Congratulations to Tasmanian athlete Al­exander McKillop

With stocks of calamari now classified as depleted in the south east waters and deplet­ing in the north, scientists and fishers are working together to try to help.

The rail corridor between New Norfolk and Boyer will be revived, with a new plan by The Derwent Valley Railway to bring the dormant space back to life with heritage rail services.

Like so many charities, Vinnies is seeing record demand for support in Tasmania.

Glenorchy City Council recently com­pleted construction of a new boardwalk in Tolosa Park, a popular spot for play, picnics and birthday parties.

Cassandra Charlick is a relative newcomer to Tassie, and is hitting the stage as part of the Festival of Voices Salamanca @ 6 series, on 9 July.

There is a new all-terrain wheelchair available for free hire to explore the Queens Domain’s tracks and trails.

What’s On In Hobart & Around the Island – June 2026

Since 2023, Christian Watson’s hand-drawn animated skeleton, Mr Skelly, has amassed more than eight million followers on social media platforms. Elle-May Watson captures the world through her camera lens. Together, they’ve built a creative life in Tasmania that’s as inspiring as their art.

Outside, winter is felt before it is seen. The air sharp, the light low, the land­scape more defined. Be drawn out this winter, into forests, rivers, snow and sky. Rug up and be a part of the elements – there’s so much waiting for you.

It’s all about how you settle in. This Off Season is an invitation to slow the pace and reconnect with the important people in your life, where shared moments take shape around firelight, comfort and unhurried time together.

For as long as we’ve been human, we’ve been drawn to the glow of a fire. And there’s no better time or place to huddle around and watch those flickering flames than Tassie in the Off Season. Maybe that’s roasting marshmallows with the kids, settling in with a glass of something local or simply the comfort of being near others, the fire still calls us in, just as it always has.

Baby, it’s cold outside! We love that crisp, cool air, kids’ rosy cheeks and the rawness of Tasmania in winter. We also love heading indoors. Winter has a way of drawing people together, as we gather in warm, welcoming spaces. Across the state, cosy corners and simple comforts offer the perfect excuse to slow down and settle in for the Off Season.

What’s On This Off Season- 2026

Tassie Market Watch- June 2026

With recent changes to capital gains tax in Australia shifting the spotlight onto the fami­ly home as a smart financial asset, more Australians are asking the question: what can I do to make my home worth more? The good news is, you don’t need a massive budget or a full knockdown-rebuild to make a real difference. A few well-chosen upgrades can add serious value – and make your place a whole lot more enjoyable to live in along the way.

The historic town of Richmond, in the Coal River Valley, is the start of the Richmond Park Track to Brinktop Bushland Reserve, an easy three kilometre walk from the town.

Zoe Jacobson has gone from oyster packer to Australia’s fastest shucker – and with a spot at the World Championship in Galway and a brand new oyster bar taking shape back home, she’s just getting started.

It was an ordinary day in the palliative care section of the nursing home and as usual, a semi-circle of silver haired ladies and gentlemen resided in the communal area watching TV. A music concert began streaming on one of the channels and like the flick of a switch, a sudden wave of commotion swept through the scene.

Zodiac Check-In: Your Monthly Astro Update- June 2026

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.

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

Bits and Pieces- May 2026

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.

A single invasive sea urchin has been spotted off the remote southwest coast, marking the most westerly sighting of the species in Tasmania.

The Devonport City Council recently shared an update that there’s progress on site at the Devonport Stadium.

In other police-related news, Western Australia Police has given Tasmania Police a rather large gift: an armoured Lenco BearCat.

The number of accessible parking spaces in the Argyle Street car park have recently been increased.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

What’s On In Hobart & Around The Island- May 2026

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.”

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

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 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!

In Geographe, Western Australia, winemaker Damian Hutton has produced a Gamay displaying brilliant garnet red with lifted aromas of ripe summer fruits.

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.

Zodiac Check-in: Your Monthly Astro Update- May 2026

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.

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

As psychological distress rises, CEO of Lifeline Tasmania, Liz Brown shares how you can help help raise awareness for better mental health for all Australians

“I hate thinking about it, yet it con­sumes every hour of my day. I’ve taken the prescribed medication, followed recommended treatments, and although the tests always come back negative, the discomfort I feel in my gut remains inconsistent and unpredictable. It’s caused me so much anxiety over the years, and lately I’m finding it harder to manage. Some days I don’t want to leave the house. I’m fed up with this and don’t know what else to do.”

Zodiac Check-In: Your Monthly Astro Update- March 2026

As an archaeologist, Jennifer wants everyone to know she doesn’t work with dino­saurs! We dug deeper into what it takes to be an archaeologist in Tasmania.

As a member of the Tasmania JackJumpers team, CEO Christine Finnegan brought her extensive sports management experience to kickstart the new club back in 2020. Attention now turns to the women’s team, starting nationally for the 26/27 season.

What’s On In Hobart- November 2025

At a loose end on Christmas Day? Need help to get a few treats on the Christmas Table? We’ve got you covered. Here’s our round up of community services helping out this Christmas.

The spring selling season, when the residential market tradi­tionally kicks back into gear again, began in earnest.

Ah, working from home, or WFH if you’re in the know.

Bits and Pieces Community News – December 2025

On a 20-acre property overlooking Kettering and the D’Entrecasteaux Channel, something remarkable is happening: sick, injured, and orphaned raptors are being rehabilitated and released back into the wild.

Make It Fresh is a new initiative in Devonport, helping to combat food secu­rity issues and offer affordable options for the community. We had a chat with the manager Al Ollington about their future plans.

Zodiac Check-In: Your Monthly Astro Update – November 2025

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!

Tasmanian Championship Wrestling (TCW) was established in 2011 by Leigh Barber – a long tenured QLD wrestler who brought professional wrestling to Tasmania starting a training school and running wrestling events. Beau Sayer and Daniel Hawes took over TCW eight years ago, running the shows and wres­tling too. Daniel gave us the lowdown on where wrestling is at in Tassie right now.

With an adventurous spirit, you can turn any weekend into a mini getaway. From Hobart and Launceston you can take short flights to explore more. Sure, you can drive, but you can also splurge a little, save time, and enjoy a holiday!

Molly Duncan, is 77 and taught herself to paint six years ago. She also lives with arthritis. Through her “unworkable hands” as she calls them, she uses ergonomic tools to work in oil and cold wax medium. Here is Molly’s story.

A festive favourite, all ages will love this dessert, but especially the kids.

Sparkling Wine

The relaxing two kilometre walk, along Shag Bay Historic Trail, in Geilston Bay Regional Park, has both historic and scenic interest. The park is a twelve-minute drive from central Hobart, along East Derwent Highway, to Geilston Bay. The clearly-signed track starts from the carpark in DeBomford Lane.

The warm, pink Balinese sky was the backdrop for lotus flowers that were gently floating in the poolside bar. No phones, emails, or kids, everything was perfect and here on retreat, the couple felt deeply connected.

The Australian Pesticides and Veteri­nary Medicines Authority (APVMA) recently approved salmon producers’ use of Florfenicol, an antibiotic used to treat P. salmonis, a marine bacterium.

New legislation is being planned to crack­down on the sale of illegal smokes and vapes, including increased penalties for those found to be selling illegal cigarettes plus stronger powers, on-the-spot fines and extended closure orders for business­es selling any illegal tobacco products.

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.

Bits and Pieces Community News – November 2025

How Benjamin Paul is bringing cars and spas together in Hobart this month.

Feeling the effects of a long, cold winter and a nasty bout of the flu, the school holidays were a welcome opportunity to get off the island for a week of sunshine and warmth in Cairns

Tasmanians and our economy continue to miss out on the social and economic benefits of using digital technologies effectively, because they can’t access, can’t afford or don’t have the necessary skills to navigate the online world.

Frederick Matthias Alexander is internationally known as the founder of the Alexander Technique.

Coach Josh Wood is a Hobart fitness educator with more than 15 years of experience as a competitive powerlifter, combat sport athlete, wilderness and hiking guide, and a dad.

Based in the Huon Valley on a property with chickens, cows, sheep and kids, Madeleine Gasparinatos is the co-host of Avant Gardeners, a podcast combining her love of gardening, cocktails and great books.

Hobart Happenings in February 2025

Check out these awesome events going on around Hobart this month, or make a weekend of it and travel a little further afield.

A designer and maker of Tasmanian leather goods with an Italian influence, Ella “El” Jackson is the sole person behind her self-named label. She runs leather workshops and has an exciting new collection coming soon.

Ah, the dining table—the true heart of the dinner party. Eating, drinking, laughing, sharing stories. A lot of planning goes into a dinner party—let’s dive into how to create the perfect setup for your guests.

Going to the movies is fun. The latest action blockbusters, swooning rom-coms, and thought-provoking dramas are best enjoyed on the big screen with immersive sound. It’s an experi­ence that’s hard to beat. But the cinema experience isn’t always perfect. Long queues, high prices, and noisy people with bright phones can sometimes ruin the magic, as well as wanting to hibernate once Tassie’s cooler months hit.

He sits there, engrossed in what he’s doing. He’s trying to figure out how to balance the objects he has before him and stack them high towards the ceiling. I predict that in about 10 seconds, he’s going to be disappointed because what he’s attempting to do won’t work. His spatial awareness at three years of age isn’t sophisticated, so I find myself saying, “Here, I’ll show you.” But my son wants to do it all by himself. “No, mum, not like that,” he asserts. I’m anticipating the structure to collapse but to my surprise, it doesn’t. He does it his way and it works.

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!

Honey Badger is one of the very few dessert places that stays open at night in Hobart.

It came from the depths…

A passionate pilot from Wynyard, Gretta has soared through notable achievements this year, including competing in an air race for charity and advancing her qualifications.

A singer from Devonport, Dana Badcock has recently arrived in the U.S. as a Fulbright Scholar. She is studying at the Jacobs School of Music in Indiana, a prestigious jazz institution.

Check out these awesome events going on around Hobart this month, or make a weekend of it and travel a little further afield.

Fighting for the Australian super light­weight title on 14 September, Rokeby boxer Beau Woods has eyes only for gold. Now based on the Gold Coast, the emerging fighter feels that life experi­ences, both in and out of the ring have him primed to become Tasmania’s newest champion.

As chef and co-owner of Fico, and the recently-opened little sibling, Pitzi, Federica Andrisani loves putting local produce front and centre. We caught up with her ahead of some exciting renovations.

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!

You’re sitting at your favourite café having a chat with a dear friend. The two of you are talking openly about all the struggles you’ve been experiencing – the stress, the let downs and the overwhelm.

“When I say the word ‘milk’, you probably think first of cow’s milk. This usually white liquid can appear decep­tively plain and innocuous. It can come across as dull, because it’s so ubiquitous; you can buy it everywhere, all the time, and it’s often cheaper than bottled water.”

This all-in-one chicken dish is super easy and great for a crowd.

The premise of Last Summer feels ripped out of a clickbait news headline: a lawyer who defends survivors of sexual abuse initiates an affair with her teenage stepson. But don’t let that description set the wrong expectations.

Zodiac Check-In: Your Monthly Astro Update for Sep 2024

It’s been a long time since I’ve visited the Salmon Ponds at Plenty, near New Norfolk – the oldest trout hatchery in the Southern Hemisphere. But now I’m here with a friend on a cold day, I’m reminded of the fascinating story of their origins.

From a young age, Lizzy Crotty dreamed of visiting Antarctica. “Seeing the Aurora Australis docked in Hobart bound for the frozen continent always filled me with excitement,” Lizzy recalls. Now, she is on the brink of making that dream a reality. This journey isn’t just about adventure, however. It’s about equipping herself with skills to become a global leader for nature.

Hobart Happenings in September 2024