Hobart Happenings July 2022

Inflation is emerging as the buzz word of 2022. We spoke with Senior Lecturer at UTAS College of Business and Economics, Maria Yanotti about what inflation is, and how we got to $12 iceberg lettuces and expensive fuel. But it’s not all doom and gloom she insists.

For 43 years Jen has taught children around Tasmania from kindergarten up to grade ten. In 2021 she published her picture book Listening to Tree, which aims to teach children about the many ecosystem processes trees perform, with the overarching message that humans and trees are co-dependent.

For 43 years Jen has taught children around Tasmania from kindergarten up to grade ten. In 2021 she published her picture book Listening to Tree, which aims to teach children about the many ecosystem processes trees perform, with the overarching message that humans and trees are co-dependent.

At a yoga teacher training course in India, we were presented with an image of three yoga practitioners, all sitting cross legged with their eyes closed and hands in prayer position. We were asked to identify the most obviously experienced yogi. The first was a stocky man in his 30s, wearing a designer business suit, looking self-righteous, with money hanging out of his pockets. The second was a fit looking woman in her 40s wearing colourful active wear, hair in a ponytail and a smile on her face. The third was a Hindu man in his late 60s. His body was lean, his head covered in thick, long white hair and there was cloth affixed to his waist with rope. He too was smiling and looked tranquil in the meditative posture. The most experienced yogi? “The Hindu man,” we answered in unison.

A long-held desire to taste muttonbird was finally realised last month at Dark Mofo’s fabulous Winter Feast.

Emily Meaney is a born and bred Hobartian who is on her way to the Commonwealth Games to represent Australia in Diving. We managed to grab some time with Emily, in between training sessions, to ask her all about her sport and her love for her hometown.

Dr Karl, aka Dr Karl Kruszelnicki, is known as an answer looking for a question.

Painting dramatic scenes of oceanic land­scapes and sky, Joshua Andree opens up his new exhibition titled Water in the Sky, showcasing the intense wildness of the South East in stunning oil paintings.

Sometimes an outing doesn’t have to be anything other than sat­isfying a craving: a beer, some fried chicken, and a game of pool with a mate. A recent visit to The Winston after an overwhelm­ing week of work during Dark Mofo was needed to fill that beer and chicken sized cup again.

Leanne McLean is the Commissioner for Children and Young People in Tasmania. She has recently launched a new book, alongside children and young people in care, about their experiences.

Who designed Parliament House? The Theatre Royal? Richmond Bridge? Campbell Street Gaol? How about the Ordnance Stores in Salamanca? The answer all comes down to the same man: John Lee Archer. A colonial architect and civil engineer, Archer was responsible for countless Tasmanian government build­ings, penal buildings, military buildings, churches, bridges, and lighthouses.

I’d seen the bright, canary yellow exterior of Hometown Secret enough times to be intrigued to head inside. But where is the hometown? And what is the secret?

Have you heard of the Danish concept of hygge? I came across it recently and it means a quality of comfort and coziness that gives you a feeling of contentment and well-being.

Hobart Happenings June 2022

A young man with a solid throw on him, 18 year old Hobart discus athlete Jack Mellor has just been selected in the Australian Athletics team for the very first time.

A specialist at the Royal Hobart Hospital, a goat farmer and a Mum, Kate Field now adds skin care to her list!

Cooking while hungry kids are breathing down your neck is harder, I imagine, than a Mystery Box Challenge on Masterchef. Critical judges, quick thinking, and a cold meal to eat once you finally reach the finish line (i.e. the kids are fed).

A newcomer to northern Tassie has brought with him a national men’s charity that gets men together to chat and make friend­ships. They’re now expanding to Hobart.

The promise of a soldier to his dying mate in the trenches of WWI has made its way to the 21st century in the form of Legacy, an initiative that cares for the families of deceased veterans through practical, financial, and emotional support.

It seems everywhere I turn someone is talking about or participating in cold water swimming right now.

On frosty days my friends and I tend to search for places to eat that will warm us up with hot comfort food. Tucked away from Elizabeth Street Mall lies a cosy, yet vibrant hot pot restaurant with an array of delicious Chinese food.

Well, winter is upon us in Hobart. One of my friends calls it the season of hiber­nation, hot chocolate and hot chips. She asked me the other day whether it was normal to feel hungrier in the colder months than the warmer ones.

On that morning many years ago, I woke feeling particularly sorry for myself. With crutches under my arms for the third time and my throbbing, swollen ankle, I treated myself to breakfast at Straight Up.

In Tasmania we’re fortunate to be home to people from all over the world. While many have purposefully chosen to move to Tasmania, there are people in our community who face no other choice than to flee to a safer place.

Wendy Kennedy is Executive Officer with the Tasmanian Men’s Shed Association and is a board member of Men’s Resources Tasmania. We checked in with Wendy ahead of Men’s Health Week from 13 – 19 June.

Katie Parrott is a Hobart-based plus size fashion influencer and model. She’s freshly back from her very first stint at Australian Fashion Week where she took part in the event’s first ever size-inclusive runway show. Katie spoke to The Hobart Magazine just after the trip, and told us that whilst the fashion world is waking up and noticing people outside of the standard sizing range, there are still many difficulties in being a size 24… and what she just adores about Hobart.

Raising little ones is one of the hardest, yet rewarding jobs in the world. Knowing first-hand the stigma that comes with being a young mum, alongside the need for more help and support that ever, Bernadette went on to found Brave Foundation, a not-for-profit charity.

Clinician Leader and Exercise Physiologist, Josh Miller has been in Hobart almost long enough to call himself a local.

Every year, from 27 May to 3 June, National Reconciliation Week celebrates, educates and pays respect to the world’s oldest surviving culture.

Growing up playing Australian Rules football in Tasmania held Ben Brown in good stead for when he hit his strides and joined the AFL competition. He now works hard to use his platform to advocate for a kinder and fairer world.

When local chef Luke Burgess was setting up his new restaurant, seven-anda- half floors, at The Pod, on a rooftop in central Hobart, he found himself with a rare snippet of spare time.

Autumn sweeps into Hobart, filling our streets with colour. This is a sign that our own deciduous beech, fagus (Nothofagus gunni) is soon to burst into gold, and later dark red, before dropping its leaves entirely. It is the only temperate deciduous native tree in Australia, a descendant of ancient Gondwanic plants.

My client sat in front of me teary and overwhelmed. “I’m exhausted. My days are so busy. At night I lie in bed and my mind races. When I finally get to sleep I wake around 3am and then can’t get back to sleep. Plus, my sugar cravings are out of control and I can’t stop eating chocolate. I need help.”

If you happened to have been walking along Murray Street in early 1817 you may have observed a rough sailor-looking fellow with a profusion of coarse hair sitting outside the gates of the old gaol, working with a pair of knitting needles to fashion wool into wearing apparel for sale.

Hobart Happenings May 2022

Young, beautiful people are happier. They glisten in the sun and embody freedom and vitality. Want to be like them? You need thick, shiny hair, porcelain-white teeth an blemish-free, supple skin. Wrinkles and freckles are disgusting, and any age spots should be covered with make-up or lasered so as to not offend. Noticeably, breasts should always be perky. Nipples should remain small, pink and round, and as for vaginas, penises, and the shade of your perineum? Anything less than perfection is undesirable. As we know, ageing bodies are unattractive but thanks to ingenious anti-aging technological advancements, don’t fret. You too can achieve your desired look and start living a life of success.

My mother could never quite understand the fascination behind going to a restaurant only to cook your own food. While I can understand how it contradicts the fun of going out, being tended to and not being lugged with the washing up, I hope she would have seen the light if she were my company at a recent visit to Korean charcoal BBQ, Mr Korea. This type of outing is the best of both worlds, the novelty of cooking (for those who enjoy it), being with company and eating yummy things, without being trapped in a kitchen away from the group for half the night, and dealing with a kitchen full of dishes in the morning.

As an architect, Tim Hurburgh has worked on some incredible projects around the world. Since relocating back to Tasmania, he has turned his creative attention to poetry, releasing his first book.

Intermittent fasting has been getting lots of attention in the me­dia and the wellness sphere, but what’s the big deal? Why would you choose to not eat and how could it be good for you?

Hobart Happenings April 2022

Sally Kennedy’s passion for bagpipes has spanned nearly five decades. She is a life member of the Hobart Highland Pipe Band and has even played at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in Scotland alongside her husband Paddy. Her generous spirit has led her to teach others how to play the bagpipes – at no cost.

Feeling stifled from long days of mask-wearing? Luckily, in Tasmania we are never far from somewhere beautiful to escape to on our days off – and breathe in lungfuls of restorative fresh air, mask-free.

As paramedics, Clare Brown and George Poulos knew firsthand how stressful and high-pressure the medical environment can get when administering life-saving medication.

Are you ready for a dose of truth?

“If I can do it darling, you can,” I said to my seven-year-old son, who was hesitat­ing at the start of a mountain bike track.

Shared plates, wine and good company in a relaxed atmosphere is music to my ears and an even better time for my belly. A visit to North Hobart’s Malik was a satisfying and effortless meal between five girlfriends and me.

Behind the gates of Hobart’s Anglesea Barracks, a World War II exhibition displays the stories of Tasmanians during the war years from 1939 to 1945. The display, hosted at the Army Museum on the barracks, includes images of Tasmania’s two main local infantry battal­ions and the myriad of defence industries, and is open to the public.

Grayson White turned his passion for card collecting into one of Australia’s leading collectable businesses Cherry Collectables, with a store in Melbourne and here in Hobart.

Chef Lilly Trewartha has explored the world but loves nothing more than her home state’s produce.

Registered Wildlife Carer Amanda Sparkles, of Howrah, has been rescuing animals from storm water drains over summer, and is demanding councils cover the ends of the drains with grates to stop it happening.

I was recently invited to join a gorgeous friend for an afternoon of high tea and bubbles in the Ladies Lounge at MONA, a private area of the museum in which only, and all, ladies are welcome.

As pandemic-related words and phrases (flatten the curve, our new normal, double-vaxxed) have quickly become part of everyday speech over the past two years, it was inevitable that Australia’s “Word of the Year” for 2021 would reflect part of our Covid experiences.

Hobart is unfortunately a city that doesn’t offer many late night food options beyond fast food. After all the city restaurants have finished their dinner service, there is one place to get proper food beyond 11pm.

Sam Campbell led his team to victory last year at the Tasmanian GovHack awards with their project MyBus, an app designed to improve the user experience with public buses.

There is something otherworldly about an island brimming with wombats, a bounty of hikes and gorgeous beaches to laze on.

If you’re into wine, a good wine bar is a delight. Not only a place to facilitate catch ups with friends but also a place of education and discovery.

The Tasmanian Art Deco & Modernism Project is passing its 20 year milestone of record-keeping Hobart and broader Tasmanian modernist architecture. Photographer and documenter, Thomas Ryan has been looking up for a while now, and perhaps it’s time you did too.

Hobart Happenings March 2022

There is a definite sense of gloom in the air when the snow starts to fall on kunanyi. The daily temps barely make it into double digits and we find ourselves opting for the couch rather than the great outdoors.

With the cooler weather, that soft, golden hue glazing over kunanyi in the afternoon, and the red and brown leaves falling from deciduous trees that line the streets of Hobart, there’s something special about the arrival of Autumn.

When New South Wales woman Jodi Wilson, her partner and their four kids decided to change everything, buy a caravan and go travelling, they changed the trajectory of their lives. Their journey eventually brought them to Tasmania, and they decided not to leave!

Readers, this month I’m going to focus on your incredible defence system and what you can do to support it.

I remember some time ago I was sitting with friends at a waterside establishment.

Filmmaker, journalist, television presenter and entrepreneur, Burnie-born Craig Leeson wears many hats and was recently named the Australian Tasmanian of the Year 2022. His environmental advocacy work has stretched far beyond Tasmania, but upon each return does he’s reminded just how fragile our planet is.

Ilsa Fay is the founder and director of the EROTICA Film Festival. She is a self development coach and film producer and recently shared how the two roles are very much intertwined.

The role of a Justice of the Peace (JP) has existed since 1195 when King Richard 1 created the role of “keepers of the peace”.

Hobart Happenings February 2022

Lewis Taylor is raising money for Tasmanians with cancer by attempting an incredible feat.

An entrepreneur, a law grad, a mum, an advocate for women facing human traf­ficking, Hannah Vasicek doesn’t do things in halves.

Fern Tree On Fire is a new book that looks at the impact of the 1967 bushfire on the bushy mountain suburb. It had a very timely release, with a recent fire threatening homes in Dynnyrne and Mt Nelson shortly after the anniversary of the 1967 fire that took 62 lives and made 7000 people homeless. Former Fern Tree resident Robin Hurburgh left the area after the fire, returning for the 50th anniversary and to compile the book.

Picture this. You’ve just arrived home with your newborn child – she’s beautiful, precious and your heart has grown in a way you didn’t know was possible. You’ve read many books and articles about caring for your newborn and you feel prepared. You know that babies communicate to us by crying.

Jay Patey is the man behind the moorish bread, flakey pastries and stellar sambos at Pigeon Whole Bakers.

Felicity Bott, made the move from the “republic of Western Australia” almost a decade ago, and seeks to tell the world about Hobarts culture, history and community through the art of movement, dance and performance.

At only 19 years of age, Hobart teen Kasper Hallam is rubbing shoulders in the A-League after signing with Melbourne Victory late last year.

If you’ve ever visited the South Hobart Pharmacy, chances are the friendly face behind the counter was owner and pharmacist Caleb Stuetz. While the hospital healthcare system has been the subject of our conversations of late, we chatted to one of our community’s quiet heroes regarding how his line of work has changed since the pandemic began.

After receiving a position in the leader­ship group with North Melbourne AFLW, Nicole Bresnehan is proving to be a force to be reckoned with this this season.

I am currently working as the Manager of the Grace Tame Team and am the Chief Operating Officer of the Grace Tame Foundation. My work changes quickly based on the political climate, however we mostly work to push to create struc­tural change.

Whether gullible, sceptical or somewhere in between, reported UFO sightings have long been a fascination. The well worn cliche ‘we are not alone’ still prompts the odd mention.

After my father’s death and the birth of my daughter following a difficult pregnancy in 2014, I decided to leave the company I had served for 19 years when I didn’t feel supported by them as a new mum. I wanted to return to what was necessary for our family. I started taking photos of my children playing sport and volunteer­ing during the career break. My work was quickly recognised, and sporting organisations started using our images and digital work to publicise sport across Tasmania. Six years later, I now work for several sporting organisations and other businesses, including news outlets, to provide quality images and video. This business model provides our family with a lot of flexibility. We don’t have regular working hours, so this is especially suited to the sports and events sector.

Hobart Happenings January 2022

Ahead of the now-unfor­tunately-cancelled Cygnet Folk Festival we spoke with musicians Five Things To Say about their musical collabora­tive efforts since their creative residency at Dreamfarm Eco-Arts retreat. Here are five things band member Elisse had to say…

Whether it’s accessing resources, locating a dad-friendly changeroom or con­necting socially, TasDads was created by co-founders and dad-ministrators, Anthony, Brennan and Sam to give expect­ing, new or seasoned dads a platform to talk about the messy and challenging journey of fatherhood. We caught up with TasDads and spoke all things parenting.

While it’s not a new space by any means (happy sixth birthday St Albi!), walking into the converted warehouse that houses St Albi, it feels vibrant and like a slice of Sydney or Melbourne turned up in a back street of Moonah.

There’s a restaurant for all scenarios. The trick is going to the right one at the right time! A few Saturday’s ago, our scenario was that our son had just won a very exciting sporting grand final.

The statistics in the Primary Health Network Needs Assessment Report (2019 – 2022) told a worrying tale. It’s noted that an estimated 15% of Tasmanian adults self-reported a mental health problem. In real terms, that is over 81,000 residents.

Every Friday (give or take a week here and there) for the past six years, a group of Tassie Nannas can be found at the Elizabeth Street Mall, knitting, selling their craft, and raising aware­ness for refugees held on Australian soil indefinitely.

Tongerlongeter was an impressive Australian war hero. Leader of the Oyster Bay nation of south-east Tasmania in the 1820s and ’30s, he and his allies led one of the most effective frontier resistance mounted on Australian soil.

Readers, if you’re feeling a bit worse for wear after the season’s festivities: tired, bloated or sluggish, how about a detox? But wait! Before you run for the hills, I’m not talking about gimmicky stints of deprivation where you exist solely on lemon water or cabbage soup or the like. This is not a smart or effective detox.

There’s a story about a group of scientists who travelled to Nepal scanning the brains of monks to better understand the secrets of the mind, equanimity, and resilience.

Pirates Bay, the great sweep of ocean east of teralina/Eaglehawk Neck, received its first European name, Monge Bay, during Baudin’s expedition, in 1802.

What were you doing when you were 14 years old? For 14 year old Eastern Shore resident Kanako Okiron, she has just released her debut novel – an exploration of life as the child of a Hollywood megastar. We caught up with Kanako recently, before she hits her own trajectory to writing stardom.

In November’s magazine we reported on the new MONA x Brighton Council x Centacare community development at Cris Fitzpatrick Park in Gagebrook. We’ve since spoken to the ever-effervescent Kirsha Kaechele, 24 Carrot Gardens project founder and leader of Mona’s community projects, about what it means for Mona’s place in the northern suburbs.

Rachael is a Guide Dog Trainer at Guide Dogs Tasmania in Hobart.

Making his rise after a year of injury and illness, Tasmanian Scott Bowden is back on his bike and has hit his stride racing around the European countryside.

Hobart Happenings December 2021

In 2018, my father purchased his first road bike for $1,500 (a hefty sum for a retiree) only to find out two months later that the bike was riddled with hidden cracks and fractures in the materi­al, known as ‘delaminations’.

The brothers behind Hughes & Hughes and Mewstone Wines, Matthew and Jonny Hughes have swung, or rather gently rolled, their giant glass doors open to the public with the recent opening of their new cellar door.

The Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery’s Thylacine Gallery is currently closed as the precious exhibits undergo some gentle maintenance and move into some new, state-of-the-art display cases. We caught up with Nikki King Smith, TMAG’s Senior Objects Conservator, to find out more.

My husband has a very deep love of Indian, nurtured by many trips there. His first trip was as a toddler, and I don’t doubt that one day, when borders and international borders return to a more “normal” situation, we’ll travel there as a family.