Devonport City Council, Tasmania, celebrated its 40th birthday with a community celebration on Wednesday, 21 April in the Rooke Street Mall.
Mayor, Annette Rockliff said the event commemorated 40 years since Devonport was officially declared a city in 1981 by the Prince of Wales, Prince Charles.
Former resident Natalie Dyke who was born on the same day Devonport become a city, made the trek from Hobart to attend this year’s celebrations.
Mayor Rockliff recalls when Devonport became a city 40 years ago, and as part of the celebrations, Warden at the time, Kerry Berwick was sworn in as the first Mayor of Devonport, she was ironically the current mayor’s first cousin.
“I remember the atmosphere and the excitement of that day 40 years ago. We had all the local schools there to celebrate Devonport becoming a city. There were a lot of people packed into the Devonport Oval and there was a parade. It was a really special day.
“I feel fortunate to have seen Devonport grow and change over these past 40 years and as Mayor, I am incredibly proud of how our city has transformed.
“The people of Devonport have a lot of be proud of. They have a city that is a great place to live, work and invest, and I can’t wait to hear what thoughts community members have about Devonport on where it is today and where it will be in another 40 years.”
While the fanfare of the celebrations 40 years ago was not quite matched this year, Mayor Rockliff hasn’t ruled out the idea of inviting Prince Charles to attend the 50th celebrations, who will assumingly be King Charles by then.
