Kettering, Tasmania

Kettering Tasmania
Kettering
Population:	392 (2006 Census)
Postcode:	7155
Elevation:	12 m (39 ft)
Location:	32 km (20 mi) S of Hobart 20 km (12 mi) S of Kingston 4 km (2 mi) N of Woodbridge
LGA:	Municipality of Kingborough
State electorate:	Franklin
Federal Division:	Franklin

Kettering is a coastal town on the D'Entrecasteaux Channel. Kettering (37 km south of Hobart) and Woodbridge nestle into the coast on the D'Entrecasteaux Channel opposite Bruny Island - two tiny settlements gazing across the narrow channel at the island's low lying hills. At the 2006 census, Kettering had a population of 392.

History

The area was first explored by Bruni D'Entrecasteaux in 1792 and was settled in the early 19th century by timber cutters, whalers and sealers. Life was hard and the people who lived in the area rarely settled for long preferring the life in Hobart Town to the whaling stations and logging camps.

It was just north of Kettering in Oyster Cove that the last Tasmanian Aboriginal settlement was established in 1847. Aborigines from all over Van Diemen's Land had been rounded up some years earlier and isolated on Flinders Island. In 1847 the remnants, now only 44 people, were taken to a reserve at Oyster Cove. By 1855 there were only 16 people left and by 1869 only Truganini remained. She died in 1876 but it was not until 1976 that her ashes were thrown to the winds on the D'Entrecasteaux Channel.

Geography and Environment

The Kettering region, although sheltered by Bruny Island is increasingly subject to foreshore erosion, communities in some areas have decided to sandbag sections of coast to reduce the effects.

Today

Today the area is noted for its orchards (apples, cherries, pears) and Kettering has become an important service centre for the local farmers. Like so much of the area south of Hobart, both towns have become centres for commuters and alternative lifestyle dwellers who find the peacefulness suits them.

These tiny settlements are now the focus of marine activities. Kettering is the centre for fishing in the region. It has two major marinas, South Haven Marina and Oyster Cove Marina, as well as many smaller, privately owned jetties. Approximately 400 boats are located in Kettering whether on moorings or in marinas. The Bruny Island Ferry, Mirambeena, runs from Kettering numerous times a day.

Kettering has a thriving community involved in many artistic pursuits. There are many artists and crafts people living in Kettering and the Southern Channel. 2008 saw a local production of Under Milk Wood, presented as a radio play in the local Community Hall which was very successful. It also was at the centre of the Art Trail an event which included 3 exhibitions and 9 artists' studios opened to the public. The local Kettering Music Group have been organising 2 or 3 Chamber Music concerts Music concerts and a Jazz concert in July Jazz concert since 2004. The next Art Trail is planned for August 2010.

The Kettering Community Association (Inc.) is actively involved in a variety of community projects including the establishment of a community website.

Features and services

• General supplies are available at Kettering Central and the Kettering Service Station on the Channel Highway and also at the Ferry Road Store.
• The Oyster Cove Inn is a mansion built in the 1930s. A major refurbishment undertaken in 2009 has restored it to its original glory. The Inn sits at the head of Little Oyster Cove and has superb views over Oyster Cove Marina to the bay and Bruny Island.
• The Kettering Oval is used throughout the summer mainly for Cricket but also for events such as The Taste of the Huon which showcases some of the Channel and Huon Valley's finest food and wine.
• Kettering has a post office owned by Australia Post and run locally as part of the Kettering Central general store.
• Kettering has two cafés, the Mermaid Café situated next to the Bruny Island Ferry Terminal and the Rosie's Café which specialises in home made gluten free breads and cakes. The Oyster Cove Inn has a restaurant and also offers bar meals. Takeaway foods are available at the Kettering Central General Store and excellent coffee at Coffee a Go Go located next to the service station on the Channel Highway. Excellent hand-made chocolates are available from Nutpatch Nougat adjacent to the service station.
• Kettering has a well-appointed Community Hall with excellent acoustics^{[citation needed]}, suited for meetings, concerts, theatre and exhibitions. It has a badminton court and local enthusiasts play weekly.

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  Paddling Into Kettering

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  Early Morning Kettering

External links

• Art Trail
• Music concerts
• Jazz concert