What’s On
in Positive Ageing
AUTUMN 1 March – 31 May 2026
Embracing change
Season of transformation
Message from the Mathers House Coordinator
Embracing change
As the season changes, we’re invited to pause – to look at where we are and where we long to be and make changes that support our wellbeing.
Our goal at Mathers House for the year ahead is to increase participation and ensure we have a relaxed and affordable space where people can gather, connect and enjoy good company.
As we get ready for the year ahead, we have spent time reflecting on the past year which enables us to look at what worked, what didn’t and how we can improve.
As we know it sometimes feels easier not to leave the house, not to reach out to those who you feel may have forgotten about you, but staying connected makes a real difference as does being a part of a community. We are excited to walk alongside and support those who attend Mathers House and over time we hope it feels like a place you don’t have to think twice about coming to.
We have new classes starting soon. These are designed to support health, connection and wellbeing as we age. An example is Spanish in Motion with Silvia on Fridays which also incorporates Latin Dancing, and this issue we have two new afterhours classes –Spanish on Tuesdays at 5 pm and Pilates on Sundays at 10.30 am. Come along and try for yourself in a welcoming environment.
Our kitchen officer is doing a great job cooking nutritious lunch meals at an affordable price Monday to Friday. By preparing fresh, balanced meals it helps maintain strength and improves how we feel. I would like to welcome Hendrikje (Riki) to the program officer role. We are excited to have her join us as we continue to grow and support our community.
Wishing you a new year of health and change for the better.
– Denise
New Program Officer
Hi everyone!
I started as the new program officer late last year and it has been an absolute joy to work at Mathers House. Not only is the job great fun, but the team, volunteers and visitors have been incredibly welcoming.
I’m originally from Germany where I studied variations of history and worked at a university in Berlin. Before I started this job, I was at Oral Health in New Town.
But life isn’t all work! I love hiking in Tasmania (although I’m not so sure why the tiger snakes have to be so plentiful) and will never stop being excited by the sight of a pademelon. In my free time, I enjoy trying out new cafés, being terrible at trivia, birdwatching and spending time with friends and family.
I’m looking forward to a great year ahead. Not only are there so many exciting classes and events coming up, but to me, it’s the people in life that make all the difference.
– Riki
Mathers House Closure Dates
Only some classes continue to run on public holidays. Please call 6234 1441 to confirm if a class is on.
Monday, 9 March
Eight Hours Day
Friday, 3 April – Tuesday, 7 April
Easter Break (including Tuesday)
Mathers House Café
Mathers House is open Monday to Friday from 9.30 am – 1.30 pm.
The café is open 10 am – 1.30 pm and has snacks ranging from toasties, scones and milkshakes available.
The restaurant serves freshly cooked, nutritional meals from 12 – 1.30 pm.
The lunch menu changes weekly. Follow us on Facebook where it’s posted each Friday for the following week!
Phone and computer support
We have fantastic volunteers who offer one on one sessions to support you with all things technical. Be it a new device, a particular app or a specific IT skill you would like to learn, they can help. Bookings are essential, please call 6234 1441.
Friday Films
Light of Mine (2011)
1 hr 17 mins, rated PG
Owen is an aspiring photographer with an incurable and debilitating eye disease that has left him without sight in one eye and will soon leave him blind in both. Fearful and uncertain of how long his vision will last, his wife Laura proposes they fulfil their lifelong dream of a photography expedition to Yellowstone National Park. Owen and Laura’s love and trust in each other is tested, until Owen, determined to photograph despite his loss of sight, discovers that he has a choice to see what he wants to see.
Frida: Viva La Vida (2019)
1 hr 30 mins, rated M
A cinematic documentary that highlights Frida Kahlo’s two souls: the woman, fiercely independent and tormented by love, and the artist, free from the leashes of her physical bounds. Explore the heart and soul of Frida Kahlo, including big screen access to her masterpieces in some of the Mexico’s most extraordinary museums. A deep dive into Frida’s art of opposites and dualism – pain and pleasure, darkness and light, moon and sun, life in death and death in life.
23 Walks (2020)
1 hr 42 mins, rated M
A gentle, sweet, funny, romantic story of love in later life. Following a couple in their sixties, Dave and Fern get to know one another over the course of 23 dog walks. Set against the dramatic background of the changing seasons of one year.
What’s On
All information is correct at time of printing. For bookings call 6234 1441 or email mathersplace@hobartcity.com.au
March activities
Date Activity
Sun 1 Great Balls of Fibre
Fri 6 Book Club
Fri 6 IT Learning Club
Description
Knitting, crochet and craft for men
Discuss your monthly book over coffee
New IT topic each fortnight
Mon 9 Eight Hours Day CLOSED
Thu 12 Let’s Talk About Aged Care Commonwealth funded aged care information
Mon 16 Quiz
Tue 17 St Patrick’s Day lunch
Thu 19 Coffee Walk
Fri 20 IT Learning Club
Fri 20 Friday Films
Wed 25 Friendly Café
Fun filled knowledge quiz
Irish themed dishes for lunch
Cornelian Bay, meet at the Boathouse
New IT topic each fortnight
Light of Mine (2011), 1 hr 17 mins, rated PG
For those affected by dementia and memory loss. Morning tea provided
Fri 27 The Breed 60s rock band. First drink and nibbles on us!
LM = Lower Mathers, UM = Upper Mathers, CH = Criterion House
New class: Spanish in Motion
Discover a vibrant blend of language, music, and culture in this interactive workshop led by Silvia. You’ll learn basic Spanish phrases, explore elements of Latin American and Spanish speaking culture and enjoy a gentle Latin dance activity with easy steps and a Spanish language song.
Perfect for beginners and designed especially for older adults who want to learn something new, stay active, and have fun in a friendly environment.
When: Friday starting 6 March
Time: 2 – 4 pm
Where: Criterion House
Cost: Gold coin
The Breed
You know you’re in for a good time when The Breed is back at Mathers – let’s rock!
When: Friday 27 March
Time: 2 – 3.30 pm
Where: Upper Mathers
Cost: $13 (includes after noon tea) Bookings essential, nibbles and first drink included
Let’s talk about aged care
Come along and hear from aged care specialists about how to get started with My Aged Care, organise an assessment, and find services that meet your needs. We’ll also explain care costs and upcoming changes, so you feel confident navigating the aged care system. Light refreshments provided. For more information contact Mark Joseph on 6238 2772 or 0408 009 467
Book via Humanitix:
When: Thursday 12 March
Time: 10 – 11.30 am
Where: Lord Mayor’s Courtroom, Ground Floor, Town Hall Cost: Free
Book Club
Do you love reading, friendly chats and great company? We have a lovely book club at Mathers House. Give us a call at 6234 1441 if you are interested in joining.
When: First Friday of every month
Time: 1.30 – 3.30 pm
Where: Upper Mathers
Cost: $2
Bookings essential, call 6234 1441
Date
Thu 2 Easter Lunch Easter Long Table Lunch Fri 3
Sun 5 Great Balls of Fibre
Knitting, crochet and craft for men (no Easter break) Mon 6
Wed 8 World Health Day Expo
Thu 9 Drag Trivia
Fri 10 Book Club
Free health checks and consultations
A fabulous evening with Pussay Poppins! First drink and nibbles included.
Discuss your monthly book over coffee
Sun 12 Tune Up @ 2 Australian Army Band Tasmania Concert
Mon 13 Quiz
Thu 16 Coffee Walk
Fri 17 IT Learning Club
Fri 17 Friday Films
Wed 29 Friendly Café
Fun filled knowledge quiz
Botanical Gardens, meet at the top gates
New IT topic each fortnight
Frida: Viva La Vida (2019), 1 hr 30 mins, rated M
For those affected by dementia and memory loss. Morning tea provided
LM = Lower Mathers, UM = Upper Mathers, CH = Criterion House
Drag Trivia with Pussay Poppins
Tasmania’s premiere drag artist will guide you through an evening filled with lots of laughs, trivia and great entertainment!
When: Thursday 9 April
Time: 6 – 7.30 pm
Where: Upper Mathers Cost: $13
Bookings essential, nibbles and first drink included
World Health Day Expo
We’re celebrating this year’s motto “Expanding Access to Health Care & LongerTerm Wellbeing” with free health checks and consultations by:
• Hearing Australia
• Population Screening and Cancer Prevention (Dept. of Health)
• Heart Foundation
• Menzies Institute (Blood pressure)
• Diabetes Australia
When: Wednesday 8 April
Time: 2 – 4 pm
Where: Upper Mathers Cost: Free
Music at Mathers
What is more fun than playing music with others? The Hobart Ukulele Group meets every Monday. On Wednesdays the Crocks (Community Rock) meet for 60’s music jam sessions. Percussion/ drummer needed, vocals and guitar welcome.
Hobart Ukulele Group
When:
Time:
Venue: Upper Mathers
Cost: Gold coin
Community Rock
When: Wednesdays
Time: 6.45 – 9 pm
Venue: Upper Mathers
Cost: Gold coin
Activities for everyone with memory loss
We have two groups that provide a great place for anyone living with memory loss or dementia.
The Friendly Café meets once a month for morning tea, to socialise, play games or do crafts together.
In the Can Do Art Class, Mia guides painters to have fun and express themselves (no experience required).
Friendly Café
When : Monthly, last Wednesday Time: 10 am – 12 pm
Venue: Upper Mathers
Cost: $5
Can Do Art Class
When: Wednesdays Time: 2 – 4 pm
Venue: Upper Mathers
Cost: $10 + supplies Call 6234 1441 to book
Go digital and stay up to date with What’s On at Mathers House
Stay up to date by joining our email newsletter. You’ll receive a PDF of the program you can view on your device or print at home
Fill in the form at: hobartcity.com.au/ positive-ageing or email:
mathersplace@hobartcity.com.au
If you have already gone digital please let us know so we can remove you from the hard copy post list. The trees will thank you.
Every effort is made to ensure the information in this brochure is correct at the time of printing.
For information on additional events added throughout the season, changes to events or unscheduled class cancellations please follow us on Facebook.
Room bookings available for community groups, commercial groups and individuals. Visit hobartcity.com.au/venues
Opening hours: 9.30 am – 3 pm, Monday to Friday Mathers House Mathers Lane 108 – 110 Bathurst Street Hobart