Local Person: Kristy Hunt

by Hobart Magazine

Kristy is head of Operations at Wilson Homes, working to empower women in a traditionally male-dominated industry. She’s also the owner of Hunter Huon Valley, a luxury accommodation business in the Huon Valley.

Where did you grow up and where do you live now? I grew up in Melbourne. We moved to the Huon Valley in 2019 for a change of scenery and have never looked back.

What do you do for work? I’m the Operations Manager for Wilson Homes. Our team drive our customers through the pre construction stage of their build journey. We are committed to help build better lives for Tasmanians.

You’re a champion of women in building. How does this play out in your day to day work? It’s empowering to lead, as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Every day I aim to show that women not only belong in construction but can thrive in any role. I approach my work with confidence, resilience and an open mindset to achieve our goals and drive progress.

As a female leader, I also see it as my responsibility to help pave the way for the next generation of women, creating visibility, opportunity and inspiration for those aspiring to build a career in this industry.

What is your favourite trend in building right now? I’m loving our newly released Barn House range. It’s the perfect fit for the Tasmanian landscape, combining a timeless, rural aesthetic with a modern contemporary edge. I love the simplicity of the design and the flexibility it offers, allowing people to personalise their home to suit their lifestyle. I can see this becoming a major trend over the next few years, as more people seek space, connection to nature and room to truly live.

What is one thing you wish people knew about your job? One thing I wish people knew about my job is that it’s about keeping everything running smoothly and managing multiple priorities, while remaining calm under pressure. I often describe the operations team as the engine room of the business, where much of the vital work happens behind the scenes. I take pride in finding practical solutions that keep our production on track and help ease the process for our customers.

What do you enjoy outside work? We love to get out to enjoy the local food and wine around Tassie when we get the opportunity, there are some incredible chefs showcasing their talents all around the state. Beyond that, we run a short-stay accommodation business, Hunter Huon Valley, including three luxury cabins, on our 36-acre property. We’re passionate about sharing our region with others and encouraging guests to switch off, slow down, and reconnect with nature. Supporting local is at the heart of what we do, with our cabins stocked full of Tasmanian made produce, books, and handcrafted items for guests to discover and enjoy.

Who do you admire? My mum, she taught me everything I know about hard work and resilience.

Favourite podcast or tv show? Mamamia No Filter if I’m in the mood for something fun or The Mindset Mentor if I want to get motivated for the day.

Secret vice? Two things – Zimmah Coffee every day and Tassie sparkling wine.

What are you reading now? No books at the moment, I’m more of a podcast girl.

Do you have any pets? No pets, but I’m hoping to adopt a dog to join our family soon.

What was your first job? Working in a local newsagent.

Your favourite place for…

Breakfast: Bear With Me.

Lunch: Bar Wa Izakaya or Cyclo Vietnamese.

Dinner: Templo, Peppina or Ogee (there’s too many to choose from).

Dream holiday destination? The south of Italy.

Favourite Tasmanian secret? Summer Kitchen Bakery in Ranelagh for the most incredible selections of pies and pastries. Probably the best carrot cake you’ll ever eat!

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Hobart Happenings

by Steph Williams

Bits and Pieces- June 2026

Hobart Happenings

by Steph Williams

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Bits and Pieces- May 2026

Stay up to date with everything happening at the Hobart Magazine.

Worker shortage is currently universal, there isn’t an industry that’s exempt. For Kelvin Smith, four years ago he decided there was a very obvious solution to the shortage facing the construction industry, and all that was needed was a little time, empathy and a helping hand. Integrate Workforce is a Hobart-based labour company with one requirement: a refugee/ migrant background. He’s also the outdoor piano man in his free time.

Landscape artist and creative Elliott Nimmo is enjoying discovering Hobart’s vibrant art scene and local environment after relocating here from London to pursue his art.

Even though Tasmania is known for its mild summers, it doesn’t take much to get sunburnt. Tasmania experiences extreme ultraviolet (UV) levels, but contrary to popular belief this isn’t due to the hole in the ozone layer, which is actually south of the continent.While higher UV levels often occur at the same time as higher temperatures, the two are not linked. Instead, UV levels are determined by the angle of the sun in the sky: the higher the sun, the higher the UV. In December and January, the position of the sun over Tasmania gives the state a UV index of 11 or more on most days, which is classified as “extreme” on the UV index. Tasmania’s lack of humidity and generally clear skies contribute to the stinging feeling of the sun. UV can reflect off buildings and water, making it possible to get a higher dose of UV from these reflected rays, even in the shade.

Setting up shop during a pandemic was a risky move, but if the crowd at Dāna Eating House (Dāna) on a Friday night is anything to go by, it’s one that’s paid off. With tables of diners chatting and laughing over drinks, the music and conversation buzzes off the monstera-leaf-green walls. Low-hanging rattan lights and worn wooden floorboards give the newly opened South-East Asian fusion venue in Hobart’s CBD a relaxed vibe.

A Holyman flagged ship hasn’t steamed up the River Derwent since 1984 but the company’s name still proudly adorns its former offices at 5 Morrison Street, Hobart.

Widening the Tasman Bridge to allow 3.5 metres on each side is a big win for walkers and cyclists.

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Rain, hail and shine, the school crossing guards are always there to help with a smile on their face.

It’s hard to believe it’s not standard practice to have a working phone in every aged care room - shared phones make private conversations impossible and increase the risk of spreading COVID-19.

Just when you think your cousins are alright. NZ Opposition Leader Judith Collins took aim at Tassie during her recent (unsuccessful) campaign, calling us Australia’s “poor cousin.” She also seems worried about us nabbing tech businesses, “It’s a lovely part of the world but do you necessarily want to go there with your high- tech business? Possibly not,” she said. We beg to differ!