NEW NEW NEW

Atrio (Suite 3, 11 Morrison Street, Hobart) is a relaxed cafe and cocktail bar inside historic Gibsons Mill, in the ex-Gold Bar site. A cafe by day, bar by night serving coffee, break­fast, brunch, bar menu, cocktails and wine, open from 7am-2pm, and the bar Thursday to Sunday, 4pm till late. If you’ve been mourning the loss of Billy’s Burgers, fear not, they’re back….kind of. Kingfisher (Elizabeth Street Pier, Hobart) has opened, and incorporates a shortened Billy’s Burgers menu. But this is no simple burger joint. Kingfisher is a Prohibition-era cocktail bar and restaurant offering a stack of seating options with booths, two alfresco dining areas and restaurant seating, as well as 10 semi-private lounges, each with their own state-of-the-art digital dart board. How fun. Van Zanten Brewhouse (308 Elizabeth Street, North Hobart) in the ex-T-Bone space, as a micro brewery, events and live music space. Owner, Teunis Van Zanten is focused on music with Wednesday open mic night and regular musicians each week. The Signal Station Restaurant and Bar (700 Nelson Rd, Mount Nelson) is due to reopen after a lengthy break and an extensive renovation by local couple Borche and Anna. Rebel Sport (85-89 Collins Street, Hobart) has opened their new flagship store in the heart of Hobart’s CBD, in the ex-H&M space. We did hear rumours Uniqlo would also occupy part of this space, so we’re still crossing everything for that. Meanwhile, just around the corner Mecca (Icon Complex, 55-59 Murray Street) has moved back into its original home after a refresh. If you’re after a new look or a wardrobe refresh, The Fifth Quarter Gentleman (www.thefifthquartergen­tleman.com) has men across Tasmania covered. Owner and founder Des Magro shared, “After 32 years in the Australian Army, I know how much confidence and purpose matter. I founded The Fifth Quarter Gentleman to help men show up as the man they want to be in their next chapter. Through personal styling, wardrobe advice, personal shopping, and special occasion wear, I’m bringing that service to men in Hobart and across Tasmania.”

Small Wonder Wines (530 Auburn Road, Kayena) have opened a big, beau­tiful new cellar door in the Tamar Valley, where you can taste current releases, dine from the garden and restaurant menus or take a winery tour, tasting and lunch. Lower Ground (207 Charles Street, Launceston) is a new cafe in The Arches building on Charles Street. Enjoy the art by Kream Art with your coffee – the new spot is open Monday to Friday from 8am-3pm. Ii Hanashi (66a Eliz­abeth Street, Launceston) has opened between Bread + Butter and Du Cane, to really lock down that part of the city as a food hub. It’s a Japanese-Tasmanian izakaya, serving up snacks, ramen and cocktails in an old Gospel Hall building overlooking Princes Square. Donut Paradise (29 Kingsway, Launceston) is now open next to Chemist Ware­house, serving sweet treats and shakes. Burnie has welcomed Ro’s Bodega (16 Mooreville Road, Park Grove), serving breakfast and lunch – think bagels, burri­tos, sliders, sandwiches and melts, in the new Burnie Health Hub. Deloraine has a new juice spot with the opening of Mad­juica Juice Co (8 West Barrack Street, Deloraine), open every day except Mondays. The new home of The Grain Grocer (15 Quadrant Mall, Launceston) has opened, specialising in hard-to-find ingredients, gluten-free, vegan, paleo and organic products

SHORT-TERM HURDLES, LONG-TERM GAINS FOR DOMAIN TRACK

The City of Hobart has announced it will invest approximately $1.2 million to replace the synthetic athletics track at the Domain Athletics Centre, securing the future of Tasmania’s premier ath­letics venue. Following a procurement process, a contractor has been identi­fied, and construction is currently antici­pated to begin on 2 November, subject to final contractual arrangements being finalised. It does mean the track will be unavailable during part of the athletics season, creating disruption for athletes, clubs, schools and event organisers. Ho­bart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds shared, “Replacing the track is a must-do proj­ect. The current surface has reached the end of its service life and this upgrade is critical to maintaining World Athletics certification and ensuring the Domain Athletics Centre remains a venue that athletes can be proud of.” Athletics Tasmania and Little Athletics Tasmania CEO Glen Taylor said, “Athletics Tas­mania and Little Athletics Tasmania are committed to ensuring the Tasmanian athletics community has fit-for-purpose facilities. The renewal of the Domain Athletics Centre surface is a vital step in that commitment.”

NO ELECTION NECESSARY: COUNCILLORS STRAIGHT INTO JOBS

With local government elections this month (don’t forget!) some councils had so few nominations that they elected candidates unopposed. Tasman Coun­cil received six nominations for seven positions and King Island Council had five people put up their hands for seven seats. Those candidates have all gotten the roles, with nominations extended for both councils in the hope of filling the re­maining vacancies. Ballot packs will be delivered to voters from 5 October, and polls close 2pm on Tuesday 27 October. All voting in council elections is compul­sory. You can vote by post or drop it off in the ballot box at your council office.

GPS FOR ADHD

A number of Tasmanian General Prac­titioners can now assess, diagnose and initiate the prescription of medication for children and adults with Atten­tion Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The GPs have undertaken specialised training to do so, and it’s hoped it will make the process more ac­cessible and affordable. The Department of Health delivered Tasmania’s first training workshop at the Tasmanian Ru­ral Health Conference in Devonport in May, with nearly 50 GPs attending. The training was delivered by paediatricians, psychiatrists, pharmacists and experi­enced GPs and equipped participants with the knowledge required to identify ADHD, recognise alternative diagnoses, and manage co-existing conditions

THE SPIRITS ARE SPIRITING

After many years of planning, and a few years of setbacks the new Spirit of Tasmania vessels are due to set sail from 31 October. The new offering onboard includes more rooms, more vehicle deck space, more dining options and more cabin options. For the first time, guests will be able to take their pet on board if they’re checked into a special pet cabin. At this stage it’s for dogs and cats only, and some breeds aren’t allowed, so check first before booking. There’s also a special pet deck to exercise and toilet your pet too. There are also two new six-berth cabins which will be in hot demand from bigger families and groups. The buffet is gone, but it has been replaced with more flexible dining focused on local produce and Tasmanian wines. You can book the new cabins now at www.spiritoftas­mania.com.au.

FIND YOUR FLOOD RISK

It’s now possible to find statewide flood risk info through TasAlert’s RiskReady. With RiskReady you can look up property-spe­cific information about natural hazards and also find practical steps to reduce risk and improve preparedness. New flood mapping information sits alongside bushfire, land­slide, coastal inundation and coastal erosion hazard information. For more information and to access RiskReady go to www.tasalert.com/riskready.

COUNCILS LAUNCH FREE ENERGY ADVICE PROGRAM

Households and small businesses across Hobart, Kingborough, Huon Valley and Brighton can now access free, independent advice to help reduce power bills and im­prove the comfort of their homes. Launched late September, ZapCat is a social enterprise providing practical and tailored advice to help residents and businesses to undertake clean energy and energy efficiency upgrades in the participating local government areas.

Breathe In, Breathe Out

Aleah Davison of In Ritual is a breathwork and flower essence practitioner. She’s leading some sunrise breathwork sessions as part of the upcoming A Natural Escape festival from 9-31 October on Tasmania’s East Coast.

What is breathwork and how does it help you? Breathwork is using the breath intentionally, not just the automatic thing your body does all day, but a practice, to shift your state. To slow it down and calm the nervous system. With committed practice you can release what’s stuck, or find clarity, or come back into your body when your mind’s run off somewhere else.

How did you get into this? I was drawn to this particular style of breath because the yogic system is so intelligent in how it’s built. It sets up the foundation required to hold a big experience, but only once the body is actually ready to hold it. The moment you stop being distracted and disconnected from yourself, it can be overwhelming to meditate or breathe, because you’re suddenly forced to face yourself, including the parts you don’t love. This practice is built to make that safe.

What can people expect from your upcoming breathwork workshop as part of A Natural Escape festival? Adult Sunrise Breathwork, right on Pirates Bay Beach, meeting at Eaglehawk Neck Hall. Early mornings, sunrise sessions, for three dates across October. I’ll be introducing flower essences alongside breathwork drawn from the yogic tradition, Pranayama and Kriya. You can come to one, or come to all three, whatever suits you. Mats, bolsters and blankets are provided, so all you need to bring is yourself. Numbers are limited, so bookings early are a good idea via www.anaturalescape.au. I’m also doing a playful introduction to breath for kids aged 5-12, exploring the magic of ocean breath, sunshine breath, cloud breath and flower breath, plus a colouring activity to make their own take-home “chatterbox.”

What’s one thing readers can do at home to start their breathwork journey? Start simple. In through the nose for 4, hold for 4, out for 4. Equal parts, nothing forced. If 4 feels like a stretch, use a number that’s actually comfortable for you, the ratio matters more than the count. Just a few rounds, first thing in the morning or right before bed, is enough to start noticing the difference.

INCAT NAMED AS TASSIE’S TOP EXPORTER

Incat Tasmania has been named the 2026 Tasmanian Exporter of the Year at the recent Tasmanian Export Awards Gala Dinner, just as their Hull 096 – the world’s biggest electric ship – got to its South American destination. Guy Bar­nett, Minister for Small Business, Trade and Consumer Affairs, congratulated Incat, saying: “Incat is a global leader in sustainable shipbuilding, deliver­ing high-quality battery-electric and hybrid-electric vessels from right here in our State…Incat embodies the very best of Tasmanian enterprise, and this award deservedly recognises the significant contribution Incat continues to make to Tasmania’s economy and international reputation.” Incat will now progress to the national finals of the awards in Can­berra later this year.

LAUNNIE’S WOOD SMOKE PLAN

Launceston’s poor air quality issues in winter will hopefully improve, with Launceston City Council recently endorsing the Domestic Wood Smoke Plan. Launceston (and the broader Tamar Valley) have long faced challenges with poor air quality during the winter months, with inefficient use of wood heaters identified as a significant factor. The now endorsed plan outlines a range of actions to improve air quality while recognising the role wood heating plays for many local households. Potential actions listed include educating the community on the availability of third-party loan schemes, possible in-home visits or consultation services and explor­ing financial incentives to support behavioural change.

WE’RE NOW HISTORIC MATCHMAKERS, FINDERS OF FORGOTTEN HISTORY. CAN YOU HELP?

In response to a recent call out from a reader, Maxine, asking for information about Wapping, we’ve received more callouts and information! If you can help, email editor@thehobartmagazine.com.au.

My family arrived in Tasmania as convicts as well as free emigrants so have a lot of history in Tasmania. I am after old photos of Hobart, especially where they lived. One family lived at 26 Brisbane Street, Hobart. Going from Google it seems that it may have been on the corner of Murray and Brisbane Streets. I appreciate all the old photos your magazine has posted of Hobart, especially of Murray Street. I would dearly love to find a photo/photos of Brisbane Street in the mid to late 1800’s. My ancestor was Christo­pher Johnston.

Kind regards, Pam

Just read a letter from Maxine re Wapping. As far as know the area of Wapping was at the lower end of Campbell Street near the Theatre Royal and Grand Chancellor, which was built after they cleared the area. All the debris was taken to what we used to call the “secret beach”, way down the river. We went there, along with many others that knew, and fossicked around amongst the debris and found old bottles, dolls heads, old shoes etc. All this I believe came from the demolition of Wapping.

Regards, Mabel Clarkson

Dear The Hobart/Launceston Mag­azine editor,

The link – www.catherinemeyrick.com (search ‘Cold Blows The Wind’) – describes the memories that Maxine had as a child in the 1940’s of the area between Liver­pool and Collins Streets near Molle Street.

Kind regards, Karen Worledge

CANDLES FOR BREAST CANCER

Leesa and Tarn – two Hobart sisters with a passion for beautiful scents and cozy spaces created SHEEK BOUTIQUE to share their love for hand crafted candles and home fragrance. “What started as a small hobby has grown into something truly special. Every product is made with care, using high-quality ingredients and a whole lot of heart,” Leesa said. “Whether you’re lighting a candle to relax after a long day or freshening up your home with our room spray, we want you to feel the love that goes into each and every item.” This October, as part of National Breast Cancer Awareness month, they are donating $5 from every candle sold to the National Breast Can­cer Foundation. You’re also supporting a small business, so it’s a win win! Buy your candles at www.sheekboutique.com.au.

MORE NZ FLIGHTS COMING

Air New Zealand’s direct trans-Tasman Hobart to Auckland service will return for its sixth season this month. The flights will operate from Hobart Airport three times a week for most of the sea­son then four times a week for the peak period from late February to 20 March, with a total of 27 per cent more flights and 28 per cent more seats than last year. It will extend to the end of April, covering Easter and school holiday traffic. With LivEat temporarily closed, and other options a little pricey on a re­cent visit to the Hobart Airport, we look forward to more food options returning as part of their ongoing development plans, too.

OSSA PRIZE WINNERS FAIRYTALE-FOLK

PALENCIA, a ‘fairy-folk’ trio, have won the prestigious Ossa Music Prize for 2026. Featuring three Bachelor of Music students from the Conserva­torium, (Amity Hutton, Emily Oates and Christian Palencia), the trio will receive a cash prize of $6000 and financial support of up to $8500 to fund a tour of regional Tasmania. “All of the music that we make is inspired by our heritage, other places that we’ve travelled, and it’s really a celebration of culture, diversity, inclusion and representation – that’s our focus,” said Christian, guitarist and vocal­ist. Vocalist Amity, who grew up in Wynyard, was thrilled to be able to tour regionally: “I’m really excited to bring that back to the communities that I’ve grown up with, just to inspire those next generations to showcase what can be possible.” Their regional tour will include performances in Queen­stown, the North, North West and East Coast, with dates to be announced in the coming weeks. The Ossa Prize is named after Tasmania’s highest mountain peak and was established in 2018 by University alumnus Dr Rod Roberts and Mrs Cecile Roberts to help students pursue excellence in musician­ship. The Queenstown performance takes place in memory of Margaret Stoermer, thanks to support provided by her family.

COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS OVERWHELMED AS FUNDING DROPS

New data from the Tasmanian Council of Social Service (TasCOSS) shows Tasmanians are missing out on essential services as a result of the overwhelm of community services organisations. TasCOSS says these organisations are facing rising demand and increasing costs, as inadequate funding fails to keep pace, with three-in-five (60%) organisa­tions having to turn people away over the past 12 months, and 48% cutting services due to a lack of resources.

Jordan River Service is a place-based community organisation supporting people across Bridgewater, Gage­brook and Herdsmans Cove through its community pantry and a range of other community programs. Jordan River Service CEO, Ms Mel Best, said the organisation was feeling the pressure. “Food insecurity is a major concern in our community, which is why we operate the Waterbridge Community Pantry and Café. But its operating costs receive no direct government funding, so we fund it from our core Neighbourhood House funding,” Ms Best said.

“On the demand side, we’re in­creasingly seeing working families requesting assistance only a few days after payday because their wages simply aren’t covering the essentials.

“For many Tasmanian families, no amount of careful budgeting can plug the growing hole in the household budget. When the cost of housing, food, power and transport exceeds what’s coming in, there’s simply nowhere left to cut.

“We expect to make a loss this financial year. Our costs are rising by around 4.5%, while our govern­ment funding is indexed at just 3%, and we’ve had to move to a four day working week to ensure we can safely cover our Houses.”

When The Himalayas Give Way

Words: Kishor Nepal, a Nepali living in Hobart

From Tasmania, I watched the news of Nepal with a heavy heart. Distance may have brought me to a new home, but Nepal, the country of my childhood, memories and identity has never felt far away.

On 26 August 2026, a massive collapse of glacier ice and bedrock on the northern face of Mount Langtang Lirung sent an avalanche of ice and rock into the valley below. The resulting torrent of water and debris swept through the Lhende Khola and into the Trishuli river system, leaving communities devastated. Lives were lost, families were separated and many people were still waiting for news of loved ones.

For me, the Himalayas are more than mountains. They are part of Nepal’s identity and woven into my own memories. Growing up Nepali, I saw them as symbols of strength, beauty and permanence. But that sense of permanence now feels less certain. Rising temperatures are changing the high mountains, with glaciers shrinking and permafrost thawing. These changes can weaken slopes and increase the risks faced by communities living below them.

What happened in the Tibetan region near the Nepal border is a warning that should not be ignored. The Himalayas do not stop at political borders, and neither does climate change. What happens in one part of this fragile mountain system can have consequences far beyond it. For Nepal, where millions of people depend on the mountains and rivers, the risks are deeply personal.

Nepal has contributed very little to the greenhouse gas emis­sions driving global warming, yet Nepalis are increasingly facing its consequences. This raises an important question of fairness. Countries that have benefited most from decades of high greenhouse gas emissions have a greater responsibility to reduce their emissions and support vulnerable communities dealing with climate impacts.

Living in Tasmania, I sometimes feel helpless watching events unfold so far from home. But distance has not weakened my connection to Nepal. The Himalayas are part of who I am. Their future is therefore not just an environmental issue for me—it is a matter of home, memory and identity.

BUSHFIRE READY

After a worryingly early start to the bushfire season last month, it’s a good time to make sure you’re prepared with the Tasmanian Fire Service’s Bushfire-ready challenge. Running across four weeks, the challenge guides partic­ipants through a series of practical activities to increase preparedness and build confidence before summer. Learn how to identify bushfire risks around your home, create a household bushfire plan, prepare an emergency kit and understand the actions you may need to take. www.bushfire.tas.gov.au.

JAZZ, BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

CJF Presents is a boutique live music series from the team behind the Clarence Jazz Festival. CJF Presents returns to Rosny Farm this October with five exclusive performances across four nights, bringing some seriously impressive international talent to Tasmania – including several for the very first time here. Kicking things off on Thursday 22 October is Melbourne trio LIIT, blending contemporary jazz with electro texture and real-time composition. Friday 23 October sees aja monet make her Tasmanian debut. The GRAMMY-nominated American poet, musician and activist combines spoken word, music and powerful story­telling in a style that has earned widespread international attention.

On Saturday 24 October, powerhouse bassist, vocalist and songwriter Nik West takes over The Barn for two shows. West is bonafide funk royalty and has worked with just about every big name in the game including Prince, Quincy Jones, Santana, Steven Tyler, and Lenny Kravitz to name just a few. Closing the series on Monday 26 October is New York-based Japanese keyboard virtuoso BIGYU­KI, whose genre-bending sound spans jazz, soul, hip-hop and electronica, with collaborators including Lauryn Hill, Kamasi Washington and A Tribe Called Quest. All shows are at The Barn, Rosny Farm. Tickets and more details: rosnyfarm.com.au