THE HOBART/LAUNCESTON MAGAZINE / AUGUST 2026: ISSUE 85
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WELCOME TO THE HOBART/LAUNCESTON MAGAZINE Welcome to August! Spring is so near, but still a crisp and cold month away. We hope you find plenty to enjoy in this month’s edition, packed with people and events. Do you love a good dinner party? Well, so does Ivano Del Pio, the chef and host of Scarpetta, held in his North Hobart home, but that’s not all he does as we found out! We also spoke with the head of soccer in Tasmania, Tony Pignata OAM, and caught up with Lara Colrain ahead of the Australian Antarctic Festival this month.
Publisher Stephanie Williams editor@thehobartmagazine.com.au Advertising advertise@thehobartmagazine.com.au 03 6295 3742
Also in this edition, we feature loads more fascinating local people and community news, cover a whole month’s worth of events from all around Tasmania, and deliver a page of fresh new openings for you to explore. We love hearing from our readers, so reach out at editor@thehobartmagazine.com.au if you have any feedback, questions, ideas or just want to say hi. All the best,
Cover image: Andrew Wilson Inset image: Supplied This page: Kayaking past Dolphins, Flinders Island. Pic: Matty Eaton Publisher Information: While all care has been taken, some information may have changed since publication. The Hobart/Launceston Magazine regrets it can’t accept liabilities from errors or omissions contained in this magazine. The publisher reserves the right to refuse, withdraw or amend all advertisements without explanation. Reproduction in whole or part without permission is prohibited. The views expressed in articles and advertisements are not endorsed by the editor or publishers. We welcome any questions, feedback or submissions, email editor@thehobartmagazine.com.au, or drop us a line at PO Box 315, South Hobart, TAS, 7004. The Hobart/Launceston Magazine acknowledges the Tasmanian Aboriginal People as the Traditional Owners and ongoing custodians of Lutruwita/Tasmania. We pay our respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and to their Elders past, present and emerging.
Steph, James and The Hobart / Launceston Magazine team
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LOCAL PEOPLE
TONY PIGNATA As the head of football, or soccer, in Tasmania, Tony Pignata OAM is pleased to ride the post-FIFA World Cup wave to benefit the sport here.
Where did you grow up and where do you live now? I was born and bred in Melbourne to Italian parents. I spend my time between Melbourne and Hobart, commuting. What do you do for work? I'm the Chief Executive Officer of Football Tasmania. I've been here now for three years. There's no denying the current popularity of soccer in the wake of the 2026 men's World Cup. What do you hope the flow on is for Tasmania and how does this translate at a grassroots level? The World Cup comes around every four years, and it captures a nation – we saw scenes in every state when the games were on. The Socceroos had a great tournament, we finished second in our group and made it to the playoffs before losing to Egypt on penalties. It does create a pathway for our young boys and girls as well, and they all want to be the next Socceroo or Matilda. This crop of players is young - Tony Popovic has brought a lot of new players into the squad, and created heroes. Patrick Beach, Jackson Irvine, Nestory Irankunda, Paul Okon-Engstler. There are so many talented Australian players that are playing now at a high level, including in Europe and that does create the next generation of players. After the Matildas beautiful run in the 2023 Women's World Cup, was there a boost in female participation and has this been sustained? Here in Tasmania, we did have an increase in participation. Our biggest barrier is facilities. You can have an uptick in players wanting to play, but we also need more facilities to accommodate them. Here at Football Tasmania, 8
together with the clubs, we are pushing government and councils to assist us. There's not yet a rectangular stadium suitable for bigger crowds. When do you hope this will happen for Tassie? We're probably the only State without a rectangular stadium. We've spoken to the government about this - their priority is obviously the new stadium in Hobart at Mac Point. So I think it’s a long way off for us. We are in the planning stages for a Home of Football, which will include multiple pitches, and while it won’t be a stadium per se, it will provide a boutique facility for us to host all levels of football from grassroots to elite. What advice do you have for young players working to be the next Matilda or Socceroo from Tasmania. How is Football Tasmania encouraging the development of young players? Follow your love of the game, play as much as you can. It's not only about playing a club level, it's playing for your school, playing with your friends in the backyard. We've set up a Football Tasmania Academy here, which we're very proud of, to develop future players for the Matildas and the Socceroos. There is a pathway. And, you know, when you have one, two or three players going to the next level, it does create excitement for players and shows that there is a pathway that you can play in Tasmania and go on to join our national teams. Favourite TV show? Ted Lasso. It is a football show, but it's more about life and I think we've seen the popularity of that show. What are you reading now? I used to read a lot of John Grisham books, but I don't anymore. Like everyone else,
Tony Pignata
I'm glued to my phone and scrolling on Instagram, which is not great. I'd love to read more, but I'm very time poor. What was your first job? It was working for Ferrari formal hire, where I was a consultant. The groom would come in with his groomsmen, and we'd have to fit him out. That was my part-time job while I was studying. I also worked in nightclubs as a barman, which was interesting! What's your secret vice? I suppose sport, and participating in sport, I cycle a lot. That’s my outlet and my therapy. Your favourite place for... Breakfast: Sisterhood in Sandy Bay for their almond croissant oats. Lunch: Cheese and biscuits at my desk and carry on! Dinner: I like Rockwall. I’ve been there a lot. I also like Peppina. There's a lot of great restaurants – we’re very lucky here in Hobart. Your dream holiday destination? Without doubt, has to be the Amalfi coast. I’ve been lucky enough to spend time in Positano and Capri and that's a fabulous destination. Favourite Tasmanian secret? When I’m in Tassie I like to cycle up Bonnet Hill on the Channel Highway through Taroona for the sweeping bends. Parting words? I love working here at Football Tasmania. I love the game and I'm very passionate about the game and our football succeeding here.
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LOCAL PEOPLE
LARA COLRAIN As CEO of the Mawson’s Huts Foundation, Lara wears many hats - that of a storyteller, problem solver, educator, curator, writer, archivist and occasionally an event manager. We spoke to her ahead of the Australian Antarctic Festival in Hobart this month.
Where did you grow up and where do you live now? I was born at Calvary Hospital in Lenah Valley and grew up in Lindisfarne, so I've always called Hobart, Tasmania home. Funnily enough, I now live back in Lenah Valley — I've come full circle. What do you do for work? I am the CEO of the Mawson's Huts Foundation, which supports the conservation of the Mawson's Huts Historic Site in East Antarctica, operates the Mawson's Huts Replica Museum on Hobart's waterfront, runs the Mobile Antarctic Classroom to educate Tasmanian students about Antarctic and Southern Ocean science, and delivers the Australian Antarctic Festival. I also serve as Archives Officer for the Archdiocese of Hobart and Curator of the Channel Museum in Margate.
human endeavour that continues to shape Tasmania's story today. If they walk away curious enough to ask another question, then we've succeeded. What can people expect from the Antarctic Festival this year? Hobart will come alive with inspiring speakers, fascinating science, rich history, conservation, art, films, family activities, Antarctic food and drink, and plenty of opportunities to meet the people who live and work on the frozen continent. I hope people leave with a genuine connection to Antarctica. We want the Festival to be more than just a fun day out — we want it to be something people remember.
Have you visited Mawson's Huts in Antarctica, and if so, what was that experience like? Unfortunately, I haven't — yet! I attempted to visit last summer, but the pack ice had other plans and we couldn't reach the site. Ask me again in two years!
What’s something you wish more people knew about what you do? People might assume being a CEO means sitting behind a desk all day. In reality, I'm a storyteller, problem solver, educator, curator, writer, archivist and occasionally an event manager — all rolled into one. The variety is what I love most because every part of my jobs help connect people with our shared heritage.
What's the hardest part of trying to conserve buildings that are literally at the end of the earth? The logistics are incredibly challenging, but that is also what makes the work so rewarding. Knowing you're helping preserve one of the world's most significant historic sites in such an extraordinary environment is a privilege.
Who do you admire? Sir Douglas Mawson. The more I've studied his life, the more I've come to admire his resilience, integrity and vision. He wasn't interested in fame — he was driven by discovery, service and leaving something meaningful behind. That's something I find incredibly inspiring.
What do you want someone to feel after they've walked through the Replica Museum on the waterfront? I hope they leave seeing Antarctica differently. Not just as a remote continent at the bottom of the world, but as a place of extraordinary courage, discovery, science and
Favourite podcast or tv show? I'm a bit of a true crime addict, so ABC's The Case Of has been a recent favourite. As for TV, I would have to say Loki. Tom Hiddleston is an incredibly talented actor, and I love how the series balances humour, mythology and clever storytelling.
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Lara Colrain
Secret vice? I can untie almost any knot. Seriously. Give me enough time and I haven't met one I couldn't undo. What are you reading now? I always have multiple books on the go! At the moment I'm reading Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë, Shadow Reaper by Lynette Noni, and Anne Boleyn & Elizabeth I: The Mother and Daughter Who Changed History by Tracy Borman. It's a fairly eclectic mix of classic literature, fantasy and history — which probably sums me up quite well. What was your first job? Packing apricots at Qew Orchards when I was 17. Your favourite place for… Breakfast: Island Espresso – the Eggs Benedict is chef's kiss. Lunch: Thai Veggie Hut – the BBQ tofu is out of this world. Dinner: It's a three-way tie between Banh Mi Bites, Saigon Express and Pancho Villa. I could happily live on Vietnamese rice paper rolls and Mexican food for the rest of my life! Dream holiday destination? Iceland. Between the glaciers, volcanoes, waterfalls and Viking history, it feels like my kind of place. Favourite Tasmanian secret? Tasmania's small local museums. They're full of remarkable stories, passionate volunteers and hidden treasures that many people drive straight past. Parting words? Be curious, be kind, and never underestimate where following your passion might lead.
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LOCAL PEOPLE
IVANO DEL PIO Do you love a good dinner party? Well actor and teacher Ivano does too, and he’s welcoming diners into his North Hobart home each month, transformed into Scarpetta.
Where did you grow up and where do you live now? I grew up in Launceston. The youngest of seven, we moved around a bit. I can recall seven places in the 22 years of living there. One of my favourite places was the Australian Italian Club when it was in George Street in the city. Dad was the barman, mum the cook and we were the kids that ran amuck. It was a fabulous time for me with friends visiting the club with their parents almost every day, playing eightball and darts and hanging with ‘the oldies’ at the bar. Now I live in Hobart and have been here (on and off) for 27 years. My partner Jenni, George the very funny groodle, and I live in North Hobart now and we love our community here. What do you do for work? I’ve had about 38 years of teaching predominantly mathematics and science at 16 schools in Tasmania, interstate and in Hiroshima, Japan. Now retired from schools, I tutor maths and science, help run a little BnB at the back of our propA prep day at Scarpetta. Pics: Andrew Wilson
erty, do some acting work when it crops up, waiter at Capital and run my homebased restaurant called Scarpetta. Why did you decide to open a restaurant at home in North Hobart? I remember stumbling across some home restaurants in Italy and thought how incredibly hospitable and authentic they were. I felt privileged to be allowed into a stranger’s home to eat. The food was always amazing. My home restaurant, Scarpetta, is a compromise of a dream I had of owning my own little establishment, sharing my Italian-ness. We had an opportunity to do a reno on our beautiful historic home and thought we could make the restaurant happen here. And it’s happened. It’s an opportunity to put my version of ‘hospitable’ in the Hobart hospitality landscape. To provide food that I (and my collaborating chef, Alistair Wise) want to create, with some strong elements and storying from my heritage and upbringing, having a mother with amazing cooking intuition.
Ivano Del Pio
You have cooked on TV but turned down requests to audition for MKR. Do you see a coming together of your acting and cooking worlds in the future? OMG I WISH!!! That would be the most wonderful thing I can imagine doing. I have actually fleshed out two very new ideas regarding this, one of which with a friend from one of the channels based in Sydney. I think both concepts are really interesting but who do I pitch to? How do I get it out there? Can anyone help out here??? Contact me! hahaaha. But seriously, yes, yes I do. Between the restaurant, the BnB, and directing your first show now - what does downtime look like for you these days? Haha, I’m not much for a lot of down time really. I’ve even started waitering with the wonderful lads (and ex-students) at Capital on Wednesday nights and I’m currently creating a multigenerational, all male, Italian choir! But when I do stop, it’s nice to just hang with my partner, Jenni and our very funny groodle, George. I do try and catch up with mates for a bite, drink and a good chinwag and laugh as often as I can. Actually, I have more downtime than what people think. I’m available for hangs! Who do you admire? My mother. She passed away in 2010. She really was a living saint. A person of never-ending hospitality, incredible resilience and compassion, fun and funny, loyal and true. She left school at the age of 10 to work the land, somewhat unwillingly migrated to Australia with four young children in tow to an awaiting husband who had spent a year prior saving
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LOCAL PEOPLE
working on a farm in Evandale and then having three more children. All this with no English, missing her family in the motherland (she was one of 13) and the ways she knew, in a patriarchal family and working at the woollen mill, Coats Patons. She endured a lot, yet she always found the time and energy to give and to look out for others. Her spirit of generosity knew no bounds and her strength to face the challenges in front of her on a daily basis was beyond admirable. Favourite podcast or tv show? That’s a tough one! Podcast, I’d go for No Such Thing As A Fish (funny and informative) and I don’t really watch TV, however, I’d say Four Corners for the insightful journalism. Secret vice? Not being able to resist cheese…and vino! Making excuses for not starting work in the garden. I have a remedy for the latter but not the former!
What are you reading now? I have a couple going, the oldest one being Utopia Avenue by old friend and Hiroshima roommate, David Mitchell and the other Struck Down by my old high school biology teacher, John Woodroffe. What was your first job? Cleaning out old, trade-in refrigerators at Begent & McGuire in Launceston. What are your daily news/social media habits? My main habit is coffee in bed and a bit of a scroll through to see what’s happening in the (local) world. Your favourite place for… Breakfast: Lobby Eatery. Lunch: Ranita Ramen. Dinner: Ogee. They are favourites not only because of the food but more so, for me, the people who own them and work there.
Dream holiday destination? Anywhere where there's warmth, great eating opportunities and food markets, kind and wonderful people, (nearby) beaches and where one can easily be in a vibrant, happening crowd but just as easily be in a quiet and secluded place surrounded by magnificent nature. Favourite Tasmanian secret? Haha I actually co-wrote and acted in a short film called Best Kept Secret about keeping Tassie secret! What’s secret anymore? The word is out! First thing that comes to mind is the beauty and history of Maria Island…check that place out. Stunning. Parting words? Love and laughter. Always.
You can book a seat at Scarpetta at www.scarpetta.com.au.
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BITS + PIECES
NEW NEW NEW
A familiar space inside Hadley's Orient Hotel has been given a fresh identity with the launch of the Art Bar at Hadley’s (34 Murray Street, Hobart). Celebrating a decade of the Hadley’s Art Prize, the new concept reflects the hotel's long-standing connection to the arts and continues the evolution of one of Hobart’s most loved gathering places. Influenced by the seasonal, local flavours of Tasmania. Signature cocktails, beer, wine and a range of share plates are available daily from 4pm with live piano every Saturday from 5pm-8pm, and Happy Hour from 4pm-6pm daily. The Standard (449 Main Rd, Glenorchy) heads north, opening in Glenorchy and now offering breakfast. Alongside The Standard’s signature smashed beef burgers, southern fried chicken and classic thickshakes, the Glenorchy location will introduce a full breakfast menu, with a family-friendly format designed to serve the local community from early morning through to dinner, seven days a week. Head Chef Sam Chang and his team make their bread and burger buns fresh daily, alongside house-made pickles and sauces. Following a successful Dark Mofo launch, GOTHAM at The Still (30 Argyle St, Hobart) is officially becoming a permanent fixture in Hobart. Since opening in early June, the reimagined whisky bar has welcomed more than 5,000 guests, serving up 3,070 oysters, 1,139 martinis, 446 Negronis, 309 cheeseburgers and 200 nips of Dark LARK. It's becoming one of Hobart's most-loved venues, blending whisky, cocktails, food and live music into one experience. North Hobart has welcomed Hobart Beer Culture (50 Letitia Street, North
GLENORCHY POOL PAINTED The Glenorchy War Memorial Pool is on track to reopen on 1 October. Painting of the pool was recently completed, bringing the $6.5m project to almost-done stage. 14
The Standard Glenorchy
Hobart), as they open a taproom in an old pump factory. With taps showcasing local brews, coffee, food trucks and events. Next month Small Wonder Wines (530 Auburn Rd, Kayena) is opening a new cellar door and welcoming chef, Konstantin Putkin. A new chapter begins. He shared, “I’m incredibly excited to announce that I’ve joined the OVERSTORY family as Head Chef at Small Wonder Wines in Tasmania’s beautiful Tamar Valley. I’ll be building an incredible team to bring a new food offering to life, built around the produce, people and seasons of Tasmania.” Konstantin’s career has included the former Michelin-starred Galvin at Windows in London and the hatted Wintergarden Restaurant in the Blue Mountains. Also set to open next month is Gelato Messina and Shadow Baking, as part of the Elizabeth Street Pier redevelopment project. Jackson Forthing (Corner Main and Derwent Park Road, Derwent Park) has opened in Tasmania, with their first showroom at Derwent Park. Part of the Dongfeng Motor Group - one of China’s largest and longest-established automotive manufacturers - Forthing combines large-scale engineering capability with contemporary design and intelligent technology.
The fresh pool. Pic: GCC FB
STAMP DUTY Australia Post will apply a price increase to reserved ordinary letters, subject to completing remaining regulatory processes, which includes a 15-cent increase to the Basic Postage Rate (BPR), up from $1.70 to $1.85, and an increase in the price for ordinary large letters, delivered at the regular timetable. The proposed effective date for the price change is 1 September 2026. The changes will help Australia Post address the increasing cost of providing the letters service. There is no change to the price of concession stamps, at $3 for a booklet of five stamps, or to seasonal greeting card stamps, at $0.65 for a small letter.
HADLEYS ART + BAR It’s been a busy month for Hadleys Orient Hotel - not only is the Hadleys Art Prize on but to celebrate the prize’s 10th birthday they’ve also launched the Art Bar. The bar will be part hospitality space, part art gallery, hosting a permanent public display of winning entries from over the years. The menu includes hot and cold share plates along with classic cocktails and the usual alcoholic and non-alcoholic offerings. The exhibition of the finalists for this year’s Hadley’s Art Prize is on until 23 August. Admission is free and it’s open daily 10am-4pm.
NEW GLENORCHY YOUTH HUB Young Glenorchy residents have a new dedicated place to connect, have fun and relax with the opening of the Glenorchy Youth Hub. The hub offers young people aged 12-17 a safe, welcoming and inclusive space to spend time after school, make new friends and connect with Council’s youth workers. There is hot food, comfy spots, 8 ball, video games and more. The Hub is at 370 Main Road, Glenorchy. Enter from the Glenorchy City Council lawns. Open for after-school drop-ins Monday to Friday, 3pm-5pm.
BITS + PIECES
THUMBS UP Warming saunas in winter. Beautiful winter sun at North Hobart oval. – Submitted by a reader Golden kiwi fruit. Pain au chocolat
THUMBS DOWN Kids extra-curricular activity admin - the many group chats, apps and forms. An ant infestation on Molle Street and completely empty double decker buses. – Submitted by a reader Realising you shouldn’t have taken a winter holiday to a cold location in the middle of Tassie winter. Have a thumbs up or down you want to share? Send it to editor@thehobartmagazine.com.au
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TAWNYS GONE-IES Users of the Hobart Rivulet Track may have noticed the works to remove invasive crack willows along the rivulet banks. According to the City of Hobart, the crack willow removal project is helping restore the rivulet with locally native vegetation and improve habitat for native wildlife in the long term. There are three Tawny Frogmouths (not to be mistaken as owls!) that regularly perch on a specific branch, and are known to locals. With the removal of the trees, including their favourite branch, the Tawnys haven’t been seen (at the time of print). City of Hobart Director Infrastructure and Assets Network David Reeve told us, “Before the crack willow removal works commenced, the City sought advice from bird experts at the University of Tasmania and NRM South. They advised that the three birds, two adults and a juvenile, use multiple roosting sites along the rivulet and regularly move between trees, including trees that are not being removed.” So where have the birds relocated to? “While the works may have caused the birds to temporarily move from the immediate area, expert advice indicated they were unlikely to be significantly disturbed,” Mr Reeve said. “One popular viewing
The South Hobart Tawny Frogmouths
branch was inadvertently removed during the works after having previously broken and become lodged in the tree. "The deadwood branch used as a Tawny Frogmouth viewing perch was not intended to be removed and the tree itself was retained as planned; however, because the branch had already broken away from the tree and was lodged as a hanger, it was inadvertently dislodged during the removal of nearby willow trees,” Mr Reeve explained. “We will be planting two advanced native eucalypts in the area as part of upcoming community tree planting events."
KUNANYI MOUNTAIN RUN GOES NATIONAL “We've got an epic mountain on the Many of Australia’s top trail runners doorstep of the town. The town is well will descend on Hobart next March as set up for tourism, so you can't beat Kunanyi Mountain Run incorporates it. It's just a perfect fit.” The three-day the Australian Mountain and Trail festival attracted about 1300 runners in Running Championships in 2027. Five 2026, with numbers expected to grow national championships disciplines, significantly once the championships usually held separately, will be brought are added. “We're expecting 1500 for together in a single event for the first 2027,” Mr Quilliam said. “The champs time - a long course trail, short course will increase that again - we might get trail, uphill, downhill and vertical 1600-1700. Certainly all of the elite running. KMR founder and director runners who are keen to represent Lincoln Quilliam said organisers had Australia at the World Championships been working with Athletics Australia later in 2027 are expected to be here.” and AUTRA for several years to secure A new 84 kilometre course featuring the event. “We're so honoured to be 4,800 metres of elevation gain would hosting the first ever combined Australian mountain and trail running champs be introduced as part of the expanded event. at Kunanyi Mountain Run,” he said.
BITS + PIECES
WHO WILL SHAPE THE FUTURE OF LAUNCESTON’S CBD? Launceston Central selected eight weekThis winter, the Love Launnie Shopping ly winners, plus one grand prize winner Passport invited locals to make purchaswho received a $2,500 shopping spree in es at 100 CBD retailers throughout May the CBD. and June for a chance to win prizes. Choosing to support local has had a measurable positive impact. Presented by Grand prize winner Sharon H. is a Burnie local who entered the competiLaunceston Central, a not-for-profit ortion after making a qualifying purchase ganisation funded by City of Launceston from Petrarch’s Bookshop at 89 Brisbane to promote local businesses and events, Street. “When I visit Launceston, I althe Shopping Passport was designed ways try to support local. We come into to incentivise and reward shoppers for Launnie for the football, and always visit choosing to shop local. Over the course of the promotion, 2,976 entries were sub- the local stores,” she said upon learning she was the grand prize winner. Sharon mitted, showing $369,103 in purchases wasn’t the only consumer from outside logged through the Shopping Passport. of Launceston to use the Shopping Passport. Data from entries revealed that residents from every postcode in Tasmania, and from every Australian state and territory, joined the competition. “The target audience for Love Launnie was the locals, but as entries rolled in, we quickGrand prize winner Sharon H. with ly learned that visitors like to support Launceston Central CEO Gab Dicarlocal too,” says Gab Dicarlantonio, Chief lantonio. Pic: Launceston Central Executive Officer of Launceston Central.
Members of Dragons Abreast Hobart
DRAGONS ABREAST ABROAD Dragons Abreast Hobart, a club of breast cancer survivors turned Dragon Boat paddlers, is heading to Lac du Bourget, Annecy, France, to compete in a regatta alongside 4,500 paddlers from 36 countries. They want to share with others going through breast cancer that life is not over, and that a whole new world of fun, fitness and friendship is available. Sonja Preston from the club said, “The regatta in France commenc18
es with training sessions, education sessions and parade on 24 August. The racing is over two days and some of our crew of 22 will holiday before or after the event.” We wish them all the best of luck racing! The club trains three times a week - Tuesday morning, Thursday evening and Saturday morning - from the Lindisfarne Rowing Club. If you’re keen to know more about Dragons Abreast, head to www. dragonsabreast.com.au.
MONA GOES TO BANGKOK MONA Bangkok is on the horizon, with the team in Hobart working together with Asset World Corp Public Company Limited (AWC) in Bangkok to develop a new art museum on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. David Walsh, Mona’s founder, said the time was right. “Having spent most of the last 25 years studying how museums work, AWC has presented us with a remarkable opportunity to take what we’ve learned to one of the great tourist centres of the world.” Leigh Carmichael, DarkLab CEO and Creative Director, said MONA Bangkok will take the creative spirit of MONA into a new context. “Like the museum in Hobart, it will be unconventional and unique, and will present work by leading international artists, while also creating opportunities for meaningful dialogue with Thai artists, audiences and cultural traditions,” he said. “The theme of light will be explored both as a physical phenomenon and as a metaphor. Light has long been a source of fascination, reflection and hope across cultures, and it feels especially resonant in Bangkok, with its rich cultural life and traditions.”
BASKETS ON BINS FOR 10-CENT CONTAINERS New baskets and racks for 10-cent recycle rewards drink containers are being trialled on selected council bins statewide. The baskets and racks are already in place in Launceston’s city parks and malls, Hobart’s Kangaroo Bay, Deloraine, Prospect, Waratah-Wynyard along the Wynyard foreshore and on King Island at Currie. Next up will be Hobart’s Rivulet Track and New Norfolk, with more to follow. Instead of ending up as litter or in landfill, containers left in the baskets or racks can then be collected by anyone and taken to a Recycle Rewards refund station. The trial runs for four months.
THE HUTCHINS SCHOOL These scholarships present a wonderful opportunity for talented young performers to join our vibrant and thriving performing arts program at Hutchins.
Applications for performing arts scholarships are now open for entry in 2027.
School of Performing Arts (SPA) Scholarships
Jeffery Molesworth Boyes Choral Scholarships
Entry for new and current students in Years 6–12 in 2027 (up to 50% tuition fee discount)
Entry for new and current students in Years 5–12 in 2027 (up to 75% tuition fee discount)
Applications close Monday 24 August 2026 For more information please contact our Enrolments Assistant on 6221 4236 or visit www.hutchins.tas.edu.au/scholarships THE HUTCHINS SCHOOL 71 Nelson Road, Sandy Bay
BITS + PIECES
Pic: Dr Lisa Gershwin
GLOW SHOW WINS GONG Congrats to Dr Lisa Gershwin, founder of Glow Show Tasmania and former cover star of this mag, for winning the 2026 Tassie Tour Guide Award. The award celebrates the outstanding guides who bring Tasmania’s stories, landscapes, wildlife, culture and communities to life through unique visitor experiences. Sounds very fitting for Dr Gershwin and her brilliant enthusiasm for sharing the wonder of science and all things that glow under UV light in the night. Good luck at the nationals in Canberra in September!
SING, SING, SING If you’re an older bloke who loves to sing – in the shower, in the car, in a group - you can join a senior men's six-week a cappella singing project "Sing. Connect. Belong". There’s no auditions, no pressure, no expectations - just familiar songs, good company and plenty of individual support. Learn and sing beautiful harmonies with songs like Yesterday, Annie’s Song and Hallelujah. And at the final workshop, you will perform for family and friends. The group meet on Friday 4, 11, 18, 25 September and 2 and 9 October from 10am-12:15pm at Rosny Library. The project is proudly supported by a Clarence City Council Community Grant, is presented by The Silvertones chorus, and led by a very supportive and encouraging director, Aaron Powell. For more information contact Trevor on 0488 967 904 or register your interest at www.silvertones.hmbhc.intas.net 20
SANDY BAY PLAYGROUND ACCESSIBILITY a perfect example of how inclusive The large Long Beach Reserve playgrounds around the world should playground has a new installation of be,” Noah said. “This new upgrade has accessible play equipment and a chat made the park way more inclusive, and board. There’s now a Smooth Ship has let my brothers, Caleb and Riley, Glider and carousel that both accomhave more fun, while connecting with modate a wheelchair plus a five-way people safely. "This amazingly accessiswing. The chat board features visual ble playground should hopefully be the symbols, which non-verbal children first of lots more inclusive areas in our can use to communicate, and braille. community. It was suggested by current Hobart Children’s Mayor, Noah Dobson, whose "In the future, we should see even two younger brothers use similar tools. more communication boards, not just "Long Beach Reserve playground is
VALE CHRIS WEDD Pankind, the Australian Pancreatic Cancer Foundation, are sad to share that Chris Wedd passed away 20 July 2026 after a long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. A former swimmer, water polo player, coach, administrator and learn-to-swim operator whose love of swimming commenced with the opening of the Glenorchy Olympic Pool in the early 1960’s. As Head Coach of the Glenorchy Amateur Swimming Club and then The Hobart Aquatic Club, he inspired generations of swimmers. As a valued friend of the wider swimming community, and Life Member of Swimming Tasmania, Chris was always incredibly generous in providing knowledge and support to
Chris Wedd. Pic: Eliza Beer
others, including as an advocate consumer voice for Pankind and Palliative Care Tasmania. Our condolences to Chriss, daughters Gabrielle, Cassandra and Joelle and their families and all who knew and loved Chris.
LOAD BEARING ARTS COMPETITION FOR DERWENT VALLEY balance, support and strain, resilience The Bridge Art Prize is back this year and care – and the systems, relationships following its successful inaugural and environments that sustain us. Across appearance on the Tasmanian arts scene disciplines and media, works may reflect last year. Derwent Valley Arts were on what it means to carry, to be carried, bowled over by the response with over or to hold space for others. From the two hundred entries from around the intimate to the collective, the visible to state across many different forms of media. While the inaugural competition was the unseen, the exhibition looks to the structures that underpin human experiabout celebrating and commemorating ence. As well as offering a $25,000 first the construction of the new Bridgewater prize, the competition is also open to Bridge, they are now extending the prize junior entrants with both a 15-18 and an beyond the original initiative with a new under 14 category. This year’s exhibition theme which can be seen as adjacent to will be held at The Ladies Cottage in last year’s structural inspiration. ‘Load New Norfolk from late October. Entries Bearing’ invites artists to consider the close 30 August. forces that shape our lives - pressure and
Launceston’s award-winning food festival returns October 2026.
BITS + PIECES
RAJAH QUILT REPLICA ARRIVES New Governor Caroline Wells has symbolically accepted a replica of the historic Rajah Quilt at Government House on behalf of Tasmanians. The original Rajah Quilt was created in 1841 by 29 convict women aboard the ship Rajah as they travelled from England to Van Diemen’s Land. It’s the only surviving full quilt made by convicts on a convict ship anywhere in the world. The convict women used nearly 3,000 pieces of fabric to create the quilt, which was presented to Lady Jane Franklin. At some point it was lost, only discovered 150 years later in an attic in Edinburgh in 1987. The trueto-size replica was created by quilter Anne Thompson, who had to secure a licence from the National Gallery
SAYONARA, SPIRITS After two decades of service, Spirit of Tasmania I and II will retire soon, before new Spirits IV and V arrive for summer. Fares for the final months of travel on SoT I and II are now discounted, for sailings between 1 September and 23 October, so go pay your last respects.
Her Excellency Governor Caroline Wells, Dr Walters and philanthropists Anne and Rob Thompson in front of the replica Rajah Quilt
of Australia, the institution that holds the original. The replica will be the featured exhibit at the Tasmanian Craft Fair in Deloraine later this year. It will also be exhibited around Tasmania.
CELEBRATING LOCAL ARTS AT THE CHARTS FESTIVAL across the region into creative hubs. In Tassie's far northwest every year, One of the festival's highlights is the for one vibrant month, Circular Head bursts with creativity, history and com- CHArtchibald competition - a local twist on Australia's famous Archibald munity spirit. The CHArts Festival has Portrait Prize. The exhibition challenggrown from humble beginnings into es artists of all ages and abilities to the northwest coast's only month-long create a portrait of a current or former celebration of culture, heritage and the Circular Head resident, celebrating arts. From 4 September and featurthe people who have shaped the ing more than 40 events, the festival region. The result is more than an art transforms towns and communities exhibition. It's a colourful collection of familiar faces, local legends and 2025 winner Jodie by Paris. personal stories capturing the closePic supplied knit community. Visitors can expect everything from realistic paintings to imaginative mixed-media works, each offering a unique perspective on the people who call Circular Head home. What makes the CHArts Festival truly special is its grassroots spirit. For visitors, the festival is a great reason to explore. Between events, there's time to experience Stanley's historic charm, the dramatic coastline of Marrawah and the boutique shops of Smithton. For more information follow the festival at www.facebook.com/CHArts. CircularHead. 22
CALL FOR 1967 BUSHFIRES STORIES As part of a 60th anniversary project commemorating the 1967 bushfires, Kingborough Council is seeking to record personal stories by those impacted by the fires. Selected stories will be filmed for inclusion in an exhibition to be shared with the community. If you have a story you’re comfortable to share get in touch with them directly at 6211 8200 or kc@kingborough.tas.gov.au
IS YOUR BEACH WATER CLEAN? Greater Hobart’s beach cleanliness report card has some mixed grades this year. 38 beaches and bays are tested each week between New Norfolk and Kingborough between December and March as part of the Derwent Estuary Program. CEO Ursula Taylor says the results have shown some improvements at popular beaches and some declines at others. “Water samples are analysed for specific bacteria (enterococci) which indicate the presence of contaminants from stormwater run-off and other sources. Each site is classified as having Good, Fair or Poor water quality in accordance with state and national guidelines, based on five years of data,” explained Ms Taylor. Some of the changes include: • Blackmans Bay north – Fair to Good • Blackmans Bay mid – Fair to Poor • Windermere Beach – Good to Fair • Bellerive Beach west – Good to Fair • Little Howrah beach – Good to Fair. Of the 19 swimming sites monitored in Hobart, 17 are suitable for swimming. The 2025-26 Recreational Water Quality Report can be found on the DEP website, publications page www.derwentestuary. org.au/publications/
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FEATURE
NEVER TOO LATE
THREE TASMANIAN MUMS ANSWER THE CALL TO PARAMEDICINE
For many people, changing careers midlife could feel like a leap into the unknown. For graduate paramedics Tanya Fitzpatrick, Kate Routley and Allison Pook, it has been life changing.
The three women share more than a passion for caring for their community. They are all Hobart mums who chose to retrain as paramedics while raising children and juggling family life, proving that a meaningful career change can happen at any stage of life. For Tanya, the decision came after a long career as an occupational therapist. Over three decades, she worked across youth health, mental health, and alcohol and other drug services in both frontline and leadership roles. “I reached a point where I felt ready for a new challenge,” Tanya says. “Human physiology has always fascinated me, so paramedicine felt like a natural fit.” The journey was demanding. Tanya balanced study with work and family life while completing the accelerated degree over three years. With children aged 24, 21 and 16, she continued working as a mental health clinician throughout her 24
studies. “The experience reinforced that it’s never too late to challenge yourself, learn new skills and take a different path,” she says. The catalyst for Kate came when her four children were all attending school full time. “I recognised that I had a real desire to undertake tertiary education and establish a career for myself in an area that held meaning and purpose,” she says. Having worked across agriculture, health and fitness, administration, marketing and travel, Kate had always dreamed of further study. Her challenge was balancing that ambition with family life. “The biggest challenge for me has been the mum guilt when my younger children say they miss me,” she shares. Now, as she prepares for life on the road, Kate is looking forward to putting years of learning into practice and helping people in their moments of need. For Allison, the decision was sparked by several life events converging at once. Her
L-R: Tanya, Allison and Kate
youngest child was starting high school and she began thinking about her next chapter. A former nurse, Allison decided to embrace a fresh challenge and applied for a paramedicine degree on a whim. “That five-minute application completely changed my life path,” she laughs. Like many mature-age students, she initially felt out of place but soon found support in friendships formed at university, including with Tanya and Kate. “I wouldn’t even be standing here today if it wasn’t for the other two women,” she says. Together, the trio reflect the growing diversity of Tasmania’s paramedic workforce. Bringing decades of professional, family and life experience to the role, united by the desire to make a difference. Their advice to anyone considering a career change is simple: it’s never too late to learn. Sometimes the best time to start something new is right now.
If you’re keen to find out more, contact Ambulance Tasmania at www.health.tas.gov.au, and head to the Careers page.
WHAT’S ON IN HOBART MONDAY
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Geelong’s AFL legend Tom Hawkins is on the road, coming to Hobart for a live show telling his story plus a Q&A, silent auction, photo ops and more. 7pm-10pm, RACV Hotel.
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Check out the talented Australian landscape artists on show in this year's Hadley’s Art Prize. Free, and open daily til 23rd, Hadley’s Orient Hotel.
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Learn more about how to support your lymphatic system with Lisa O’Neil from Embody Movement at Kingborough Community Hub, $5. Book via kingborough.tas. gov.au
Contemporary Art Tasmania presents Edges of Existence where artists use textiles to reimagine everyday materials, curated by Amber Koroluk-Stephenson and Sharifah Emalia Al-Gadrie. Until 12 September.
The Maritime Museum has a temporary exhibition by wilderness photographer David Neilson called Antarctica is Melting. Neilson has done six journeys to Antarctica since 1990.
Take a guided tour of the Mt Pleasant Radio Observatory and visit the Grote Reber Museum for the Beaker Street Festival. The Big Bike Film Night, 7pm, Stanley Burbury Lecture Theatre, UTAS Sandy Bay.
The Australian Antarctic Festival celebrates Hobart as one of the world's gateways to the Antarctic. Based at Mawson’s Hut til Sunday.
She may sound like a cute kid’s book character, but Thelma Plum is a singer/ songwriter and she’s coming our way. Theatre Royal.
Last Days for Faces From Our Town, an exhibition celebrating difference through portraits and stories produced by Paul County in collaboration with local students.
Hadley's Art Prize exhibition
How does Pottery Painting + Cocktails + Fried Chicken + Nibbles sound? Find out at Stonedust Pottery’s mini pottery painting sesh at Rude Boy, 5:30pm-7:30pm.
Spend two hours at Margate Hall for Beach Finds, a painting workshop where you’ll create artwork inspired by shells, seaweed, driftwood etc. Run by Averill Lawler. 10am-12pm.
Bestselling author Liane Moriarty is in conversation with Danielle Wood at Hobart Town Hall care of Fullers. 5:30pm.
Boy & Bear are on a regional tour and Hobart classifies! 7:30pm, The Odeon. Alceme Hobart hosts a cool full moon eclipse sound meditation, 6:30pm-8pm.
Tom Hawkins. Pic: Discover Tas
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In Islander, a young resident on a remote Scottish island feels torn between two worlds. Based on the book by Stewart Melton. Studio Theatre at Theatre Royal, various shows til the 5th. Plus tonight, the Longley Hotel hosts their quiz night.
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See the man dubbed “the Eric Clapton of the lute”: dynamic young French virtuoso Thomas Dunford, at the latest Van Diemen’s Band lunchbox concert, Hobart Town Hall, 1:05pm.
This one’s for the 80s lovers: British supergroup Go West are celebrating their 40 year anniversary by touring with Debbie Gibson. Doors open 7pm, The Odeon.
Artist Mel Aliendi’s gorgeous bright botanicals are on display at Handmark Gallery til the 14th. Open every day.
It’s opening night of the Rotary Club of Hobart Art Show. 6pm, Wellington Room, Wrest Point Hotel Casino, $60 (canapés + drinks).
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Things will whiz, bang, fly, crawl, and maybe even explode when the Festival of Bright Ideas returns, from 9am-5pm at PW1. The hands-on science festival is a day of interactive discovery.
See beloved Playschool alumni (ok, she’s done other things too) Noni Hazelhurst in The Lark by Daniel Keene. Last show of the run, Theatre Royal.
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Check out three concurrent exhibitions at Rosny Barn: Yvette Watt’s Well this is awkward…, An Eggibition: Life on ‘Little Big Farm’ by Rosie Treasure, and Iris Blazely’s From the branches & between the reeds.
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Get your glow sticks ready, the Hobart Light Night Glow Run & Walk is here with 8km, 4km and 2km options plus a Kids' 600m (for ages 9 years and under).
Dr Karl shares some of his wackiest adventures, Hobart City Hall. At 2pm, classical pianist Luke Frost presents works by Beethoven, Brahms and Chopin at St Mary’s Cathedral. Adults $25
The Hobart Twilight Market 'Sunday Pop Up Series' brings the market to Long Beach Sandy Bay today from 11am-3pm.
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Dave McNamara joins Django’s Tiger on accordion, piano, trumpet & more for vintage favourites reimagined, at SOHO Arts in Weld St, 2pm. Just up the road it’s Sunday Winter Jazz at the Cascade Brewery Bar, 2pm.
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Happy Fathers Day to all the Dads and Dad-like figures in our lives! Maybe you’ll spend it at the Bream Creek Farmers Market or seeing Dear Sunday play at Altar Bar.
SPOTLIGHT ON... Aunty Lola Greeno. Pic: Bett Gallery
1-9 August There are a bunch of different events at various venues across the state for Tasmanian Whisky Week. From Oatlands to Port Arthur, Bothwell to Launceston, check www.taswhiskyweek.com/ program/ for the full program.
August, various dates For Family History Month, various local libraries are offering free one-to-one help to learn more about your family history and build your family tree. Check your local library for dates and times.
12 August Are you an Arnott’s baby? Historian Greg Cooke shares his research into the images of thousands of Australian babies used to advertise Arnott's Milk Arrowroot biscuit. 1-2pm, State Library and Archives of Tasmania.
Til 15 August A special exhibition at Bett Gallery marks the 80th birthday of the highly respected Elder, artist and cultural custodian, Aunty Lola Greeno. The show honours her extraordinary contribution to Tasmanian Aboriginal art and culture and celebrates a lifetime of creativity, cultural knowledge and leadership. Aunty Lola is a senior shell necklace stringer and the first Indigenous artist to receive the National Living Treasure Award. www.bettgallery.com.au
5-6 September The Claremont Daffodil & Camellia Spring Flower Show is on this weekend at Claremont Memorial Hall. The show (and its popular plant stall) has been running for over 40 years! This year they have a socal international judge coming all the way from the Royal Horticultural Society UK. Opens Saturday midday, Sunday 10am.
Got an event coming up in Tassie? Email us at editor@thehobartmagazine.com.au
Background photo: Aurora Australis Night Sky. Pic: Jordan Wilson
AROUND THE ISLAND MONDAY
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Join in at Be-Ras Creatives Art Cafe for a unique workshop in Devonport where you will discover the art of Yobitsugi - a distinctive approach to Kintsugi.
Van Diemen's Band presents Claire Edwardes as part of the Lunchbox Concerts, bite-sized shows for the price of a sandwich. Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Launceston, $15, 1:05pm.
Dill Pickle Club hosts The Hannibal Lectures at 7.30pm for the Unwind winter wellness festival. Dr Daryl Peebles explains how humour helps your health and vitality. $10 via Humanitix.
It’s the Big Bike Film Night, bringing the best cycling short films from around the world together for you. 7pm, Star Theatre, tickets via Trybooking. Tomorrow night in St Helens too.
Claire Edwardes
Head to Wynyard Library today for Rock and Rhyme, a free weekly session for pre-schoolers aged 0-3. 10:30am
It’s national Children's Book Week from today until Friday 28th, with the theme being Symphony of Stories! Get your book characters and your glue guns ready.
Unwind Festival. Pic: FB
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Join Nicole from VIVID Beauty Co for a soundbath in The Albert Hall, Launceston, for the Unwind festival, 5pm-6pm, $20.
The Women's Health Brunch supports Clifford Craig Health Foundation's gynaecological cancer programs with speakers Alex Neville and Scott Harris. 9am, Country Club Tasmania, $70.
Do you want to improve your English? Join the Tuesday English Conversation Group at Devonport Library today at 10am-12pm.
Get a free total body workout as part of Launceston’s Unwind festival. Take a break to workout your whole body in this all-levels, women-only class. 12pm-12:45pm, Curves Launceston.
Opera Australia’s National Tour returns to Burnie with a fabulous, 1950s-inspired staging of Mozart’s dark comedic masterpiece, Don Giovanni. Tickets from $40.
Launceston Church Grammar School presents Footloose the Musical. Cut loose, kick off your Sunday shoes, and dance! At the Albert Hall, various times until Saturday.
Head to UTAS Community Garden, Australia’s largest open community garden at Inveresk for a morning of propagating, planting, harvesting, and community. 10am-12pm.
Head to the Devonport Library for an evening with Tasmanian author Adam Ouston as he discusses his new novel Mine. 5:45pm-7pm.
Launceston Youth Theatre Ensemble presents Robin Hood: Marian and The Merry Men, featuring actors age 13+, Albert Hall, various times until Saturday.
Join Sorell on Stage for an evening of music and family intrigue for Just Deserts, John Hargreaves' incisive comedy. Sorell Memorial Hall, 14-22 August, various times.
MND North West Support Group, facilitated by Emma Forsyth, welcomes anyone with MND and their loved ones. Ulverstone Returned Servicemen's Club, 11am, last Friday of the month.
The Flinders Island Running Festival starts tonight with the family friendly Glow Run, a 3km course starting and finishing up at the Flinders Island Golf Club, Whitemark. 6:15pm.
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Every Saturday from 8.30 am, Launceston’s Harvest Market showcases Tasmania’s finest produce. Or down south the Willie Smith’s Artisan Market kicks off at 10am each week.
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A Tasmanian Roadtrip, an exhibition by Annette Fuller, is a love letter to Tasmania's wild places, quiet moments and untamed landscapes. Harmony on High Street, Campbell Town, daily until 26 August.
Enjoy Pints after Pilates as Bloom Studio takes over Boag's Brewhouse for a 50-minute Pilates session. Includes an all levels class, your first drink and grazing platters, 1pm-2pm, $55. Harvest Market. Pic: FB
Bytewise is Questacon’s interactive travelling exhibition exploring mathematics and computer science through hands-on challenges. Today it’s at the Smithton Library from 9:30am-12:30pm.
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Still on the Flinders Island Running Festival, today sees the 42km marathon, 25km trail run/walk and 11km run. More detail at flindersisland.run.
13-23 August Looking for a mid-winter reset? Unwind, Launceston's debut wellness festival has got you. Over ten days, the city known for world-class cuisine and wine reveals a more serene side, with a program of saunas, Pilates, meditation, nourishing food and nature-based experiences. From candlelit yoga and ice baths to sunset cruises and creative classes – Unwind delivers movement, connection and a healthy dose of Tasmania's winter rituals to help you reset during the darker months. Hosted by Launceston Central, Unwind is a celebration of Launceston's wellness sector featuring 40+ events to choose from. Unwind is your excuse to step away from the rush, breathe deeply and embrace Launceston's cool-season magic.
16 August The Winter Challenge Tasmania is a community-focused multisport event held on Tassie’s east coast at Orford. Competitors will complete a 10km kayak, 27km road cycle, 15km mountain bike and 10km trail run. It’s one intentionally challenging, intentionally achievable event, hosted on the day by Mike Tomalaris (of SBS fame) and Molly Gardner.
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MORE AROUND THE ISLAND
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FEATHERS, FUR & FLORA, an exhibition of works by Ryan Rivers, Sandra Henderson, Susie Shaw, Mary Stary opens today at 2pm at Harmony on High Street, Campbell Town. Until 23 Sep.
ByteWise
22 August The Top Dog Film Festival 2026 returns with an electrifying collection of films that prove dogs aren't just pets - they're heroes, healers, and the best friends we never knew we needed. Witness jaw-dropping adventures, heart-melting rescues, and brilliant canines whose intelligence will leave you speechless. This 2+ hour cinematic experience brings you the finest short films from visionary independent filmmakers across the world. From laugh-out-loud moments to tears of pure joy, these carefully selected stories will remind you why dogs hold such a sacred place in our hearts. 2pm, The Tramsheds, tix via Humanitix.
4-6 September Enjoy a whole weekend of live music for West Coast Live this weekend from Friday to Sunday. The organisers are encouraging you to shake off winter and welcome the tourist Season! With artists such as Alex Lloyd, Kingswood, Ben Salter and Jed Appleton hitting the stage, there are 7 Performances across two nights, bringing something for everyone. All held at the Paragon Theatre. Tickets $41 per night or $62 for both nights online, or $45 at the door. This is an all ages event, however under 18s must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Friday and Saturday nightdoors open 6.30pm, with music from 7.00pm. Plus there’s a free open mic performance on Sunday from 1pm.
Got an event coming up in Tassie? Email us at editor@thehobartmagazine.com.au Background photo: Aurora Australis Night Sky. Pic: Jordan Wilson Details subject to change. Check the finer points with individual events.
FEATURE
NEW TRANSPLANT RECIPIENT TO COMPETE AT FIRST GAMES Mandy McIntyre, 52, from Hobart, received a life-saving heart transplant in 2025 after a sudden, unexplained heart condition saw her go from competitive runner to being placed on the transplant waiting list within weeks.
Prior to becoming ill, Mandy was an active athlete who regularly competed in running events. A year after her transplant, Mandy has returned to the sports she loves, already completing a sprint triathlon and a half marathon. She is now preparing to compete at the 2026 Australian Transplant Games in Launceston – her hometown, where her athletics journey first began. For Mandy, the Games are a chance to celebrate the gift of life, reconnect with competition, and meet others who understand the transplant journey. She hopes her story inspires more Australians to register as organ and tissue donors, saying that organ donation not only saved her life but gave her family and friends more time with her. The 2026 Australian Transplant Games will be held in Launceston, Tasmania, from 26 September to 3 October, marking the first time the Games have been hosted in Tasmania in their nearly 40-year history. The event will bring together hundreds of transplant recipients, living donors, donor families and supporters from across Australia and overseas to celebrate the life-saving gift of organ and tissue donation while showcasing the health and wellbeing that transplantation can make possible through the power of sport.
This is your first Transplant Games, after receiving a heart transplant a year ago. What does this mean to you? This is my first Transplant Games and it happens to be in Tasmania where I have lived almost my whole life. So there was no hesitation to participate as much as possible. Which sport are you competing in? I’m competing in Athletics, in lots of different events. I haven’t done sprints or field events since I was a child, so it should be a lot of fun! I’m also running in the 5km Fun Run. I also signed up for Swimming and Tennis, but haven’t done either since my transplant, so we’ll wait and see. What are you looking forward to most? I’m looking forward to meeting transplant recipients, carers and donor families. It’s now such a big part of who I am and meeting people who are living long and fruitful lives, gives me so much hope and joy for the future years. What does it mean to you being a 'home games', being held in Launceston this year? This is my first transplant games and it’s in Tasmania for the first time. It seems synergistic to have the transplant games just a year after my transplant and for the
Anyone in Australia aged 16 and over can register on the Australian Organ Donor Register. It only takes one minute. Head to www.donatelife.gov.au/register-donor-today for more information or to register. 30
Mandy McIntyre
athletics to take place at St. Leonards, where I grew up running. Running has been such a big part of my life and I can’t wait to run back on the track where it all began. What would you like Tasmanians to know about Organ and Tissue Donation? Organ donation saved my life and has given my family and me many more years together, which would not have been possible without the generous donation from my donor and their family. Organ and Tissue donation is not just life changing, it saves lives. It’s difficult to comprehend that someone had to die (in most cases) for an organ donation to happen, but without it many more people would lose their lives. You can help give someone else a second chance at life by registering as an organ and tissue donor today. Visit www.donatelife.gov.au to register and learn more.
The Tasmanian community is encouraged to be part of this inspiring event by volunteering or taking part in the free DonateLife Fun Run/Walk on Sunday 27 September. To find out more about the Games, register for the Fun Run/Walk, or volunteer, visit www.australiantransplantgames.com.
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HOMES + PROPERTY
TASSIE MARKET WATCH
KINGSTON’S MORTGAGE STRESS SEES BIGGEST JUMP Kingston homeowners have seen the biggest jump in mortgage stress of any postcode in the country in the last quarter. The number of stressed households went from 525 to 2,123 (a rise of 304%) in just three months according to a report from Digital Finance Analytics for OurTop10. OurTop10 director Mansour Soltani said the Kingston result stood out nationally. “When the number of households in mortgage stress more than quadruples in a single quarter, it tells us financial pressure is building much faster than household budgets can adjust,” he said. “Tasmania has traditionally been viewed as one of Australia’s more affordable housing markets, but affordability only protects borrowers up to a point.
Linda Pub. Pic: Dominic Romeo Historic Property
LINDA PUB FOR SALE The Linda Pub - or what’s left of it - is for sale. The pub, near Queenstown, hasn’t operated for 74 years and is now a concrete shell. The hotel and adjacent cafe and residence are up for grabs for offers over $300,000. The hotel in the once bustling mining town was built as a weatherboard in 1901 but burnt down nine years later. The exterior was rebuilt using concrete, which remains today despite all interiors having been removed long ago. By the 1930s, Linda had been almost completely deserted. A few years ago a new owner came from the mainland, operating the cafe for a while, but as of a year and a half ago the cafe has been closed. Linda is now technically part of Gormanston, which recorded a population of just 32 people in the last census in 2021.
“Higher mortgage repayments, rising living costs and larger home loans are combining to place increasing pressure on households.” Across Tasmanian’s 10 hardest-hit postcodes, nine have recorded worsening levels of mortgage stress. New Norfolk recorded Tasmania’s second-largest increase after Kingston at 33%, followed by Newnham at 18%.
GLENORCHY MUNICIPALITY RANKS NUMBER ONE Glenorchy has topped a list of Australian municipalities when it comes to strong property performance. Launceston came in second, Meander Valley came in fourth, George Town at fifth and Devonport seventh. “The [Glenorchy] market recorded 22 per cent growth in sales, when it took an average of 23 days to sell a home,” the McGrath Local Residential Index Winter/26 report said. “During this time, prices grew 15.2 per cent and weekly rents were 9.9 per cent higher, taking the gross rental yield to 4.67 per cent.”
PROPERTY LENS
21 Danbury Drive, Legana
151 Irby Boulevard, Sisters Beach
34 Schell Street, Rossarden
Indicative price: Offers over $1.45m
Indicative price: $1,790,000
Indicative price: Offers over $280,000
Agent: Jane Crawford, Belle Property Launceston 32
Agent: Selina Elphinstone, Harcourts Burnie
Agent: Bec Gardner, The Agency Northern Tasmania
-TASMANIA-
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Want to know what your property is worth? Contact us for a free market appraisal today! Raine Horne Hobart | 6231 0000 | 136 Davey Street, Hobart TAS 7000 | hobart@hobart.rh.com.au | rh.com.au/hobart Raine Horne Kingborough Rentals | 6229 6633 | 4/16 Freeman Street, Kingston TAS 7050 | rentals@kingborough.rh.com.au | rh.com.au/kingboroughrentals
HOMES + PROPERTY
BATHROOM TRENDS TO TAP INTO
Make a colourful statement. Pic: French + Tye
From feature tubs to brass taps and lush greenery, combining the latest trends and timeless styling tips will transform your bathroom into a bathing sanctuary worthy of a day spa.
Feature tubs The freestanding bathtub has gained popularity in recent years, epitomising the changing nature of bathrooms as a space for relaxation and escape from our daily routines. Free-standing tubs work not only as a luxurious space to relax but are a sculptural design feature that brings a striking look to your bathroom. In terms of materials, there’s a movement away from acrylic material to natural products such as volcanic limestone or fine pressed steel. Technology wise, leading European manufacturers including Bette, Kaldewei, Duravit and Villeroy & Boch, have developed sophisticated air and champagne bubble systems, taking the ‘wellness at home’ experience to a whole new level. Showers Dual shower-heads, shower rooms, cascading waterfalls and jets of water from the walls – nothing says luxe more than Use of greenery. Pic: Banana Bathrooms
a shower with special water features. Rain shower heads will continue to be popular due to their luxurious aesthetic appeal and the soft cascading waterfall sensation. If you have some extra space to play with you can make your shower space a room in itself, or add a small sauna. Tiles and Bathroom Finishes Driven by the throwback to mid-century design which continues to influence interior design in Australia, retro, geometric and herringbone tiles are surging in popularity. Concrete feature walls in bathrooms are excellent for adding an industrial edge to any room in the home. Paired with a patterned floor or natural timber elements, a concrete wall finishing will add interest to the space. Another definitive emerging preference is for large format tiling. Ranging from 600mm x 600mm to enormous slabs
as a big as 3m x 1.5m, the extremely large format tile creates a sense of spaciousness and the seamless finish achieves minimal grout lines giving added benefits of less grout cleaning and maintenance. Taps and Fixtures Brass tapware has been celebrated by interior designers as it produces beautiful results with much versatility in styling. Closely following behind brass is rose gold and now even brightly coloured tapware. Previously known for its shiny finish, the new rose gold or copper finish is available brushed or burnished which offers a lovely matte finish that looks just as beautiful as brass. Copper offers a bold look that brings a sense of warmth to a bathroom. Greenery Inviting nature inside extends to the bathroom as well – from mini-succulent families, orchids, terrariums and plants under glass cloches, to showy palms and figs. Matched to your decor, natural greenery is a contrast to cool tiles and ceramic fixtures, working exceptionally well against a darker background to lift the space and bringing an exotic spa ambience.
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37 - 39 Sice Avenue, Heybridge
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There Is Beachside... And Then There Is Absolute Beachfront For Sale Best Offers Over $1,400,000 Matt Grice 0439 403 555
mattgrice@oneagency.com.au
Daisy Richardson 0468 383 242
daisyrichardson@oneagency.com.au
140 Wilson Street, Burnie Tas 7320 03 6431 1595 oneagencyburnie.com.au
At this carefully designed, sun-filled, and simply stunning coastal haven, the sea is not just a view; it’s a constant companion: ever-present, ever-changing, and quite literally on your doorstep. At the eastern end of the home is a second lounge room, a spacious bedroom, the main bathroom, and the laundry - which readily lends itself to creating a self-contained guest suite for visiting family, independent living, or perhaps boutique visitor accommodation. Above all, this is a home that invites a different pace of life. One where the tides mark the passing of the day, where family naturally gathers, where friends linger. Where children disappear to the rock pools, teenagers fish from the beach, grandparents settle into comfortable chairs on the deck, and somehow lunch becomes dinner because nobody wants the day to end. Some houses offer a view. A fortunate few offer a lifestyle. Very occasionally, a property changes the way you live. This is that place.
URBAN ADVENTURE
GLENORCHY ART AND SCULPTURE PARK
Happy daisy sculptures, Montrose Bay
Words and pictures: Elizabeth Osborne
Glenorchy Art and Sculpture Park (GASP) is seven kilometres north of Hobart. There is ample parking in the Derwent Entertainment Centre carpark.
The view to the DEC
The linear park extends from Wilkinsons Point, along the foreshore of Elwick Bay’s east edge, skirting Montague Bay High School, then follows the Brooker Highway to the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA). GASP features contemporary art works, walking and cycling paths, open parklands and wetlands. Scenic views stretch from Claremont to the Bowen Bridge, and across the river to the Eastern Shore. We walked first to Wilkinsons Point, 550m past the Derwent Entertainment Centre. Explanatory boards detail the use of Wilkinsons Point for the reconstruction of the Tasman Bridge, 1975-1977, and the construction of the Bowen Bridge, 19801984. This post-industrial area has been reimagined as a setting for new art. The buildings are designed to highlight the heritage of the site, and frame views of the Derwent River. Retracing our steps, we then followed the path to Montrose Bay (1.7km). Two open air pavilions have several information boards, and offer shelter and seating.
A walker reading panels
The foreshore is a bird watcher’s heaven. We observed silver gulls, cormorants, ducks and swans at the outfall of Humphrey’s Rivulet. Waders were feeding in the mudflats. Ducks and native hens were grazing in the grassed areas. A lone pelican spread its wings among the cormorants and terns diving for fish. We continued our walk past Montague Bay High, along the Brooker Highway. We stopped at a small reserve on Berriedale Bay, where we watched the MONA ferry dock, before retracing our steps to the Derwent Entertainment Centre carpark. River views, quirky sculptures, diverse birdlife are highlights of this walk. Glenorchy City Council is to be commended for ensuring that the GASP linear park, with its multi-use, level concrete paths and boardwalks, multiple entry and exist points, and many resting places, is accessible to everyone, whatever their fitness level and mobility needs.
The Pavillion
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Wilkinson Point Pavilion frames
the Derwent River
Mosaic sculptures
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VOTE 1
BILL HARVEY R OF H FOR LORD MAYO
OBART
Hobart City Council: Support businesses and communities to reuse, produce and market local food and materials. Climate-Ready Neighbourhoods: Prepare communities for climate impacts. Connect neighbourhoods. Affordable Housing: Safeguard local character Enable community-led planning. Free, Safe Travel: Safer walking and cycling paths to cut your daily travel costs. Protect Renters: Limit converting whole homes to short-stay accommodation.
Authorised by G. Kitsos, Tasmanian Greens, 298 Argyle St, North Hobart 7000.
1 IN 5 AUSTRALIAN WOMEN LIVE WITH ASTHMA Does any of this sound familiar? These are common signs of asthma, and they’re worth getting checked
Do the online Asthma Check-In and prepare for your next doctors visit The breathlessness you’ve put down to being unfit
A cough that won’t shift, especially at night
Tightness in your chest when the weather changes
Getting winded doing things that never used to bother you
Wheezing you’ve written off as a cold or allergies
Waking up short of breath
DINE AND WINE
ABRAHAM MEZZE BAR 30 CROSS STREET, NEW TOWN Abraham Mezze Bar is a small vegetarian mezze bar tucked in next to Jackman and McCross in New Town, run by sisters Maggie and Marion Abraham. Drawing on their father Said's Lebanese heritage and their mother Ruth's love Marion and Maggie. Pic: @chiastudiosink
of gardening, the sisters serve Al-Sham (Levant) inspired small plates built around Tasmania's seasonal produce, much of it grown in their own kitchen garden and at their Molesworth property. Expect house-made bread, pastries, pickles and preserves, coffee, sweet treats, a simple Tasmanian-leaning wine list, and a relaxed, home-like space for food, music, art, chess and conversation. On our visit we started with
olives that held a beautiful bitterness, hommus, labne and breads, and a comforting lentil stew. We finished with a quince granita that had the most beautiful icy, yet creamy, mouthfeel. Simple and a perfect finish. Open midday-8pm, Friday to Sunday, walk-in only, with 20 seats split between the interior and a drystone courtyard.
Quince granita
Hommus and house-cured olives
RECIPE
THE MEGA NUGGET This is our take on the viral sheet pan chicken schnitzel. Perfect for an easy family dinner or for a crowd, it can be served with a dipping sauce, in a burger or with salad.
INGREDIENTS • 500g chicken mince • Panko crumbs • Plain flour • 2 eggs • Grated parmesan cheese or chilli flakes, optional • Olive oil spray
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METHOD Heat oven to 220 degrees. Place a large piece of parchment/baking paper on the bench and grease with olive oil. Flatten out the chicken (you can use another greased piece of parchment to make it easier, but don’t forget to grease it!). Top with a dusting of flour, then egg wash, then top with panko crumbs. Add parmesan or chilli flakes if you’re using them. Spray liberally with the olive oil and cover with a piece of parchment paper. Carefully flip the whole thing - you’ll have parchment on both sides, it can be easier to use trays to help flip too. Then repeat on the other side - flour, egg then panko crumbs. Spray with oil. Slide onto a baking tray and remove the top layer of paper. Cook until golden brown. Rest for a minute or two then chop into pieces.
Your opportunity to look over the horizon and see what we do in Antarctica. 20-23 AUGUST 2026 • HOBART TASMANIA Check out our cool program at mawsons-huts.org.au/antarctic-festival
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ANDREW WILKIE Want to get in touch with Andrew? P P P P P
Drop into the office at 188 Collins Street Hobart Phone 6234 5255 or 6234 5861 Email andrew.wilkie.mp@aph.gov.au Write to me at GPO Box 32 Hobart 7001 I regularly hold mobile offices. Please check my website and social media for details.
Your Independent Federal MP
www.andrewwilkie.org
Authorised by Andrew Wilkie MP 188 Collins Street Hobart 7000
FEATURE
LOOKING SOUTH HOBART, ANTARCTICA AND THE PHOTOGRAPHS OF DAVID NEILSON Words by Emily Quintin
Our city has always been shaped by water, but its relationship with the sea doesn’t stop at the mouth of the Derwent.
Look south from Hobart and Antarctica is out there, just beyond the horizon. For most of us it's a place we know through images, research updates and the quiet movement of ships through the port. It can feel distant and abstract, but here in Hobart, Antarctica has a way of showing up in everyday life if you know where to look. For many locals, Antarctica isn’t simply a remote continent. It’s part of who we are, linked to Hobart through vessels, institutions, researchers and the working waterfront. This August, that southern connection is being explored at Maritime Museum Tasmania through David Neilson’s photographic exhibition Antarctica is Melting. The exhibition draws on six journeys Neilson made to Antarctica and the sub-Antarctic between 1990 and 2009. His black and white photographs record ice, rock, sea and sky in contrast, shadow and form. Because of the absence of colour, these images invite you to spend time with the landscape and notice its scale, texture and mood. You begin to see the dramatic curve of ice, the weight of cloud, the darkness of rock, the surface of water. 40
For those of us who haven’t been lucky enough for an opportunity to see Antarctica in person, it’s easy to picture it as a place completely remote and detached from the rest of the world. Neilson’s photographs show the landscape as vast and beautiful, but a place that isn’t removed from human influence. Like every part of the planet, it’s being affected by climate change – even Antarctica is being reshaped by the consequences of human activity. Antarctica isn’t separate from our maritime story. The city’s connection to the south has been built through ships, crews, scientists, expeditioners, port workers and institutions. It belongs to the history of the waterfront, but also to the present-day life of the city. That makes Antarctica is Melting a natural fit for a maritime museum. The exhibition isn’t only about an icy continent far away, it’s also about the relationship between oceans, climate, people and place. It asks us to think about how connected those things are, and how decisions made far from Antarctica can
Soft light emperor penguins. Pic: David Neilson
still affect its future. Museums are often thought of as places that look after the past, but they should also help us think about the present. Maritime history is not only about old ships, exploration and trade routes. It’s also about the relationship between people and the sea, and about how that relationship continues to change. As Hobart turns its attention south through Hobartica and the Australian Antarctic Festival, Antarctica is Melting offers a reflective way to engage with the region. Look closely, spend time with these striking images, and appreciate the wild beauty of a place so naturally connected with our city. Maritime Museum Tasmania will offer free entry to Antarctica is Melting (and the rest of our collection displayed over two levels) on Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 August, during Hobartica, and again on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 August, during the Australian Antarctic Festival. The free weekends have been made possible through funding from Arts Tasmania. Royal penguin at Sandy Bay. Pic: David Neilson
Benny Bintruck is a messy, noisy garbage truck just trying to do his job. A fun children’s book by Hobart author, Stephanie Williams. Available at Fullers, Dymocks and Lily&Dot locally and online (includes shipping).
“Charli is obsessed with Benny. She adores him and giggles “stinky poo stinky Benny”. - Olivia www.bennybintruck.com
BOOKS
THE TASSIE BOOK CLUB The Woman Booker Prize Club is a local Hobart book club. Here they share their thoughts on books by Tasmanian authors, set in Tasmania, or about Tassie topics. Over to the club!
Artist Belinda Casey, descended from Fanny Smith, has created intricate illustrations that showcase both the complexity and beauty of the underwater world. Satisfying for adults and kids alike, a great slow-paced read to add to your family shelf!
This month we review two wonderful books that dive beneath the surface of the water: an illustrated kelp forest and introduction to Palawan/Pakana perspectives for the little ones, and a dreamy Tasmanian historical fiction from debut author Arianne James for the adults!
Daughters of the Tide by Arianne James (HarperCollins, June 2026) Review by Kathryn Montgomery
in the kelp forest by Aunty Patsy Cameron and Reena Balding. Illustrated by Belinda Casey (Magabala Books, April 2026) Review by Melanie Ross In this beautifully illustrated children's book, we learn about the life cycle of myerlee, Tasmanian kelp, and the creatures that depend on her in our unique marine ecosystems. In wonderfully lyrical language, the relationships between kelp, worms and crustacea beneath the water are explained; when bad weather strikes, we also learn about the uses that Tasmanian First Nations people have for kelp. Revered Elder and scholar Aunty Patsy Cameron has teamed up with Tasmanian-born Reena Balding to create a gentle and engaging story for children, with some extra facts at the end for those who want to know more about different types of kelp. A glossary for the Tyreelore and Oyster Bay-language words used throughout further deepen the offering. 42
Arianne James has crafted an enchanting debut novel weaving together historical and Celtic fiction with a backdrop of Tasmanian gothic. Isla Findlay lives with her parents on the edge of the ocean in Tasmania planning to study paleobiology and dreaming of finding herself, escaping her inability to fit in. Her plans are thrown into disarray when her estranged aunt Adelaide announces her return from Orkney, Scotland. For generations there has been a gentle sadness hanging over the women of the Findlay family, with whispers of madness, shrouded tragedy, and deeply hidden secrets. The Findlays are outsiders, and a dark curse hangs over their affinity for the mysteries below the water… Dreams and memories of the family's past resurface their ties to selkies (mythical shapeshifters capable of transforming from seals into humans). There is a strong song that calls them to the ocean, that could unite them or tear them apart.
Book Chatter Congratulations to Alistair Scott for winning the $25,000 Dick and Joan Green Family Award for Tasmanian History. Alistair Scott won the 2026 award for his book Urchin Convicts: The Point Puer Boys in Van Diemen’s Land, about the stories of 2,100 boys shipped from Britain to a remote colonial outpost near Port Arthur. Congratulations also to Forty South, which published all three shortlisted works. We are very excited that local legend Tim Jarvis (Fullers Bookshop) has been chosen for the 2027 Stella Prize judging panel. Choose a great winner for us please Tim! Make sure to get your ears around Remotely Lit, the new podcast about Tasmania’s literary community, created and presented by the incredibly talented Liz Evans. You can find it on Apple, Spotify, Audible or wherever you get your podcasts. Did you make it to All the fires come alive at the Allport Library and Museum during Dark Mofo? No fear - if you didn’t, this splendid exploration of occult texts and arcane-inspired artworks continues at the Hobart Library until October 25. Liminus perfumers have even captured the scent of the archives!
Arianne has written a world of mystical intrigue worth diving into, both enjoyable and reflective on a deep relationship with the natural environment that surrounds us.
Keen to chat books with us? Find us @thewomanbookerprizeclub on Instagram or email thewbpc@gmail.com
BROOKE STREET PIER Friday 4:30 pm - 9:00 pm 2026 Aug 21,28 Sep 18,25 Oct 23,30 Nov 20,27 Dec 11,18
LONG BEACH SANDY BAY Friday 4:30 pm - 9:00 pm 2026 Oct 2,9 Nov 6,13 Dec 4
Pop Up Sunday Series 11:00 am - 3:00 pm 2026 Aug 23,30 Sep 20,27 Proudly supported by
EVERY SATURDAY 9 am - 1 pm 20 Kangaroo Bay Drive, Rosny
Exhibitions at Rosny Farm 7 - 30 August From the branches & between the reeds... by Iris Blazely
Well this is awkward... by Yvette Watt An Eggibition: Life on “Little Big Farm” by Rosie Treasure
Image: Yvette Watt
14 - 23 August Enchanted Slime Mould Forest Beaker Street X Rosny Farm
10am–4pm Wednesday - Sunday www.rosnyfarm.com.au
HISTORY
FURNISHING COLONIAL TASMANIA Words by Peter Hughes
Senior Curator of the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, Peter Hughes, has written a new book, Furnishing Van Diemen’s Land into the world; a colonial furniture history of lutruwita from 1803-1870, exploring the furniture and materials of that time.
In late 1803 and early 1804 two small British invasion fleets arrived at the Derwent with convicts, military personnel and some free settlers. At the time, the Palawa population is thought to have been around 10,000. While they defended their lands valiantly, the ships kept coming and the European population grew rapidly, reaching 70,000 by 1847, at which time the population of Hobart was about half of that of the ‘parent’ colony of Sydney. While there was an initial period of privation in which food ran short and the ports were closed to merchant shipping, increasing numbers of ships arrived with convicts and free colonists. The ports were opened to free trade from 1813 and by the 1830s the colony was booming. The first mention of locally made furniture is in a 1806 diary entry by the Reverend Robert Knopwood, in which he complains about one of his convict servants using his wood to make a bedstead and a table for someone else. This timber would have been locally cut by convict gangs; however the colonists also began to import cedar from NSW as early as 1817 and other timbers such as Baltic pine, mahogany and rosewood soon after. The first Huon pine was discovered washed up in the D’Entrecasteaux channel. Clearly resistant to rot and ‘impenetrable to the worm,’ it was used for the coffin of the Lieutenant Governor David Collins in 1810. The supply must have been relatively abundant, as an 1814 auction list from the estate of Lieutenant-Governor Andrew Geils 44
lists many types of furniture made from both Huon pine and NSW cedar. This was before the source of the timber was discovered by an expedition to Macquarie Harbour in 1815. The colonists were keen to find resources for local use and, more importantly, to export for much needed revenue. Other timbers suitable for furniture, such as musk, blackwood and others were soon identified and listed in newspapers along with their uses. Some of these were made acceptable by ready comparison to known fashionable timbers. However, it took the colonists some time to embrace Huon pine; the light colour of which was unfashionable and the smell considered unpleasant. In the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries the best furniture was often veneered. At this time veneers were mainly cut by hand and were often several millimetres thick. They enabled cabinetmakers to use timbers with highly complex, decorative grain for the visible surface of pieces. In Tasmanian colonial furniture it is not uncommon to find highly figured Huon pine veneered onto plain, straight grained Huon pine or NSW cedar, which is much stronger and more easily worked. It took a couple of decades for the local timbers to catch on and there was considerable concern about the impact of imported timber and furniture on the local economy. Four elaborately carved and veneered torcheres (tall, floor standing lamp holders) made for the old Government House in the mid-1830s count among the earliest surviving pieces. By 1843 Robin
Grandfather clock. Pic: Simon Cuthbert
Vaughan Hood was advertising ‘FANCY ARTICLES, made of the very best Huon Pine, Ladies’ Work Tables, Work Boxes, and Writing Desks, with secret drawers, superior to any hitherto manufactured of colonial wood’. In 1849, Launceston cabinetmaker John Brown advertised pieces of furniture made from ‘beautiful specimens’ of local timbers, many ‘adapted to be sent to England’. Similar specimen pieces in the TMAG collection include a ladies’ work table attributed to the Hobart cabinetmaker, William Hamilton that features Huon pine, blackwood, musk and casuarina, and a beautiful naïve star loo table with an elaborate geometric pattern in Huon pine, blackwood and eucalypt veneers. The use of contrasting light and dark timbers is also a feature of Tasmanian furniture of this period. A teapoy (a large tea caddy with stand) in the TMAG collection is veneered with richly figured, light coloured, musk contrasted with dark ‘fiddleback’ blackwood. The Risby longcase or ‘grandfather’ clock, which contrasts superbly figured Huon pine with blackwood and cedar, might have been made to advertise the colonial timber merchant’s wares.
Meet Jackie,
your local audiologist Born and raised in Hobart, Jackie Misson started her career as a nurse, before graduating with a Master of Clinical Audiology from the University of Melbourne in 2019. With the goal of providing the people of Hobart with honest and independent hearing advice and bespoke audiological care, she opened Hobart Hearing Care in 2024. Jackie provides a range of services including adult hearing tests, earwax removal and hearing aid fittings. New clients are warmly welcomed.
(03) 6292 5607 Lower Ground 295 Macquarie St Hobart hobarthearingcare.com.au
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45 Crooked Billet Drive, Brighton, Tasmania
Open to all emerging, mid-career, and established artists, curators, and collectives. Find out more or apply now! www.rosnyfarm.com.au
Mish Meijers’ Chats with Bats, trees, and other creatures. 2026 Rosny Farm. Image: Nina Hamilton
Rosny Farm 2027 Exhibition Program EOI Open
GET FEATURED
Sunrise looking toward Cape Hauy and the open ocean by Kate Burgess
North Hobart evening by Elizabeth Osborne
Kingston Park Run by Andrew Messmer
Huon River Sunrise by Mike Todd
The Bubble Lady at Salamanca by Jim Playsted
GET FEATURED Tag #thehobartmag or @thehobartmagazine to be featured, or send your pics to editor@thehobartmagazine.com.au 46
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Corrections Art Exhibition
John Livermore Chartered Institute of Arbitration provides arbitration at affordable rates and with no delay
26 September - 4 October Open 10am - 4pm 77 Salamanca Place, Hobart Proudly supported and sponsored by
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CONTACT JOHN LIVERMORE ENTERPRISES Email: johnlivermo@bigpond.com Phone: 0414 758 251 Web: www.johnlivermore.com
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GET ON BOARD IN 2026 Want to share your business or event with our audience? Hundreds of distribution points throughout Hobart, Launceston and around Tasmania. Contact us today for our latest media kit To enquire about advertising contact James on 03 6295 3742 or advertise@thehobartmagazine.com.au
Community Events Join us at our Hobart and Launceston wellness hubs for a range of sessions, events and activities. Whether you're looking to get moving, learn something new, or simply connect with others, there’s something here for everyone, member or not.
Visit stlukes.com.au/events to see our full list of events, or call 1300 651 988.
THIS STONE IS COLD. BUT THE FLAME STILL BURNS.
Port Arthur isn’t a silent monument to the past. It is a living hearth, fueled by the staggering resilience of the souls who lived and laboured within these walls. But even the most enduring flame needs oxygen to survive. This winter, that responsibility passes to you. We invite you to stand within the shadows, to hear the unbreakable stories of those who came before, and to lend your breath to the embers of our history. Lean into the warmth. Carry the spark of their strength back out into the world. The flame is in your hands. Come and
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