Message from the Premier

All Tasmanians know there is something special about our State and that it's something worth celebrating.

2009 Celebrate Tasmania Day saw more than 40 events held throughout the State. This important celebration will now be held on the first Sunday in November each year.

So mark 7 November 2010 on your calendar and start thinking about hosting or planning an event!

This year's celebrations are again dedicated to our volunteers. I believe part of Tasmania's special appeal is the strength of our community spirit; we are willing to lend a hand to help others and make our communities better places to live. Without a doubt, our dedicated volunteers make a significant contribution to this way of life.

Celebrate Tasmania Day will give us a chance to thank our volunteers – from the coaches of our children's sporting teams to the people who share fresh vegetables from their gardens with neighbours. They are special Tasmanians who we should celebrate this Celebrate Tasmania Day.

I encourage volunteer-based organisations to begin planning a celebration - whether it be a picnic, a party, or a BBQ - to recognise their valued volunteers and to bring together their local community. All volunteer-based organisations that host a Celebrate Tasmania Day event for their community are eligible to apply for a grant of up to $3,000 through the Celebrate Tasmania Day Grants Program.

Those of us not involved in organising events should be sure to keep this date free so we can join in a celebration in our local community – it will be a good opportunity to connect with local people and organisations and remind ourselves what is so special about being Tasmanian.

David Bartlett MP
Premier