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The Huon Valley’s spirit of innovation, community, and diversity took centre stage last Friday, as Tasmania’s Governor, Her Excellency the Honourable Barbara Baker AC, toured the region, meeting with community leaders and seeing firsthand the initiatives that help make the Valley unique. 

Mayor Sally Doyle emphasised, “It was an honour to showcase the dedication and creativity of our communities. Her Excellency experienced firsthand what makes our region special—the deep community spirit.” 

The Governor’s day began at Cygnet’s Burton’s Reserve, where she met Mayor Sally Doyle and CEO Lachlan Kranz, before visiting the historic CWA Cottage and Port Cygnet Sea Scouts hall. As Chief Scout of Tasmania, Her Excellency connected with Scout leaders who collectively have over 40 years of service to youth. 

Key highlights included a visit to the South East Tasmanian Aboriginal Corporation (SETAC) at their new centre in the historic Port Cygnet Cannery, where Her Excellency and Council representatives learned about SETAC’s future plans for the site and their important work delivering culturally safe services, programs, and community engagement. 

The Governor also toured the Huon Valley Trade Training Centre, where hospitality students demonstrated their skills by preparing a special lunch. 

Further stops included Huon Regional Care Franklin, The Huon She Shed—a vibrant hub for women’s empowerment through new skills—and discussions on the future Huonville childcare facilities at Baden Powell Scout Hall. 

The day concluded with a Civic Reception at Huonville Town Hall, celebrating the organisations and individuals who make the Huon Valley thrive. Her Excellency’s visit was a valuable opportunity to shine a light on the region’s strengths and build ongoing support for our vital community initiatives. 

Two women stand outdoors, engaged in conversation. One woman gestures with her hand while the other listens. Both wear coats; the setting is grassy with some construction materials and shrubbery in the background.
A group of scouts and adults pose indoors in front of a colorful mural with animals and text. Some wear scout uniforms with scarves; others are in formal attire. The mood is cheerful and formal.
A woman in a tan coat shakes hands with a person in a scout uniform, while other scouts stand in a line outdoors on a grassy area. Trees and a building are visible in the background.
Two women smiling and crouching as they plant or tend to a garden next to a building. One wears a purple sweater and plaid skirt, the other a tan coat. There are green plants and flowers around them.
Three women stand outside talking and smiling; one wears a pink hoodie, another a brown coat, and the third a floral dress with a black cardigan. They are in front of a gray building on a grassy lawn.
A group of people, including a man in military uniform, stand in a stylish room with exposed brick walls, wood floors, and modern decor, engaged in conversation and smiling.
Two women stand facing a lit wood-burning stove with a glass door, while a man stands partially visible on the right. The stove is in front of a white brick wall. The women are wearing winter coats.
Four people stand in a large room with wooden walls; one woman gestures toward a wall with papers, while the other three—two men and a woman—listen attentively near a rustic wooden door. Boxes and a fire hose are visible.
Eight women, some wearing green-striped aprons, stand together and smile behind a table filled with various pastries and finger foods. They are in a room with red curtains and cream-colored walls.
A group of students and two adult women stand outside a school building. One woman in a tan coat listens while the other in a dark jacket talks. A rainbow mural is visible in the background.
A group of six people in chef uniforms and one person in a military uniform stand outdoors on grass, talking to a woman in a black jacket near a stone bench with bushes in the background.
A group of five students in school uniforms stand outdoors next to an adult woman in a black outfit, smiling at the camera with greenery and a stone bench in the background.
A group of six students in school uniforms stand outdoors beside an adult woman in a green jacket, all smiling at the camera with greenery and trees in the background.
A group of adults, including three women holding young children, stand together indoors with three other young kids in front. Behind them are two women and a man, all smiling at the camera. The room has a clock on the wall.
Five women stand together smiling indoors. One wears a black blazer, others wear hoodies or aprons. A banner behind them reads Shed: making space for women with a wood-panel wall and workshop equipment visible.
A woman behind a bakery counter hands a customer change. The customer, holding a small stuffed animal, stands next to a man in uniform. Pastries and baked goods are displayed in the glass case.
Four women standing side by side indoors, smiling at the camera. They are dressed in business casual and formal attire, against a yellow and brown background.

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