Hobart Observer April 2026

AUTUMN FOCUS

Grace is a carer for her mum Rita, who has dementia.

With Carer Gateway’s support, Grace was able to access free coaching and counselling and connect with other carers through her local Peer Support Group.

Care2Serve is the local Tassie team connecting Tasmanian carers to Carer Gateway.

If you are a carer and would like help too, contact us.

Support is free, inclusive and confidential.

St David’s sequoias beyond saving

THE two giant sequoia trees in Hobart’s St David’s Park will be removed after failing to respond to repeated attempts to save them.

Both trees, planted in 1937 to commemorate the coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, are now beyond saving.

Hobart Mayor Anna Reynolds said the decline of the giant sequoias was likely due to a combination of multiple impacts over the past two years including repeated fires reaching the canopy, contaminants and fire retardant foam entering the soil, removal of topsoil to address hazardous debris, soil compaction, irrigation

leaks causing saturation and the presence of fungal pathogens.

“I’m sure the people of Hobart will be heartbroken by the news these two beautiful trees have died,” she said.

“At just 88 years of age these giant sequoias were just babes in the woods, giant sequoias can live to be more than 3000 years old.

“Our arborist team have done everything they can to save these forest giants, including carrying out a three-stage soil microbiology treatment to try and breathe new life into the trees’ root system.

“The largest of the

two giant sequoias is 32 metres tall and 8.6 metres wide around its base. The second was just behind it, standing 30 metres tall and measuring 8.7 metres circumference at its base.

Mayor Reynolds said the city would soon start the removal of the trees from St David’s Park, a task that could take up to a week to complete.

“Sections of the park will be closed during these removal works and we ask that the public follow local directions to ensure everyone is safe,” she said.

“We will also be looking for opportunities to repurpose the wood and

welcome suggestions from the people of Hobart.”

“They will be replaced by two young giant sequoias and wood from the two sequoias trees will be used in City of Hobart projects, including the new waterfront interpretation project.

“The City will also look for opportunities to repurpose the wood in other ways, including for arts and cultural projects with the broader community.”

To stay up to date with the removal and replacement of these trees visit www.hobartcity.com. au/tree-giants

Autumn photography competition returns

PHOTOGRAPHERS

are being encouraged to capture the colours of the season as

Destination Southern Tasmania launches its 2026 Autumn in Focus photography competition.

The competition, now in its third year, will run throughout April in conjunction with the Tasmanian Autumn Festival, inviting both locals and visitors to showcase the region’s autumn landscapes.

Destination Southern

Tasmania CEO Alex Heroys said the season provided a perfect backdrop for photography.

“Autumn in Southern Tasmania is a photographer’s dream, with shorter days, longer sunsets and changing colours across the landscape,” he said.

The competition is open to photographers of all skill levels, from professionals to enthusiastic amateurs, with entries encouraged from across the region.

Participants are invited to capture iconic locations such as the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, the Huon and Derwent Valleys, Port Arthur and the streets of Hobart, as well as seasonal highlights like Mt Field, where the endemic Fagus transforms the landscape with vibrant autumn hues.

Destination Southern Tasmania marketing coordinator Darren Wright said the competition was about

more than just taking photos.

“It’s about stepping outside, appreciating the region’s seasonal changes and sharing those moments with others,” he said.

Last year’s competition attracted more than 2,400 entries, with submissions shared widely across social media and helping to showcase Southern Tasmania as an autumn destination.

Shortlisted entries will again be featured

across the Hobart and Beyond platforms, giving photographers added exposure.

This year’s winner will receive a prize package including a night’s accommodation at The Tasman, with breakfast for two.

To enter, share your autumn photos on Instagram using the hashtag #AutumnTasmania26 and tag @ hobartandbeyond, ensure the location is included in the caption.

Community cleans up rivulet

ON A bright Autumn morning in March, twenty local community members joined Greens’ MPs and councillors, all in gumboots and gloves, to clean up a patch of the New Town Rivulet.

A collaboration with Clean Up Australia, the cleanup saw more than 60 kilograms of rubbish collected within two hours.

We found lots of plastic, had a crack at removing some invasive weeds and pulled a shopping trolley from the

water.

This was one of three clean-up events that we’ll be organising throughout 2026, to help ensure our special urban wild places are looked after.

Please get in touch with Cassy or Vica either via email or social media to be notified about our next clean up or if you wish to volunteer with us.

It’s a great feeling, leaving the planet that bit healthier. We would love to see you at our next rivulet clean up.

Level Up Showcase returns to Hobart

VIDEO game enthusiasts will head to Princes Wharf

1 this April as the Level Up Tasmania Video Game Showcase returns for 2026.

The event will feature 26 Tasmanian developers, highlighting the growing strength of the local games industry.

Following a successful debut in 2024, which attracted more than 1,500 visitors, this year’s showcase is expected to draw strong crowds once again.

Minister for Arts and Heritage Madeleine Ogilvie said the event continued to build momentum for Tasmania’s creative sector.

“The 2024 Level Up Tasmania Video Game Showcase had more than 1,500 people of all ages through the doors and helped to raise the profile of our local developers,”

she said. Attendees will be able to try more than 40 Tasmanian-made games for free, alongside a program featuring a retro games corner, cosplay competition and a series of talks from industry speakers.

The showcase will also feature games supported through Screen Tasmania’s Games Development Program, including titles such as Golfle and Atlantic.

An Industry Day on 19 April will bring together local, national and international experts for panel discussions and presentations, including guest speaker and Summerfall Studios creative director David Gaider.

Interactive Games & Entertainment Association CEO Ron Curry said the event provided valuable

opportunities for the industry.

“Bringing the games community together with the broader community will create many opportunities for the industry to learn, share and collaborate,” he said.

Tas Game Makers president Dr Paris Buttfield-Addison said the showcase demonstrated the depth of talent in Tasmania.

“Level Up Tasmania is where that talent gets to step into the spotlight,” he said.

The Level Up Tasmania Video Game Showcase will run at PW1 on Friday 17 and Saturday 18 April with free entry.

Registration is required for the showcase, industry day and cosplay competition.

For more information or to register visit www. screen.tas.gov.au/ leveluptasmania

Caring support for individuals and couples

A NEW counselling service has launched in southern Tasmania, with experienced practitioner Jaen Andrews now offering support to individuals and couples via online video and phone sessions.

With 10 years’ experience, Jaen brings a warm and personcentred approach to her work, creating a safe and supportive space where clients can explore their challenges whilst drawing on a range of evidence-

based approaches to suit each person’s needs.

A key focus of her work is supporting people living with chronic pain and helping them navigate the impact it can have on relationships.

Jaen also has a strong interest in relationship counselling and supports couples to rebuild trust and strengthen emotional connection after difficult experiences, including affair repair.

Her qualifications include a Graduate Diploma

of Counselling from the University of Tasmania along with further training in Emotion Focused Therapy, Somatic Therapy for Complex Trauma and Gottman techniques. Jaen is currently studying Integrative Sex Coaching and plans to incorporate these learnings into her practice in late 2026.

Based in southern Tasmania, Jaen works exclusively online and over the phone, making her services accessible to clients across Tasmania, Australia

and around the world.

Her services are competitively priced, helping make professional support more accessible for individuals and couples.

She also offers a free 15-minute discovery call, giving people the chance to discuss their goals and see if counselling feels like the right fit, with no pressure to commit.

For more information or to make a booking visit www. jaenandrewscounselling. com

b kinder foundation receives super grant for primary school wellbeing programs.

The b kinder foundation has received $100,000 super grant from the CommBank Staff Foundation to expand their existing wellbeing programs into more rural and regional schools across Tasmania.

This school program supports primary school students to become kinder, more compassionate, and more empathetic people, as well as lead with kindness and make

long-lasting impacts on their school and local communities.

The program focuses on early intervention and prevention, equipping students with the practical skills to build empathy, resilience, and emotional intelligence.

The b kinder foundation was founded by Danny Mayson-Kinder in honour of her 12-yearold daughter Billie, who died in a horse accident in 2016.

Danny is incredibly grateful for the CommBank Staff Foundation’s belief in our vision and mission.

“When people often talk about kindness they think of a soft gesture, but we want to shift that attitude and the way we value each other.”

“We want kindness to be the foundation for everything, including leadership, education, policy, and community.”

Van Diemen Pet Expo

THE inaugural Van Diemen Pet Expo was held at the Sandy Bay Reserve recently.

Founder Fiona Dechaineaux created a dedicated pet expo to support small businesses experiencing roadblocks and participating in a

number of other markets in the greater Hobart area.

The CEO of the Tasmanian Small Business Council, Robert Mallett, said the expo was a lesson in adaptation and perseverance by its founder.

“Not all content was related to pets and Fiona has attracted a Latin American team to provide colour and motion with vibrant cultural food and artisan offerings,” he said.

“There were hands-on demonstrations in dog training and grooming which was an exciting new offering to weekend activities in southern Tasmania.”

Thirty Tasmanian small businesses showed their wares which reflected the event’s predicted success.

Easter support helps families facing cost-of-living pressures

WITH the cost of living continuing to rise, many households are feeling the strain, especially during important occasions like Easter.

Recognising this challenge, the electorate offices of Labor MPs for Clark, Josh Willie and Ella Haddad, have stepped in to provide practical support to the community.

In the lead-up to Easter, both offices organised hamper giveaways for Clark residents.

These hampers, filled with Easter items, were distributed to eligible community members to help ease the additional financial burden that often comes with the holiday season.

The initiative aimed to ensure that families could still enjoy Easter traditions despite ongoing financial pressures.

Josh Willie said the rising cost of living was making it increasingly difficult for families to come together during special times of the year.

“This is a time when families should be able to connect and celebrate,” he said.

Ella Haddad highlighted that this support builds on ongoing efforts, including a community food pantry and cloths rack that has been operating for many years out of her office.

The pantry provides residents with access to essential groceries, cloths and toiletries when they need them most.

The same service has now been set up in Josh’s office in Glenorchy.

“These initiatives are about more than just providing items- they’re about making sure people feel supported

and connected to their community,” Ms Haddad said.

In addition to direct support, the offices have been actively organising community engagement activities, such as barbecue during Christmas and Easter.

These events are designed to bring people together and strengthen connections across the community.

This year an Easter egg hunt was held with the BBQ at Bucaan Community House.

Seasonal initiatives like Easter hamper giveaways and festival-related programs play an important role in providing extra assistance at times when household expenses tend to increase.

Looking ahead, Josh Willie and Ella Haddad confirmed that more

support initiatives are planned.

They will continue to organise activities that help ease financial pressure, especially at times when support is needed most.

The community warmly welcome these efforts. Local organisers have expressed their appreciation for Josh Willie’s and Ella Haddad’s continued support.

Josh sponsored the first Easter egg hunt at Molesworth Market and Ella has distributed dozens of goodie bags to Neighbourhood Houses in the lead up to Easter.

Josh Willie and Ella Haddad welcome all community members to reach out or visit their electorate offices to discuss any assistance they may be able to provide, or simply to have a chat.

Guide Dogs Tasmania calls next generation of lifechanging assistance dogs

are in urgent need of some assistance to home these pups,” she said.

Guide Dogs Tasmania dog services manager Kim Ryan said the program’s success had seen more puppies start their journey towards becoming guide and assistance Dogs.

“The dog’s journey starts with someone willing to open their heart and home, and we

“Volunteers play a vital part in shaping a dog’s development in providing a consistent, caring environment to prepare dogs for their future roles.

“This is one of the most meaningful ways a person or family can make a difference by not only giving a dog a home but helping them transform someone’s life.”

As part of the Guide

Dogs Tasmania volunteer community, volunteers also benefit from social connection, health and fitness and learning about dog training and behaviour.

Guide Dogs Tasmania has welcomed applications from those living within 30 kilometres from Hobart, Devonport and Launceston.

No prior dog experience is required and full training and support are provided for both volunteers and their pups.

Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens welcomes Bird in Hand restaurant

THE national renowned winery Bird in Hand will operate a restaurant, tasting room and kiosk at the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens.

Deputy Premier Guy Barnett said the Tasmanian Government was excited to welcome Bird in Hand to the Gardens, further improving the visitor

experience.

“We welcome Bird in Hand with much enthusiasm and are excited to see them showcase our exceptionally diverse produce,” he said.

“The venue will feature both casual and fine dining options, bespoke event spaces, a wine-tasting room,

retail wine offerings and an outdoor takeaway kiosk.”

Bird in Hand founder and executive director Andrew Nugent said his family have shared a love for and affinity with Tasmania’s spectacular natural environment for many years.

“Our partnership with the iconic Royal

Tasmanian Botanical Gardens represents an organic evolution,” he said.

“It is a connection that allows us to share our wines and commitment to sustainability in a setting of extraordinary beauty and cultural significance.”

Macquarie Point plans move ahead

PLANS for the redevelopment of Macquarie Point have taken a step forward, with the Australian Government formally backing both the precinct’s master plan and housing strategy.

The plans outline a

mixed-use precinct on Hobart’s waterfront, bringing together arts and cultural spaces, events, hospitality, public plazas and a new stadium, alongside improved access to the foreshore.

The long-term vision

is to transform the site into a year-round destination, while maintaining key port operations and transport links that support freight, logistics and Antarctic research.

Housing will also form part of the development,

The friendly Fantail

IF you spend any time walking along the Hobart Rivulet or through Waterworks Reserve, chances are you’ve been followed by a tiny, energetic bird flicking its tail and darting through the trees.

The Grey Fantail is one of Hobart’s most familiar native birds, known for its constant movement, friendly nature and distinctive fanned tail.

Measuring just 14 to 16 centimetres long, this small insect-eater is rarely still.

It flits from branch to branch, twisting and turning through the air as it hunts for flying insects with impressive agility.

What makes the Grey Fantail particularly special is its confidence.

Unlike many native birds, it is not shy, often coming within a few metres of people as it chases insects stirred up by footsteps along bush tracks.

Its plumage is mostly grey with a pale underside, a white throat and eyebrow, and a long tail edged in white that it fans out like a hand-held fan, giving the bird its name.

Grey Fantails can be found across much of Australia, but they are especially common in treed areas, from bushland and reserves to suburban gardens.

During the cooler months, many Tasmanian fantails migrate to mainland Australia, making spring and summer the best time to spot them locally.

For birdwatchers and casual walkers alike, the Grey Fantail is often one of the first birds to make its presence known, darting through the canopy or hovering mid-air in pursuit of insects.

Next time you’re out for a walk, keep an eye out.

If you see a flash of grey and a flicking fan-shaped tail, you have likely run into one of Hobart’s most charming little companions.

with a mix of affordable, essential worker and social housing planned for the Regatta Point area.

The redevelopment includes upgrades to the waterfront, aimed at encouraging greater public use of

the area and creating new commercial opportunities.

Federal Minister for Infrastructure Catherine King said the project would deliver broad benefits for the state.

“Macquarie Point will become a world-class,

year-round destination for Tasmanians and bring a significant boost to the state’s tourism sector,” she said.

Tasmanian Minister for Urban Renewal Eric Abetz said the project would turn an underused industrial site into a new community precinct.

“This will bring together sport, entertainment, hospitality and accommodation into a new precinct for the whole state,” he said.

Bird of the month

10pm: Wednesday Night with Michael Holloway. Midnight: Music of Your Life Overnight. Thursday 6am: Thursday Breakfast with Craig Cracknell. 9am: Magic Music Mix with Tom Payne. Midday: From The 40s to The 00s with Robyn Guy. 2pm: The Music Of

Tassie Mums Coats for Kids campaign call for donations

TASSIE Mums has called for community donations of clean pre-loved clothing for its annual Coats for Kids campaign that runs until 3 May this year.

The CEO of Tassie Mums Clair Harris said every child deserved to feel warm and cared for, especially during winter.

“The generosity of our community has always been at the heart of this campaign and with Tasmanian’s help we’re hoping to reach more children this year,” she said.

“If your child has outgrown their clean coat, please consider donating it to Tassie Mums.

“We will rehome it to a girl or boy in the community who has great need for it.”

Tassie Mums has asked for children’s coats and warm winter clothing in sizes three to 14 and aim to collect 1,000 coats this winter.

Donations can be dropped off at designated collection points across the state, including 17 Coles Supermarket stores.

Dark Mofo returns with packed program

DARK Mofo will once again light up Hobart this winter with the 2026 program unveiled ahead of the festival’s return in June.

The festival will feature a mix of returning favourites and new experiences, including the Winter Feast, OgohOgoh, Night Mass and the Nude Solstice Swim.

Among the new highlights is a unique series of artworks to be presented below deck on the Spirit of Tasmania V which will be moored alongside the Dark Park precinct.

Spirit of Tasmania V, which is expected to be in the Port of Hobart between 8 and 30 June for the final local fit out, is set to play a role in the festival over two weekends – 11 to 14 June and 18 to 21 June.

Minister for Tourism, Hospitality and Events

Jane Howlett said the festival remained one of Tasmania’s major drawcards.

“Dark Mofo is an iconic Tasmanian event and a

recognised world-class winter festival,” she said.

“The event is expected to once again attract strong crowds during the traditionally quieter winter months, providing a boost for local tourism and hospitality businesses.

“Last year’s return, following a one-year hiatus, drew more than 50,000 interstate and international visitors, with total attendance reaching 120,000 and generating more than $67 million in economic benefit for the state.

“The Tasmanian Government has confirmed its support for the festival through to 2027.”

TT-Line CEO Chris Carbone said the festival would utilise vehicle decks three and five on board Spirit of Tasmania V.

“Dark Mofo has had a significant social and cultural impact on Tasmania since its inception and has greatly assisted with visitor numbers to the

state during the winter months,” he said.

“Partnering with an event like this makes enormous sense for Spirit of Tasmania, particularly when the vessel will be berthed at the port for the final fit out during the high profile festival.

“We are obviously very excited for Tasmanians to see this beautiful new ship up close, but seeing it in the context of Dark Mofo will be even more special and meaningful.”

Dark Mofo 2026 will run from 11 to 22 June.

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admin@rplawyers.com.au

HOBART & SYDNEY OFFICES

The art of care

Benjamin Jardine, CEO, The District Nurses Tasmania

ACROSS Tasmania every day, our dedicated team steps into homes and communities to provide skilled care, comfort and support. At The District Nurses, our people are truly at the heart of everything we do.

Our team reflects a wide range of experiences, cultures and pathways, each bringing something valuable to the care we provide.

As we mark Harmony Week, it is a timely reminder that inclusion is not just something we talk about, it is something we live every

celebrate—it directly strengthens the quality, relevance and cultural responsiveness of the care we deliver. The more our workforce reflects the communities we serve, the better the support we can provide every day.

Two recent examples reflect how lived experience, opportunity and growth come together at The District Nurses. They are just two of the many pathways within our organisation where people grow their careers while enriching the communities we serve.

Scheduling Officer Ajwinder Kaur began her journey in a support role, gaining hands-on experience and building a strong understanding of the organisation and its values. Her progression into an office-based role reflects what is possible

take the next step in their careers.

Similarly, Finance Officer Sophiya Maharjan’s journey speaks to the strength of diversity in our workforce.

Originally from Nepal, Sophiya came to Australia as an international student and began working as a support worker with The District Nurses.

Through dedication and a commitment to learning, she has since moved into a finance role, where she now helps ensure resources are managed effectively to support care delivery across the organisation.

Both stories are different, but they share a common thread of opportunity, inclusion and growth. Inclusion is not something we talk about; it’s something we invest in, through training, career pathways and a culture where every voice

At The District

Nurses, we know that when people feel valued and supported, they are able to do their best work.

Harmony Week is a chance to celebrate the many ways diversity strengthens the quality of our services and makes the lives of our clients better.

For nearly 130 years, The District Nurses has been part of Tasmania’s community.

That legacy endures through a workforce that reflects the diversity of the people we serve and our shared commitment to delivering care that is compassionate, respectful and inclusive.

As we look toward our next century of service, it is the diversity, compassion and professionalism of our workforce that will carry this legacy forward.

Because caring for

Acclaimed Doll Trilogy set for Hobart season

ONE of Australia’s most celebrated works of theatre, The Doll Trilogy, is set to arrive in Hobart following a successful season at Melbourne’s Red Stitch Actors’ Theatre.

The landmark production brings together Ray Lawler’s three iconic plays, including Summer of the Seventeenth Doll, in a rare staging performed by a single ensemble across all three parts. It is the first time the trilogy has been presented in full in this way in decades.

Spanning from the late 1930s to the early 1950s, the trilogy follows a group of characters as they navigate

love, friendship and change in working-class Australia, capturing a pivotal period in the nation’s cultural history.

Directed by Red Stitch Artistic Director Ella Caldwell, the production has been described as an ambitious and immersive theatre experience, offering audiences the chance to follow the characters’ lives across multiple decades.

Tasmanian Actor Lucinda Smith said the production offered a powerful sense of connection.

“It’s all about connection, these characters are so connected to one another and their community, and

I think that’s something audiences will really respond to,” she said.

Smith, who trained at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts, said performing the work has been a special experience, particularly as it returns to Tasmania.

The Hobart season will see the production take to the stage at the Theatre Royal, one of Australia’s oldest operating theatres.

The Doll Trilogy will be performed at the Theatre Royal from 28 to 31 May, with tickets available at theatreroyal.com.au

Building confidence and strength in local kids

TOO many kids today are stuck indoors, glued to screens, lacking confidence, fitness and resilience.

Parents see it every day: low energy, short attention spans and kids who hesitate to step outside their comfort zone.

You want them to be active, confident, and capable, but finding the right environment that builds both fitness and character isn’t always easy.

What most parents worry about isn’t just fitness, it’s confidence, discipline and social connection.

Kids who don’t stay active can struggle with self-esteem, teamwork, and handling challenges. Without the right outlet, that energy can turn into frustration, disengagement, or lack of motivation.

And once those habits set in, they can be hard to change.

That’s exactly why our Kids & Youth Boxing program was created.

The training is about building stronger, more confident young people in a safe, supportive environment.

Through structured

boxing training, children learn discipline, focus, coordination, and respect while improving their fitness and having fun.

Every session is guided by experienced coaches who understand how to motivate young people and help them grow at their own pace.

We’ve seen shy kids walk through our doors and, within weeks, stand taller,

speak with confidence, and feel proud of what they can achieve.

Parents often tell us their kids sleep better, listen better, and look forward to training each week. It becomes a positive routine that builds lifelong habits.

If you want your child to become fitter, more confident, and part of a

supportive community, now is the perfect time to get started.

Our Kids & Youth Boxing program is open to beginners, and we make it easy to try without pressure.

Join MBS Fitness today and give your child the opportunity to build strength, confidence and skills that last far beyond the gym.

Glenview Close independent living

Vibrant, social community. Manicured gardens, river views. Activities and bus trips.

Two-bedroom unit with a sundeck and undercover parking. Ideal for one or two people over 55, at least one of whom is retired.

Live with as much or as little support as you like.

Maintenance-free, secure environment.

Call 03 6277 8800 to inspect.

2-10 Windsor St Glenorchy

03 6277 8800

More details at: glenview.org.au/ services/independent -living-units

A purpose-built home port for the RSV Nuyina, supporting our gateway to Antarctica.

This project is the largest infrastructure investment in TasPorts’ history. It will support Antarctic research and operations, and global shipping, while boosting Tasmania’s economy and making us a leader in sustainable port operations.

The multi-stage project includes:

• A purpose-built Antarctic and Southern Ocean berth for the RSV Nuyina

• The complete rebuild of Macquarie Wharf 6

• Sustainable shore power infrastructure at Macquarie Wharf 6

• Modern wharf infrastructure improving freight and cruise capacity

Stage One begins in early 2026

The Macquarie Wharf 6 redevelopment is the first stage of the broader Macquarie Wharf Redevelopment Project, underpinned by an $188 million investment from the Australian Government.

Home is where your story continues

FOR Bill and Mary, home isn’t just a place, it’s more than 20 years of memories, routines and a life built together.

Like many older Australians, staying in that home on their own terms is what matters most. When Mary underwent knee surgery, the small everyday tasks became harder. Not the big things, just the quiet rhythm of daily life like making the bed, keeping the house in order and staying on top of things. They didn’t want their

lifestyle to change. They just needed a little help to keep it flowing. That’s where Respect Support at Home came in.

For Bill and Mary, home care wasn’t about handing things over. It was about filling the gaps, getting

practical support to keep their confidence and independence intact. With a carer who understood their routines and respected the way they liked things done, life continued much as it always had.

Respect caregivers

Support at Home

Maintain independence with support that works with you

Maintain your independence with care that works alongside you. Our caregivers take the time to understand your routines and preferences, offering practical support where it helps most. The focus is on building confidence, preserving everyday routines, and ensuring you stay in control - at home, on your terms.

Why choose Respect Support at Home?

Personalised care that fits your life

Trusted, local, compassionate carers Support that grows with you Independence, dignity and peace of mind

“Respect will always be there to look after you.”

- Barbara, Respect Support at Home Client

Considering Support at Home for the first time, or seeking a better standard of care? Choose Respect. The best care, no matter where.

live and work in your community, they understand what matters to the people in it. Consistent, familiar faces and reliable support and the kind of care that fits around your life, not the other way around.

As Bill and Mary put it,

their support was there to fill the gaps and help us stay confident and independent in our home.

Whether you’re navigating a change in health or simply want extra reassurance, Respect is here to help you keep living the life you love. The best care, no matter where.

If you’re considering Support at Home for the first time, or looking for a better standard of care, choose Respect –1300 144 144.

Leading a revolution in natural bone health

OPEN DAY

Saturday 18th April 2026 | 12.30pm - 4pm

You are invited to join us for our Open Day! in support of Falls Prevention Month.

What to expect:

Educational talks & workshops

Interactive experiences

Express Regenerative treatments

Giveaways, prizes, special offers and goodie bags

Come along with a friend and tour our centre and meet the team!

Scan the QR code to reserve your FREE ticket.

at $465

Live life to the full in your own home with the support of Care Forward nurses, allied health professionals and dedicated home independence assistants.

Chat with a Liaison Officer

Navigating access to care in the home can be daunting, that’s why Care Forward offers to meet you in your home to talk through the whole process – whether you decide to receive services from us or not. Simply call 1300 364 876 to make a time.

Not with Care Forward? You can still join our activities!

Please contact us to discuss moving your care forward! Tasmanian, not-for-profit, statewide, since 1999. 1300 364 876

Our dedicated team of allied health professionals, nurses and home support staff work together to restore and maintain your health, independence and wellbeing.

Currently Care Forward is delivering cyber-security workshops on behalf of the Australian Government’s Act Now. Stay Safe. program. info@careforward.com.au

Participants love the sessions because of the easy to understand tips for a safer online experience. Please join one of our workshops by calling or emailing us, or visit careforward.com.au.

PRIME TIMES

Reclaiming your smile: Why it’s never too late for dental implants

LIVING with missing teeth affects more than just your smile, it impacts how you eat, speak and feel day to day.

While traditional dentures have long been the fallback, they often cause frustration with slipping, discomfort, or limitations on what you can eat.

Dentists of Tasmania provides gentle, advanced dental implant solutions for all your needs.

Whether you’re missing a single tooth, several teeth or require full mouth restoration, dental implants offer a secure and lasting alternative to removable dentures.

For denture wearers, implants can also anchor your dentures firmly in place, putting an end to slipping and discomfort.

This means you can eat, speak, and smile with greater confidence, no matter your age or stage of life.

Age is Just a Number Don’t worry if you think you might be too old for dental implants, it’s a common myth that they’re only for younger people.

In reality, you’re

never too old to enhance your dental health and comfort.

“No matter your age, it’s possible to restore your smile and quality of life,” Dr Roger Puckridge said.

“We’ve helped patients in their 90s regain confidence and comfort with dental implants.

“Improving your quality of life, enjoying the foods you love and feeling confident about your smile is possible at any age.”

Options from single teeth to full mouth restoration

Dental implants are a highly effective, long-term solution for replacing your missing teeth.

A small titanium post is placed gently into the jawbone, acting as a secure anchor for your custom-made crown, bridge or even a full set of new teeth.

For those needing full mouth restoration, several implants can support an entire bridge or firmly hold your dentures in place. This modern approach makes chewing easier and speech clearer, without the worries of

loose-fitting dentures.

Advanced implant technology

At Dentists of Tasmania, we use trusted implant systems from MIS Implants Technologies Ltd, renowned for their precision and strong results.

Their advanced surface design encourages healthy bone integration, supporting your healing and reliable, long-term outcomes.

Restoring your appearance and oral health

Worried about how your new teeth will look?

Your implants are carefully matched for colour, shape, and alignment so they blend naturally with your smile.

Beyond appearance, implants help prevent jawbone loss, preserving your natural facial structure over time.

When teeth are missing, the jawbone can shrink and change your appearance, implants stimulate the bone just like natural tooth roots, supporting both your health and your looks.

Personalised, experienced care

We understand that choosing to invest in dental implants is an important decision and having a supportive local team matters.

Dr. Puckridge and our experienced clinicians take the time to understand your unique needs, answer your questions, and guide you each step of the way. Our focus is always on your

comfort and your goals.

Take the First Step Missing teeth don’t have to dictate what you eat or how you smile. Thanks to today’s modern dental implant options, including singletooth, multi-tooth, full mouth implants, and implant-anchored dentures, you can regain comfort, function and self-assurance at any age.

We warmly invite

you to arrange a complimentary consultation with Dentists of Tasmania. You will have the opportunity to discuss your needs in a relaxed, no-pressure setting, explore the most suitable solutions for you, and receive advice tailored to your unique situation. Contact Dentists of Tasmania today on 6265 2009 and take your first step toward a healthier, more confident smile. The information provided here is for general education and not intended as medical or dental advice. Results, risks and recovery can vary for each individual. Please seek guidance from qualified health professionals and consider multiple opinions before choosing any dental treatment.

Why Hearing Matters

MORE than three million Australians are impacted by some level of hearing impairment.

It doesn’t just affect these three million people, but also the friends and relatives around them who now struggle to have even the simplest conversations with them.

Thankfully, the technology of today makes hearing easier to achieve than ever before.

That’s where Hearing Matters comes in.

Hearing Matters is an independent, Australian and family owned and operated audiology practice in Tasmania.

Senior Audiologist

Jan Machotka said that Hearing Matters prided itself on being independent and not owned or aligned with a hearing aid manufacturer.

This allows customers the freedom to choose any make and model of device from around the world, with a no obligation real word one month trial.

“We are not going to simply endorse our own one product to you, but discuss all of the possible rehabilitation options and give you the final decision based on your own needs and preferences,” Mr Machotka said.

Many happy patients have been pleased to share their positive experiences at Hearing Matters.

They have been described as “the essence of courtesy, consideration and cooperation” by Mr C. Stacey.

Mr P. Maslin has said it was a pleasure to deal with experts who know their products.

While Mr G Docking stated that being impressed by their work ethic and pleasant, friendly attitude and went on to add that their unbiased, independent advice made my choices easy and informed.

Ms Y Tiss was also pleased with Hearing Matters for the information about the range of hearing aids available, adding that it was given in a manner that was very helpful in deciding which option would suit my lifestyle.

Ms Tiss goes on to explain how she has been very pleased with the hearing aid chosen and that she was happy to say the quality of my life has improved considerably.

Mr J Kaye has described Hearing Matters as welcoming, helpful, informative, knowledgeable and totally professional, with outstanding client

relations and service. Hearing Matters are fully equipped with state-of-the art products and services, suitable for people with varying degrees of hearing impairment.

If you are working in a noisy environment or have previously worked in noise, you might be eligible for free assistance in regaining your hearing.

This is something that Hearing Matters can help you with every step of the way, with no cost to yourself.

If you are a pensioner, you may be entitled to completely subsidised assessments and devices.

If you are a private patient, Hearing Matters offer free assessments and free trials of any devices if you feel you wish to try something to help with your hearing needs.

You are able to take them home and out and about and see if they work for you without any obligation to purchase them.

You can also try a different device until you find the one that suits your individual needs.

For a free hearing check-up and free device trial in Tasmania, call Hearing Matters on 1300 731 710.

The Discreet Hearing Solution

Almost invisible when worn for the ultimate in discretion.

fit so you can wear all day, every day.

handling with portable rechargeability that lasts all day.

AVAILABLE AT HEARING MATTERS

Hearing Matters

Your local, independent audiologists, supporting residents with 28 locations across South Australia and Tasmania. Scan to access our website and find a clinic near you.

A FINANCIAL MOMENT A FINANCIAL MOMENT

Making sense of deeming

Hank Jongen, General Manager, Services Australia HELLO everyone.

If you get a payment from Services Australia, you may be affected by deeming.

I thought it would be useful to explain how deeming works, so you can be better informed about how your payment rate is calculated.

Understanding deeming can also help you decide how to invest your money.

What is deeming?

Deeming is the set of rules we use to work out income from your financial assets.

Financial assets include bank accounts, shares, managed investments, loans, some gifts, some income streams, and, if you’re over the Age Pension age, this can include your superannuation.

Deeming assumes that you receive a set rate of income from these investments.

This means you don’t have to tell us every time your income from these investments change.

Plus, as a bonus, any investment income you receive that is higher than the deeming rate won’t affect your payment.

It also means we don’t use the chosen level of pension you

Community News

Vinnies CEO Sleepout launches for 2026

LEADERS across Tasmania will come together across two locations for the annual Vinnies CEO Sleepout to raise awareness of homelessness and funds to support services and programs run by the St Vincent de Paul Society.

The need continues to be great, with the Society’s Tasmanian volunteer Members assisting around 365 individuals and 52 families per week with approximately $132 of assistance per visit so far this year.

receive from your account-based pension to work out your payment rate. Instead, the entire balance of your account-based pension is deemed.

Deeming may not impact your payment.

If you’re getting the full rate of payment, or your pension is affected by the assets test, deemed income isn’t impacting your fortnightly rate. What are the benefits of deeming?

Deeming helps keep your payments from Services Australia steady, instead of going up and down based on the performance of your financial assets.

It saves you time, because you don’t need to tell Services Australia every time your income from these investments change.

Deeming also provides an incentive to invest.

That’s because any interest or drawdowns you get that are higher than your deeming rate won’t affect your payment from us.

So, you can focus on choosing the best investments for your needs and preferences, rather than worry about whether they are better or worse for your rate of payment. 20 March changes

March,

the deeming rates changed.

If you’re single, the first $64,200 of your financial assets has the deemed rate of 1.25%.

Anything over $64,200 is deemed to earn 3.25%.

If you’re a member of a couple and at least one of you get a pension, the first $106,200 of your combined financial assets is deemed at the rate of 1.25%. Anything over $106,200 is deemed to earn 3.25%.

Funds from the sale of the family home

If you receive an income support payment from us, special rules apply if you sell your home.

The money you get from the sale of your home may be treated differently to your other financial assets.

The portion of the proceeds from your sale that you plan to use to purchase, build, repair or renovate your new home will be deemed at the lower interest rate of 1.25% for up to two years from the date of sale.

This can be extended to a total of 3 years under special circumstances.

To find out more about deeming, go to servicesaustralia.gov. au/deeming Until next time

The Vinnies CEO Sleepout will be held on Thursday 18 June across Australia including at University of Tasmania Stadium in Launceston and

Ninja Stadium in Bellerive.

Over 122,000 people are experiencing homelessness across Australia according to the most recent Census, with 2,350 people in Tasmania going to bed each night without a secure home.

“The Vinnies CEO Sleepout is an opportunity for leaders across Tasmania to draw attention to homelessness and use their influence to advocate for change,” St Vincent de Paul Society Tasmania Chief Executive Officer Connie Digolis said.

“Homelessness has increased by 5.2 per cent nationally since 2016 and there are grave concerns

that the numbers will go up even further when the Census is held later this year.

“Our members and services are on the frontline of this crisis in cities, towns and regional communities alike, seeing firsthand how hard it is for people to have a safe, secure and stable place to call home.

“By taking part in the Vinnies CEO Sleepout, participants can gain a greater understanding of how homelessness affects so many aspects of a person’s life and raise vital funds which allows Vinnies to offer a hand up to people in need.”

Close to $110 million has been raised nationally

since the launch of the Vinnies CEO Sleepout in 2006, supporting thousands of people experiencing and at r isk of homelessness with accommodation, food, clothing, case management and other assistance.

More than 50 Tasmanian CEOs, business and community leaders took part in the Vinnies CEO Sleepout in 2025, raising more than $94,500 to support state-based services and programs.

Business and community leaders can sign up to take part in the Vinnies CEO Sleepout on Thursday 18 June at www. ceosleepout.org.au/event/ tasmania

Discover new pathways to wellbeing for yourself or a loved one

Do you, or someone you care about, have a formal mental health diagnosis and seek wellbeing support?

Wellways to Recovery in Hobart provides vital mental health and wellbeing support for individuals aged 16 and over with a diagnosed mental health condition.

Our program empowers individuals to enhance daily life skills, improve health and wellbeing, foster social connections, and build self-esteem. Whether navigating life transitions, managing anxiety, or seeking renewed hope, Wellways can help.

Take the first step towards recovery.

Call 03 6333 3103 or email tasmania@wellways.org today.

Strength you can feel: A new way forward for bone health in Hobart

MOST people don’t think about their bone strength, until something goes wrong.

A fall, a fracture, or even just the gradual loss of confidence in movement can be the moment many realise how important strength, stability and balance really are.

But what if that process could be addressed earlier?

What if strength could be measured, improved, and built deliberately, rather than left to decline over time?

That’s the space

OsteoStrong Hobart is filling in Hobart.

A different kind of health experience

In a city that values movement, nature and wellbeing, Hobart has no shortage of fitness and health options.

But OsteoStrong offers something fundamentally unique.

OsteoStrong is an integrative wellness centre that specialises in

bone health, balance and strength.

OsteoStrong represents a meeting point between modern science and specialised technology, delivering a highly targeted way to stimulate bone growth, improve muscular strength, and enhance balance.

For many people, it’s not something that can be fully explained, it’s something that needs to be experienced.

Why bone and muscle strength matter

As we move through life, changes in bone density and muscle strength are common.

What is less commonly understood is how closely these changes are linked to:

• Falls risk

• Reduced mobility

• Loss of confidence

• Declining quality of life

For many Australians, particularly as they age, a fracture can be a major

turning point — not just physically, but in terms of how they live day to day.

In Tasmania, where people value staying active, whether that’s gardening, travelling, walking or simply maintaining their home, maintaining strength and balance is essential.

The encouraging reality is that the body can respond positively when given the right stimulus.

Precision, not exhaustion

At OsteoStrong, members attend once per week, working one-on-one with a trained coach.

Using specialised osteogenic loading equipment, the body is placed in its strongest and safest position, allowing targeted force to be applied in a controlled way, this has to be seen to be believed.

This is not about fatigue or high-volume exercise.

It’s about precision and stimulus.

The aim is to trigger the body’s natural adaptive response, encouraging improvements in bone density, strength and stability.

Alongside this, members can access a range of supportive technologies, including red light therapy, compression therapy, hydro massage and pulsed electromagnetic field therapy.

Real progress you can measure

One of the most powerful aspects of the OsteoStrong program is that progress is not guesswork.

Members often track their journey through strength measurements and, where appropriate, bone density scans.

The outcomes seen locally in Hobart have been very encouraging:

• Consistent improvements in strength across members

• Many experiencing

gains in bone mineral density

• Significant improvements in balance, confidence and day-to-day capability

Perhaps just as importantly, people begin to feel more in control of their health.

And that shift, from uncertainty to confidence, can be transformative.

A thoughtful investment in health Targeting bone health, balance and muscular strength as part of your overall heath approach reaps massive rewards!

• Improved immunity

• Falls and fracture prevention

• Maintaining independence & confidence

• Pain reduction

• Longevity

With structured guidance, one-on-one coaching, and measurable outcomes, the value lies in what OsteoStrong helps preserve strength,

mobility, and the ability to continue living life on your own terms.

Discover it for yourself

Because this approach is so different, OsteoStrong Hobart offers what they call a Discovery Session.

This allows people to:

• Experience the equipment firsthand

• Understand the science behind the approach

• Establish a personal baseline

• Explore whether the program is right for them

For many, it’s the first time they’ve encountered this type of program.

Open Day: An invitation to the Hobart community

This Saturday 18th of April, OsteoStrong Hobart is opening its doors to the community.

The Open Day is an opportunity to:

• Meet the team

• Explore the centre

• Experience the technology firsthand

• Learn how strength and balance can be improved in a safe and structured way

Whether you are managing osteopenia, navigating menopause, preparing for surgery, recovering from injury, or simply wanting to take a proactive approach to your health — this is an opportunity to see what’s possible.

Because strength isn’t just about fitness. It’s about maintaining the ability to move well, feel confident, and continue doing the things that matter most.

If you’ve ever wondered whether there is a better way to support your long-term health, this may be the perfect place to start.

OsteoStrong Hobart welcomes you to come and discover it for yourself.

Are you considering the switch to an electric vehicle?

TASMANIANS are increasingly looking for clear, practical information to help them navigate new energy technologies and make confident decisions about their homes, lifestyles, and future. That’s exactly where Aurora Energy’s Generation You comes in.

Generation You was emerging energy topics and give Tasmanians a single place to explore what’s possible.

Whether you’re curious about new products, comparing options, or just wanting to understand how different technologies fit into everyday life, the platform offers

Aurora Energy created the Generation You website to support you to become your own manager, generator, storer, and saver of electricity. Helping you better understand everything from solar to EVs, rebates to incentives, battery storage to smart appliances, and more. Putting you in control with ways to help lower your electricity costs. Find out more at auroraenergy.com.au/genyou Considering your next step in

guidance without the jargon.

One area where many people seek clarity is electric vehicles.

While interest continues to grow across the state, the real challenge for most households is understanding how EVs work, what they cost to run, and

Tasmania’s energy landscape.

Generation You breaks this down in an easy-to-navigate section called The Chargers, which answers everything from where to charge, to the difference between new and used models, to what’s involved in installing a home

Aurora Energy also supports customers through practical tools that help them manage their energy use. For example, those on Tariff 93 can take advantage of lower Off - Peak rates available most of the week, making home charging and other energy - intensive activities more

Customers using the aurora+ app can also access Power Hours, giving them the opportunity to use electricity at no cost during selected times.

Generation You brings all of this together, practical advice, clear explanations, and helpful tools, so

informed decisions with confidence. As new technologies continue to evolve, Aurora Energy remains focused on giving customers the knowledge they need to choose what works best for them.

Explore more at auroraenergy.com.au/

USA v Canada Ice Hockey Players (2025 highlights from Canberra series)

Hobart to host international ice hockey

HOBART will host international ice hockey for the first time with the Canada vs USA Ice Hockey Classic opening its 2026 Australian series at MyState Bank Arena. The capital city will stage two blockbuster games on 3 and 4 July. Director of the Ice Hockey Classic Kerry Goulet said the event would be a landmark moment for ice hockey in Australia. “To open our 2026 series in Hobart and bring international ice hockey to Tasmania for the first time is incredibly exciting,” she said.

“Transforming MyState Bank Arena into a hockey venue will deliver a truly

unique experience for fans.

“Fans can expect fastpaced action, big hits and the electric atmosphere that defines the game and the legendary

Canada vs USA rivalry.”

More than 30 elite players will travel from North America, with full team lineups to be announced closer to the event.

Tickets for both Hobart games will go on sale via Ticketek with presale commencing on 7 April and public tickets on sale from the 8 April.

Jewels secure Brassard as head coach

THE Tasmania Jewels have signed Olympian and threetime WNBL championship winning coach Claudia Brassard as its inaugural head coach.

Brassard has more than 20 years’ experience at the highest level of basketball, with 150 international games, including the 2000 Olympic Games and World Championships.

The Canadian born Australian national has an illustrious coaching record, leading the Townsville Fire to a championship WNBL season in 2018 as head coach and securing backto-back championships as Assistant Coach in 2016 and 2015.

Brassard said it was a privilege to be selected as the Tasmania Jewels

inaugural Head Coach and she was excited to move to Tasmania to start the role in April.

“Tasmania has such a rich basketball history, and I’m so proud to be a part of this next chapter as the first coach of the Tasmania Jewels and to continue to Defend the Island,” she said.

“I’m excited be a part of creating a team that Tasmanians can see themselves in; disciplined, hard-working and proud, with high standards in how we train, how we compete and how we represent the state.

“I already have a strong sense of belonging, a sense of community and a strong belief in this team, and that’s going to be the same

drawcard that attracts exceptional players to the Jewels too.”

Jewels and JackJumpers executive chair Steve Old said this was the start of a new era for Tasmanian basketball.

“There’s so much excitement to see the Tasmania Jewels join the JackJumpers on the national stage, and the appointment of the coach is the first giant leap toward the team taking shape,” he said.

“We searched far and wide for the right coach, someone who shares our values and vision to create a team for every Tasmanian, and we’ve found that in spades in Claudia.”

Jewels assistant general manager of WNBL Kayla

Steindl said Brassard was the perfect fit for the Jewels.

“Claudia is an exceptional coach, basketballer, and community leader with a proven record on and off court success,” she said.

“This appointment is a major milestone for the Jewels, first, it’s the coach, next players, then highperformance team and before you know it, the Jewels will be playing in front of their home crowd.

“It gives you goosebumps just thinking about that moment when little girls across Tasmania will be able to look to the court and think ‘I can do that too’, it’s going to change the game in so many ways.”

OBSERVER SPORT

DEVILS DELIVER HISTORIC WIN ON DEBUT

THE Tasmania Devils have marked their long-awaited return to the VFL in style, securing a historic first win over Coburg at North Hobart Oval in front of a crowd of more than 10,000 fans.

In their first VFL

match since 2008 and the first outing for the revamped club, the Devils ran out 96–79 winners in a result that signalled an exciting new era for football in the state. The atmosphere at North Hobart Oval reflected the significance of the moment, with a capacity crowd turning out to witness the club’s return to the competition after nearly two decades.

Tasmania set the tone early, taking the lead in the first quarter and building momentum throughout the match before holding off a late challenge from Coburg.

Forward Jed Hagan was among the standouts, while Sam Siggins etched his name into the history books by kicking the

Devils’ first goal in VFL competition. The win marks a major milestone in Tasmania’s football journey, with the Devils using the VFL as a stepping stone towards their entry into the AFL in 2028.

For many in

attendance, the result carried added significance after years of campaigning for a Tasmanian AFL team.

The strong turnout and vocal support underlined the appetite for top-level football in the state.

While it is only the first game of the season, the Devils’ opening win has set an early benchmark and provided a glimpse of what the future could hold as the club builds towards its AFL debut.

Southern Junior footy bolstered by Devils fever

JUNIOR football in Southern Tasmania is set for a record season as Devils fever sweeps the state.

The Southern Tasmania Junior Football League (STJFL) has welcomed 20 new junior teams since the Tasmania Devils entry into the VFL and VFLW.

For example, the Lauderdale’s junior program has seen an almost 30 per cent increase in player numbers compared to 2025. Lauderdale Football

Club director of Junior Football Nathan Churchill said there had been a real buzz across the club.

“Junior numbers have exploded and are the biggest we’ve ever had, with kids more engaged and excited than ever,” he said.

“Everywhere you look, children are proudly wearing Devils merchandise and its easily become the team of choice not just for the next generation, but the whole of Tassie.”