Mr President, in its 150th year as a recognised town, Hadspen is going from strength to strength and is one of Tasmania's sought-after places in which to live.

Hadspen's current population is just over 2000 people, but it is forecast to grow to more than 5000 by 2031, according to the Meander Valley Council.

It is always inspiring to learn about the people and the community to appreciate its strength and Hadspen is full of incredible residents who give their time to help the town thrive.

One of Hadspen's most active citizens is Bev Sweetnam, whose volunteering over more than 20 years saw her receive a volunteer award at this year's Meander Valley Council Australia Day awards.

Bev has had many volunteer roles, including working on the committee that had the Hadspen Recreation Ground built. She has been a member of the Lions Club of Hadspen South Esk for 20½ years. Bev was a member of the Lions board for 20 years in pretty much every role. A mother of two, Bev volunteered in the Hagley Farm Primary School canteen, did parent help, served on the school council committee and school board, and volunteered with the Hadspen/Carrick Little Athletics Club.

Bev and her family relocated from Victoria to Hadspen in 1989, as they were looking for a town with clean air for their youngest son because he had acute asthma. Bev says -

Apart from the beautiful fresh air and stunning scenery, Hadspen is a mere 10-minute drive to Launceston and is well serviced with shops and businesses, gorgeous parks and recreational facilities, stunning tourist attractions, such as Entally House, and several extremely active community groups.

Those community groups include the Hadspen South Esk Lions, which constructed the Lions Park and erected some of the town's original bus shelters. It also fundraises to supply mobility aids and to help children pursue their talent, and runs incredibly popular car-boot sales, which are held four times a year.

Those community groups include the Hadspen South Esk Lions, which constructed the Lions Park and erected some of the town's original bus shelters. It also fundraises to supply mobility aids and to help children pursue their talent, and runs incredibly popular car-boot sales, which are held four times a year.

Hadspen Cricket Club also offers a MILO in2CRICKET program for 30 children to get them to play cricket. Since 2015, the club has run an annual champions of sport luncheon featuring big-name athletes and personalities such as Sir Ian Botham, Lauren Jackson, the 12th Man - Billy Birmingham - Sam Kekovich, David Foster and Marcus Ambrose. Money raised goes back into the club to keep the costs of playing each week affordable for players and to pay the cost of a junior coordinator working with young cricketers in the community. These luncheons have been incredibly successful, attracting 300 people annually. The club's president Corey Martin, says 'The club encourages children of all abilities to enjoy cricket and they try and put money back into the community. The club also plays matches to raise money for charity.'

Meander Valley Council is delighted with Hadspen's growth and the success of the community. The current focus is identifying new land for housing and updating infrastructure to meet demand. The council is also in talks with the Department of Education about whether Hadspen will get its own school. The council's general manager Martin Gill says there are four main reasons for the town's growth - its setting in a beautiful rural location close to Launceston, its relationship and access to rivers, its affordable land and its village atmosphere.

I pay tribute to the people of Hadspen for the positive and friendly community they have created through goodwill and a 'can-do' attitude. In particular, I thank everyone who volunteers their time because this plays a very important role in making Hadspen the wonderful, vibrant and warm community that it is. Thank you.