NEW NEW NEW

Following a dramatic transforma­tion of their heritage space, LARK Distilling’s Davey Street Cellar Door (14 Davey Street, Hobart) has reopened with two levels of whis­ky discovery and a new outdoor whisky garden overlooking Sullivan’s Cove. Rediscover the birthplace of Tasmania’s modern whisky story through rare releases, guided tastings, and immersive experiences. Lau­derdale’s newest neighbourhood eatery is Brine (10a Bangalee Street, Lauderdale), a lovely space to enjoy coffee and cake, snacks and drinks from Friday to Monday each week. We love the look of their martini and chippies! Open seven days from 11am-7pm.

The Eastern Shore is welcoming a new offering by the team from Abundance on the Quay. Bay (Cnr Cambridge and Percy Streets, Bellerive) is just around the corner from the cafe, in Bellerive Village, and the perfect spot for drink and snack – mimosa anyone? Penguin should get excited for Sips (95 Main Road, Penguin) self-proclaimed as “a new chapter for Penguin’s cafe scene”. They offer light bites, with Uprise pastries from Spreyton and specialty coffee and drinks using Industry Beans – we hear the Cherry Iced Latte is the bomb. Considering a wardrobe cull for the start of 2026? Milk Money (142 Harrington Street, Hobart is a new curated rent-a-rack studio next to and by The Finders. Tassie Meats (42 Derwent Park Road, Derwent Park) are bringing a local butcher shop experience to Derwent Park with fresh goat, lamb, chicken, beef, buffalo, fish, sausages, keema and momos.

KINGSTON’S BLUE LINES

Have you noticed the new bright blue wavy road markings on Kingston’s Beach Road? They’re a new kind of road surface called Omnigrip, made from recycled glass and designed to improve road grip and safety. The intent is to make intersections and pedestrian areas more eye-catching, highlighting busy areas and encouraging drivers to slow down and pay attention. Kingborough Council have advised it’s normal for there to be some loose particles at first as it settles.

PERMITS FOR FIRES NOW

With a warmer and drier January forecast, fire permits are now permit­ted statewide and campfire bans are in place in many national parks and reserves for the season. The Tasmania Fire Service declared a statewide fire permit period as of 16 December last year, with Deputy Chief Officer Matt Lowe saying the period was instated then based on current and forecast con­ditions. “By introducing fire permits, we are implementing measures to allow Tasmania Fire Service (TFS) to man­date and monitor fires in the landscape during expected spikes in fire danger and mitigate the risk of bushfires as best as possible,” he said.

“This declaration of a Fire Permit Period (FPP) does not stop landowners burning on their properties, a Fire Per­mit reduces the risk of escaped fires by promoting responsible use of fire and enables TFS to monitor controlled burn­ing given the impending increased fire danger.” Mr Lowe reiterated the TFS advice to be prepared this season: “I’d like to remind people of the importance to be prepared this summer and to have a plan to keep safe if they’re impacted by a bushfire,” he said. “Know your risk, develop and practice bushfire plans, know how to access alerts and warnings through TasALERT.com or the TasALERT app.”

Seasonal campfire bans will also apply to all national parks and reserves within the Dorset, Break O’Day and Glamor­gan-Spring Bay municipalities as well as Flinders Island, Maria Island and Narawntapu National Park, Tooms Lake Conservation Area and Snaky Creek Conservation Area. You can still use gas stoves and gas bbqs, and for more info check parks.tas.gov.au.

If you wish to burn on your own prop­erty you can apply for a free permit online at www.fire.tas.gov.au or call 1800 000 699. For up to date emergen­cy information check alert.tas.gov.au or download the TasALERT app.

NEW INFRASTRUCTURE FOR LAUDERDALE PRIMARY

Lauderdale Primary School recent­ly completed a $6.5 million rede­velopment of modern and flexible learning spaces, with Minister for Education, Jo Palmer, attending the opening with students, school staff and the community recently. Lauderdale Primary is one of the largest schools in Tasmania and the fastest growing on Hobart’s Eastern Shore and this redevelop­ment will cater for the increasing number of students. “Our Govern­ment is delivering the education facilities our young people need, with additional funds to support the resurfacing of the outdoor courts at Lauderdale Primary,” Minister Palmer said.

But did you know there’s a commitment to keep school sports facilities open for the public to use? “Through the recent election we re-iterated our commitment to opening school gates and giving the public access to school ovals and sports courts, including indoor basketball courts. Funded through the Tasmanian Government’s $10 million Playground and Sports Courts Program, once completed these will make sure the school’s facilities can be used by the community where suitable and there is capacity.” Playground and Sports Courts Program projects are currently being processed for Elizabeth College, New Norfolk Primary School, Newstead Col­lege, and Rosny College.

SHOPLIFTING BLITZ

A two day police blitz on retail crime recently resulted in 38 arrests and the recovery of thousands of dollars worth of stolen items. The operation involved 35 businesses and 70 stores across the state in Hobart, Launceston, Devonport and Burnie. Tasmania Police members from task forces Saturate, Account­able, Respect, Scelus and Raven were involved (we feel like some of those taskforce names are significantly cooler than others), as were uniformed cops, detectives and specialist resources. The result was the processing of 60 offenders ranging in age from 13 to 55, 38 arrests, 16 summonses and six youth diversions. 53 of the 60 were identified as repeat offenders. Commonly targeted items included clothing, sunglasses, grocer­ies, and household goods. It’s believed future operations are planned, and in the meantime members of the public can play their own role in lowering retail crime by checking out Crime Stoppers Tasmania’s Know Them? Name Them! campaign, which uses social media to help identify suspected shoplifters and reduce retail crime. Crime Stoppers Tasmania chair David Daniels said the joint initiative with Tasmania Police had helped identify almost 70 suspects over a seven-month period. “We encourage people to visit crimestopperstas.com.au and view the open cases,” Mr Daniels said. “This is a chance for people to speak up and help police, help local business, and help the community as a whole.” To report retail crime, call police on 131 444 or anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

OUR MUSEUM IS A STAR

TMAG, the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, stars in a new ABC series this year. Tonight at the Museum sees celebrity contestants go head-to-head in a series of games inspired by priceless objects from the TMAG collection. Hosted by comedian, writer, actor and presenter Alex Lee, the show has already wrapped filming and will be on our TVs in the first half of this year.

SUMMER TEMPS WARNING

As much as we are grateful for some summer heat after a long winter, Tasmanians are being warned to be aware of the dan­gers of heat-related illness this season. Warmer temperature can affect Tasmanians, who are not used to them, more than others, and it is important to be prepared. Deputy Director of Public Health, Dr Scott McKeown recommends you:

• Plan your day to avoid strenuous activities and being out­doors, especially during the hottest part of the day.
• Stay out of the sun as much as possible. If you need to go outside, wear light-coloured, loose-fitting clothes, a hat, sun­glasses, sunscreen, and seek shade.
• Use fans or air-conditioners and close blinds or curtains to keep heat out.
• Keep windows and doors shut if it’s hotter outside than inside and reopen them when it cools down.
• Drink plenty of water even if you’re not thirsty.
• Never leave children or pets in cars.
• Check on family, friends and neighbours – especially those who may be more vulnerable to heat.

The long-range forecast shows a similar outlook to last year’s summer condition, with potentially warmer than usual tem­peratures on the way. Bureau of Meteorology Senior Meteo­rologist Luke Johnston said: “The forecast shows an increased risk of heatwave potential due to the expectation for warmer than usual daytime temperatures, but especially warmer night time temperatures and higher humidities.” If you think you or someone within you might have a heat-related illness seek medical advice from your GP or by calling healthdirect on 1800 022 222. On a hot day, if you or someone near you is very unwell and does not respond to cooling and rehydration quickly, call triple zero and ask for an ambulance.

TASSIE SALMON OFF THE TABLE?

Has the use of the antibiotic florfenicol in the treatment of diseased Tasmanian salmon got mainland media question­ing its consumption? In a recent feature for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, food writer and reviewer Dani Valent reviewed the best and worst of supermarket salmon from overseas ahead of Christmas, specifically addressing the question, “Want smoked salmon on the Christmas table but avoiding the Tassie stuff?” In the article, Dani explains, “For decades, it’s been a no-brainer to reach for Tasmanian smoked salmon at this time of year. Since the 1980s, Atlantic salmon has been raised in fish farms in the cool waters south of Bass Strait, then processed locally into a cured product. But many consumers have become concerned about damage to sensitive marine and coastal environments, large-scale fish mortalities, and abundant antibiotic use that affects native lobster and fish and, poten­tially, the humans who consume them.”

ANTIQUES ROADSHOW OPPORTUNITY

Ever wanted to be one of those people on the telly who discover their random antique is worth millions? Well now you can (without the being on telly part) at the Royal Society Art & Antiques Roadshow at Woolmers Estate on 10 January. Bring your antiques and artworks for expert appraisal by Warwick Oakman, renowned antique expert and valuer. The cost is $5 per item. The appraisal day coincides with the Hidden Treasures exhibition at Woolmers, which shows rarely seen artworks from the Northern Midlands of the 1850s from 4 January to 22 February.

NEW MURRAY HOUSE MURAL

There’s a new mural on the traffic-facing side of Murray House (73-81 Murray St) depicting an intergeneration­al portrait of Palawa elders and knowledge holders. Brandi Salmon, a local Wiradjuri and Tongan artist, has been creating the work over recent weeks thanks to the City of Hobart’s Creative Hobart program, which aims to make creative experiences accessible to all by bringing art into public spaces. The work features Aunty Cheryl Mundy trimanya, There­sa Sainty, Sinsa Mansell, Sinsa’s daughter Niara and Theresa’s granddaughter Pyper. Brandi says: “Beneath the streets of Nipaluna, a rivulet still runs paved over but never gone. This hidden waterway speaks to what sits beneath the surface of this city: ongoing culture, deep histories and the enduring presence of Palawa women. This mural honours Palawa women. Across genera­tions, they carry leadership, strength and cultural knowl­edge. Their presence in the work celebrates the central role of Palawa women in story, resistance, care and community.

MAKING MOUNTAIN RIVER ROAD AND HUON HIGHWAY SAFER

Construction works to improve pedestrian safety at the Mountain River Road and Huon Highway intersection will begin soon. A final concept design for the chang­es was released recently following public consultation. Safety was the most fre­quently raised concern, with community feedback highlighting issues such as speed limits, limited visibility, and the need for safe pedestrian crossing points at the bus stops. Changes to the design prioritise pe­destrian safety and bus stop accessibility, and improve visibility for all road users. Construction is planned for early this year, with initial works focusing on:

• relocating the two existing bus stops to a straighter and flatter section of the Huon Highway, approximately 100m south of the intersection
• installing a new pedestrian island to allow pedestrians to cross the highway in two stages, making it safer and more manageable
• installing new street lighting to improve visibility for both pedestrians and drivers
• building new footpaths and a road bar­rier to provide safe, direct access to and from the bus stops at Turn Creek and Mountain River roads, helping separate pedestrians from traffic.

The 80km/h speed limit introduced at this location in March last year will remain in place. Find more information, including the final designs and the consultation and feedback report on the Transport website at www.transport.tas.gov.au.

MORE ROOM FOR MORE CATS

The Ten Lives Cat Centre in New Town has had a major extension, with a new adoption area, a shop, an adult cat hos­pital and a vet consultation space with x-ray facilities to help them look after the ever increasing numbers of cats and kittens surrendered or found. If you like cats and have some spare time, consider volunteering as a foster carer to help them cover the rest of a very busy kitten season and beyond.

DRU POINT PLAYGROUND SETS SAIL WITH A SEAFARING UPGRADE

The much-loved playground at Dru Point in Margate has a brand-new ship ready for adventure. The new play space features a new play ship, a vibrant rubber soft-fall surface dec­orated with sea creatures, inclusive ramps and access points for kids of all abilities and plenty of fun equipment for creative play. There’s also a children’s bike path with stop signs and traffic lights, double flying fox and orbit rope climbing frame already there! Pack a picnic and explore the new park this summer.

INTERSTATE MEDICATION CHANGES

This year Tasmanians will be able to ac­cess certain medicines, including some commonly used for ADHD, prescribed interstate. The Poisons Amendment (Interstate Prescriptions) Bill passed the Legislative Council late last year, mean­ing Tasmanian pharmacists will be able to dispense certain prescriptions issued by interstate practitioners for medicines (provided it complies with existing State requirements). This includes psycho­stimulants commonly used to treat ADHD, opioids, medicinal cannabis and benzodiazepines. The reforms are also relevant to visitors to Tasmania who bring valid prescriptions with them, allowing local pharmacists to dispense their medicines safely and efficiently.

GO MAX, GO!

Congratulations to local swimming champion Max Giuliani, our 2025 Tasmanian Athlete of the Year! Max, 22, took away gold, silver and bronze medals at this year’s world championships in Singapore not long after winning a relay bronze medal at the Olympic Games in Paris. He also set an Oceanian record in the 200m at the Short Course World Championships in Budapest. Giuliani grew up in Hobart, going to school at St Virgil’s and Guil­ford Young College and training with the Hobart Aquatic Club. In 2022 he moved to the Gold Coast. Giuliani was among seven finalists (pictured above) – Dan Booker (MTB enduro), Kate Eckhardt (canoe/kayak), Nicole Frain (gravel enduro), Alex Hunt (multisport), Fiona Plummer (eightball) and Felicity Wil­son-Haffenden (road cycling).

TASSIE DOCTOR RECOGNISED FOR EXTREME MEDICINE

Tasmanian School of Medicine’s Dr Alicia Tucker was recently rec­ognised for her expertise in diving, hyperbaric, wilderness and aerospace medicine, being honoured as a Fellow of Academy of Extreme Environment Medicine (FAEEM). Alicia is a Tas­manian School of Medicine gradu­ate, with Fellowships in Emergency Medicine and Wilderness Medicine, and additional Associate Fellowships in Aerospace Medicine in Australia and the United States. Dr Tucker’s career has been varied – as a Ships Physician to Antarctica and the high Arctic, working in Outback Australia with the Royal Flying Doctor Ser­vice, to completing advanced training in diving and hyperbaric medicine at Hobart’s unique triple-lock dual capable (hyperbaric/hypobaric) chamber. Alicia has also undertaken space medicine training with both NASA and ESA, and participated in the Mars Desert Research Station simulation in Utah, enriching her ex­pertise in medical care within isolated and extreme environments. “As clinicians, we of­ten face environments analogous to space,” Dr Tucker said. “Be it freezing Antarctic winds, crushing hyperbaric pressures, or the isolation of remote missions— each demands rigorous training and adaptability.” The Academy of Ex­treme Environment Medicine awards Fellow status to professionals who demonstrate substantial expertise in managing health and medical care where environmental and logistical challenges are extreme.

MORE ANTARCTIC FUNDING, NUYINA FUEL WOES CONTINUE

The federal government has announced a significant investment in the Australian Antarctic Program, which the City of Hobart has welcomed and called a ‘critical boost’ for Hobart’s future as an Antarctic gateway. The funding will cover more RSV Nuyina voyages, extra scien­tific and technical jobs and an extension of the lifespan of the Australian Centre for Excellence in Antarctic Science. Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said the investment reflected the importance the Australian Government places on the nation’s interest in Antarctica and also the importance of our local Antarctic sector. The Lord Mayor also stressed that with more voyages of the RSV Nuyina ahead, work needed to be done to allow the ship to refuel in Hobart rather than Burnie. “Antarctica is an inherent part of our economy and what we have to offer the world. This announcement helps to ensure our ability to remain a world-lead­ing hub of Antarctic science, research, and logistics,” she said. “I would urge the Tasmanian Government to find a timely solution to the RSV Nuyina’s portside refuelling issues in Hobart to support this important federal investment. With additional RSV Nuyina voyages planned, it’s critical that these facilities which have been promised for some years are delivered without delay to maximise the benefits of this announcement.”

PRINCE OF WALES TO GO

The Prince of Wales Hotel in Battery Point will be demolished to make way for a new accom­modation development. The recently approved development application includes getting rid of the current red brick hotel building, built in 1967, and replacing it with a three-storey complex of 13 visitor accommodation units, a bar and cafe, two townhouses, and a 37-spot basement car park.

BLUE TREE AXED

An iconic bright blue tree that was a symbol of mental health awareness along the Midland Highway has been cut down. The tree, between Perth and Longford, was cut following fire damage that left it unsafe. The gum had been painted blue in 2021 as part of the global Blue Tree Project charity that saw dead standing trees painted the bright hue to encourage conversations about and awareness of mental health. The Blue Tree Project began as a grassroots initiative in regional Western Australia in 2019 following the loss of Jayden Whyte, a much-loved son, brother and friend, to suicide in 2018. It has since grown into a global charity. More info can be found here: bluetreeproject.com.au.

RICHIE PORTE RIDES FOR BROTHER

Cycling champ Ritchie Porte was among a group of inspiring Tasmanians to recently ride 500km on their bikes to raise awareness for mental health, riding in honour of the brother he recently lost. Ritchie and his friend, Hayden Armstong, chair of the Royal Hobart Hospital Re­search Foundation, took part in the global Festive 500 challenge but instead of the usual eight days to cover the 500km they did it in a gruelling four! They were raising money and awareness for mental health care through the Royal Hobart Hospital Research Foundation.

This year’s ride had immense personal meaning, with Porte joining the challenge less than two months after the tragic loss of his brother Tom Porte, riding in Tom’s honour and shining a light on the urgent need for greater mental health support in Tasmania. Hayden Armstrong, who lives with multiple sclerosis, took on this enor­mous feat and was driven by a passion for funding medical research and improv­ing care for Tasmanians doing it tough. Throughout the journey they were joined by groups of local riders who supported the duo with conversation and pedal pow­er. Hayden Amstrong said: “Cycling is really important to me, and it’s more than just a hobby. I live with multiple sclerosis (MS) and staying active helps me manage some of the daily challenges of MS, while also giving me a boost in mental health and wellbeing. So I’m really passionate about the benefits of physical exercise, and the positive impact it can have on your overall health.” At the time of print, they’d more than doubled their fundrais­ing goal with donations still open at bit.ly/rhhrf-haydens-festive-500.

ARE YOU A SPORT PARENT? LEARN ESSENTIAL SPORTS TAPING SKILLS

In contact sports, knowing how to manage and prevent injuries is as important as the game itself. This summer Clubs Tasmania, in partner­ship with Elastoplast, is hosting a se­ries of free Sports Taping and Injury Care Workshops for club volunteers, parents, and coaches. These hands-on sessions offer an opportunity to learn essential taping techniques and injury care skills specifically designed for contact sports. Whether you’re new to taping or want to refresh your knowledge, this workshop will help you keep players supported, safe, and ready to play.

Workshop Dates & Locations:

• 28 January – Queenstown
• 29 January – Burnie
• 11 February – Launceston
• 17 February – Hobart
• 11 March – Hobart

This is a great way to build confi­dence in supporting athletes and en­suring proper care both on and off the field. Register now via Humanitix.

TOP RUNNERS COME TO TASSIE

Some of Australia’s best track athletes, including Olympians and Paralympians will be racing on local soil next month. Hobart will host the Hobart Track Clas­sic, part of the World Athletic Continen­tal Tour. It’s a ‘bronze level’ meet that will give competitors the chance to earn world ranking points, prize money, and possibly impress selectors ahead of the Commonwealth Games and World Un­der 20 Championships. Olympic finalist and proud Tasmanian product Stewart McSweyn said he is looking forward to seeing Tasmanian locals embrace athlet­ics in their own backyard: “Tasmania is where my athletics journey started, so having a major meet here means a lot. The support from people back home has always pushed me even after moving away from home, and I’m excited that they’ll now be able to see some of Australia’s favourite athletes compete in person.” The event, on 28 February at the Domain Athletics Centre, will be the second of four one-day high perfor­mance meets across the country, joining the Perth Track Classic, Adelaide Track Classic and the Maurie Plant Meet before the Australian Athletics Champi­onships takes place in Sydney.

TASSIE COACHES STEP INTO JUNIOR MATILDAS CAMP

The CommBank Junior Matildas recently wrapped up a national training camp from 23–29 November, finishing the week with two international match­es against Thailand’s U16s in Sydney and Gosford as part of ASEAN – Aus­tralia Women’s Football Week. Chelsea Wing and Alfred Hess, the Football Tasmania Greater North and South Lead Coaches, were invited into camp as assistant coaches. The opportunity allowed both coaches to work inside a national team environment, gaining valuable high-performance experience alongside some of the country’s best emerging players. Most importantly, that knowledge now comes back into Tasmanian football. Experiences like this help strengthen development pathways, ensuring both players and coaches across the State remain aligned with the standards and expectations of the very top level of the game. Con­gratulations Chelsea and Alfred!