The social heart of Lindisfarne

Since returning to Tasmania after 30 years working overseas, I have regularly walked my Mum’s dog Ziggy down to Anzac Park to let him chase the big dogs around, the only vigorous exercise he gets. In that time I have witnessed countless uplifting social interactions amongst the regulars and other visitors to the Park.

Highlights include:

the arrival of baby Flo, now a year old, who sits gurgling in the grass surrounded by adoring and protective neighbourhood dogs while her dad plays fetch with their dog Meg;

the respect and affection shown to Warwick, one of the patriarchs of the Lindisfarne, who visited the Park every day with his two dogs Millie and Hugo until suddenly he couldn’t any more;

the sight of 9yo Blake, visiting from Sydney and wanting to hang out with dogs, asking 90yo Elaine about the HMAS Canberra plaque, where she was laying flowers in memory of her brother who went down with that ship nearly 80 years ago.

I’ve seen dog owners at the Park invited to join Rotary, given impromptu job interviews, encouraged to join a bridge game, assist with school history projects and so much more.

Because Anzac Park is a green, clean, sheltered, spacious and open place to respectfully exercise dogs, it’s become one of Lindisfarne’s most vibrant, inclusive and diverse social hubs. The immediate strength of support across Lindisfarne and beyond arguing against the Council’s proposal to close Anzac Park to dog exercise amply demonstrates the Park’s importance to the social fabric of our community.