The new Makers Workshop of Burnie.

Sunday the 9th of November 2009 Burnie unveiled its new Makers Workshop.
At times a controversial project that attracted criticism at the cost, its appearance during construction, and just general lack of information displayed by those who didn't know the facts.
Its cost of around Au$5.35 million on completion belied what the actual cost to the rate payers really was. The figure in round figures was $850,000 of which some $450,000 was the insurance pay out for the catastrophic fire that destroyed the original building which was heritage listed. Further more wasn't the size of the new project that arose from the ashes some two years later.

It is an interpretation centre, where enough information is available to whet the appetite of the visiting tourist, and it is the tourist it is aimed at as a marketing opportunity. It houses retailing of mementos, information about local crafts people, displays by these "Makers", the new home of Creative Paper, elements from the Pioneer Village Museum including the original Town Hall Clock in full working order, the Paper mache people, and as a major addition the first underground loader built by Dale B Elphinstone some 25 years ago just to name something of what you can expect to see. Included is the Visitor Information Centre manned by competent volunteers who can offer advise on what to see, and where to find it, plus other information on Tasmania in general.
So accept an invitation to come and have a browse through this new facility, you will be amazed at what is there.
Consider these calculations.
Total cost to the community of Burnie $850,000Assuming that Burnie has 9000 rate payers, cost to each rate payer = $94.44. Now let us go another step and calculate the cost to each member of the community, man woman and child. Burnie's population of 19000 in round figures = $44.74 per head of population. Now let me take you one step further and reduce the figure by $450,000 paid out by the insurance received from the fire in 2007, again in round figures divided by the 9000 rate payer = $44.44 each. Divide again by the number of citizen of the municipality = $21.04 per head of population. A small impost for a public asset.
Some members of the community say that it will never pay for itself. I have yet to see any community funded project ever pay for itself whether it be a Town Hall, Arts & Function Centre, or in this case the Makers Workshop, but it will most certainly will be a public asset, and one the people of Burnie can be justifiably proud of in the foreseeable future.
Quoted from the Burnie City Council media release 12th March 2009.
"BURNIE'S HISTORY HEART OF THE MAKERS WORKSHOP HUNDREDS of items showcasing Burnie s history are at the heart of the new Makers Workshop at West Park.With construction underway, the Burnie City Council s $5.35 million development will be one of the first of its kind in Australia.Project graphic designer David Lancashire has selected more than 200 items from the Pioneer Village Museum, which will support almost 40 stories depicting Burnie s history.Burnie Mayor Alvwyn Boyd said Mr Lancashire was amazed at the resources available and praised the Burnie community for its dedication to preserving its history. David said that there were very few communities that have done such a fantastic job of preserving its history, Mayor Boyd said.We have had and continue to have residents who go above and beyond the call of duty to showcase, protect and advance their city. Through the Makers Workshop, people just like this will be showcased and remembered through a significant collection of photos, objects and multi-media.The interpretative displays will come under eight major themes including Commerce and Industry, People and Pioneers, Global Connections, Agriculture and Environment, Innovators and Entrepreneurs, Paper and Paper Making, VDL Company and Port and the Pioneer Village Museum. Through these categories more than 40 different stories will be told.The facility will also have museum standard showcases and it is hoped that significant items from the State collection relating to Burnie s history can be sourced to form temporary exhibitions at the centre, Mayor Boyd said. He also said the facility would also provide locals and visitors with the unique opportunity of viewing the activity pods, which will act as studios for local artists.We've already had a number of local artists keen to get involved, Mayor Boyd said. "This will provide them with the opportunity to showcase their talents to a large, changing audience on a daily basis." There will also be paper-making activities, a gallery, café and a retail area, with the centre due for opening in October this year."
As a Volunteer at this new facility I can see nothing but benefits to the business houses of Burnie, tourism in the region, and dollars rolling in where the planners expected.
The Pioneer Village Museum Street Scape looks like getting a new lease of life (thank goodness) as this facility runs very close to the hearts and souls of the Citizens of Burnie. To see it closed would be equated to murder. It is the history of Burnie in the making from "Campsite to City" to quote the late Kerry Pink's book title. (If you haven't read it, ask for a copy of it from the Tasmanian State Library)

Lacos Cheese, and Hellyer Road Distillery, Emu valley Rhododendron Gardens, Ainsleigh Gardens, Guide Falls, The Alpaca farm at West Ridgley will all be beneficiaries of what we can offer in our beautiful little city. The cruise ship passengers can't all be wrong. We just do not appreciate what we have in our "Patch of Paradise".

Now a question for those of you who are going to visit the Makers Workshop.

What is the significance of the 127N on the wall, what does it stand for?

If you are a past employee of the APPM, Australian Paper, Paperlinx, or as it is now known as Tasmanian Paper and know the answer, please do not post a comment with its meaning.

It is interesting to note that the original underground loader is in pristine condition. I have been told on good authority that when Dale Elphinstone was asked if it could be put on display as is, he refused unless it was looking brand new. What you see is months of work by his tradesmen fitted with new tyres, sandblasted and resprayed with epoxy enamel, new lights and drivable. Such is the man and his machines. A true "Maker" of Burnie.

As can be seen in the photo, the kids just love it.

Artists and Crafts people featured:

Jan Marinos. Paper maker and textile artist.

Darren Simpson. Paper maker.

Dean Jupp. Paper maker.

The three above mentioned can be seen at Creative Paper's workshop.

Kit Hiller. Painter and Print maker. Some of Kit's work can be seen hanging in the complex.

Rick Eaves. Photographer - Image maker.

Obie. The master image maker.

Maria Perez-Pulido. Violin maker.

Greg Ling. Wood craftsman and instrument maker.

Pam Thorne & Ruth Rees. The Paper people makers. Look around you when you enter, their work will amaze you.
Janine Morris. Fibre artist and basket weaver.

Maudie Bryan. Glass artist and ceramic artist.

Anne Dunham. Glass artist and art teacher.

Mary Lewis. Glass bead maker.

Susanne McArthur, The Milliner. Hats and Fascinators for all occasions.
From time to time Artists will have the opportunity to display their work in the Makers Workshop area. An example of this was the Digital Painting exhibition of 19 year old Penguin artist Jessica Turale who's exhibition opened Friday evening of the 13th Of November 2009. A very talented young lady.

Now while you are in the Makers Workshop feel free to ask for travel advise, places of interest to visit, and accommodation in the Burnie area. The Volunteers are well trained to assist you in making the correct decisions that will make your stay in Burnie one to remember.

Now that you have been around the displays, it's time to sit and relax with a coffee of your choosing in the Cafe area. Consider sampling the fine locally made pastries, or perhaps something else on the ever changing menu, Having been served, view the sights from the deck or though the plate glass windows. The views will astound you, take advantage of what you see and take photo's to remind you of the time you spent at the Makers' Workshop

7th August 2011 Notation added:

For the past few months there was much talk of National Foods the owners of the "Lactos" Cheese factory on Surrey Road Burnie spending big dollars to upgrade their plant. This has now been confirmed, plans submitted to the Burnie City Council for building and enviromental approval. A part of the up grade is the eventual closing of the onsite Cheese Tasting and retail shop. So now negotiations are talking place to relocate to the only place it should go to - "The Makers' Workshop".

One can only hope it is up and running before the next Cruise Ship season beginning in October 2011. I'm sure that this will be an added attraction to what is becoming an icon of Burnie. Whether you love it or hate it (the building), it is what is in the heart of it that counts, the people who work as Makers, volunteers, and paid staff that counts.

Makers Workshop. 2 Bass Highway, Burnie, Tasmania. 7320

Explore the possibilities, we did and still are.

I don't think I've heard it better explained than this.

'Well you see, Norm, it's like this . . . A herd of buffalo can only move as fast as the slowest buffalo. And when the herd is hunted, it is the slowest and weakest ones at the back that are killed first. This natural selection is good for the herd as a whole, because the general speed and health of the whole group keeps improving by the regular killing of the weakest members. In much the same way, the human brain can only operate as fast as the slowest brain cells. Now, as we know, excessive intake of alcohol kills brain cells. But naturally, it attacks the slowest and weakest brain cells first. In this way, regular consumption of beer eliminates the weaker brain cells, making the brain a faster and more efficient machine. And that, Norm, is why you always feel smarter after a few beers.'

BUT DON'T DRIVE A CAR, THAT CAN BE FATAL!

This needs no introduction

Go to this URL if you need the advice, genlemen be warned you are in danger.

http://www.giftmonger.com/acatalog/Bed_Snake_Bat.html

THE PROGRESSION OF TEACHING MATHS AS TIMES CHANGE

TEACHING MATHS IN 1970 A logger sells a truckload of timber for $200. His cost of production is 4/5 of the price. What is his profit?

TEACHING MATHS IN 1980 A logger sells a truckload of timber for $200. His cost of production is 80% of the price. What is his profit?

TEACHING MATHS IN 1990 A forester sells a truckload of timber for $100. His cost of production is $160. How much was his profit?

TEACHING MATHS IN 2000 A forester sells a truckload of timber for $200. His cost of production is $160 and his profit is $40. Your assignment: Underline the number 40.

TEACHING MATHS IN 2005 A forester cuts down a beautiful native forest because he is selfish and inconsiderate and cares nothing for the habitat of animals or the preservation of our old growth forests. Your assignment: Discuss how the birds and possums might feel as the logger cut down their homes just for a measly profit of $40.

TEACHING MATHS IN 2009 A forester is arrested for trying to cut down a tree in case it may be offensive to Muslims or other religious groups not consulted in the felling license. He is also fined $200 as his chainsaw is in breach of Occupational Health and Safety legislation as it deemed too dangerous and could cut something or someone. He has used a chainsaw for over 20 years without incident however he does not have the correct certificate of competence and is therefore considered to be a recidivist and habitual criminal. His DNA is sampled and his details circulated throughout all government agencies. He protests and is taken to court and fined another $200 because he is such an easy target. When he is released he returns to find environmental protestors have cut down half his wood to build a camp on his land. He tries to throw them off but is arrested, prosecuted for harassing a minority group, imprisoned and fined a further $200. While he is in jail the environmental protestors cut down the rest of his wood and sold it on the open market for $200 cash. They also have on leaving a barbeque of possum and native hen and depart leaving behind several tonnes of rubbish and asbestos sheeting. The forester on release is warned that failure to clear the fly struck tipped rubbish immediately at his own cost is an offence. He complains and is arrested for environmental pollution, breach of the peace and invoiced $12,000 plus GST for safe disposal costs by a regulated government contractor. Your assignment: How many times is the forester going to have to be arrested and fined before he realises that he is never going to make $200 profit by hard work, give up, sign onto the dole and live off the state for the rest of his life?

TEACHING MATHS IN 2010 A forester doesn't sell a truck load of timber because he can't get a loan to buy a new truck because his bank has spent all his and their money on a derivative of securitised debt related to sub-prime mortgages in the USA and lost the lot with only some government money left to pay a few million dollar bonuses to their senior directors and the traders who made the biggest losses. The logger struggles to pay the $2400 road tax on his old truck however, as it was built in the 1970s it no longer meets the emissions regulations and he is forced to scrap it. Some Muslim loggers buy the truck from the scrap merchant and put it back on the road. They undercut everyone on price for haulage and send their cash back home, while claiming unemployment for themselves and their relatives. If questioned they speak no English and it is easier to deport them at the governments expense. Following their holiday back home they return to the Australia with different names and fresh girls to exploit and start again. The forester protests, is accused of being a bigoted racist and as his name is on the side of his old truck he is forced to pay $2,500 registration fees as a gang master. The Government borrows more money to pay more to the bankers as bonuses are not cheap. The parliamentarians feel they are missing out and claim the difference on expenses and allowances. Your assignment: You do the maths.

TEACHING MATHS 2017 أ المسجل تبيع حموله شاحنة من الخشب من اجل 100 دولار. صاحب تكلفة الانت=D 8ج من الثمن. ما هو الربح له؟

Recipe for financial ruin - Guaranteed.

It is the month of August 2009, on the shores of the Black Sea . It has been raining, and the little town looks totally deserted. It is tough times, everybody is in debt, and everybody lives on credit.

Suddenly, a rich tourist comes to town. He enters the only hotel, lays a €100 [Euro] note on the reception counter, and goes to inspect the rooms upstairs in order to pick one.
The hotel proprietor takes the €100 note and runs to pay his debt to the butcher. The Butcher takes the €100 note and runs to pay his debt to the goat herder. The goat herder takes the €100 note and runs to pay his debt to the supplier of his feed and fuel. The supplier of feed and fuel takes the €100 Euro note and runs to pay his debt to the town prostitute that in these hard times gave her services on credit. The prostitute runs to the hotel and pays off her debt with the €100 Euro note to the hotel proprietor to pay for the rooms that she rented when she brought her clients there. The hotel proprietor then lays the €100 note back on the counter so that the rich tourist will not suspect anything.
At that moment, the rich tourist comes down after inspecting the rooms and takes his €100 note after saying that he did not like any of the rooms and leaves town.
No one earned anything. However, the whole town is now without debt and looks to the future with a lot of optimism.
And that, ladies and gentlemen, is how the United States Government is doing business today.
BELIEVE IT OR NOT!

So you reckon you know cricket history eh?

The following item is courtesy of Ireckon.net and is posted as shown in its entirety. There are a myriad of myths about relating to the "Ashes" that gets the Aussies and Poms all fired up each time the series is played, either in Australia or the UK. Why else would the "Balmie Army" trapise half way around the world to support the mediocre team of recent years.

"i reckon - - - - but i’m no authority

The Ashes urn is not a trophy!

by Mathew on August 5th, 2009
Whenever Australia wins or retains the Ashes, people call for “the urn” to be sent home with the team, believing it to be a trophy. It’s an understandable assumption, but the urn’s history shows that they are incorrect.
Most cricket fans know the story – after Australia beat England in an 1882 test match, a mock obituary appeared in The Sporting Times “in Affectionate Remembrance of English Cricket”. The final line of the obituary reads, “The body will be cremated and the Ashes taken to Australia”. Thus began one of the most enduring sports legends.
The obituary was a great joke, and English captain Ivo Bligh (later to become Lord Darnley) declared that he’d regain “the Ashes” when England toured Australia in 1882-83. He referred to “the Ashes” several times during the tour, and the Australian media ran with it. The term then fell out of use for twenty years before being cemented by English captain Plum Warner when he published How We Recovered The Ashes in 1903.
The Ashes legend was forty-five years old when the general public became aware of a certain urn. The following poem, appearing in The Cricketers Annual in 1925, indicates as much:
So here’s to Chapman, Hendren and Hobbs,Gilligan, Woolley and Hearne:May they bring back to the Motherland,The ashes which have no urn!
(For the record, England was thumped 4-1.)
In 1927 Florence Bligh, widow of Ivo Bligh, gave the Marylebone Cricket Club a small terracotta urn that had been given to her husband some years prior. Although the details are disputed it is believed that a group of Victorian women, picking up on the “ashes” term used by the media, awarded him the urn after England’s series victory in 1883.
The urn was a personal gift to Bligh, and was later a personal gift to the MCC. It is known as the “Darnley urn” to distinguish it from other, less celebrated urns that have surfaced over the years.
The Darnley urn was kept in the Long Room at Lord’s until 1953, when it was moved to the MCC Museum at the same ground. Its prominence has led many to assume that the test series is named for it alone, and they believe it to be the trophy. The Ashes, however, are metaphorical. It is an idea created by The Sporting Times, and one which grew in stature as it collected more stories. The Darnley urn is just one of those stories.
No doubt there are those who would read this and say, “so what?” Despite the history, they would claim that the Darnley urn has come to represent the Ashes for most people and should therefore be considered a trophy. I do not agree.
The urn is delicate and belongs in a museum so that it can be correctly maintained. The MCC respected the wishes of the Australian public and created a large replica trophy of Waterford Crystal to award to victorious teams. If we must have a trophy, this is more suitable than a 125-year-old terracotta artefact.
I don’t understand the attraction to trophies. I believe that the idea is more compelling than a trophy could ever be. The death of English cricket! What a notion! Since 1882 we’ve been playing tests to either regain England’s honour, or to rub her nose in it some more (depending on whose side you’re on). How simply marvellous. I doubt I’ll convince many of my fellow Australians to come around to my way of thinking; we’re too fixated on the physical, on ownership, on possession. If people know the history, though, we can debate these last points alone." Worth reading was it?

Well how about a little trivia to go with it.

Titled "A little known fact about cricket."

The first testicular guard was used in cricket in 1874 and the first helmet was used in 1974. It took 100 years for someone to realize that their brain could also be important ...... Post a comment, all welcome.

Oh wahat ever will they think of next?

Let's face it. How many times have we all seen lizards that have lost all or at least a part of their tails? I must admit that I have wondered how it happened, and now I know. They are players of Extreme sports. BUNGEE JUMPING! Talk about a sick sense of humour.