I am a proud Tasmanian from Down Under although I now live in New South Wales, Australia.
I have visited Newfoundland several times and love its similarity with Tasmania.
Having just received my first edition of Downhome I thought that I would share my thoughts with you and your readers.

My wife, Alisa Goodyear, and I recently received our first copy of Down home — a thoughtful gift from Alisa’s mother Audrey and her late father, Ellis Goodyear, a proud native of Corner Brook and Deer Lake. In his later years, Ellis made his home in Northern British Columbia before retiring to Summerland, BC, with his beloved wife, Audrey (née Lodge) also a proud native of Newfoundland.

A devoted Newfoundlander to the end, the subscription was purchased just before Ellis’ passing in March of this year. We’re enjoying it immensely and will think of him fondly with each issue.

Alisa was raised in Deer Lake but now lives with me in the Hunter Valley in New South Wales, Australia.  We are around a two-and-a-half-hour drive north of Sydney, in beautiful wine country.

I have had the privilege of visiting Newfoundland on three occasions over the past 25 years, mostly staying in St. John’s, Corner Brook, and Deer Lake. On one memorable trip, we drove from St. John’s to Corner Brook, allowing me to truly appreciate the island’s stunning beauty along the way. A highlight of every visit has always been the time spent with Alisa’s grandmother, Alice Goodyear. I was especially fortunate to be in Corner Brook in 2019 to celebrate her 100th birthday.

I have always been struck by the many similarities between Newfoundland and Tasmania in Australia, where I was born and raised.

Tasmania is an Island State off the South Coast of Australia.  It and its residents are the brunt of many jokes by mainlanders. Sound familiar?

There are several other similarities except for size.  Tasmania is 68,000 square kilometers whilst Newfoundland is 108,860 square kilometers. Tasmania is the world’s 26^th largest Island and Newfoundland is the world’s 16^th largest island. So, you win regarding size.

Tasmania’s population is estimated at 581,000 whilst Newfoundland’s is estimated at 545,579. Hobart, the capital city of Tasmania, is estimated to have a population of 191,407 whilst St John’s is estimated at 239,316.

Another similarity is that both Islands are rich in history and nature and are home to the warmest and loveliest people.

Alisa and I are enjoying Downhome and wish you and all your readers all the absolute best from Down Under.

Geoffrey D Askew, AM
New South Wales, Australia