commercial buildings such as supermarkets, shops, schools, bus routes are also used by the nearby town of Westbury, and the hamlets of Exton, Mole Creek and Meander. The town has a telephone exchange, which is owned and operated by Telstra. Deloraine was one of the first trial towns in Australia to be connected to the fibre optic National Broadband Network (colloquially 'NBN'). As of 2013, Deloraine has a 40.8% fibre optic connection rate. As of May 23, 2014, Deloraine, along with George Town, Triabunna and Sorell, are the first all-fibre optic towns in Australia. Transport The Emu Bay/Meander Valley Road passes through the town. One of the earliest railway lines in Tasmania was built between Launceston and Deloraine in 1871 to ship agricultural products into the city. It was constructed and operated by the private company, Launceston and Western Railway. The railway went bankrupt in 1872 after a mere year of operation and all assets were bought by the Tasmanian Government in 1873. Access to Deloraine is provided by the Bass Highway, part of Australia's National Highway, or by the older Meander Valley Road. Both the Meander River and a railway track that runs through the town from north Devonport through Deloraine and into Launceston and Central Tasmania. The train line is predominantly used for cargo with rare tourist train use. The town was bypassed by the new Bass Highway in the early 1990s. Health and education Deloraine is the educational and health centre for the Meander Valley region, location of a library, online access centre, local museum and public and private primary school and a high school. As well as being host to several art galleries. Deloraine is home to both a hospital/dental clinic and a doctor's practice, which are used by both the locals and neighbouring towns and villages. Climate Sister cities Deloraine has one sister city, according to the Australian Sister Cities Association. Hokitika, New Zealand References External links Localities of Meander Valley Council