Walking to work is an easy way to get fit and save money.  With the cost of petrol at the moment even if work is a long way away I'd encourage people that live near a bus route to catch a bus close to work and think about getting off a few stops early and walking to rest of the way.  Walking is also a great way to catch up with friends.  With all the great parks and walking trails we have throughout the city and suburbs why not think about catching up with some friends for a walk this weekend and enjoy some of this great weather (!) we've been having.

  And don't forget...Friday is Walk to Work day.


02 October 2005
VISION EVENT

Today was great.  Hundreds of people turned out at the QVMAG at Inveresk to have their say (and a sausage!) about the future of Launceston.  In the Examiner on Monday there will be a survey that you can fill in to inform the Project Committee what priorities you think should be considered for the plan that is created.

You can also log on to the website www.launceston2020.com.au and fill in the survey online.

Have your say and be involved about the future of our great city.


30 September 2005
VISION EVENT SUNDAY

Come down to Inveresk on Sunday to the QVMAG and have your say about the future of Launceston.  There'll be lots to do.  Free sausage sizzle, street theatre, balloons prizes to be won and all you have to do is let us know what you think about Launceston in the year 2020.

SUNDAY 2 OCTOBER 10am - 3pm - come on down and have some fun!


28 September 2005
SUPPORT FOR SHOW
Today I'm going to meet with representatives from the Launceston Show - to wish them well.  It has been a tough ride for the show going in and out of administration.  As a family and members of the community, we can't wait for the show this year...looking forward to seeing Zac's face when he sees the little animals in the nursery.  Good luck to all invovled.


27 September 2005
CANDIDATES 2005

Today is the day we find out who exactly is running for the six positions of Alderman and for the roles of Mayor and Deputy Mayor at Launceston City Council. 

Log in after 12noon and I'll update this page with all the details.

In the meantime if there is something you would like to discuss with me I will be in my campaign office, 180 Charles St between 8am and 10am this morning (Tuesday).  Remember if you can't make it to catch up in person you can always email me at

janie@janiedickenson.com

here they are.....


Councillors (Aldermen) 19 candidates (6 to be elected)


ARMITAGE Rosemary St Leonards
BALL Jeremy Launceston
BEAMS Graeme Launceston
BROOKES George Waverley
CHOI Jin-oh Launceston
DICKENSON Janie Trevallyn
FISHER Kieran E East Launceston
GREENWOOD Alan David Norwood
LINDSAY Paul Youngtown
McKENDRICK Robin Norwood
MITCHELL Lyn Newnham
NEIL Rex Mowbray
RUNDLE Tim Trevallyn
SANDS Ted Kings Meadows
SHIPP Ray Newnham
SOWARD Rob South Launceston
VAN NOORD Wayne Dilston
VAN ZETTEN Albert Launceston
WALTERS Joan Trevallyn


Mayor 4 candidates


DICKENSON Janie Trevallyn
DEAN Ivan Newnham
McKENDRICK Robin Norwood
SANDS Ted Kings Meadows


Deputy Mayor 4 candidates


CAMPBELL Jodie Ravenswood
NOTT Frank Reginald Newstead
SHIPP Ray Newnham
WADDLE Annette Nunamara


25 September 2005
THANK YOU

I had a great weekend.  In addition to the community events I attended in my role as Mayor I had the opportunity to meet up with people in my campaign office and at the Esk Market.  I have been going to the Esk Market on and off for the five years I have been on Council and without a doubt it is one of the best things I do.  It is such a mixed bag.  Some people just happen across my stall on their way to pick up their weekly supply of vegies providing me with invaluable spontaneous feedback, others drive half way across town to talk to me about something that is really important to them and their family.  If you have something you would like to talk to me about either email me janie@janiedickenson.com or drop in and see me at my campaign office 180 Charles St Tuesday - Saturday between 8am and 10am.  Watch this space as I advertise other times and places that I will be available.  I want to thank everyone who has provided me with ideas and feedback in the last few weeks.  The only way I really know what is going on out there in the real world is through the conversations I have and the feedback you provide.  Keep it coming and I hope you have a great week.

 


22 September 2005
CATCH UP OVER THE WEEKEND

I will be in my campaign office - 180 Charles St -on Saturday from 12noon to 2pm this weekend and would love to catch up if you have some issues to discuss.  I'll also be at Esk Market this Sunday from 9am to 2pm if you would prefer a more relaxed environment.  See you then!

 


16 September 2005
16 September 2005

I've just been to the Chamber of Commerce Excellence Awards -what a great night!  Businesses from northern Tasmania exporting their products across the globe, caring for, motivating and inspiring our community to be the very best they can - promoting our region - delivering great service, offering quality products and all genuinely committed to and proud to be Tasmanian. Congratulations to everyone who was recognised especially to those who won awards.

 

 


14 September 2005
PUTTING LAUNCESTON ON THE MAP

Today I travel to Sydney to again represent Launceston at a National Conference -Going Public -  http://www.publicsectorevents.com.au/ GoingPublic/welcome.html .  I have been invited to speak about being Mayor, focusing on the issues that women from rural and regional areas experience in the world of politics and the public sector, and how they can work towards overcoming them.  Since I've been on Council I've had lots of opportunties to represent our great city by speaking at local, national and even a couple of international forums across a range of community and industry sectors.  There have been  direct benefits to our community as a result of my speaking opportunitites including conferences choosing Launceston as their next host destination and journalists writing about my role and our community.



12 September 2005
New Zealand Study Tour

In July this year representatives from the Chamber, Cityprom, Council and the Examiner embarked on a study tour to New Zealand to find out more about the impacts 'big box' developments have on town centres. Tonight members of the Chamber of Commerce and Cityprom met to hear from the study tour participants - Alderman Robin McKendrick, Jo Archer (Chamber), David Stallard (representing Cityprom) and I - what we learned and what has happened as a result of this initiative.
It was extremely clear from what we heard and saw in New Zealand that communities need to be proactive and set their own agenda by making space available close to the CBD for this new style of retailing. This study tour directly informed a major policy decision of council where we amended our Retail Strategy that had previously recommended a stand alone big box precinct. Council have now adopted the strategy and instead of the stand alone precinct have committed to rezoning 5 sites close to the CBD. This proactive move will ensure the best 'rub off' for our local businesses and minimise negative impacts on our community.


09 September 2005
CAMPAIGN LAUNCH TODAY

You are invited to attend the launch of my 2005 campaign to be re-elected as Mayor and Alderman of Launceston City Council. The launch will be held in my campaign headquarters at 180 Charles St Launceston. Come along and hear me talk about what I have learned over the last few years, what we have achieved and what I plan to focus on for the next two years.


08 September 2005
CAMPAIGN LAUNCH TOMORROW

Tomorrow I will be officially launching my campaign to be re-elected as Mayor and Alderman of Launceston City Council. I will be launching from my election headquarters which is 180 Charles St in Launceston right opposite Prince's Square, next to that great little cafe Fresh.
I will be holding two launches to make sure everybody has a chance to come along - 10.30 in the morning and 5.30 in the early evening. Come along and hear me talk about recent achievements and my plan for the next two years.


07 September 2005

This morning we are launching the Southern Cross Young Achievers Awards at Town Hall in Launceston. The young people in our community are amazing and this is your opportunity to recognise them. If you know a young person aged 14 - 26 who is a leader in their field I urge you to consider putting forward a nomination. In the last few years the exceptional talents of Launceston's own Danny Gibson, Emma Butler and Fiora Amy Cutler have been recognised. Forms can be downloaded from www.awardsaustralia.com


06 September 2005

Today I travel to Canberra for the final meeting of the Deputy Prime Minister's Regional Women's Advisory Council (RWAC). I have been an active member of this Council since my election as Mayor in 2002. My role on this Council and the other forums at which I am invited to speak and represent Launceston all help to keep Launceston's achievements in the national spotlight and have the issues that we face considered in the preparation of regional policy. During my term on RWAC we have facilitated informed debates across the country and influenced key decision makers across seven areas including Encouraging Lifelong Learning, Ensuring Appropriate and Accessible Health Care, Reducing Family Violence, Promoting Diversity and Inclusion, Expanding Women's Representation, Encouraging Community Engagement in the Water Reform Debate and Promoting Economic Development.


05 September 2005

Every second Monday the Aldermen meet formally in the Council Chambers. The meetings start at 1pm and are open to the public. If you would like to know what is on the agenda you can either look online at www.launceston.tas.gov.au or drop into the customer service centre and read the hard copy Agenda that is made available at the counter. I encourage everybody to at least attend one meeting before you vote in the October elections. By attending a meeting and seeing us in operation you get to know the people who represent you. Also if you are a potential candidate - I encourage you to attend as many meetings as possible so when/if you get elected you have a good idea about how it works.


04 September 2005

Happy Fathers Day! Yesterday was great! The Make a Wish Foundation held a Red Dress fun run from Prospect to Elizabeth Town to raise money for children with an illness in our local area. A team from Launceston City Council entered. There were runners from departments across council - this is the third event this year within which council have entered a team. Council had a team in the Devonport Corporate Triathlon, the Three Parks race and yesterdays Red Dress Run. Staff and Aldermen support each other in these events. Our next big challenge is pulling a team together for the Burnie 10. Whilst there are benefits for our organisation for having teams in these events the biggest outcome in my mind is demonstrating to our community the benefits of participating in physical activity. It doesn't matter how hard or how far you go whether you walk or run 30 minutes of moderate physical activity everyday is all it takes to make a difference.


03 September 2005

Hopefully by now you will have heard of the Launceston Vision 2020 project. It's about the community coming together to plan the way the city develops over the next 15 years. Today at Kings Meadows - Meadow Mews - we are having a consultation between 10am and 2pm to find out what people think about what the city should be like in the future. So, if you live in the area or you don't mind a drive come along and let us know what is important to you. There are lots of other ways to be involved so log into www.launceston2020.com.au to find what else is happening. Mark 2 October 2005 in your diary. That's the day we bring all of your comments together in a big exhibition at Inveresk and encourage you to respond. There'll be street theatre and music and artwork and all of the comments that we have received. This is your city - so come on - be involved!


02 September 2005

Hi, this is my first update on the city and campaign. I will add a comment to my website here every day or so as things happen. I'm keen to hear from you about the things that are going on in Launceston at the moment so if you have something to say please email me. Just to let you know I'm officially launching my campaign at 10.30am and 5.30pm at 180 Charles Street, Launceston (opposite Princes Square next to Fresh). You are invited to come along and hear me talk about what I will focus on for the next two years and find out what is important to me. Check into the site regularly for new updates about current issues.