Representatives from the Cradle Coast Authority (CCA) and Waratah-Wynyard Council (WWC) have taken a moment to reflect and celebrate the conclusion of a unique project that has seen the installation of seven Pause Places throughout the Waratah-Wynyard municipality. Pause Places provide thoughtful spaces for connection, rest, and reflection that were designed to celebrate our local landscape and history and to help meet the needs of our community.
Enjoying the moment at the Paul Beams and Charlie Trafford Pause Place at Somerset Esplanade, guests and project partners came together to mark the project’s completion and acknowledge the creativity and collaboration that brought the Pause Places to life.
Dr. Mary Duniam, Mayor of Waratah-Wynyard, highlighted the collaborative spirit behind the Pause Places initiative.
“Pause Places are a testament to the strength and creativity of our community. From the Somerset Community Shed’s imaginative craftsmanship to the collective efforts of local artisans and volunteers, these spaces are built by the community, for the community. They offer more than just a place to rest—they invite us to connect, reflect, and celebrate the spirit of Waratah-Wynyard,” Mayor Duniam said.
Each Pause Place is unique and has been carefully designed and created by the Somerset Community Shed to highlight its location’s beauty, history and character, offering a space for residents and visitors alike to slow down and enjoy the area’s natural and cultural heritage.
Neville Wilson, Secretary of the Somerset Community Shed expressed how much they had enjoyed working collaboratively with the CCA and WWC and the wider community to deliver these Pause Places. “Members of the Shed are very proud of Ken Sanderson’s work,” Mr Wilson said.
As part of the project, a dedicated website has been created, featuring individual QR codes displayed on site signage at each location. Users can access information about the site’s history, contributed by the Wynyard Historical Society, as well as details about nearby landmarks, tips for living a healthy lifestyle, and a gallery of artwork.
More information about the project, the seven Pause Place sites, and poetry submitted by Wynyard Word Players can be found at pauseplaces.com.
This event also marks the launch of the Park and Pedal initiative, encouraging people to drive less by allowing them to park their car in Somerset and finish their journey to Burnie or Wynyard on the Coastal Pathway, escaping the traffic and getting (or staying) fit at the same time. This site is equipped with a Bike Repair Station so users can ride with confidence as they transition from car to bike.
CCA Project Manager Jenny Donovan explains, “The Park and Pedal initiative will benefit the community by encouraging more cycling.”
According to estimates from the NSW Government, each person who bikes to Burnie for an 8 km journey saves the community around $225 weekly, while those cycling to Wynyard save about $345.
“These savings come from reduced health risks, such as heart disease, diabetes, and forms of cancer. Increased cycling also lowers the chances of traffic accidents and protects people from depression, not to mention the enjoyment of passing those stuck in traffic during the Cooee crawl,” states Ms Donovan.
The Pause Places project is funded by a Healthy Focus Grant from the Tasmanian Government’s Department of Health and undertaken by the Cradle Coast Authority and Waratah-Wynyard Council.
