Kettering, Tasmania facts for kids
Quick facts for kids KetteringTasmania |
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Population | 984 (2011 census) |
Postcode(s) | 7155 |
Elevation | 12 m (39 ft) |
Location |
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LGA(s) | Municipality of Kingborough |
State electorate(s) | Franklin |
Federal Division(s) | Franklin |
Kettering is a pretty coastal town. It is located on the D'Entrecasteaux Channel in Tasmania, Australia. This town is about 37 kilometers south of Hobart. It sits right across from Bruny Island. In 2011, about 984 people lived in Kettering.
Contents
Exploring Kettering's Past
Early Days and Settlements
The area around Kettering was first explored in 1792. This was done by a French explorer named Bruni D'Entrecasteaux. In the early 1800s, people started to settle here. These early settlers were mostly timber cutters, whalers, and sealers. Life was very tough back then. Many people did not stay for long. They often preferred the bigger town of Hobart.
Aboriginal History at Oyster Cove
Just north of Kettering is a place called Oyster Cove. This is where the last official settlement for Tasmanian Aboriginal people was created in 1847. Before this, Aboriginal people from all over Van Diemen's Land (Tasmania's old name) had been moved. Many were taken to Flinders Island.
In 1847, the remaining 44 people were brought to a special reserve at Oyster Cove. By 1855, only 16 people were left. By 1869, only one person, Truganini, remained. She passed away in 1876. Her ashes were later scattered over the D'Entrecasteaux Channel in 1976.
Post Office History
The first Post Office in the area opened in 1868. It was called Little Oyster Cove. In 1892, its name was changed to Kettering.
Kettering's Natural Surroundings
Geography and Coastal Changes
Kettering is protected by Bruny Island. However, the coastline is facing more and more erosion. This means the land along the water is slowly wearing away. Some local communities have placed sandbags along the shore. This helps to protect the land from the waves.
Kettering Today: A Lively Community
Farming and Local Life
Today, Kettering is famous for its orchards. Farmers here grow delicious apples, cherries, and pears. The town has become an important place for local farmers to get supplies. Many people who work in Hobart also live here. They enjoy the quiet and peaceful lifestyle Kettering offers.
Marine Activities and Ferry Services
Kettering is a hub for marine activities. It is a main center for fishing in the region. The town has two large marinas: South Haven Marina and Oyster Cove Marina. There are also many smaller, private jetties. Around 400 boats are kept in Kettering.
The Bruny Island Ferry, named Mirambeena, leaves from Kettering many times a day. It takes people and cars across to Bruny Island.
Arts and Culture in Kettering
Kettering has a very active community. Many artists and craftspeople live here. They are involved in lots of creative projects. In 2008, a local group performed a play called Under Milk Wood. It was presented as a radio play in the Community Hall and was very popular.
Kettering has also hosted "Art Trails." These events allow the public to visit art exhibitions and artists' studios. The first Art Trail was in 2008, and it was very successful. More Art Trails followed in 2010 and 2012.
The local Kettering Music Group organizes concerts. They are known as the Kettering Concerts. They also hold a Jazz in July concert every year since 2004.
In 2016, Kettering was a filming location for a TV series. It was called The Kettering Incident. This show was aired on Foxtel and BBC.
Local Politics Explained Simply
In the 2016 Australian federal election, people in Kettering voted for different political parties. About 32% voted for the Liberal Party. This party often supports businesses and individual freedom. About 31% voted for the Labor Party. This party usually focuses on workers' rights and social programs. And 27% voted for the Greens. This party is mainly focused on protecting the environment. Other smaller parties received the remaining votes.
Kettering's Services and Attractions
- Kettering Central: You can find general supplies and petrol here.
- The Oyster Cove Inn: This is a beautiful mansion built in the 1930s. It was renovated in 2009. The Inn has amazing views over Little Oyster Cove and the Oyster Cove Marina.
- Kettering Oval: This sports field is used for Cricket in the summer. It also hosts events like "The Taste of the Huon." This event shows off the best food and wine from the Channel and Huon Valley areas.
- Post Office and Shops: Kettering has a Post Office run by Rose and Mike Larner. It's part of the Kettering Central Complex. This complex also has a general store, a takeaway food shop, DVD hire, a UNITED fuel station, a local butcher, and a hair salon called The Cove.
- Community Hall: Kettering has a well-equipped Community Hall. In 2004, special panels were added to improve the sound. This makes it great for meetings, concerts, plays, and art shows. It even has a badminton court, and local people play there weekly.