109-597: The Launceston Town Hall is a historic town hall located at 18/28 St John Street in Launceston, Tasmania . The building project was commissioned by Launceston Town Council in 1864 to architect Peter Mills. The foundation stone was laid on 21 April 1864 by the Governor of Tasmania, Thomas Gore Browne . The structure came into use in 1867. The building underwent several expansion and modification interventions throughout its history. Following an initial expansion in 1906,
218-473: A flood plain . The last major flood occurred in 1929 when Invermay was completely devastated. More than 4,000 people were left homeless after just one night of flooding. Since then, there have only been minor floods. Work was under way in 2011 on a $ 59 million flood levee upgrade that should protect the city from 1-in-200-year events, that was then expected to take five to six years to construct. The council had acquired land used by eighteen businesses on
327-682: A Governor-General, Sir William Denison retained the title until his retirement in 1861. The six British colonies in Australia joined to form the Commonwealth of Australia in 1901. New South Wales and the other colonies became states in the federal system under the Constitution of Australia . In 1902, the New South Wales Constitution Act 1902 confirmed the modern system of government of New South Wales as
436-507: A New South Welshman. This practice continued until 1996, when Queen Elizabeth II commissioned as her representative Gordon Samuels , a London-born immigrant to Australia. Early governors were frequently former politicians, many being members of the House of Lords by virtue of their peerage; however they were required by the tenets of constitutional monarchy to be non-partisan while in office. The first governors were all military officers and
545-885: A change in the Governor’s distinctive flag from the Union Flag to the New South Wales State Flag with a Crown surmounting the State badge in the fly." However, Cutler did not agree with this change, and it was recommended that the change be undertaken after he had left office. The new Governor's Standard was designed and presented by the Garter King of Arms to the Agent-General for New South Wales in London on 8 January 1981, who then sought Royal assent of
654-498: A house at Sutton Forest for use as a permanent summer residence, and in 1881 the NSW Government purchased for £6000 a property known as "Prospect" that had been built by Robert Pemberton Richardson (of the firm Richardson & Wrench ). This was renamed " Hillview ", and became the primary summer governor's residence from 1885 to 1957. In 1957, seen as unnecessary and expensive, Hillview was put up for sale and purchased from
763-598: A longer period of time, sometimes upwards of more than seven years. A governor may also resign and three have died in office. In such a circumstance, or if the governor leaves the country for longer than one month, the Lieutenant-Governor of New South Wales , concurrently held by the Chief Justice of New South Wales since 1872, serves as Administrator of the Government and exercises all powers of
872-580: A major addition took place in 1936 when the grounds to the north of the original building became part of the municipal complex. These works also involved extending the building's colonnade by adding five columns to the original four ones. Other interventions occurred in 1970, 1988, and 1994. The building features an Italianate style. The main façade is characterized by an imposing colonnade. [REDACTED] Media related to Launceston Town Hall at Wikimedia Commons Launceston, Tasmania Launceston ( / ˈ l ɒ n s ɛ s t ən / )
981-513: A mixture of fear, curiosity and aggression. After several aggressive encounters prompted by bands of Letteremairrener in 1806 , most likely as revenge for the colonists trespassing and hunting on their land without permission, Colonel William Patterson, in charge of the new settlement in Launceston, led a series of putative skirmishes that were ostensibly continued by colonists until 1831. These conflicts intensified from 1827 until 1831 during
1090-581: A new standard for the Governor to replace the Union Flag that had been in use since 1788. Premier Neville Wran wrote to the Governor, Sir Roden Cutler, on 25 November 1980 advising: "His Excellency’s Ministers of State now consider that there should be a change in the Personal Standard of the Governor of New South Wales, such change to take effect at the conclusion of His Excellency’s term of office. The Premier therefore recommends for approval
1199-465: A pre-season cup game at the venue each year since 2006. The record crowd is 8,061. Launceston is not represented by an NRL Football Club, but is expected to be represented by an AFL Team by 2028, as Tasmania was awarded the 19th AFL Licence on 2 May, 2023 when AFL Presidents Unanimously approved the Tasmanian bid Rugby league football is played in the region at junior level and senior level,
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#17327803637911308-412: A result, areas of Launceston are subject to landslip problems, while others are liable to poor drainage and periodic flooding. The topography of the area is not conducive to easy dispersion of airborne pollution, due to the phenomenon of thermal inversion . Since the 1990s, the city's air quality has improved. Studies indicate that 73% percent of air pollution in Launceston and surrounding areas during
1417-599: A state. Like the new federal Governor-General and the other state governors, in the first years after federation, the governor of New South Wales continued to act both in their constitutional role, and as a liaison between the local government and the imperial government in London . In 1942, the Commonwealth of Australia passed the Statute of Westminster Adoption Act 1942 , which rendered Australia dominion status under
1526-506: A venue for international sports events, and in 2005 was redeveloped at a cost of $ 23.6 million. Association football (commonly known in Launceston as "soccer") is also played and watched in Launceston [York Park]—the only place in Tasmania to have hosted national league soccer matches. A National Soccer League game was held at Aurora Stadium in 2002 between Perth Glory and Melbourne Knights . A-League 's Melbourne Victory have held
1635-591: A warm-summer Mediterranean climate ( Köppen : Csb ), with mild to warm, somewhat dry summers and cool damp winters with chilly nights. The city is located in the Tamar Valley and is surrounded by many large hills and mountains. With this type of topography, Launceston's weather patterns can change considerably in a short period. The warmest months are in January and February with an average air temperature range of 12.2 to 24.4 °C (54 to 76 °F). Throughout
1744-444: A year. The coldest month is July, with an average temperature range of 2.2 to 12.5 °C (36 to 55 °F). The lowest recorded minimum at Launceston's current weather station, Ti Tree Bend was −5.2 °C (22.6 °F) on 21 July 1991. Launceston very rarely receives snowfall , with snow falling in 1951 and 1986, and again on 3 August 2015, when most of the state received snowfall due to a cold front moving up from Antarctica . On
1853-460: Is 665 mm (26 in), falling on an average of 88.4 days a year. The most rain Ti Tree Bend has received in a year was 829.6 millimetres (32.66 in) in 1992, though Launceston Airport received 953.1 millimetres (37.52 in) in 1956. As in most of Tasmania 2006 was the driest year when just 394.8 millimetres (15.54 in) fell. The Bureau of Meteorology reported that 2007
1962-560: Is Launceston's 300-bed public hospital, located just south of the city centre. Every year, LGH treats over 24,000 inpatients and over 225,000 outpatients. St Lukes Private Hospital and St Vincent's Hospital are the major private facilities. Launceston was also the location of the first use of anaesthesia in the Southern Hemisphere. Launceston is also the hub for the state's medical retrieval service. The Royal Flying Doctor Service supplies an aircraft and pilots under contract to
2071-445: Is Michael Miller RFD. These organised offices and support systems include aides-de-camp , press officers , financial managers, speech writers, trip organisers, event planners and protocol officers, chefs and other kitchen employees, waiters, and various cleaning staff, as well as tour guides. In this official and bureaucratic capacity, the entire household is often referred to as Government House . These departments are funded through
2180-540: Is a city in the north of Tasmania , Australia, at the confluence of the North Esk and South Esk rivers where they become the Tamar River (kanamaluka). As of 2021, the Launceston urban area has a population of 90,953. Launceston is the second most populous city in Tasmania after the state capital, Hobart . Launceston is the fifth-largest inland city and the ninth-largest non-capital city in Australia. Launceston
2289-463: Is a popular recreational and spectator activity in Launceston and like most of the state, cricket and Australian rules football are popular sports. The city has been the birthplace of two prominent Australian cricketers; the former Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting and the retired cricketer and Australian selector David Boon . The first first-class cricket match played in Australia
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#17327803637912398-765: Is also called the Division of Bass , and is one of the five electorates in the Tasmanian House of Assembly . Both federal and state seats share common boundaries. The Launceston flag design is based on the city's Coat of Arms granted by the College of Arms , Seoul on 11 June 1957. The Brisbane Street Mall, the War memorial at Royal Park, atop the Council Chambers and on top of the Albert Hall are places in
2507-670: Is also tasked with fostering unity and pride. The governor inducts individuals into the various national orders and present national medals and decorations, however the most senior awards such as ACs or the Victoria Cross are the sole prerogative of the governor general. The Governor also ex-officio serves as Honorary Colonel of the Royal New South Wales Regiment (since 1960), Honorary Air Commodore of No. 22 (City of Sydney) Squadron , Royal Australian Air Force (since 1937) and Honorary Commodore of
2616-1137: Is currently owned by Nine Entertainment Co (Nine having merged with Fairfax Media in 2018). Another local media site is The Tasmanian Times . Along with the rest of the state, the city has four free-to-air television stations, including two government funded channels from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), the Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) and two commercial stations; ( Southern Cross Seven ( 7HD ) & WIN ( 9HD ) These services are available in digital format as well as eleven digital-only stations, one carrying Network 10 programming ( Tasmanian Digital Television ( 10 HD ), and nationwide digital-only stations ABC TV Plus / ABC Kids , ABC ME and ABC News (on ABC), SBS Viceland , SBS Food and NITV (on SBS), 7two and 7mate (on SC Seven), 9Gem , 9Go! and 9Life (on WIN), and 10 Bold , 10 Peach and 10 Shake (on TDT). Radio stations aired around Launceston are: LAFM and Chilli FM – part of
2725-419: Is disputed, however in 1932 the governor justified the use of these powers to revoke the commission of premier Jack Lang during the 1932 New South Wales constitutional crisis on the grounds of alleged illegal activity by the premier. The Governor alone is constitutionally mandated to summon Parliament and may also prorogue and dissolve it on the advice of the premier. The Governor grants Royal Assent in
2834-495: Is known for its wildlife conservation work, including a breeding program for Tasmanian devils , is located near the city. Launceston's Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery was established in 1891. Now the largest museum located outside a capital city in Australia, the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery is located at two sites across the city: the original purpose-built building at Royal Park and another at
2943-628: Is now located was previously occupied by the Aboriginal Tasmanian Letteremairrener people. The Letteremairrener country encompasses most of the Tamar Valley region. In 1804, reports from early European voyagers describe a number of Letteremairrener camps, consisting of up to ten bark huts located on either side of the Tamar River. Extensive archeological evidence suggests that occupation and usage of
3052-626: Is regarded as the most livable regional city, and was one of the most popular regional cities to move to in Australia from 2020 to 2021. Launceston was named Australian Town of the Year in 2022. Settled by Europeans in March 1806, Launceston is one of Australia's oldest cities and it has many historic buildings. Like many places in Australia, it was named after a town in the United Kingdom – in this case, Launceston, Cornwall . Launceston also had
3161-693: Is situated at the confluence of the South Esk River and the North Esk River , forming the Tamar River estuary . It is used for commercial and recreational shipping and boating. In earlier years, oceangoing shipping used the river to obtain access to the Port of Launceston wharves located in the city centre and Invermay. The Port for Launceston is now located at the George Town suburb of Bell Bay , some 40 kilometres (25 mi) downstream on
3270-631: Is sourced from St Patricks River, a tributary of the North Esk River which flows through Launceston. The main retailer is Ben Lomond Water. The first reticulated water supply constructed in 1857 still serves the CBD. There were fears that the Tamar Valley Pulp Mill might adversely affect Launceston's water supply. Like many Australian cities, several major companies provide mobile telecommunications services and wireless internet services to Launceston. Launceston's communication infrastructure
3379-515: Is the general standard of office term. The current governor is retired judge Margaret Beazley , who succeeded David Hurley on 2 May 2019. The office has its origin in the 18th-century colonial governors of New South Wales upon its settlement in 1788, and is the oldest continuous institution in Australia. The present incarnation of the position emerged with the Federation of Australia and the New South Wales Constitution Act 1902 , which defined
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3488-483: Is the origin of 25% of all international visitors to the city and 17% originate from the United States. The Cataract Gorge is Launceston's largest tourist attraction and is in close proximity to the city centre. It is home to the longest single span chairlift in the world, stretching 308 metres (1,010 ft) across the gorge. Launceston has many parks throughout the city including City Park , located next to
3597-431: The 2021 census the population of Launceston is 76,849. Launceston is the 21st most populous city in Australia. Launceston's designation as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy in 2021 signifies global acknowledgment of this gastronomic paradise. Launceston is at 41°26′31″S 147°8′42″E / 41.44194°S 147.14500°E / -41.44194; 147.14500 in the Tamar Valley, Northern Tasmania. The valley
3706-674: The Cataract Gorge . The river is dammed at Lake Trevallyn on the upper reaches of the Cataract Gorge, with water being diverted into the Trevallyn Power Station with runoff flowing into the remainder of the Cataract Gorge and eventually merging with the Tamar River. The North Esk River starts in the Northallerton Valley in Tasmania's north-east mountains and winds its way to Launceston via
3815-487: The Grant Broadcasters radio network, TOTE Sport Radio – Racing Radio, Triple J – ABC , ABC Northern Tasmania – (ABC), ABC NewsRadio – (ABC), ABC Classic FM – (ABC), Radio National – (ABC), City Park Radio – Community Radio , SBS Radio – (SBS), Way FM – Christian Radio - LCFM Launceston colleges radio station and 7RPH which is a relay of 864 AM from Hobart. Launceston General Hospital
3924-692: The Inveresk Cultural Precinct , on the grounds of the former railway station and rail yards in buildings largely converted from the former Railway Workshops. The precinct also includes the Launceston Tramway Museum, which houses the No. 29 tram, the 'Mary St' shelter shed and a host of other memorabilia. The state's largest preservation railway, the Don River Railway , also has a carriage rebuilding workshop on
4033-790: The Royal Australian Navy , as well as the Chief Scout for New South Wales . The Governor is listed second in New South Wales' table of precedence, behind the Governor-General. The incumbent Governor is entitled to use the style of His or Her Excellency , while in office. On 28 November 2013 the Premier of NSW announced that the Queen had given approval for the title of " The Honourable " to be accorded to
4142-671: The St Kilda Football Club played two games a year between 2003 and 2006. In 2007, the Tasmanian Government signed a A$ 16.4 million, five-year sponsorship deal with the Hawthorn Football Club , under which the club will play four regular season games and one National Australia Bank Cup pre-season match at the venue each year. Throughout its history, York Park has hosted major pop concerts and other entertainments. Since 2001 it has been
4251-459: The Statute of Westminster , and while Australia and Britain share the same person as monarch, that person acts in a distinct capacity when acting as the monarch of each dominion. The convention that the monarch acts in respect of Australian affairs on the advice of his or her Australian ministers, rather than his or her British ministers, became enshrined in law. For New South Wales however, because
4360-660: The University of Tasmania including the Australian Maritime College and also has a minor minerals and manufacturing base. Launceston is a major hub for the regional agricultural and pastoral activities. Historically, this has been connected with the growing of apples – in recent years the stress has moved to viticulture . Superfine wool remains an important part of the rural economy of north-east Tasmania and wool sales in Launceston attract many international buyers. The various agricultural industries in
4469-781: The West Tamar Council ; Prospect Vale and Blackstone Heights are included in the Meander Valley Council . Launceston City Council meetings are held in the Launceston Town Hall. The Mayor of the City of Launceston uses the honorific the Right Worshipful . In 2002, Janie Dickenson became the youngest female elected mayor in Australia. The current mayor is Matthew Garwood, elected in 2023. The first previous mayor, Albert Van Zetten ,
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4578-629: The governor-designate . Besides the administration of the oaths of office, there is no set formula for the swearing-in of a governor-designate. The constitution act stipulates: "Before assuming office, a person appointed to be Governor shall take the Oath or Affirmation of Allegiance and the Oath or Affirmation of Office in the presence of the Chief Justice or another Judge of the Supreme Court." The sovereign will also hold an audience with
4687-557: The 1860s. Not long beforehand, Tasmania played Victoria in Australia's first first-class cricket match at the NTCA Ground in 1851. Tin was discovered at Mount Bischoff in 1871 in north-western Tasmania, starting a minerals boom. Gold mining commenced about 50 kilometres (31 mi) away in Beaconsfield in 1877. During the following two decades Launceston grew from a small town into an urban centre. In 1889, Launceston
4796-692: The Boys' Orphan School in Hobart in 1832. Newer popular team sports such as cricket and football failed to be sustained in Launceston before the population grew substantially. The sports were initially middle class recreations, as the working class found it difficult to participate after a six-day working week. Nevertheless, a "demand for facilities" led to the upgrade of the Northern Tasmanian Cricket Association Ground (NTCA Ground) among other sporting facilities in
4905-770: The Breath of Life Festival from 2012 to 2014, a similar event held at the Inveresk show grounds to raise funds for lung cancer research. Launceston is also the host of the Junction Arts Festival. The Junction Arts Festival was first held in 2010, and spans five days in the Launceston CBD each year. The Festival program changes each year, and includes various art forms, including music, dance, visual and interactive art, short films and live performances, from local, national and international artists. Sport
5014-516: The British aristocracy's 'abiding consolation'". However, the position eventually became filled by Australians, with the first Australian-born governor, Sir John Northcott on 1 August 1946, being the first Australian-born governor of any state. However, as Northcott was born in Victoria, it was not until Sir Eric Woodward 's appointment by Queen Elizabeth II in 1957 that the position was filled by
5123-515: The British monarch or the British government, nor the governor-general of Australia or the Australian federal government. On his arrival in Sydney in 1788, Governor Phillip resided in a temporary wood and canvas house before the construction of a more substantial house on a site now bounded by Bridge Street and Phillip Street, Sydney . This first Government House was extended and repaired by
5232-412: The CBD has narrow one-way streets. Since February 1998, Launceston has been serviced by the Tasmanian government-owned and operated public bus service Metro Tasmania . In addition, Redline Coaches offers school services and travels to many destinations across Tasmania. Governor of New South Wales The Governor of New South Wales is the representative of the monarch, King Charles III , in
5341-471: The CBD, the former Star Theatre in Invermay and the former Launceston General Hospital) give the city an unusual period ambience. 20th century examples of architecture that are part of the city include the Government offices of Henty House in Charles Street, the Police Station Building and the ANZ Building on the corner of Brisbane & George Street. This is at least in part a matter of deliberate policy – concerns that high rise development might compromise
5450-419: The Colony of New South Wales, the first British settlement in Australia, was formally proclaimed. The early colonial governors held an almost autocratic power due to the distance from and poor communications with Great Britain, until 1824 when the New South Wales Legislative Council , Australia's first legislative body, was appointed to advise the governor. Between 1850 and 1861, the Governor of New South Wales
5559-402: The Corra Linn Gorge at White Hills . The St Patrick's River, the largest tributary of the North Esk, is dammed at Nunamara to provide the majority of Launceston's town water since the mid-1800s. Since the 1960s, parts of Launceston have been protected by a series of flood levees that reach up to 4 metres (13 ft) in height as large portions of the suburbs Invermay and Newstead sit within
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#17327803637915668-411: The Governor of an elaborate uniform , comprising a plain blue tailcoat, scarlet collar and cuffs (embroidered in silver), silver epaulettes, and a plumed bicorne hat, fell out of use with the appointment of the first Australian-born Governor, Sir John Northcott, in 1946. The musical vice regal salute—composed of the first and last four bars of the national anthem (" Advance Australia Fair ")—is played on
5777-426: The Governor receives letters of credence and of recall from foreign Consuls-general appointed to Sydney. When they are the longest-serving State Governor, the governor of New South Wales holds a dormant commission to act as the Administrator of the Commonwealth when the Governor-General of Australia is absent from Australia, a role currently held by Margaret Beazley, and previously by Marie Bashir. The Governor
5886-502: The Governor's primary task is to perform the Sovereign's constitutional duties on their behalf. The Governor is enpowered by the Constitution Act 1902 to appoint the ministers of the Government of New South Wales . Convention dictates that the governor must select as premier an individual from Legislative Assembly that has the confidence of that body. The premier then advises the governor on who to appoint as ministers. The executive branch of government exercises power formally through
5995-452: The King's name to bills as the final step required to give them the force of law. While in the past Governors had the discretion to refuse or reserve assent to bills, usually where they were seen as unfavourable to imperial interests, now the only likely grounds on which a bill could be refused if it was passed contrary to manner and form requirements (for example the requirement to hold a referendum to approve of any law that abolished or changed
6104-574: The Launceston Warriors play in the Tasmanian Rugby League and were minor premiers in the 2012–2013 season. Since 2004, the V8 Supercars (Tasmanian Challenge) has been annually held at the recently re-developed Symmons Plains Raceway , which is around 30 km south of Launceston. Marcos Ambrose, driver of the number 9 Richard Petty Motorsports car is most likely America's most notable Launceston native. A number of other sports have notable presence in Launceston, including basketball (men's, women's and indoor) and hockey . In 2009 Launceston redeveloped
6213-411: The Statute of Westminster did not disturb the constitutional arrangements of the Australian states, the governor remained (at least formally) in New South Wales the representative of the British monarch. This arrangement seemed incongruous with the Commonwealth of Australia's independent dominion status conferred by the Statute of Westminster, and with the federal structure. After much negotiation between
6322-430: The Tamar basin can be dated from at least 7,000 years ago, although it was likely used as long as 35,000 years ago. The Letteremairrener , as seasonal hunter-gatherers, spent the winter months near George Town and the summer months residing on Ben Lomond, before returning to the banks of the Tamar River for the mutton-bird season. Campbell Macknight characterizes early colonial contact with the Letteremairrener people as
6431-406: The appointee and will at that time induct the governor-designate as a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC). The incumbent will generally serve for at least five years, though this is only a developed convention, and the governor still technically acts at His Majesty's pleasure (or the Royal Pleasure ). The premier may therefore recommend to the King that the viceroy remain in his service for
6540-409: The area of Launceston were largely nomadic Aboriginal Tasmanians believed to have been part of the Northern Midlands Nations. Three Nations made up the area around so called Launceston, the Stoney Creek Nation, Tyerenotepanner; Panninher and Lettermairrener. The first white explorers did not arrive until 1798, when George Bass and Matthew Flinders were sent to explore the possibility that there
6649-435: The arrival and departure of the Governor from a formal event in which a military or service guard is present. It is optional to play if no guard is at the event. To mark the Governor's presence at any building, ship, aeroplane, or car in Australia, the Governor's standard or flag is employed. Following the example of other states adopting unique Governor's standards, in 1980 the Government of New South Wales sought to introduce
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#17327803637916758-471: The buildings in the city's central business district (CBD) were constructed in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, and Launceston is a major location of Federation style housing. Launceston's many well preserved Victorian and Georgian buildings (including the Launceston synagogue , a rare example of architecture in Egyptian Revival style) together with its diverse collection of art-deco architecture (such as Holyman House and Lucks Corner in
6867-435: The character of the city centre have led to strictly enforced building regulations that restrict the height of new structures in the city, so that most buildings in the CBD have fewer than five storeys. Much of Launceston is contained within the City of Launceston local government area , although some outer suburbs are part of adjacent council districts: for instance Riverside , Legana and parts of Trevallyn are part of
6976-410: The city centre. City Park is home to Albert Hall. The park also has a large enclosure for Japanese macaque monkeys , a gift from sister city Ikeda , Japan. The Launceston General Post Office is a heritage-listed building that dates back to the 1880s, with a clock tower added in the early twentieth century. The GPO clock chime chimes every quarter-hour, twenty-four hours a day. Tasmania Zoo , which
7085-406: The city where the flag is regularly flown. Flying the flag is restricted to Council Property. The three intersecting lines in the flag represent the city's three rivers (North Esk, South Esk and Tamar) and the two rectangles in the lines represent tin ingots. The strip across the top with the jagged edge is green to represent the city's parks, gardens and surrounding countryside. Waratah flowers at
7194-438: The city's swimming facilities which now include a modern indoor multimillion-dollar swimming centre at windmill hill, now named Launceston Aquatic . The city co-hosted the basketball FIBA Oceania Championship 1975 , where the Australian national basketball team won the gold medal. Launceston's local newspaper The Examiner was founded by James Aikenhead in 1842, and has been continually published ever since. The newspaper
7303-459: The district are supported by the Tasmanian Institute of Agricultural Research which operates the Mount Pleasant Research Laboratories in the Launceston suburb of Prospect. Launceston serves as the commercial hub for the north of Tasmania, and like many parts of the state, is becoming a major tourist centre. Visitors to the city have grown over the past few years : during 2004 Launceston attracted 412,800 visitors, up 51% from 2001. The United Kingdom
7412-428: The east bank of the Tamar estuary, close to the river mouth. The South Esk River is the longest river in Tasmania. It starts in the North East Mountains near Roses Tier and flows through the Fingal Valley where it passes through the towns of Fingal and Avoca before flowing into the Northern Midlands where it flows through the towns of Evandale , Perth , Longford and Hadspen before finally reaching Launceston via
7521-404: The federal and state governments of Australia, the British government and Buckingham Palace , the Australia Act 1986 removed any remaining constitutional roles of the British monarch and British government in the Australian states, and established that the governor of New South Wales (along with the other state governors) was the direct, personal representative of the Australian monarch, and not
7630-458: The first use of anaesthetic in the Southern Hemisphere , it was the first Australian city to have underground sewers , and it was the first Australian city to be lit by hydroelectricity . The city has a maritime climate with four distinct seasons and is appreciably warmer than the south of the island during summer. Local government is split between the City of Launceston , Meander Valley and West Tamar Councils . The first inhabitants of
7739-410: The following eight governors, but was generally in poor condition and was vacated when the governor relocated to the new building in 1845, designed by Edward Blore and Mortimer Lewis . With the federation of the Australian colonies in 1901, it was announced that Government House was to serve as the secondary residence of the new governor-general of Australia. As a consequence the NSW Government leased
7848-618: The governor became the direct, personal representative of the sovereign. The office of governor is prescribed by the New South Wales Constitution . The Monarch , on the advice and recommendation of the Premier of New South Wales , appoints the governor with a commission issued under the Royal sign-manual and Public Seal of the State , who is from then until being sworn in by the premier and chief justice referred to as
7957-530: The governor-in-council, the governor acting with the advice of the Executive Council of New South Wales . This council is made up of cabinet ministers and gives legal effect to decisions already reached in cabinet. While the governor must almost always act only on the advice of ministers, in exceptional circumstances they may act in the absence or contrary to advice—this is known as the reserve powers . The circumstances when these powers may be exercised
8066-439: The governor. Furthermore, if the lieutenant governor becomes incapacitated while serving in the office of governor or is also absent from the state, the next most senior judge of the Supreme Court is sworn in as the administrator. Between 1788 and 1957, all governors were born outside New South Wales and were often members of the peerage . Historian A. J. P. Taylor once noted that "going out and governing New South Wales became
8175-615: The governors and former Governors of New South Wales. Upon installation, the governor serves as a Deputy Prior of the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem in Australia and is also traditionally invested as either a Knight or Dame of Justice or Grace of the Order. It is also customary that the Governor is made a Companion of the Order of Australia , though this is not necessarily automatic. The use by
8284-597: The hard summers and growing size of Sydney convinced successive governors of the need for a rural residence. The governor from 1868 to 1872, the Earl Belmore , used Throsby Park in Moss Vale as his summer residence. His successor, Sir Hercules Robinson , often retired privately to the same area, in the Southern Highlands , for the same reason. In 1879 it was then decided that the colony should purchase
8393-757: The islands of Bass Strait early in the 19th century. They also took whalers to the coast of Victoria in the 1820s and 1830s where they established temporary bay whaling stations. Some of these temporary communities, such as the ones at Portland Bay and Port Fairy , were the forerunner of permanent settlement of those places. Expeditions from Launceston were involved in the Foundation of Melbourne . Walter George Arthur, who petitioned Queen Victoria in 1847 while interned with other Aboriginal Tasmanians on Flinders Island , lived for several years in Launceston as one of numerous homeless children, before being taken into custody by George Augustus Robinson who sent him to
8502-446: The life of me I cannot understand the logic of having a Governor who is part-time and doesn't live at Government House. It is such a degrading of the office and of the Governor." In October 2011, the new premier, Barry O'Farrell , announced that the Governor, now Dame Marie Bashir , had agreed with O'Farrell's offer to move back into Government House: "A lot of people believe the Governor should live at Government House. That's what it
8611-477: The majority of governors since have come from a military background, numbering 19. Samuels was the first governor in New South Wales history without a political or common public service background—a former justice of the Supreme Court of New South Wales . The first woman to hold this position is also the first Lebanese-Australian governor, Dame Marie Bashir . As the sovereign lives outside New South Wales,
8720-440: The need for a 'summer retreat' to escape the hard temperatures of the Sydney summers. In 1790, Governor Phillip had a secondary residence built in the township of Parramatta . In 1799 the second governor, John Hunter , had the remains of Arthur Phillip's cottage cleared away, and a more permanent building erected on the same site. This residence remained occupied until the completion of the primary Government House in 1845, however
8829-593: The new design, which was given on 15 January 1981. The flag was first flown on 20 January 1981 over Parliament House for the official swearing-in of Governor Sir James Rowland, and was flown for the first time over Government House on 29 January 1981. Aside from the Crown itself, the office of Governor of New South Wales is the oldest constitutional office in Australia. Captain Arthur Phillip assumed office as Governor of New South Wales on 7 February 1788, when
8938-546: The next governor would be Gordon Samuels , that he would not live or work at Government House and that he would retain his appointment as chairman of the New South Wales Law Reform Commission. On these changes, Carr said: "The Office of the Governor should be less associated with pomp and ceremony, less encumbered by anachronistic protocol, more in tune with the character of the people." The state's longest-serving governor, Sir Roden Cutler ,
9047-450: The night of 4 August 2020, Launceston received an inch of snow on the ground, with varying levels around the state. Winter, for Launceston, is also the season with the least amount of wind. Because of this and the topographical effect of the Tamar Valley, Launceston winters are renowned for foggy mornings, with Launceston Airport the most fog-bound commercial airport in Australia. The average annual rainfall, with moderate to low variability,
9156-580: The period of the Black War , with genocidal expeditions occurring within the Letteremairrener country and neighbouring areas. By 1827, Launceston's population had climbed to 2,000 and the town had become an export centre, mainly for the colony's northern pastoral industry. Small hotels and breweries began to emerge in the 1820s before larger, more "substantial" hotels were built in the 1830s. Ships from Launceston carried parties of sealers to
9265-472: The powers of either of the houses of Parliament). A Governor's view that a bill is likely unconstitutional is not a ground for the reservation of royal assent as the legality of a bill is determined by the courts. With most constitutional functions delegated to Cabinet, the Governor acts in a primarily ceremonial fashion. The Governor hosts members of Australia's Royal Family , as well as foreign royalty and heads of state. Also as part of international relations,
9374-533: The residence of Cranbrook, Bellevue Hill as the residence of the governor. This arrangement lasted until 1913 when the NSW Government terminated the Commonwealth lease of Government House (the governor-general moved to the new Sydney residence of Admiralty House ), the governor from 1913 to 1917, Sir Gerald Strickland , continued to live in Cranbrook and on his departure his successor returned to Government House. On 16 January 1996, Premier Bob Carr announced that
9483-728: The settlement was moved across the river to York Town , and a year later was moved to its definitive position where Launceston stands. Initially, the settlement was called Patersonia; however, Paterson later changed the name to Launceston in honour of the New South Wales Governor Captain Philip Gidley King , who was born in Launceston, Cornwall . The name still survives in the tiny hamlet of Patersonia 18 kilometres (11 mi) north-east of Launceston. Paterson himself also served as Lieutenant-Governor of northern Van Diemen's Land from 1804 to 1808. The geographical area in which Launceston
9592-542: The site. Australia's oldest bookshop, A.W. Birchall & Sons (Birchalls) dating from November 1844, was closed in 2017 Located in the Southern Launceston suburb of Prospect , the Country Club Casino is a hotel, casino and golf course complex. It was the second casino to be built in Tasmania and one of the first in Australia. Launceston Aquatic , a $ 26.3 million regional aquatic centre
9701-466: The south side of Lindsay Street in Invermay, with businesses having until July 2009 to leave. In 2016 the Tamar River flooded resulting in the widespread flooding of low lying suburbs. The St Leonards and West Tamar Highways were temporarily closed as water levels rose, causing significant disruption to the city and loss of livestock. Launceston has an oceanic climate ( Köppen : Cfb ), bordering on
9810-654: The state government by Edwin Klein. Hillview was returned to the people of NSW in 1985 and is currently leased under the ownership of the Environment and Heritage Group of the Department of Planning & Environment . The viceregal household aids the governor in the execution of the royal constitutional and ceremonial duties and is managed by the Office of the Governor, whose current official secretary and chief of staff
9919-623: The state of New South Wales . In an analogous way to the Governor-General of Australia at the national level, the Governors of the Australian States perform constitutional and ceremonial functions at the state level. The governor is appointed by the monarch on the advice of the Premier of New South Wales , and serves in office for an unfixed period of time—known as serving At His Majesty's pleasure —though five years
10028-522: The state's ambulance service and the aircraft (a Beechcraft Super King Air ) is staffed by Ambulance Tasmania's Intensive Care Paramedics and doctors from the Launceston General Hospital. Launceston's electricity is primarily generated by renewable hydro electric power plants including the Trevallyn Power Station which is supplied with water from Trevallyn Dam . The major retailer is Aurora Energy . Historically, Launceston
10137-407: The top symbolise all flowers and similar beauties of nature. The ingots are included because Launceston used to be a large tin-smelting centre. The little circle at the river junction is Launceston. Along with being a major retail centre with an average of 75% of market share in surrounding local councils, Launceston is a major service centre for the north of Tasmania. The city is home to a campus of
10246-538: The viceregal office as the governor acting by and with the advice of the Executive Council of New South Wales . However, the post still ultimately represented the Government of the United Kingdom until, after continually decreasing involvement by the British government, the passage in 1942 of the Statute of Westminster Adoption Act 1942 (see Statute of Westminster ) and the Australia Act 1986 , after which
10355-524: The winter period is caused by wood smoke, while about 8% is from motor vehicle pollution. During the early 1990s about 60% of households used wood heaters, but since the mid-2000s only 25–30% of households use wood heating. According to the 2011 Tasmanian Air Monitoring report, particulate matter met the Air NEPM goals starting in 2006, and did not exceed the PM10 standard in the years 2009–2011. Launceston
10464-473: The year there is an average of 4.3 days a year over 30 °C (86 °F). The maximum recorded temperature was 39 °C (102 °F) on 30 January 2009, with Launceston Airport reaching 40.4 °C (105 °F) on that same day, during the 2009 Southeastern Australia heat wave . The city averages 67.3 clear days and 148.8 cloudy days per annum. Winters are cool with minimum temperatures dropping below 2 °C (36 °F) an average of 61 days
10573-563: Was a strait between Australia and Van Diemen's Land (now Tasmania). They originally landed in Port Dalrymple (the mouth of the Tamar River), 40 kilometres (25 mi) to the north-west of Launceston. The first significant colonial settlement in the region dates from 1804, when the commandant of the colonial garrison. Lt. Col. William Paterson , and his men set up a camp on the current site of George Town . A few weeks later,
10682-418: Was also reported as saying: "It's a political push to make way in New South Wales to lead the push for a republic. If they decide not to have a Governor and the public agrees with that, and Parliament agrees, and the Queen agrees to it, that is a different matter, but while there is a Governor you have got to give him some respectability and credibility, because he is the host for the whole of New South Wales. For
10791-798: Was at the Northern Tasmania Cricket Association Ground between the Melbourne Cricket Club and the Launceston Cricket Club in 1851. Australian rules football is very popular in Launceston, and is often played at York Park (University of Tasmania Stadium). Holding 20,000 people—more than any other stadium in Tasmania—York Park was swampland before becoming Launceston's showgrounds in 1873. Hawthorn has played between two and five AFL matches each season since 2001, and
10900-455: Was built for ... [A]t some stage a rural or regional Governor will be appointed and we will need to provide accommodation at Government House so it makes sense to provide appropriate living areas". With the Governor's return, management of the residence reverted to the Office of the Governor in December 2013. In addition to the primary Sydney Vice-Regal residence, many Governors had also felt
11009-630: Was completed in 1895 (the first municipally owned power station in the Southern Hemisphere). Until the 1950s when Trevallyn Power Station was built, Duck Reach supplied Launceston with most of its power needs – it is now an interpretive historic site. The former Gas Works currently houses the Launceston Hogsbreath Cafe. Launceston's water comes from the Launceston Water Catchment. The majority
11118-597: Was completed in July 2009. The site, just outside the central business district spans about 6,450 square metres (69,400 sq ft). From 1999 to 2003, Launceston was the site of three of the four Gone South music festivals. From 2006 to 2011, it hosted the MS Fest , a music festival held at the Inveresk Show grounds each summer to raise funds for multiple sclerosis research. This has since been replaced with
11227-498: Was formed by volcanic and glacial forces over 10 million years ago. The city is about 45 kilometres (28 mi) south of the Bass Strait , with its closest neighbour-city being Devonport , about 99 kilometres (62 mi) to the north west. Launceston combines steep (originally heavily wooded) ridges and low-lying areas (originally wetlands – with parts of the suburbs of Inveresk and Invermay below high-tide level). As
11336-575: Was initially elected in 2007, before being re-elected in 2009, 2011, 2014 and 2018. State Upper House seats that incorporate parts of Launceston are the Electoral Divisions of Paterson , Windermere and Rosevears . For federal elections, Launceston falls within the Division of Bass , with the sitting member being Bridget Archer for the Liberal Party of Australia , who won the seat in the 2019 election. The state Lower House seat
11445-651: Was powered by gas from the Launceston Gas Company , (later Gas Corporation of Tasmania). In 1988 it was sold to Boral . The first gas plant was built in 1860 as a horizontal retort Gas Works house made from brick and sandstone on the site's SW corner. This was followed by keepers cottages, labs, the Headquarters Building and the iconic 1930s vertical retort recognised by the wording "COOK WITH GAS" written in its brickwork. The Duck Reach Power Station replaced gas for street lighting when it
11554-435: Was the second town in Tasmania to be declared a city, after state capital Hobart . During the late 1880s, a small periodical called Launceston Literary contained stories as well as memoirs of the pioneering days of the region. The publication was distributed from a store in the northern end of the town, and while largely forgotten today, was at the time considered relatively popular, if at times controversial. According to
11663-424: Was the warmest year ever recorded in Launceston since temperatures were first recorded in 1884. Temperatures ranged from a minimum of 8.1 °C (46.6 °F) to a maximum of 19.2 °C (66.6 °F). During 2006 and 2007, Launceston had the hottest maxima throughout the state. In 2008, Launceston had the highest average maximum temperature out of all Tasmanian cities with 18.6 °C (65.5 °F). Many of
11772-527: Was titled Governor-General, in an early attempt at federalism imposed by Earl Grey . All communication between the Australian colonies and the British Government was meant to go through the Governor-General, and the other colonies had lieutenant-Governors. As South Australia (1836), Tasmania (January 1855) and Victoria (May 1855) obtained responsible government, their lieutenant-Governors were replaced by Governors. Although he had ceased acting as
11881-601: Was upgraded in 1997 through the federal "Networking the Nation" program. Beginning in 2010, the National Broadband Network began installation of fire optic cables in Launceston. In 2016, Launceston became the first city in Tasmania to be fully connected to the NBN. The car is by far the most dominant form of transport in Launceston, with the city having 721 km of urban and rural roads, even though much of
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