The Hobart / Launceston Magazine May 2026

W HAT’S ON ACRO S S TASMANIA

RACHEL KELLY

THE TASSIE TUBA PLAYER ON LOW NOTES AND BIG JOY

LYNSEY SMITH: HOW THE SHEPHERD CENTRE IS HELPING TASSIE KIDS WITH HEARING LOSS

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WELCOME TO THE HOBART/LAUNCESTON MAGAZINE

Tasmania in autumn is superb. The fagus is turning, the hillsides are ablaze with colour, and there is that particular crispness in the air that makes you want to pull on a warm coat and head for the hills — or settle in with something wonderful to read. We hope this edition is exactly that.

On our cover is Rachel Kelly, the TSO's principal tuba player, and passionate about an instrument that might deserve more of the spotlight than it gets.

We're also delighted to bring you a fascinating conversation

with fashion researcher Dr Llewellyn Negrin, ahead of the glittering spectacle that is the Met Gala. Dr Negrin has spent a career thinking deeply about fashion as art.

As always, there is so much to love in these pages — and so much to love about this beautiful, golden, ever-surprising island we call home.

All the best,

Steph, James and The Hobart / Launceston Magazine team

Publisher Stephanie Williams editor@thehobartmagazine.com.au

Advertising advertise@thehobartmagazine.com.au 03 6295 3742

Cover image: Rachel Kelly. Pic: Caleb Miller.

Inset image: Lynsey Smith, The Shepherd Centre

This page: Table Cape Lighthouse. Pic: Roady

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. www.thehobartmagazine.com.au

LYNSEY SMITH

She has a long job title of ‘Regional Manager/Teacher/Client & Family Support Specialist (Tasmania)’ at The Shepherd Centre, but at Lynsey’s core is helping Tasmanian children experiencing hearing loss.

Where did you grow up and where do you live now? I grew up in Clifton Beach, and I don’t live far away from there now! I live in Sandford with my husband and two boys, still close to the beach and the bush.

What is The Shepherd Centre and how do they help Tasmanians? The Shepherd Centre is a not-for-profit providing specialised programs for children with hearing loss and their families. Our programs support children of all ages, from world-leading early intervention for babies and toddlers through to ongoing support for school-aged children and teenagers. For over 50 years, The Shepherd Centre has helped children with hearing loss develop listening and spoken language, literacy, and social skills, supporting them to thrive and reach their full potential.

The Shepherd Centre has also supported Tasmanian families for over a decade through telehealth and fly-in, fly-out services, and has had a physical presence in Tasmania since January 2022. In Tasmania, we provide audiology, listening and spoken language therapy, and child and family counselling through a coordinated, parent-coaching approach, working closely with Hearing Australia, the Tasmanian Health Service, and Teachers of the Deaf to ensure consistent, well-coordinated care for each child.

What effect does early intervention have on children with hearing loss?

Early intervention is crucial because the early childhood years are when children develop the foundational skills for listening and spoken language. We support families from the moment of diagnosis with specialist listening and spoken language therapy, helping children build

the language, communication and social skills they need to confidently participate in everyday life. We work closely with parents, empowering them to monitor and develop these skills at home, because supporting families is a vital part of what we do. With early and consistent support, children are given the best start in life, building confidence, thriving at school, and reaching their full potential.

You recently opened a big upgrade to the centre. What will this mean for kids with hearing loss? Our newly upgraded Hobart Centre has been thoughtfully designed to feel warm, welcoming and inclusive for families, staff and the wider community. It reflects the care, connection and collaboration at the heart of our work while supporting the continued delivery of high-quality services. A key feature of the upgrade is the new audiology booth, generously funded by Ms Yvonne Le Fort, which enables more seamless, on-site hearing assessments for children and families. The upgraded space also allows children and families to access group programs and a range of audiology services in one central location, supported in person by our multidisciplinary team.

What’s something you wish more people knew about what you do? How important the early childhood period is for learning and development, and the important work that families, early childhood educators, allied health professionals and teachers do.

Who do you admire? Jane Goodall.

Favourite podcast or tv show? Mindhunter, a series on Netflix.

Secret vice? Nachos. My all-time favourite meal!

Lynsey Smith

What are you reading now? The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah.

What was your first job? My first job was working as a weekend receptionist at a real estate agency.

What are your daily news/social media habits? I check ABC News daily, but I’m trying to avoid social media for news purposes. My feed is full of gardening and dog content!

Your favourite place for… Breakfast: Marla Singer or Gastown East in Bellerive.

Lunch: Anything from Little Missy Patisserie in Hobart.

Dinner: Bar Wa Izakaya.

Dream holiday destination? Italy – all of it.

Favourite Tasmanian secret? I’m not sure how secret it is, but Bicheno is our favourite family holiday destination. Swimming at Redbill Beach, visiting Denison Beach to look for cowrie shells, and admiring the beautiful white sands and turquoise water of the east coast.

Parting words? Kindness is everything.

How can our readers help the work of the centre? Readers can support our work by visiting our website to learn more about what we do, joining workplace awareness and fundraising activities such as Loud Shirt Day in October, or following us on social media to stay connected. Donations can also be made directly through our website: tsc.org.au

RACHEL KELLY

For the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra's principal tuba player, moving to Hobart has hit all the right notes.

Where did you grow up and where do you live now? I grew up in Brisbane, spent some time living in Melbourne and now live in Hobart.

You joined the TSO as Principal Tuba in 2024, having played with the Queensland, Melbourne and Adelaide Symphony Orchestras and Auckland Philharmonic. Why Tasmania? I played as a casual musician with several orchestras before moving to Hobart but am now incredibly fortunate to have a permanent job here with the TSO. It’s a wonderful orchestra that plays at such a high standard, so I’m very lucky to be able to call it my orchestra!

You've described the tuba as your 'vessel to sing’. What does it feel like physically and emotionally to play? The tuba is quite physically demanding to play – we use up a huge amount of air (the most of all the brass instruments) and during our training we spend a lot of time developing our breathing skills. Despite how physical the playing can be, it’s wonderful to be able to express musically through the instrument.

Your upcoming TSO concert in June puts the tuba centre stage. What do you want people to walk away understanding about the instrument? I hope people will come away from this concert having a new-found appreciation for the tuba. It’s not an instrument that takes centre stage very often, so I’m excited for people to get the opportunity to hear it and hopefully come away as big a fan of the tuba as I am.

You've taken up tap and jazz dancing again since moving to Hobart. Is there a connection between dance and musicianship for you? I grew up taking dance classes and I think it has so much connec-

tion to playing a musical instrument. I have as much appreciation for dancers as I do instrumentalists. All the same elements can be found in both – rhythm, musicality, artistry and so much more.

You've mentioned the TSO's 'adorable quirks' - what has been the unexpected joy of a smaller, close-knit ensemble? The smaller community and slower pace of life we have down here in Tassie lends itself to many of the wholesome things I love about this place. One such example at TSO is the ‘baking roster’ we have at the moment where every week a different person bakes sweet treats for us all to share. I think it’s so wholesome and possibly something you wouldn’t find in a bigger city.

Rachel Kelly

author Claire van Ryn called Where the Birds Call Her Name which is largely set in Stanley.

What was your first job? Technically my first job was working in a café, but unfortunately I didn’t last long there – I wasn’t a very good waitress! I started teaching tuba when I was in Year 12 (and am still teaching now) so I consider that as my first “real” job.

What’s something you wish more people knew about what you do? I wish people knew more about how versatile the tuba is as an instrument. I think a lot of people have a certain image in their head about a tuba sitting at the back of an orchestra playing “oom-pah” lines, and while that is true some of the time, the reality of what the tuba is capable of is so much more than that. The tuba can play beautiful melodic lines, intricate technical passages and bring together a brass section at the bottom of a chord with glorious warmth or nuanced sensitivity.

Who do you admire? I admire kind and compassionate people. It can’t be overrated.

Favourite podcast or tv show? I’m not a big tv watcher or podcast listener but I have recently started listening to Amy Poehler’s Good Hang podcast which is always good for some light, feel-good entertainment.

Secret vice? Chocolate.

What are you reading now? I just finished reading a book by Tasmanian

What are your daily news/social media habits? I like to stay up to date with world news and events and I find the ABC is usually my first port of call for this.

Your favourite place for… Breakfast: Raincheck Lounge in North Hobart.

Lunch: I looove Pigeon Whole Bakers in the city and also can’t go past a banh mi from Ja & Jon in the Elizabeth St Mall. Dinner: For a special occasion Ogee in North Hobart is absolutely incredible.

Dream holiday destination? New York.

Favourite Tasmanian secret? It’s not really a secret but all of the spectacular walking and scenery that Tasmania has to offer. Of the exploring I’ve done so far since moving here, the Tasman Peninsula and Tarn Shelf walk are some of my favourites.

Parting words? I hope you can join me and the TSO on 4 June at 6pm for our performance of the Vaughan Williams Tuba Concerto. It’s such a wonderful piece of music and I’m really looking forward to sharing it with you all.

NEW NEW NEW

In the heart of the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens is the dining space - which has been reimagined by Bird in Hand (Lower Domain Rd, Hobart) as a restaurant, tasting room and kiosk. It’s now open for exclusive wine and food experiences. Bird in Hand will also manage weddings and bespoke events at the gardens. Fans of Cyclo will be pleased to hear the popular Vietnamese cafe has headed south, with a new Kingston outpost (Shop 5/29 Channel Hwy, Kingston) joining the Moonah and North Hobart family. If you haven't tried Cyclo, now you have three chances to fix that. Hobart's pastry lovers are well catered for with the arrival of Doux (Shop 2/126 Bathurst St, Hobart) serving refined cakes, pastries, and sandwiches. Cultura (123 Liverpool Street, Hobart) has reopened following a refurbishment, looking refreshed and ready to continue serving delicious Italian food in the CBD. Same warmth, same excellent tiramisu. KFC (209 Harrington Street, Ho-

bart) has arrived in the CBD - the people have spoken and they want chicken.

National retailer Kookai (Shop 2, 55-59 Murray Street) has opened at the Icon Complex in the old Scotch&Soda space. RACT (200 Channel Hwy, Kingston) opens a new branch at Spring Farm Village this month, adding to the growing new precinct. Red Parka (76 Charles Street, Launceston) has moved north, bringing its joyful, ethically-minded retail universe to the city. The Racquet Collective (Unit 2/30 Innocent Street, Kings Meadows) has opened in Kings Meadows - Tasmania's first dedicated padel and pickleball facility, housed in a warehouse. Whether you're a seasoned player or just padel-curious, they run social sessions that are a great way to have a hit on the court and make some new friends in the bar area. Super Chilled (74 Main Road, Penguin) is set to open in Penguin late this month. From the Hey Buddy team, a much-loved West Ulverstone cafe, Super Chilled will serve ice cream, gelato and acai bowls directly across from the beach (and the big penguin!).

COMING SOON

Atlas and Vine (229 Liverpool Street, Hobart) is a new wine bar opening in Hobart’s CBD - set to be your new neighbourhood restaurant and wine bar shaped by season and place we’re told. Owner and chef Nick Kavenagh comes with great training behind him, spending time working at the much-lauded Noma in Denmark.

SCOOTERS SCOOTING OFF

Hobart City Council will remove publicly available hire e-scooters from the streets entirely. Last month, Council confirmed it would end the mixed e-scooter and e-bike hire scheme and transition to an e-bike-only model, with a tender going out soon for a new operator to focus on smaller, more-compact e-bikes. It’s hoped the smaller bikes will suit our narrow and sometimes inconsistent pathways better. Council said the most common complaint they received from residents about the scooters was "inappropriate parking”. There were also ongoing regulatory, safety and behavioural concerns. Councillor Ryan Posselt, chair of the transport committee, said. “An e-bike only model is expected to improve safety outcomes and better integrate with existing cycling infrastructure,” Posselt said. “E-bikes also support active transport, delivering public health benefits alongside emissions reduction.”

SPIRIT BERTH INCHES FORWARD

The long-awaited new Spirit of Tasmania berth in Devonport is reportedly on track to be completed in six months. Four of seven sections of its 700-tonne gantry are now installed and it’s expected that all will be done by October, ready to welcome the two new Spirit ships shortly after.

BUS CHANGES

If you’re a bus-user, you might want to double check your bus timetable as some have changed. The Department of State Grown has announced that changes were coming in May, including some Metro school bus services. Timetables will be updated to reflect real travel times and - hopefullyimprove reliability. To prepare for Term 2 and possible changes, head to https://www.metrotas.com.au/ and scroll down to ‘Hobart Timetable Update’.

NEW ROLE FOR EX-MAYOR

After resigning from her position as Mayor of Kingborough, Paula Wriedt has been announced as the incoming Chief Executive Officer of the Tasmanian Council of Social Service (TasCOSS). "With more than 16 years’ experience as CEO of Cystic Fibrosis Tasmania, over a decade as a government minister, and leadership roles including Mayor of Kingborough Council and Vice President of the Local Government Association of Tasmania, Paula brings a strong combination of political insight, industry leadership and organisational experience," said TasCOSS Board President, Ms Georgie Ibbott. Ms Wriedt said she was honoured to have been chosen to lead TasCOSS, a role that aligns deeply with her passion for the community service industry. "My entire career has been about advocating for others and this new position will continue this work representing the many community organisations, their staff and volunteers who contribute so much to our state," Ms Wriedt said.

VALE, SEQUOIAS

The two iconic but very unwell giant sequoia trees in St David’s Park are now gone. The City of Hobart announced that they would be removed after repeated attempts to save the ailing trees, which had been hit by a cascade of impacts over the past two years, had failed. The trees, now each at least 30 metres tall, were planted in 1937 to commemorate the coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, but Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said they were really just babies: “At just 88 years of age these giant sequoias were just babes in the woods. Giant sequoias can live to be over 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.” In time they’ll be replaced by two young giant sequoias and the wood from the removed trees will be used in City of Hobart projects, including a new waterfront interpretation project.

TEA AND CAKE AGAINST CANCER

Australia's Biggest Morning Tea is on Thursday 21 May this year, giving us all the chance to eat cake AND help kick cancer at the same time. The annual event raises life-saving funds for the almost 1 in 2 Australians impacted by cancer. If the 21st doesn’t suit, you can host a morning tea anytime in May or June. Register at www. biggestmorningtea.com.au.

TUG BOAT SINKER CHARGED

Remember when a bulk cement carrier crashed into two tugboats and then the tugs sank in Devonport's Mersey River in 2022? Well the owner of the carrier, CSL Australia, has now been charged over the incident. The carrier, called Goliath, hit the two tugs, called York Cove and Campbell Cove, while they were moored at the Port of

Devonport. At the time, the tugs were holding around 69,000 litres of diesel and other oil. CSL Australia has now been charged with unlawfully causing serious environmental harm, and with causing environmental nuisance. The operation to salvage the tugs and get them out of the river took almost seven months. The matter has been adjourned to 9 June for a plea in Devonport.

KINGBOROUGH LOVES A WALK OR RIDE

Kingborough has seen a significant increase recorded in active travel across key local routes. Kingborough Mayor Paula Wriedt said results from the 2025 Super Sunday Recreation Count, conducted by Bicycle Network, representing a 15% increase compared with 2024. “More people are using our paths to stay active and get around,” Cr

Wriedt said. “The busiest site surveyed was the Balmoral Road and Beach Road area at Kingston Beach, where 668 trips were recorded over the three hour count period, an increase of 58 per cent to last year.” Cr Wriedt said the Whitewater Creek Track had nearly doubled its users in two years.

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THUMBS UP

Free public transport continues.

A thermos that works…hello winter sports mornings and hot lunches on the go.

Tip shops.

The delicious Tassie pastry scene.

The Strait of Bass is open.

ROGUE URCHIN GOES WEST

A single invasive sea urchin has been spotted off the remote southwest coast, marking the most westerly sighting of the species in Tasmania. The Longspined sea urchin has formed dense populations along parts of the east coast, seriously damaging marine landscapes and impacting local abalone and rock lobster fisheries. This rogue urchin was found between Port Davey and Low Rocky Point. Dr John Keane, a senior research fellow at the University of Tasmania’s Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) said sightings were increasing across southern reefs: “While a single individual is not a problem, this sighting highlights the extent of the threat if our waters continue to warm.” The state government’s incentivized harvest program has encouraged commercial divers to remove millions of the urchins from coastal waters since 2018, but more remote areas are much harder to work in.

THUMBS DOWN

When controlled burns coincide with washing day.

Wearing through your favourite shoes.

Have a thumbs up or down you want to share? Send it to editor@thehobartmagazine.com.au

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The 127 mm diameter centro was discovered between Low Rocky Point and Port Davey. Pic: John Keane

HOBART AIRPORT BUSIER THAN EVER (IN A GOOD WAY!)

It sounds like Hobart Airport is the place to be: it’s just hit 13 straight months of record passenger growth. January was the busiest month in its history, with 314,000 passengers moving through the terminal. Then March of this year also overtook March of last year by 7%. Hobart Airport is

now the second fastest-growing airport in Australia when it comes to annual domestic passenger growth. It remains to be seen how airline fuel price woes, flight cuts and the ongoing war in the Middle East will impact on the next few months’ stats.

WATER WOES FOR ORFORD AND TRIABUNNA

Orford and Triabunna are now on stage three water restrictions, with dry conditions continuing across the East Coast and no significant rainfall forecast.

TasWater Head of Communications and Engagement Liz Hafner said the decision to implement stage three restrictions for the two towns was not made lightly: “We appreciate the efforts the communities in Orford and Triabunna have already made in reducing water usage over the previous months, but unfortunately we are left with no option but to increase restrictions further,”

Mrs Hafner said. Stage 3 restrictions aim to reduce non-essential water usage by 75 per cent. It means restrictions to the watering of residential, public and commercial gardens and lawns, with allocated days given to odd-numbers and even-numbered properties. There are restrictions on the watering of sporting grounds, and vehicles may only be spot-cleaned with a bucket or watering can. Pools and spas cannot be filled without prior written approval from TasWater. More info at www. taswater.com.au.

DEVONPORT STADIUM HITTING MILESTONES

The Devonport City Council recently shared an update that there’s progress on site at the Devonport Stadium. Most of the footings are now in the ground, marking a big step forward in the build.

WEST COAST WALK TO COME

A multi-day walk that is being compared to the Overland Track and the Three Capes has reached the next stage. A delegate for the federal environment minister recently decided the 31 kilometre Tyndall Range track, pitched as Tassie’s next iconic hut-based walk, will not need further environmental assessment. The track, between Queenstown and Tullah, was identified as the best of 35 possible locations reviewed by Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service. A detailed feasibility study tested and explored over 50 track route options in and around the Tyndall Range and the recommended option was a three day, two night, hut based serviced walking experience between Lake Plimsoll in the north and Lake Margaret Power Station in the south.

The indoor cricket area is the next part of the plan to progress, with concrete yet to be poured. You can keep up to date with the project via their Facebook page as construction continues.

THANKS FOR THE PRESSIE, WA

In other police-related news, Western Australia Police has given Tasmania Police a rather large gift: an armoured Lenco BearCat. The bullet-proof 2012 Lenco BearCat, which is the same model as an armoured vehicle already utilised by Tasmania Police, will be allocated to the Special Operations Group (SOG). Assistant Commissioner Adrian Bodnar said that the BearCat was useful for incidents like sieges, armed offenders and other high risk situations: “The BearCat is bullet and blast resistant and is designed to support the safe deployment of specialist police, as well as the extraction of injured persons or members of the public from high risk environments,” he said. “Members

GRENADE FOUND AT BUILDING SITE

A suspected World War 2-era grenade was recently unearthed at a Rosetta building site, sparking the callout of the bomb squad. The rusty device was found in the dirt early on a Sunday. Tasmania Police found that the corroded device was inert so posed no threat to the public. It is thought it must have been brought in from elsewhere in a pile of dirt.

4000 NEW HOMES FOR TASMANIA

The Commonwealth and Tasmanian Governments have struck a deal to unlock the construction of around 4,000 homes, including up to 2,101 homes exclusively for first home buyers. The Commonwealth Government will provide $165 million in support for the deal (through $115 million in concessional loans and $50 million in grant funding). The agreement will also include funding and land contributions from the Tasmanian Government and local Tasmanian councils. The homes will primarily be built in growing areas of Hobart, Launceston, Devonport and Burnie including Brighton, Sorell and the Meander Valley.

of the public may see the vehicle on Tasmanian roads from time to time; however, its presence should not cause alarm,” he added. “The BearCat will not be used for general duties or patrols and will only be deployed in circumstances where specialised armoured protection is required.”

Quality and Caring Dentistry

Dr Martyn Sweet (Principal Dentist)

Dr Justin Huang

Dr Ian Gurner

Dr Martin Rose

Dr Johanna Hull

Hannah Colantoni (Oral Health Therapist)

Jade Cusack (Oral Health Therapist)

WOMENS SHELTER EXPANSION

Funding for the Hobart Women’s Shelter to almost double in capacity has been confirmed. Having just upgraded its communal spaces, the shelter will now be adding 15 new two-bedroom units on site. The shelter, which provides safe accommodation for women and children in need, has been overwhelmed with demand and has to turn away hundreds of women and families each year. The new units will allow the shelter to support an additional 260 women and children, providing up to 15,000 additional safe bed nights each year.

MORE DISABLED PARKING IN CBD

The number of accessible parking spaces in the Argyle Street car park have recently been increased. On Level 3, (Wellington Centre side), the accessible parking has increased from five to 13 spaces. These spaces are in the area near the Wellington Clinics pedestrian bridge. The increased spaces were introduced following feedback from the community and ongoing discussions with the City of Hobart Access Advisory Committee. The Argyle Street car park now has 41 Accessible Parking spaces. The spaces are available for use now, a valid Disability Parking Permit must be displayed when using the spaces

GLENORCHY POOL UPDATE

The Glenorchy War Memorial Pool project is 69 per cent complete and on track to be 100 per cent done before the end of the year. The change rooms are almost done, the pool’s accessibility ramp works are progressing well, core systems are ready in the plant room, and external site works continue (including grandstand chairs and a heating system installation). Fingers crossed for summer swims!

ELIGIBILITY CHANGES FOR LGBTIQA+ BLOOD DONORS

Rodney Croome, Tasmanian LGBTIQA+ rights activist and academic, gave blood for the first time in his life following recent changes to Australian Red Cross Lifeblood rules about who can donate. Croome posted a joy-filled photo of him in the blood donor chair, saying: “I donated today because I want to help other Australians in need, but also because I want to encourage other gay, bi and trans Australians to donate. I know some gay men my age are wary about donation. They might have been turned away in the past, or feel resentment about the old ban. I want my donation to encourage newly-eligible donors to put all that behind us, roll up our sleeves and give the gift of life." The change is expected to lead to about 20,000 extra blood donations across a year.

FROM HOBART TO THE MET

You might have seen the social media storm that surrounds the annual Met Gala in New York. Each year the fundraising event brings together a diverse group of high profile celebrities deemed by Vogue's global editorial director Anna Wintour to be fitting of the spectacle. Alongside the annual Met Gala fundraiser, which will take place on 4 May, there’s the Costume Institute’s spring 2026 exhibition, Costume Art There’s a surprising Tasmanian connection to the exhibition via Dr Llewellyn Negrin, a Hobart-based researcher.

How did a researcher based in Hobart come to write the introduction to the catalogue for one of the world's most high-profile fashion exhibitions? In my professional life as Head of Art and Design Theory at the School of Art, University of Tasmania, I published widely in the area of fashion theory in international academic journals such as Body & Society; Theory, Culture & Society; Feminist Theory; European Journal of Cultural Studies and Critical Studies in Fashion and Beauty, as well as in various edited collections such as Fashion and

Ensemble, Rei Kawakubo (Japanese, born 1942) for Comme des Garçons (Japanese, founded 1969), spring/summer 1997. Photography by Paul Westlake, image courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Art and Thinking through Fashion. I also published a book, Appearance and Identity: Fashioning the Body in Postmodernity. It was through these writings that Andrew Bolton, chief curator at the Costume Art Institute, Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, became aware of my work. Particularly influential for him were my essays on fashion as an embodied artform, and these have become pivotal in his conceptualisation and curation of his latest exhibition Costume Art. This led him to invite me to write an essay for the catalogue accompanying this exhibition, as well as to provide feedback on his curation of the exhibition.

The exhibition explores fashion as an embodied art form rather than a purely visual one—what does that distinction mean, and why does it matter? With the increasing prevalence of fashion exhibitions in art museums, fashion has come to be treated as a purely visual art form that can be understood solely in aesthetic terms, disconnected from the body. In the process, what has been overlooked is how these garments are experienced by their wearers not just as visual artifacts to be looked at, but also as material garments that are worn. Rather than seeking to deny or suppress fashion's association with the body, this exhibition aims to highlight the indissoluble connection between our bodies and the clothes we wear. In its embrace of fashion's corporeality, this exhibition seeks to counter the privileging of mind over body–an idea deeply engrained in Western thought–and to highlight the more multi-faceted nature of our

sensorial engagement with fashion. We engage with fashion not just through our eyes but through our bodies and it is this bodily awareness that the exhibition seeks to evoke. It does this in part through the inclusion of body types not normally featured in fashion exhibitions such as the pregnant body, the corpulent body and the disabled body, making use of custom-made mannequins, modelled on the bodies of actual people which depart from the idealised proportions of standardised mannequins.

The Met Gala dress code this year is "Fashion is Art"—do you think the public understands that idea well, or is there still work to do in making that case? I think that while there is now broader public understanding of the idea of fashion as art, it tends to be based on a traditional conception of art as a purely visual experience. The exhibition, from which the Met Gala theme is derived, is seeking to broaden the concept of aesthetic experience beyond the purely visual to focus on the interrelation between the body and the garments in which it is clothed. It is about embracing the body rather than seeking to disavow it.

What does it mean to you personally, as a Tasmanian, to have your work featured at this level on the world stage? I feel it is a great honour to have received such recognition, even though I live in a relatively remote part of the

world. I am particularly thrilled at the way my ideas have influenced a new direction in the way fashion is presented in art museums, in such a pre-eminent institution as the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Your book Appearance and Identity: Fashioning the Body in Postmodernity explores fashion's relationship to the body—how has your thinking on that topic evolved over the years, and does the Costume Art exhibition reflect where you've landed? My focus in the book Appearance and Identity: Fashioning the Body in Postmodernity was on a critical interrogation of the importance placed on physical appearance in contemporary society where the visual presentation of self is privileged over other forms of self identity, particularly in the case of women, who tend to be judged by their looks. Since then, my attention has shifted to an exploration of the haptic experience of fashion, i.e. how it impinges on the body of the wearer, and mediates our practical interaction with the world. Clothing is not just about the construction of an image but also shapes the way we comport ourselves in the world and it is this aspect that I have focused on in my more recent writings. The Costume Art exhibition reflects the culmination of my investigations into this aspect of fashion.

You've written about Rei Kawakubo of Comme des Garçons, whose work features in the Costume Art exhibition. What makes her such a compelling figure to study, and what does she bring to a show about fashion as art? Rei Kawakubo's work is pathbreaking in the way it upends many of the conceptions of beauty and glamour which have underpinned traditional haute couture. In doing so, she has provoked us to think more critically about the fashion industry, while still herself operating within it. It is this interstitial position, both as insider as well as critical observer, that makes her work particularly fascinating. The

way she has reconsidered the relationship between dress and the body is of particular relevance to the exhibition Costume Art. In her Body Meets DressDress Meets Body collection from 1997 for instance, which consisted of outfits made from stretch fabrics with padded protruberences in odd places, the boundaries between the body and dress are blurred such that the garments become a prosthetic extension of the body rather than separable from it. Departing radically from Classical ideals of perfection, such works provoke us to consider new forms of beauty arising from asymmetry.

Your research on "pauperist" style examines how motifs of poverty— worn materials, frayed hems—have been absorbed into mainstream fashion as a form of glamour. Do you think that kind of cultural appropriation has become more or less troubling in the years since you wrote about it? I think it is a double-edged sword. While it is laudible that fashion designers have increasingly addressed issues of social injustice and inequality in their work, at the same time there is always the danger that this critical intent can be dissipated through its incorporation into the realm of haute couture.

You've been at the University of Tasmania since 1989. What has it been like building a career as a fashion theorist from Hobart? Has being based in Tasmania shaped your perspective in ways you might not have expected? I think that building my career as a fashion theorist far from the fashion centres of the world such as Paris, New York, London and Milan, has probably enabled me to maintain a critical perspective on the fashion industry as an outside observer, while at the same time appreciating its great creativity and artistry. While Tasmania may be geographically isolated from the rest of the world, I have always felt connected internationally with researchers in the field through my reading and publications.

“Corset Anatomia” ensemble, Renata Buzzo (Brazilian, born 1986), spring/summer 2025; Courtesy Renata Buzzo. Photo © The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Who is your favourite designer? That's a difficult one to answer. I do like Issey Miyake, especially his pleated garments made from innovative fabrics which flow and morph gracefully to the contours of the body.

And finally what are you wearing and who are you looking forward to meeting? I’ll be attending the opening of the exhibition at the Met which happens on the same day as the Met Gala in the morning of 4 May as well as another event at the Met for contributors to the exhibition on 7 May. I will be wearing a Miyake-inspired garment to one event and a hand-dyed silk dress designed by my step-daughter to the other. I'm most looking forward to meeting the curator Andrew Bolton in person.

Costume Art will be on view at The Met Fifth Avenue, New York from 10 May, 2026, through 10 January, 2027.

HISTORIC GROUNDS, CONTEMPORARY TABLE

Head Chef John Churchill of 1830 Restaurant & Bar shares how the historic setting of the Port Arthur Historic Site shapes his seasonal, locally driven menu — and why the relationships he builds with Tasman Peninsula producers are at the heart of everything he puts on the plate.

How would you describe the menu and atmosphere at 1830 Restaurant & Bar? First, the view is spectacular. I pinch myself every day being able to look out at sweeping views of the penitentiary. My menu is always seasonal, showcasing ingredients that let the Turrakana/Tasman Peninsula ingredients shine.

You have a strong relationship with local suppliers. How does that help you foster a sense of place on the plate? The community on the Peninsula

FROM THE PADDOCK, THE VINE AND THE SEA

Grass-fed beef, cool-climate wines and fresh abalone, Premaydena Hill is anything but your average farm — and owners Daniel and Ella wouldn't have it any other way.

Dining with a heritage view

is close-knit. Everyone knows everyone. I see how our food is grown and raised, and how our wine, gin and whisky is produced - not just how they look when they arrive at the kitchen door. I’m always chatting to our makers as they drop off their produce. They’ve devoted their lives to their craft, so they’re always excited to share their produce.

What can guests expect at your upcoming Meet the Maker event on 5 June? Having makers in the room changes the experience - it turns a meal into a shared story. Our Meet the Maker in April with Sandra and Mark from Dunalley Bay Distillery was a sold-out event - they shared not only stories of their distilling journey, but also the regeneration of the Dunalley community after the 2013 bushfires. This June, diners will meet Dan and Ella from Premaydena Hill.

What's Premaydena Hill’s philosophy when producing food and wine? We are bringing a real farm-to-plate experience when you come to the Peninsula. Our cattle are 100 percent grass fed. Our vineyard is one of the largest non-irrigated vineyards in southern Tasmania. We use lots of French clonal varieties, and we don't irrigate, so we're replicating conditions and growing techniques as they would in France. I'm a non-paid director of the Land and Sea Aboriginal Corporation Tasmania (LSACT). Tasmanian Aboriginal people dive for the abalone and we run it in conjunction with the Wave to Plate program, which finds Tasmanian Aboriginal kids jobs in the seafood industry.

That's quite a broad offering from one supplier. All three go perfectly well together. A cool climate Shiraz with a beautiful porterhouse steak. Abalone is a perfect showpiece to go

You've just opened for regular lunch service. What will this bring to the Port Arthur visitor experience? Travel and food go hand-in-hand. You can look at the view of a UNESCO world-heritage site and drink local wine paired with local seafood or beef. That's a culinary dream come true. People who come to Tasmania want to sample the local produce. Food compliments a travel experience.

Port Arthur is one of Tasmania's most visited destinations. Does history play out on the plate? Our experience-based dining offers an immersive connection to the past. We’ve reimagined the flavours of convict-era Tasmania, transforming them into refined, shareable dishes.

with our Sparkling and Riesling, it’s an ideal match.

What can guests expect at the Meet the Maker event? We're going to explain what the growing year was like and bring in different vintages to show true terroir and the difference between seasons. There's no McDonald's down here, there's no Uber Eats. You're coming to eat real food produced locally by people who are exceptionally proud of what they do. It's a beautiful paddock-to-plate story - very few producers in Australia do this now.

What's the process been like collaborating with John from 1830? John is a Tasmanian institution. Everybody in the culinary scene knows John Churchill. He does amazing things with food, especially steak and seafood. And at that beautiful historic site. If you can be drinking a local white wine paired with local seafood, that’s a culinary dream come true.

MEET THE MAKER: PREMAYDENA HILL

Fire, beef, abalone, wine, and stories of the land. Meet the Makers behind Premaydena Hill in a hyperlocal dining event celebrating Turrakana/ Tasman Peninsula produce. Enjoy a multi-course dinner curated by Chef John Churchill, with paired wines to highlight the craft, character and provenance of the region.

When Friday 5 June, 6-9pm

Where 1830 Restaurant & Bar, Port Arthur Historic Site, Arthur Highway, Port Arthur

1830 Restaurant & Bar is open seven days for lunch from 11:30am to 2:30pm and for special events. Visit portarthur.org.au/1830restaurant to book now.

WHAT’S ON IN HOBART

MONDAY

4

Head to St James Hall, New Town, for Monday night folk dancing It’s on the first and third Monday of each month, with various bands and styles, usually Contra. 7:15pm for 7:30pm.

18 Law Week kicks off today, goes till the 24th. It’s our annual chance to learn more about the law and our legal rights through drop in sessions, chats, tours and more. www. lawweektas.com.au

25 Get your blood pressure checked for free as a part of Australia's Biggest Blood Pressure Check month, Kingborough Community Hub. 12:30pm2:30pm, book online.

1 Marinelle Basson’s Mythographica is an exhibition inspired by the rich history of myths, made with spinning, weaving, threads, and webs. 10:15am-4pm at Sidespace Gallery.

WEDNESDAY TUESDAY

5

Explore the history of Recherche Bay with local historian Richie Woolley at the Maritime Museum’s lunchtime talk today, 12-1pm, Royal Society Room, TMAG.

12 Van Diemen’s Band’s next lunchbox concert is an international collaboration with Australians, a Czech violinist and a Danish harpsichordist. Czech Mate is on at 1:05pm, Hobart Town Hall.

19 Guy Sebastian is in town! He's bringing his 100 Times Around The Sun Tour to Mystate Bank Arena tonight.

2 I, Kitty’s Confessional is a workshop featuring a playful reimagining of well-known stories through ceramics at Moonah Arts Centre, 10am-5pm.

6

Eddie Izzard

–The Remix Tour Live is a chance for Eddie, inspired by her ever loyal audiences, to remix and re-imagine some of her own favourite, personal comedy highlights. The Odeon.

13 Mountain lovers, get along to three hours of adventure stories with the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour, Wrest Point Casino, 7pm.

7

THURSDAY FRIDAY

TSO Concertmaster (and past cover person) Emma McGrath performs part of the film score to The Red Violin with Australian conductor Nathan Aspinall, 6pm, Federation Concert Hall.

14

The Open Floor Dance Workshop offers an evening of ecstatic dance and community connection with Henry Fowkes, 6pm, Kingston Beach Hall.

8 Mandela Mathia’s Lose to Win is his autobiographical story of his journey as a refugee from the Sudanese civil war to Australia. Theatre Royal, today and tomorrow, 7pm.

15 In Promise and Promiscuity: A New Musical, Penny Ashton returns to Hobart bringing dozens of Jane Austen’s characters to the stage. 8pm, Salamanca Arts Centre.

20 Learn how to create a flawless everyday makeup look with makeup artist Amber Maddison’s beginner-friendly Makeup Masterclass, Granton, 10am-12:30pm. Tix at Humanitix.

27 Try Natural Dyeing and Printing to create samples with local plants, experiment with dye and start small projects. Tasty snacks provided! Kickstart Arts, New Town. Monthly, book at Humanitix.

3 Take your little one to Rock and Rhyme and Storytime at Rosny Library at 10am or at Huonville Library at 11.

21 For something light, Dr Andrew Leigh explores the Economics of Human Extinction and what it will take to respond before it’s too late at the Sir Stanley Burbury Theatre, UTAS, 6pm.

28 The Island Readers & Writers Festival is a new five-day celebration of literature, story-telling and creating connection with in-conversations, panels, workshops, readings and performances.

4

New Norfolk’s The Bush Inn hosts Nathan Cavaleri and his blues, rock and folk tonight from 8pm. Grab dinner at the steakhouse too.

22 Love watching films, but think they're too long? You’ll love the Very Short Film Festival, today til Sunday, at the State Cinema.

29 Curious about UTAS’ The Forest building in the city? Take a lunchtime tour of the spaces and see what’s under the big dome. 12pm-1pm, book at Humanitix.

SATURDAY SUNDAY

9

Bevs is turning into a vintage marketplace all day today for the very first Last Sip Market Expect a treasure hunt mixed with a day party. 189 Elizabeth St, 9am-5pm.

16 Shotgun Karaoke is muso Paul Dempsey (Something for Kate)’s tour of stripped-back, singalong covers. Altar Bar, 7pm.

10

Celebrate Mother's Day with High Tea at Buscombe's Restaurant, 12pm-3pm, or Nonna's Sunday Lunch at Tesoro (for modern Italian).

23 Everything is really free at the Really Really Free Market, 12pm-1pm, Kingborough Community Hub. Later, don the line dancing boots for The Valley Hoedown, New Norfolk Memorial Hall, 6pm.

24

Don’t we all dream of taking up pottery? Well you can with a pottery painting workshop at the Harmony Garden Centre, Lauderdale, 9:30am-3:45pm

SPOTLIGHT ON...

polaris, Macquarie Island Cabbage by Maura Chamberlain

9 May

Kingston’s Light Up the Dark fun run invites you to dress up in lights and glowing gear for a run or walk and help raise awareness for safer spaces at night. Presented by the Sandy Bay Harriers Athletic Club with the Tasmanian Sexual Assault Awareness Service (SASS). Kingston Park, 5:45pm. Funds raised will go towards support services for people affected by sexual assault.

9-15 May

Maura Chamberlain’s new book, Saving Macquarie Island, is a collection of accounts by some of the many people who have played a role in eradicating invasive vermin from the place. She’s a botanical illustrator who undertook an Australia Antarctic Arts Fellowship to record the flora of the island. Chamberlain’s illustrations not only feature in the book but also in an exhibition at Mawson Waterside Pavilion this week.

9 May

Singers of Southern Tasmania present An Operatic Afternoon, a selection of well-loved Italian opera choruses and songs at the Hobart College Theatre in Mount Nelson from 2:30pm (followed by a delicious afternoon tea). Book via Trybooking.

30 Django’s Tiger Trio returns to Salamanca Jazz with a deeply personal concert of gypsy jazz favourites: A Tribute to the Hot Club of France. The Founders Room, 7:30pm.

31 See the Aussie supergroup MONSTR (Jason Singh (Taxiride), Stu Rudd (The Superjesus), Pete Drummond (Dragon) and Jimi Hocking (The Screaming Jets)) at The Longley International, 2pm.

10 May

Treat mum (or a mum-like-figure) to an afternoon high tea in the historic surrounds of Port Arthur. Enjoy high tea with beverages in the Visiting Magistrates House plus site entry to the Port Arthur Historic Site for the day. Adults $70, Kids under 12: $40, tickets at www.portarthur.org.au.

11-24 May

Celebrate fungi season with the Tasmanian Mushroom Festival. With a lineup of events, workshops and exhibitions covering fungi in all its fabulousness, the festival culminates in the Mushroom Field Day on the 24th at BrewLab in Goodwood. Head to www. tasmanianmushroomfestival.com.au for more information and tickets to loads of events.

AROUND THE ISLAND

11

Tassie author Katherine Johnson, inaugural recipient of the Australian Fiction Prize, chats about her new novel, Every Wild Soul, at UTAS West Park Campus, Burnie, 11:30am.

18 Check out one of the oldest Fords in the world at the Ransley Veteran Car Collection in the Wonders of Wynyard Exhibition and Visitor Centre. Open every day 10am4pm.

Northern Clay. Pic: QVMAG

1 George Town Library hosts the weekly Gaming for Youth sesh after school today, with PS4, VR, Switch and board games on hand, best for ages 10-18, 3:15pm.

5 Historic Home Hill in Devonport hosts weekly talks this month. Today’s is End of Life Challenges and Comforts with Wendy Elsmore from Dying with Dignity Tasmania. Book via the National Trust.

26 QVMAG’s Northern Clay exhibition explores the rise of ceramics in northern Tassie and the story of two former Launceston pottery companies. Open every day.

6 Author Katherine Scholes discusses her new novel, One Night at Silver Lake, at Not Just Books in Burnie tonight from 6pm.

2 Alastair Mooney's striking contemporary exhibition, Funerea Procession was inspired by the yellow-tailed black cockatoo. Jim Mooney Gallery, George Town. Until 11 July.

13

Auto-Tune is a rock opera - a regret-filled love letter to millennial culture - at Burnie Arts tonight from 7:30pm. Best for 15+.

7

Quercus Park in Carrick will be transformed into Agfest - the agricultural field days - by Rural Youth Tasmania. Until the 9th.

20 The Supercars are here, and there’s a fan fare community event in Devonport’s CBD this afternoon from 3pm, with driver signings from 4pm.

14 The Stanley and Tarkine Forage Festival started yesterday until the 17th, celebrating the beauty and abundance of the north west, foragefestival.com.au.

8 Mothers Day can be tough for some - there’s a special Mothers Day Memorial Service at Carr Villa Chapel, Kings Meadows, 10am-11am.

27 Behind the Lines 2025: 'Are We Rolling?' is a touring exhibition celebrating the past year's best political cartoons. Until 18 July at Burnie Arts.

21 Join Cancer Council Australia's beloved annual fundraiser, Australia's Biggest Morning Tea at the heritage-listed Church Tasmania in Campbell Town. Tickets $39.95.

15 Maltstock Down Under is a not-for-profit immersive whisky weekend set on Ratho Farm in Bothwell, with distillery visits, fireside chats, blind tastings and over 80 whiskies to sample. 18+ only.

22 Supercars racing returns to Symmons Plains Raceway in Perth for Round 5 of the 2026 Repco Supercars Championship, with a full weekend of racing and family-friendly action. Until Sunday.

28

NZ’s Salmonella Dub bring their full original line up to the Royal Oak tonight, 8pm. They’re also at Forth Pub tomorrow night.

3 Join Social Swim Club, a welcoming swim squad for people with physical or intellectual disabilities. Come and watch or dive straight in. Every Wed, 11am, Devonport Aquatic Centre.

4 George Town’s Watch House Gallery has an exhibition of Suemi Cheba’s thrown ceramics. Closed Tuesdays, every second Thursday and Sundays. Finishes on 21 June.

29 Connect with your creative side exploring basic colour theory and painting techniques in Prickle, Paint and Sip with local artist Erin Pickle. 7pm9pm, South Arm Calverton Hall.

5 Devonport's monthly Twilight Market and street food night is back at Market Square Pavilion, with shopping, eating and fun. 4pm–8pm, 13-17 Oldaker Street. Free entry.

9 Turns out birds are hard to photograph. Bird Photography for beginners is a hands-on workshop to help. 10am-4pm Dru Point, Margate, www.shutterbugwalkabouts.com.au.

16 The Launceston Repair Cafe has volunteers mending broken household items. Pilgrim Church Hall, 1pm. Enjoy a Scottish Ceilidh at Sulphur Creek.

23 Celebrate Botanic Gardens Australia & New Zealand Week with a talk by psychologist and mindfulness teacher, Tracy Spencer and Pat Fleming. Tasmanian Arboretum, Eugenana. Bookings essential.

30 Now in its second year, the boutique Tamar Valley Film Festival celebrates Tasmanian filmmakers. Yesterday and today at SOTA School of the Arts, Invermay. Tix via their website.

10

There’s a Mothers Day High Tea at the Emu Valley Rhododendron Garden in Romaine, 12pm-4pm. Bookings essential. The Mother’s Day Classic starts at 8:30am, at The Bluff, Devonport.

MORE AROUND THE ISLAND

20-24 May

17

Deloraine’s British Hotel hosts Sundee Poetree, an open mic night on the third Sunday of the month, 2pm-4pm.

24 Join the Great Train Race, a family-friendly run and walk at Don River Railway. Race against a moving train, with entertainment, medals, or watch from on board. 7am–1pm.

31 The McGrath Launceston Running Festival returns to Launceston. It’s Australia's fastest course and the only World Athletics Elite Label in the Southern Hemisphere - half mara, 10km, 5km and one-mile races.

The Australian Musical Theatre Festival returns to Launceston for five glittering days of performances, cabaret, concerts and late-night magic, centred on the historic Albert Hall. Highlights include the opening production of Well Behaved Women, Sondheim's The Frogs, Broadway Showstoppers with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra, Nadine Garner performing Pride and Prejudice at Clarendon Estate, Buskers Alley and the ever-popular Choir in the Pub with Travis Hennessy. Wednesday 20 – Sunday 24 May, Launceston. Full program and tickets at amtf.org.au.

21 May

The Hawks bring AFL football back to Launceston for a Thursday night blockbuster under lights at University of Tasmania Stadium, as part of the Sir Doug Nicholls Round — the AFL's annual celebration of the contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players and culture to the game. Catch the Hawthorn Hawks and Adelaide Crows in their specially designed Indigenous guernseys. 7:30pm. Tickets via Ticketmaster.

23 May

The Bruny Island District School P&F is raising funds for a new bike track and outdoor classroom with a magical Indonesian Long Table Dinner evening of traditional Indonesian food, live music and community spirit at Alonnah Hall. Local resident Wina will prepare a four-course feast of authentic Indonesian dishes, with live music from Julius Schwing and Matilda Martin. Adults only. 5pm–9:30pm, Alonnah Hall, Bruny Island. Tickets via Humanitix.

30 May

Tasmania's annual fireworks and bonfire tradition Cracker Night marks what was originally a celebration of Queen Victoria's birthday. It’s one of the few places in Australia where the tradition lives on. Whether you're heading to a local display or hosting your own, remember that fireworks permits must be obtained at least 21 days in advance through WorkSafe Tasmania (that’s 8 May). And spare a thought for pets - keep them indoors with some music or TV on, gates secured, and make sure they're microchipped just in case.

Email us at editor@thehobartmagazine.com.au

Background photo: DIVERGE Skyruns. Pic: Lusy Productions

Details subject to change. Check the finer points with individual events.

NORTH WEST BAY RIVER TRAIL FROM SANDFLY

The picturesque North West Bay River Trail, which starts at Sandfly, is classed as a moderate walk, on a slightly undulating bush track.

Sandfly is a 25 minute drive south from Hobart, along the Huon Highway. Parking is available either in the small parking bay, just off the highway, opposite the Sandfly Shop, or nearby at the Sandfly Hall. A footpath leads from the parking bay to the start of the North West Bay Trail.

The North West Bay River flows from Kunanyi/ Mount Wellington, 25 kilometres to Don D’Entrecasteaux Channel at Margate. The North West Bay River Trail follows the river, through a diverse landscape, ranging from intact bushland to dramatic rocky outcrops and wide river beaches.

The North West Bay River is home to 13 threatened plants, 11 threatened animals and five threatened vegetation communities. In this pristine environment, we were concerned when we noticed several dense stands of the noxious weed, Spanish Heath. To ensure we did not spread weeds, we cleaned our boots before and after walking the trail.

There are two river crossings over shallow fords, across smooth dolerite river stones. The low flow of water, on the day we walked, revealed the pool and boulder nature of the river, and evidence of where the river has moved over time.

The trail ends at Riverdale Road, where we turned to retrace our steps to Sandfly. Wrens and willy wagtails flitted through the trees, and the distinctive ‘oom-oom’ of the bronzewing pigeon filled the air. The North West Bay River Trail is a varied and interesting walk following the river’s journey through the catchment area.

THRUST AND RECEIVE

Words: Annia Baron

She’s a sought-after project manager and he’s a passionate stay-at-home dad. The woman tells me they have a good marriage and love their young children. Financially, the couple are well off, enjoy various hobbies, and have seemingly meaningful friendships. Despite being happy on paper, she’s grown increasingly irritable and easily agitated, and it’s affecting her relationship. “It’s as though I’m brimming with rage,” she tells me, and adds, “It can be over the smallest of issues. Sometimes I get so fixated on things; it’s hard to let them go.” With desperation in her eyes, she asks, “Is it perimenopause? I think I may have ADHD or OCD?” Before I have the chance to respond, she interjects with, “Maybe it’s anxiety or depression? I need to know so I can fix it.”

“Primarily, who does the cooking at home?” I ask her. “My husband. He provides me with options and I make the decision,” she explains. I enquire further, “When he takes the kids to the park, do you remind him to pack an extra pair of socks or make sure their water bottle are in the carry bag?” “I guess so,” she says. I go on, “Do you get frustrated with your husband because you feel he doesn’t understand the extent of consideration and organising it takes to balance your career, motherhood, and manage everyone’s emotions at home?”

“Yes, yes!!” she responds emphatically. “He’s always telling me I need to relax, as though that’s the solution, and then initiates sex, but that’s the last thing I feel like when I’m so exhausted!” she expresses.

“He’s right,” I tell her, and watch as a subtle sneer appears on her face.

“Allow me to elaborate,” I say with a playful confidence, “Within each of

us, we hold masculine and feminine energy. Masculine energy symbolises the ‘doing’ aspects of life such as exerting strength and power to influence or change things. The feminine energy reflects a sense of ‘receiving’ and being open to life. It relies on our ability to soften, trust and surrender to the natural order of things. Like the yin to the yang, these work in perfect harmony, and the polarity is imperative for harmonious, thriving relationships. When a woman is disconnected from fully embodying her femininity, she ends up physically depleted, emotionally unbalanced, and may depict behaviours that tick criteria for several psychological disorders. The same is true for men. When a man feels as though he can’t epitomise his authentic masculinity, he will lose confidence and stop taking charge of situations in fear that it will cause problems between him and his partner. From here, it gets worse. Subconsciously, she’ll interpret his lack of assertiveness as a failure to her and their relationship. After all, how can she let go and relax if she feels like she can’t trust him to manage life and take the lead? Her disappointment turns into resentment, and his need for appreciation, which fuels his ability to protect and service their partnership, continues to face rejection. The trap is set. She thinks that to feel better, she needs to assert more control, and he continues to feel emasculated. It’s no wonder sex goes out the window!”

“So, what you’re saying is that I’m a total control freak?!” she says laughing.

“It’s important to be accountable for replenishing your feminine energy, in the same way your husband is responsible for wholeheartedly connecting to his masculinity. Your mind and body are exhausted and yearning for a new and enticing ‘memory’ of what it feels like to let go. It’s not about relinquishing your control; it’s about knowing how to harness the essence of your energetic

make-up. You’re very good at thrusting through life, I simply encourage you to become phenomenal at receiving too.

“Okay, where do I begin?” she says eagerly.

“Your first exercise? Go home, and tell your husband, ‘Honey, I no longer need you to ask me what I want for dinner. Instead, serve me in the loving way you always do. I trust you completely, so take the lead.”

“But what if he cooks something I don’t feel like?” she says, flustered. And before I have the chance to respond, she covers her mouth, drops her shoulders, and gasps, “Gosh, I really do need to let go, don’t I?”

“Same time next week?” I say with a facetious grin.

Annia Baron is a Clinical Psychologist & Mindset Coach. Want to create a life you desire and deserve? Get in touch @anniabaron or visit www.remindyourself.com

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TASSIE MARKET WATCH

ANNUAL RESULTS RELEASED BY REIT

The Real Estate Institute of Tasmania (REIT) recently released their December 2025 quarterly update which also meant the 2025 annual data was complete.

As housing supply and affordability dominate the Australian real estate conversation, the Tasmanian real estate market has continued to rebound strongly, recording its largest cumulative value of residential sales ($6.7 billion) ever and its highest number of transactions in four years.

Whilst local prices haven’t kept up with increases recorded by many of our mainland counterparts, activity levels have gone under the radar progressively climbing throughout the year. With Sydney’s median house price exceeding $1.25 million and Melbourne, Canberra, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide ‘s median prices above $825,000 Hobart is left offering a meaningful alternative recording Australia’s second lowest median price of $746,000. The affordability of Tasmanian real estate on a national scale has reignited the appeal and desirability of Tasmania, spawning significant growth in investor and mainland buyer transactions.

WHERE’S THE RATE AT?

The RBA cash rate currently sits at 4.10%, with the next RBA decision due on 5 May. Economists are divided on what comes next - some forecasts point to another rate rise, while others suggest the RBA may pause to assess how recent increases are flowing through to households and businesses.

2 Williams Avenue, Queenstown

Indicative price: $310,000

Agent: Nadia Burke, Roberts

According to the quarterly report, interest rate rises and growing cost of living expenses appear to have had little impact if any on local real estate conditions over the December 2025 quarter. REIT results confirm that 2025 finished strongly with December’s figures (2894 transactions) proving the strongest for the year. Commenting on the December 2025 Report, REIT President Russell Yaxley said that it was pleasing to see that confidence has returned to our markets. “Strong results across all regions are evident. It is pleasing to see significant increases in residential investment activity.”

UTAS LAND CAN SELL

After years of community debate, a bill to allow the University of Tasmania to sell some of its Sandy Bay campus land has passed state parliament. Now part of the upper campus above Churchill Avenue, worth around $100 million, will be able to be sold to partly fund a proposed STEM facility. There are also plans to discuss bushland hand back with the Aboriginal Land Council of Tasmania.

180 Parker Street, Devonport

Indicative price: Best Offers Over $749,000

Agent: Vanessa Goodwin, McGrath Devonport

18 Towers Drive, St Leonards Indicative price: Offers Above $1,569,000

Agent: Larrisa Brickhill, Peter Lees Real Estate Launceston

A Symphony of Tuscan Elegance and Contemporary Sophistication

49 New Ecclestone Road, Riverside $2.95m-$3.25m

Welcome to Villa Donini, an extraordinary estate where timeless Italian charm meets sophisticated modern luxury. Originally constructed in 1995, this one-of-a-kind Tuscan inspired villa has been meticulously reimagined by Zanetto Builders in 2024, delivering an unparalleled standard of elegance, comfort, and craftsmanship.

Sprawling across an impressive 600m² of refined living (including the indoor pool), this fivebedroom, three-bathroom residence is an entertainer’s dream and a private oasis in equal measure. From the rich chevron flooring to opulent marble finishes and timber features, every detail exudes class and quality.

Thoughtfully crafted for unforgettable entertaining, the home boasts a grand living and dining zone anchored by a bespoke bar and wine store, along with a dramatic 7-metre void that amplifies light, space and architectural impact.

Enjoy resort-style features including a sleek indoor lap pool and a full-size tennis court, centrally located with effortless flow from indoors, creating the perfect setting for relaxed family living or exclusive entertaining. The home’s layout embraces seamless indooroutdoor flow, with beautifully proportioned living zones and stunning outdoor spaces.

This remarkable estate has previously served as a high-performing Airbnb and a soughtafter special event venue, showcasing its versatility and income-generating potential.

Adding even more value is the inclusion of plans for a three-lot subdivision – offering a rare opportunity for developers or future flexibility for extended family living or resale.

Whether you’re seeking a prestigious family home, a boutique accommodation venture, or a high-end development site, this unparalleled offering is truly in a class of its own.

Surrounded by established greenery and natural bushland, the property offers a private sanctuary only 12 minutes from the CBD.

To discover the allure of all Villa Donini has to offer, please contact Insitu Property to schedule an inspection time.

PROPERTY FEATURES

• Building size: 600m²

• Land size: 3.46ha

• Outdoor entertaining area

• Tennis court

• Courtyard

• Swimming pool

• Balcony

• Broadband

• Garage spaces: 2

• Remote garage

• Air con, ducted heating/cooling

• Gas heating

• Secure parking

Kristi Seymour 0409 330 696 191-193 Liverpool Street, Hobart www.insituproperty.com.au

• Built in wardrobes

• Floorboards

• Dishwasher

• Rumpus room

• Study

THE FOREST IN LINE FOR NATIONAL AWARD

The University of Tasmania’s Hobart city campus has been shortlisted in the Australian Interior Design Awards 2026 for ‘The Forest’ project, designed by Woods Bagot. The forested atrium, beneath a restored heritage-listed dome, represents the civic heart of the project. Leading into the learning landscape, this sweeping timber gesture overcomes the site’s level changes, creating a welcoming, accessible arrival space with layered degrees of privacy and connectivity.

POLICE STATIONS FOR SALE

The design incorporates the innovative use of materials including local timber, repurposed brick, and the extensive use of carbon-negative material hempcrete. The new campus combines innovative and experimental approaches to resilient and sustainable design while reviving an iconic piece of local heritage.

“Working with found conditions, we have strived to emphasise the existing and let that drive the conceptual direction of the new. What was added was rigorously scrutinised against a criteria of necessity, sustainability, and reusability

at end of life, making it exemplary in circularity and sustainable building design,” said Bruno Mendes, Design Director at Woods Bagot.

The full list of awarded and commended projects will be presented at the Australian Interior Design Awards Gala Presentation Dinner, which will be held in Sydney on Friday 12 June.

A curious family home is up for sale in picturesque Evandale. It features not only a four bedroom home with an open-plan kitchen, but also the neighbouring police station, complete with two cells. The real estate listing states: “Zoned Community Purpose, there are multiple possibilities for the property. The buildings present outstanding potential for adaptive reuse, making them ideal for offices, consulting rooms, or accommodation…”. Meanwhile, the old Sorell police station is also for sale - that one comes with a handy 14 undercover parking spots. We look forward to seeing what the new owners decide to use the properties for!

A n y o n e w h o h a s m a r v e l l e d a t t h e s i m p l i c i t y o f a h i s t o r i c

G e o r g i a n h o m e k n o w s t h e r e i s s o m e t h i n g m a g i c a l a b o u t

t h e b e a u t i f u l l y d e s i g n e d a n d p r o p o r t i o n e d r o o m s

C l e v e l a n d H o u s e i s n o e x c e p t i o n R e s t o r e d f o r m o d e r n

l i v i n g i t r e t a i n s i t s e l e g a n t , t i m e l e s s a n d i n t r i n s i c c h a r a c t e r

C l e v e l a n d H o u s e n o w o f f e r s y o u a u n i q u e o p p o r t u n i t y t o

s e c u r e o n e o f N o r t h e r n T a s m a n i a ’ s i m p o r t a n t h i s t o r i c

c o u n t r y h o u s e s s u i t a b l e a s a w e e k e n d c o u n t r y e s c a p e ,

g r a c i o u s p r i v a t e f a m i l y r e s i d e n c e , o r c o n v e r t

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!

This month we’re diving into the natural world and reflecting on our relationships with non-human animals and plants. Will we just catalogue their demise, or will we participate in the protection and the rewilding of our planet Earth?

If I told you this was the most unconventional literary ‘novel’ you'd see this year, constructed as if an archive, pulling together free verse, non-fiction poetry and photography - I wouldn't judge you for being daunted. I was, a little, too. But I didn't just devour this book, I inhaled it. If anything, the collage of styles and mixed media is perfectly suited to our shortened attention spans in this contemporary world of ours.

The Department of the Vanishing is also set firmly in the contemporary and near future - in a fictional Australian government department that was established to catalogue extinct and disappearing species. We piece together the story from Ava’s point of view, with a combination of artifacts from her work as an archivist of bird species in the

Department - and from her personal life. There are compelling mysteries in the codex to puzzle over and unravel, from the nature of Ava’s relationship with Luke (is he genuine or is he using her?) to how and why her father went missing in the past.

Part mystery and part personal discovery, the novel is striking, compelling, a little bit erotic, and as a whole: an elegy for the species and the world we are losing. The premise of an environment without birdsong is a heartbreaking one and this book captured me with its sense of urgency. It also gave me a newfound appreciation for lyrebirds, and for verse novels.

A dazzling debut by the relatively new but very welcome Hobart resident, Johanna Bell; I thoroughly recommend this book to you.

18-year-old Min lives on Maria Island with her father, Piers, who is head ranger of the National Park. Deeply missing her mother, who left the family a decade ago, Min is guided by a misfit German as she discovers the natural wonders of the island. When a boy from Triabunna washes up from a boat accident and Min saves his life, it begins a dangerous series of events that stretch Min’s sheltered existence to its limits.

Book Chatter

Have you booked your tickets for the Island Readers & Writers Festival? Representing a new chapter in literary festivals for Hobart, this celebration of literature, story-telling and creating connection takes place over five days from 28 May to 1 June. Featuring a mix of in-conversations, panels, workshops, readings and performances, established authors and emerging voices - there is something for everyone on this program!

Every event is individually ticketed, so you can choose your own adventure, dipping into the program as much or as little as you like. Head to www.islandfest.com. au to check out what’s in store and book your tickets.

Meanwhile Lucie, a floundering journalist from Tassie but living in London, starts an unexpectedly popular series about places that are being ‘rewilded’. Her stories eventually lead her to Maria Island, to a project to establish a healthy sanctuary for Tasmanian devils, and to Min.

Beautiful and skillful observations of the natural assets of Tasmania set this novel apart from others; perhaps unsurprisingly, as the author Johnson is a respected science journalist herself. A wonderful meditation upon extinction, ecology, and the relationships humans form with nonhuman animals and plants, this story will no doubt resonate with many Tasmanians.

If you like this book, Katherine Johnson has written four other novels for you to enjoy. Screen Tasmania has also recently provided support to develop the author’s 2016 novel The Better Son into a 90-minute feature drama - we can’t wait to see it!

Keen to chat books with us?

Find us @thewomanbookerprizeclub on Instagram or email thewbpc@gmail.com

Jackie Misson, Audiologist

(03)

HEARTY PUMPKIN AND CHICKPEA SOUP

This is a little twist on regular pumpkin soup, perfect when you want a smooth, but hearty, soup on a cool day. High in fibre, chilli oil or herbs will elevate the experience.

INGREDIENTS

• 500g pumpkin, cut into 2cm cubes

• 1 onion, diced (red or brown)

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1-2 carrots, roughly chopped

• 500ml chicken stock

METHOD

Heat a tablespoon of oil in a medium to large saucepan, on medium heat. Add garlic and onion and cook until fragrant and soft. Add pumpkin, carrots, stock and chickpeas and simmer until the pumpkin and carrots are soft. Add paprika, salt and pepper to taste. Blend in a blender or with a stick blender. You can add a dash of cream here too if you like a creamier soup. Serve hot with crispy chilli oil or parsley. RECIPE

• 1 can of chickpeas, drained, but no need to rinse

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• Salt, pepper to taste

• Crispy chilli oil or parsley, optional

GAMAY

Quickly growing in popularity, this lighter, juicy red can also be served lightly chilled.

HOME

Meadowbank Gamay 2024 ($50)

This popular, easy-drinking red is made with minimal intervention in the Derwent Valley, the fruit undergoes whole-bunch fermentation before being foot stomped and matured in old French oak barrels for three months. Delicious.

Also Try: Nocton Gamay 2023, Coal River Valley ($50)

Set the vibe:

Music: I Feel So Free by Madonna

Food: Pate and cold cuts

When: Saturday lunch

AWAY

Aylesbury Estate QO5 Gamay 2023 ($35)

STANLEY & TARKINE FORAGE FESTIVAL

From 13-17 May the festival of food-based fun is centred around Stanley and drawing inspiration from the wilds of the Takayna/Tarkine. Join the local buzz of the Stanley Street Feast, indulge in the signature Degustation Dinner and feed your curiosity with intimate meet-the-producer events. Join chef Massimo Mele for his Taste of the Region experience at historic Highfield House on 15 May using exceptional local produce in celebration of the north west coast. Book at www.foragefestival.com.au.

In Geographe, Western Australia, winemaker Damian Hutton has produced a Gamay displaying brilliant garnet red with lifted aromas of ripe summer fruits. Flavours of ripe cherry, strawberry, and raspberry make this a juicy delight.

Also Try: Howard Vineyard Gamay 2025, Adelaide Hills ($42)

Set the vibe:

Music: Overboard by Tom Harrington

Food: Moroccan apricot and olive chicken tagine

When: A cool Thursday night

The Department of Health is developing the next Tasmanian Mental Health Strategy and is seeking feedback from community members.

Join our online community forum to share your views and help shape future directions for mental health in Tasmania. Your feedback will help ensure the Strategy reflects the experiences and needs of all Tasmanians.

If you can’t attend the online session, there will be more chances to take part. The Department will also hold face-to-face town hall events in different regions across Tasmania in the near future.

More details will be shared soon. Stay informed by checking our DOH webpage. If you have any questions, please contact the project team at mh.strategy@health.tas.gov.au Have

Date & Time 5th May 2026 4:30 to 6:00pm

RECHARGE AND CONNECT AT REMOTE CORINNA

The hand reel fishing line was being tugged and my oldest son’s face lit up, it was possibly going to be his first catch. Despite the odds. We’re not fishers and we were told no one ever caught anything in this spot at Corinna. We had let the boys believe it’s possible though and had been sitting on the jetty watching them try. “It’s probably a snag,” I suggested. Next minute up comes a full fishing rod, complete with a lure tucked into itself. This was better than a fish, they had caught a new fishing rod…it was an upgrade from a hand reel and meant both boys could now fish. And they did, all weekend.

We booked in for a long weekend of three nights at Corinna Wilderness Village, on Tasmania’s west coast, overlooking the glassy Pieman River. It’s an old gold-mining town, on the southern edge of the Takayna / Tarkine wilderness, and is now an eco-resort with beautiful renovated miners cabins for couples, groups and families, as well as campsites and RV parking. It’s about three and a half hours drive from Launceston and five and a half from Hobart. We deliberately chose to drive there via the north west coast to avoid a few windy roads, but if you do come from the south, you get to enjoy the unique experience of crossing the Pieman River on a vehicle punt known as the Fatman Barge.

Going into the long weekend we discovered there was no phone reception, no wifi and no television, but as soon as we arrived, that was all forgotten as we settled into a deliciously slow rhythm of life at Corinna. No tech allowed us to recharge and connect.

The Tarkine Hotel is the heart of the village and our first two nights were spent eating at Tannin Restaurant, a casual tavern-style diner with a hearty menu - exactly what you need after a day of kayaking or bushwalking. Standout dishes included the chickpea curry, seafood saffron linguine, garlic bread and the incredible sticky date creme brulee. There’s also happy hour at the Ahrberg Bar each day, and we discovered they have excellent hot chips to takeaway down to the boys’ fishing spot.

On our first morning we booked two double kayaks to paddle to Lovers Falls, climbing the Instagram famous ‘Stairway to Heaven’ leading to a waterfall, only accessible by kayak. Leaving early, the water was glassy and the silence was uplifting, punctuated by birdsong. It was about three hours return to get to Lovers Falls and then on our return we took a detour

up Savage River to see the wreck of the steamship Croydon, a logging boat that sank here in 1919. Eerily you can still see it under the waterline.

On our second day we checked in for a trip aboard the MV Arcadia II, a magnificent 17m (54ft) craft built of Huon Pine in 1939, and listed on the Australian Register of Historic Vessels in 2009. She’s lived many lives - as a pleasure craft in Hobart, in the Second World War in New Guinea as a supply ship, a scallop fishing boat on the East coast and as a cruise boat on Macquarie Harbour and the Gordon River in 1961, then onto the Pieman in 1970. Our trip cruises to the heads and back. The hospitality on board is lovely (all the staff all weekend were outstanding) and the captain was both knowledgeable and fun - the boys enjoy steering the boat and wandering the deck at their leisure. Our destination at the heads is fascinating - it’s a shack community for a privileged few, only accessible by boat or beach, but we’re told the leases are coming up in about 10 years, so watch this space. We learn to tell the difference between different birds, male and female Huon Pine and hear stories of pioneer life on the river.

Bushwalking was high on our to-do list and we set out on the Whyte River Track first, which left literally outside our cabin. It was a one hour loop, although we thought it was shorter and finishing near the jetty so the boys brought their new fishing rod along. It made for some odd looks from fellow walkers! We also did the Old Telegraph Hill walk, a steepish uphill and back, and were surprised with a moment of phone reception at the top of the climb.

Corinna had all the ingredients for a wonderful long weekend - comfortable, remote, lots to do and great food and wine. And for those interested in the fishing situation…the boys did end up catching more at the jetty. Eels. Delightful!

The writer was a guest of Corinna Wilderness Village.

ZODIAC CHECK-IN

YOUR MONTHLY ASTRO

Words: Sara Hewitt

Aries (21 Mar - 19 Apr): Mars shifting energy slows your pace and asks you to focus on stability, especially around money and priorities. Venus softens home life and brings warmth to close connections. The Full Moon in Scorpio reveals deeper emotions or shared matters. By the Blue Moon in Sagittarius on 31st, your perspective shifts and a new sense of possibility open.

Taurus (20 Apr - 20 May): Mars moving into your sign brings renewed drive and confidence. You feel ready to act and move forward with purpose. Venus brings ease to communication and connection with others. The Full Moon in Scorpio highlights relationship dynamics. By the Blue Moon in Sagittarius on 31st, emotional clarity helps you release something you have outgrown.

Gemini (21 May - 20 Jun): Venus brings comfort through familiar conversations and emotional honesty. Mars encourages you to slow down and recharge behind the scenes. The Full Moon in Scorpio highlights daily habits or wellbeing, helping you let go of stress. The Blue Moon in Sagittarius shines a light on relationships and brings fresh understanding between you and others.

Cancer (21 Jun - 22 Jul): Venus moving into your sign enhances your natural warmth and charm, making connections feel more meaningful. Mars energises friendships and shared goals. The Full Moon in Scorpio sparks creativity or romance and helps release emotional blocks. The Blue Moon in Sagittarius encourages you to reset routines and bring more balance into your everyday life.

Leo (23 Jul - 22 Aug): Mars draws your focus toward career goals and long-term ambitions. You feel motivated to take

UPDATE

steady action. Venus brings quiet support and encourages rest when needed. The Full Moon in Scorpio highlights home and emotional foundations. By the Blue Moon in Sagittarius on 31st, joy returns and you feel ready to express yourself more freely.

Virgo (23 Aug - 22 Sep): Mars encourages you to explore new ideas, travel, or learning opportunities that expand your thinking. Venus brings harmony to friendships and social connections. The Full Moon in Scorpio highlights communication and helps you release old thought patterns. The Blue Moon in Sagittarius brings attention to home life and encourages emotional grounding.

Libra (23 Sep - 22 Oct): Venus brings emotional depth to close bonds and encourages meaningful connection. Mars motivates you to organise shared resources or responsibilities. The Full Moon in Scorpio highlights finances or personal values. By the Blue Moon in Sagittarius on 31st, conversations bring clarity and help you express what has been building beneath the surface.

Scorpio (23 Oct - 21 Nov): The Full Moon in your sign brings powerful personal insight and helps you release what no longer fits. Mars energises relationships and encourages action in partnerships. Venus brings warmth to new experiences and fresh perspectives. The Blue Moon in Sagittarius highlights self-worth and encourages you to recognise your value more clearly.

Sagittarius (22 Nov - 21 Dec): Mars encourages focus on routines, work, and wellbeing, helping you build steady progress. Venus softens deeper emotional connections and invites trust. The Full Moon in Scorpio brings quiet reflection

and release. By the Blue Moon in your sign on 31st, you feel renewed and ready for a fresh personal chapter with greater clarity.

Capricorn (22 Dec - 19 Jan): Mars brings energy to creativity, romance, and personal passions, helping you take action on what excites you. Venus enhances emotional bonds and partnership harmony. The Full Moon in Scorpio highlights friendships and future goals. The Blue Moon in Sagittarius encourages rest and reflection before stepping into your next phase.

Aquarius (20 Jan - 18 Feb): Mars focuses your attention on home life and family matters, encouraging practical changes. Venus brings ease to daily routines and supportive connections. The Full Moon in Scorpio highlights career direction and public image. By the Blue Moon in Sagittarius, friendships and future plans feel clearer and more aligned with your true self.

Pisces (19 Feb - 20 Mar): Venus enhances communication and brings warmth to your words, making it easier to connect. Mars encourages learning, travel, or new ideas that broaden your perspective. The Full Moon in Scorpio highlights beliefs and personal growth. The Blue Moon in Sagittarius shines on career goals and helps you see new possibilities ahead.

Sara is a Hobart-based astrologer with 35 years professional experience. If you would like a private psychic or astrology reading with Sara either face to face or by zoom, phone or email, please go to www. stargold.com.au for more information and to book.

Want to share your business or event with The Hobart / Launceston Magazine audience?

Hundreds of distribution points throughout Hobart, Launceston and around Tasmania. Contact us today for our latest media kit, incuding digital.

To enquire about advertising contact James on 03 6295 3742 or advertise@thehobartmagazine.com.au

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

PÉTANQUE AND ALL THAT

Words by Rob Farrington, vice president of the Hobart Pétanque Club

Pétanque in its present form was invented in 1907 in the town of La Ciotat near Marseilles by a French jeu provençal player named Jules Lenoir, whose rheumatism prevented him from running before he threw the ball. The game developed quickly and its popularity rapidly spread throughout Europe and French colonies and ultimately to most countries including Australia.

Hobart Pétanque Club (HPC) was the first official club developed in Tasmania, founded in 1996, but the idea

was germinated in New Caledonia. A group of friends who played the game when travelling were impressed by the seeming simplicity of the sport - which belies the complexity of skill that top players develop.

Since the introduction of pétanque in Tasmania, a number of clubs have sprung up around the state, we are the largest and the oldest, but there are other smaller clubs in Glenorchy, Launceston and Bicheno. We also currently share our piste with Bayside

Pétanque club at Sandown Park in Sandy Bay.

The game is played with steel boules (balls) around 700 grams but can slightly vary in size and weight chosen by the user. The game is played on a piste usually of small gauge gravel with a minimum dimension of no less than 12x4 metres. The condition of pistes can vary depending on moisture or size of gravel gauge, but no piste is ever the same.

Unlike lawn bowls, the boule is generally pitched and nuanced by speed, elevation and hand position dependent on the situation of the cochonnet (jack). Pétanque competition can be played in singles, doubles or triples. Competitions can be either men, women or mixed. The rules are similar to Lawn Bowls, winning points closest to the Cochonnet.

HPC currently have 79 registered members and this year marks the 30th anniversary of the club. We play competition on Sundays and socially on Mondays and Thursdays. As a registered member of Pétanque Australia, we are entitled to play in State and National tournaments. We regularly compete, and recently our members played with distinction in the National championships in Adelaide, with one of the members winning the trophy in a triples combination.

Find out more about the Hobart Pétanque Club at www.hobartpetanqueclub. com.

HELPING ONE PUSH UP AT A TIME

What does the 3,307 push-up target mean - why is that number so important? Each year Lifeline Tasmania participates in the Push Up Challenge seeking to raise awareness around mental health and suicide prevention. In Australia 3,307 lives were lost to suicide in 2024. This is an opportunity to honour and remember those people, whilst encouraging people to connect and seek support. And at the same time, raising funds to ensure trained crisis supporters are available when people reach out, as well as funding early intervention and community education programs that strengthen mental wellbeing before crisis point.

Why is a physical challenge an effective vehicle for starting conversations about mental health? We know that our mental health is so connected with our physical health. If you are part of a team

completing the push-up challenge, it’s a great way to start conversations in your workplace, family or community. My experience last year was that doing pushups in a public space was a great way to get talking about mental health, at the beach, the gym, at work or even on the steps of the Sydney Opera House!

What would you say to someone who wants to take part but doesn't think they're fit enough? There are lots of ways for everyone to participate and ensuring people stay safe and injury free is really important. Alternatives to pushups are welcome and encouraged. It may be that you choose to do half the number of push ups or select a different exercise such as squats or something that is suitable for your level of fitness and always check with your health professional if you’re not sure.

What do you hope participants carry with them once the 24 days are over?

The Push Up Challenge creates the opportunity to have lots of conversations about mental health. Each day the number of push-ups to be completed reflects a fact about mental health and wellbeing to share increasing awareness and understanding across our community. Knowing that by participating you are contributing to the critical work of Lifeline Tasmania in supporting Tasmanians across the state.

Across Tasmania, demand for mental health and crisis support services continues to grow - how is this showing up for Lifeline Tasmania? Lifeline Tasmania sees these impacts every day through its 24/7 crisis support line and community programs. People tell us about rising levels of psychological distress driven by increasing pressures of cost-of-living stress, relationship break down and social isolation and loneliness. Increasing numbers of people across Tasmania are reaching out to our telephone services and our community connection services.

How can our readers get involved?

Simply by visiting www.lifelinetasmania.org.au you can register. Form a team with your workplace, school or community group and take part in a shared effort to improve mental health outcomes in Tasmania.