NEW NEW NEW

Mountain Culture Hobart Taproom (105 Murray Street, Hobart) has taken over the Fox Friday space. This is the Blue Mountains brewery’s first taproom in Tasmania. Expect all of their beers on tap, plus burgers and hot dogs to fill the belly. On Glenorchy’s Main Road in the block opposite Hungry Jack’s, where Dave’s Noodles and Lounge & Blade currently operate, it looks like three new food ventures are coming soon. Signage is up – Hobart burger joint The Standard are opening their second restaurant, same with New Norfolk pizza place Viva Italia Pizzeria, plus a new restaurant Smashboy, which promises smash burgers, fries, and shakes according to its signage. Saigon Express Sandy Bay (Shop 4, 236 San­dy Bay Road, Sandy Bay) is opening this month, in what will be their sixth restaurant in Greater Hobart. They serve up Vietnamese flavours with hot pho, fragrant broken rice, fresh spring rolls, and more. Devonport, it’s time to satisfy your sweet tooth at Salem’s Sweets (Shop 3, 42 Rooke Street, Devonport), a new family owned business stocking a variety of sweet treats, jerky, chips, chocolates and sauces from Tasmania and all over the world.

Located on the remote and rugged Flinders Island, Fur­neaux Distillery (1 Sawyers Bay Road, Emita) is a distillery producing premium single malt whisky, gin, and small-batch experimental spirits. They’ve recently opened their new permanent home for tastings and tours — it’s a nice spot to sit and enjoy the serene surroundings. Dan Murphy’s Sandy Bay (259 Sandy Bay Road, Sandy Bay) has opened up in the former Shiploads building for all those who celebrate wine time and beer o’clock. Expect their usual extensive range of stock. Just up the road from Cellarbra­tions and not far from 9/11 Bottleshop and Liquorland. Sandy Bay, are you okay? Residents in Sorell and surrounds can also get their grog on at the newly-opened Thirsty Camel Dodges Ferry (3/58 Carlton Beach Road, Dodges Ferry). It’s open until 7:30pm most nights except Sunday, when it’s 7pm. In news that could prove financially disastrous for Tasmanian LEGO enthusiasts, the toy giant has an­nounced its opening the first official Ho­bart LEGO store. The exact location in Elizabeth Street is still under wraps, with the store expected to open in October, just in time for the start of the Christmas shopping season. At 330 square metres, it will be one of the largest LEGO stores in Australia. Fans can look forward to a ‘Pick and Build’ wall, stations to design custom minifigures, and special displays featuring iconic Tasmanian landmarks and native wildlife. Used and vintage guitar shop Topshelf Instruments (113 Harrington Street, Hobart) has reopened after moving away from their Collins Street site. They can accommodate all of your guitar needs. City centre hotel Crowne Plaza Hobart (110 Liverpool Street, Hobart) has opened up a new event space, if you’re looking to hold an event in style. Sweetie Nails & Beauty (Shop 8, 1 Risdon Road, New Town) has opened its third shop in the Hobart area, this time in New Town Plaza, next to Bamboo Leaf Massage. Visit for man­icures, pedicures, acrylics, gel polish, in­tricate nail art, waxing, and more.

Blow off steam at Smashed Up! (166 Henry Street, Launceston), Launceston’s new rage room where you can safely smash, shatter, and release stress. Smash plates, glass, electronics, and more in your very own private room. For ages 13 up, and under 18s must be accompanied by a guardian. Hobart gift store Red Parka is opening a pop up store for six months from late September.

FIX YOUR CAT AT BONORONG Move aside wombats and Tassie devils, Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary can now fix your cat. The cat desexing program called Feline Fix took more than a year and a half of planning to come to life. This service is available for cat welfare organisations and has been operating off-site since 2023, but now has its own dedicated space at Bonorong. This work limits the number of feral and unwanted cats roaming Tasmania’s countryside. The cat featured in the photo is Lily and was adopted by Bonorong’s CEO on the first day.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN CANCER PATIENTS’ LIVES Look Good Feel Better are on the lookout for volunteers to assist with running confidence-boosting workshops in Hobart. They’re a free national cancer support program that helps to improve the wellbe­ing and confidence of people undergoing treatments for cancer. To volunteer you must be over 18 years of age, have beauty or hairdressing knowledge, and be com­fortable presenting to small groups. At each workshop, participants are shown a skincare routine to assist with treatment of side effects like dryness and sun sensitiv­ity; provided with make-up tips to help correct and conceal discolouration; tech­niques for drawing on eyebrows and eye­lashes; and offered advice on headwear options like scarfs and wigs. Upcoming workshops are on 29 September, 20 October, and 8 December, all Mondays. If you’d like to volunteer, contact Volunteer Program Coordinator, Kate Perry on 1800 650 960 or volunteer@lgfb.org.au.

GOT A FIDDY? LOOK AGAIN Fake $50 notes have been circulating in north west Tasmania. In response, Tas­mania Police have asked the community to pay closer attention while handling cash. While the notes appear legitimate at first glance, they have the word ‘PROPS’ printed on them in the bottom right corner. It’s unclear where they came from, though prop money is usually used for film and TV purposes. Tas Police say to check $50 notes for any inconsistencies before accepting them. If you find coun­terfeit notes, contact police on 131 444.

ART FROM HAND Stitching and Beyond will be holding its biennial exhibition Out of Hand from 26 September to 6 October 2025 at the Long Gallery in Salamanca Place. It’s also their 20th anniversary. They began in 2005 as a small group of textile artists that has grown to over 100 from all regions of Tasmania. Out of Hand displays the works of these creatives, made up of quilting, embroidery, painting, dyeing, mixed me­dia, and wearable art. It’ll be open 10am to 4pm daily.

ICE CREAM, WITH LOVE An ice creamery and a hospital have joined forces for a brand new ice cream flavour called With Love. It was devel­oped by Van Diemen’s Land Creamery in partnership with Calvary Hospital to make an ice cream that was nutrient-dense and high-protein while still tasting good, for patients to enjoy. “We knew that if we got it right, we could support people facing real challenges – unintended weight loss, fatigue, recovery, loss of appetite. That’s who this is for,” said Carly Palmer, General Manager at Van Diemen’s Land Creamery. “It needed to meet clinical needs but also taste like something people would choose, not just accept.” Since Au­gust, Van Dieman’s Land Creamery have been trialling the ice cream at hospitals and aged care homes across Tasmania.

CANNING IT IN NEW TOWN A new recycle rewards machine has opened in New Town, next to Queens Walk Oval on Risdon Road (taking up a few of the car parks). This comes as new figures show Tasmanians are now cashing in an average of 220,000 containers every day. That’s 2,200,000 cents, or $22,000 a day! That means in over 100 years we’ll have cashed in enough cans to build a stadium.

BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO HEARSE ETIQUETTE Do you know about hearse etiquette? Westella Funerals in Ulverstone recently asked the community to help bring this tradition back to life. How it works is, when you see a funeral hearse being driven, you allow the procession to stay together at junctions and roundabouts by giving way or pulling over — much like you would for an emergency services ve­hicle. The hearse is carrying a loved one on their final journey and the procession is the family members following closely behind. The brief pause shows respect and care. But how to know you’ve encoun­tered a hearse procession? The lead car will typically be flashing their hazard lights, followed by other vehicles in a line, sometimes with white funeral flags. In Tasmania you can actually be fined for interfering with a procession. The law states, “A driver must not interfere with, or interrupt, the free passage along any length of road of – (a) any funeral proces­sion; or (b) any vehicle or person appar­ently forming part of the procession.” The fine does not exceed two penalty units.

ROAD TRIP FOR A CAUSE After covering over 8,000km across Australia, from Tasmania’s winding roads to the heart of the Simpson Desert, the Pressing On for Parkinson’s team is back home. Led by Parkinson’s Tasmania and a convoy of restored 1980s Subaru wagons, the road trip aimed to raise awareness and much-needed funds for Parkinson’s disease, one of the fastest-growing neuro­logical conditions in the world. Along the way, the team met plenty of Aussies who stopped to share their own stories and connections to Parkinson’s. Right now, more than 219,000 Australians are living with the condition, and 38 more are diag­nosed every single day. That number is expected to double by 2040. Parkinson’s Tasmania is a small, volunteer-run group that offers local support, education, and advocacy for Tasmanians affected by the disease. The Pressing On for Parkinson’s campaign has raised over $20,000.

YOUTUBE INCLUDED IN SOCIAL MEDIA BAN On 10 December, Australia will imple­ment a world-first social media ban on young people aged under 16. There are still unknowns in how this will work, but recently the federal government an­nounced that YouTube, the popular online video platform, will be included in the ban alongside Facebook, Instagram, Snap­chat, TikTok, X and Reddit. Previously, YouTube was to be exempt. The decision to ban it followed a recommendation from eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant. YouTube Kids is exempt because accounts cannot upload content or com­ment on videos. The purpose of the social media ban is to protect young people from the risks of social media, particular­ly around mental health and wellbeing. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said, “Social media has a social responsibility and there is no doubt that Australian kids are being negatively impacted by online platforms.” Social media platforms will face fines of up to $49.5 million for “fail­ing to take responsible steps” to prevent underage people from using their services. It’s currently unclear how these platforms will verify users’ ages to comply with the ban. Not all forms of online services will be banned. For example, online gaming, messaging apps, and health and education services are exempt.

NEW HEADSPACE ON EASTERN SHORE Young people on Hobart’s eastern shore will have greater access to free men­tal health support and care with a new headspace service opening at Bellerive. Found at 120 Cambridge Road, headspace Eastern Shore will support the growing number of young people seeking mental health support in Tasmania. headspace provides a safe and welcoming space for young people to access support and care for their mental health, physical and sexu­al health, work and study, and alcohol and drug issues. For young people who prefer online support, eheadspace is available at www.headspace.org.au or by phoning 1800 650 890.

TAKE A BOOK, GIVE A BOOK Street Libraries are little homes for books planted in front yards. They are accessible from the street, and are an invitation to share the joy of reading. People can take what interests them or deposit a book of their own. Did you know you can build your very own street library and register it online to help others find it? At www.streetlibrary.org.au, you can order a kit to build, with free plans to download. You can personalise it however you want. Want a Bluey or Dalek street library? Go for it!

GIVE A PHO On Hobart’s Harrington Street, Vietnam­ese restaurant Ly Quan has launched an initiative called “Joy of Giving – Pay it Forward”, inviting customers to buy a meal for someone in need. It’s easy to get involved. Simply purchase a meal, stick the receipt on the restaurant’s Giving Board with your initials, and someone doing it tough can redeem it.

PJS FOR DAYS With the help of the community, not-for-profit Tassie Mums recently held a successful Winter Pyjama Appeal. Tassie Mums provides help to disadvantaged Tasmanian children, and they spent winter gathering donations of warm pyjamas to be given free to children who need them. You may have seen donation sites at Shoreline Plaza, New Town Plaza, Meadow Mews Plaza, Glenorchy Central, Claremont Plaza, and more. Thanks to those who donated, Tassie Mums ended up with a huge haul of PJs that went to young ones in need.

HOUSING SUPPORT FOR NORTH WEST VETERANS RSL Tasmania and the Kentish Council have announced plans to build acute hous­ing that supports local Veterans and their families in need. The proposed housing will be built on land opposite the Railton RSL Sub-Branch, providing transitional accommodation for Veterans and their families for up to two years. “This agree­ment marks a key milestone in our effort to provide supported housing options for vulnerable Veterans in Tasmania,” said John Hardy, CEO of RSL Tasmania. “With Veterans three times more likely to experience homelessness than the general population, there is a real need for what we will deliver.” No word yet on when this is expected to open.

BLOOMING WEEKEND FOR LOCAL FLOWER SHOW The Claremont Flower Show 2025 Daffodil, Rose and Spring Flowers Show will be held over the weekend of 6 and 7 September at the Claremont Memorial Hall, marking the organisation’s 40th anniversary. Over the years, their daffodil displays have gained international recognition, with categories supported by groups from the United States and England. Representatives from both countries have visited the show throughout its history. The Claremont Flower Show is a not-for-profit group run entirely by volunteers.

I HOPE THIS MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE FINDS YOU WELL A message in a bottle might sound like something straight out of a romance or historical fiction novel. But it’s a very real practice, and remarkably, one was recently uncovered during conservation work at Cape Bruny Lighthouse. It was discovered by Brian Burford, a painter treating rust in the lighthouse. The 122-year-old message in a bottle was hidden in a wall cavity of the historic lantern room. Parks and Wildlife Tasmania contacted the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery to help safely extract and preserve its contents. Inside was an envelope containing a letter dated 29 January 1903, penned by engineer J.R. Meech, then Inspector of Lighthouses for the Hobart Marine Board. Meech was responsible for overseeing the planning, construction, and operation of lighthouses and leading lights along the Tasmanian coastline, including Cape Bruny, Cape Sorell, Maatsuyker Island, Tasman Island, Table Cape and Mersey Bluff. The letter documents key upgrades to Cape Bruny Lighthouse at the time, including the installation of a new iron spiral staircase to replace the original wooden one, a new concrete floor, and the reconstruction of the lantern room itself. Meech also detailed the new light sequence for the lighthouse: three seconds of light followed by 19.5 seconds of darkness, a change from the previous 50 seconds of light and 50 seconds of eclipse. The letter concludes with a list of the lighthouse keepers on duty at the time. You never know when there could be an interesting piece of history buried in your walls.

PROTECTING LITTLE PENGUINS WITH NEW BASS HIGHWAY FENCING A new, taller bright blue fence has been installed along the Bass Highway between Don and Leith, replacing an old, worn-out one to help protect little penguins from becoming roadkill. The two kilometre stretch of fencing was completed by the Friends of Lillico Penguins, in partnership with contractors, and comes just in time for the start of penguin breeding season. The upgraded fence is designed to stop penguins from waddling onto the highway and into harm’s way during their nightly journey from the ocean to their nesting sites. To further deter adventurous pen­guins, vegetation has been cleared back one metre inside the fence line, prevent­ing them from using overgrown foliage as a makeshift ramp to climb over. Yes, they can do that. While the new fence will help protect the penguins, motorists should still slow down between dawn and dusk, as other wildlife continues to use the area. The project was conceived by the Friends of Lillico Penguins and funded through a grant from Wildcare Tasmania. During the works, volunteers played a role removing rubbish, protecting penguin burrows, and supporting contractors who cleared vegetation and trimmed back trees. Vol­unteers and staff removed 460 kilograms of rubbish, including 18 car tyres, three bicycle tyres, and, alarmingly, a bag of false teeth.

THIS MAN’S RUNNING 215KM FOR TASSIE HEALTH RESEARCH Emergency nurse Johnnie Eaton is gearing up for a massive 215-kilometre charity trail run, aiming to raise at least $5,000 for the Royal Hobart Hospital Research Foundation. Set to begin on 5 October, the ‘Coastal Canyon Cradle Run’ will take Johnnie from Latrobe to Lake St Clair, following the Penguin Cradle Trail and the Overland Track. The route features rugged paths and dramatic elevation changes, making it as tough as it is scenic. “I have never done a trail run this distance. There are a lot of unknowns. This is what makes it so exciting,” Johnnie told us. “Outside of work, I love the serenity of trail running in the Tassie wilderness. My time spent on these trails allows me to leave the chaos of a busy ED and life in general at my door­step.” As an emergency nurse at the Royal Hobart Hospital, Johnnie is passionate about improving Tasmania’s healthcare system. “I see firsthand the problems in the health system in Tasmania. When I heard about the proposed restructuring and partial dismantling of the public Cancer and Blood Services (CaBS) and Clinical Trials Unit (CTU) at the RHH, I knew what charity I wanted to support. The RHH Research Foundation allows valuable research on how to best improve clinical care and issues that are unique to Tasmanians,” he said. You can follow Johnnie’s journey on Instagram @thecoastalcanyoncradlerun, and donate at www.royal-hobart-hospital-re­search-foundation.grassrootz.com/com­munity-fundraising/the-coastal-canyon-cradle-run-for-rhh-research-foundation.

GEORGE TOWN POOL WORKS UNDERWAY Plans for a new pool in George Town have been on the cards since 2021. Now, construction is about to begin on the new Indoor Aquatic, Health and Wellbeing Centre in George Town, to replace the existing George Town Pool. Expected to be open by October 2026, the centre will provide year-round access, a 25-metre pool, gym, and fitness and therapy rooms.

IS HOBART MISSING THE JOKE? Who else is missing the joke board in the window of the old Frame Hobart shop on the corner of Macquarie Street and Harrington Street? For many years it has helped bored motorists (and kids in the backseat) pass the time while waiting at the lights but recently the weekly joke on the chalkboard was replaced with a notice about Frame Hobart having moved location.

Now based at 220 Liverpool Street, Frame Hobart’s owner Matthew Hemming said as much as he loved being the custodian of the joke board, he had to leave it behind where it truly belonged. He explained that the board was not his creation: it was there when he moved in, left there by the previous inhabitant. He quickly realised that he had to continue the tradition that had landed in his lap. “I embraced it,” he laughed. “I think it was so popular be­cause of the location, because people are waiting in traffic at the intersection of two of the busiest roads in Hobart.”

Matthew hopes will keep the laughs coming. “I hope that the new owners will see that it’s a really positive thing for a business, because I certainly did.”

U18S HOCKEY CHAMPIONSHIPS ROUNDUP: BRONZE FOR BOYS Hockey Tasmania’s U18 teams recently returned from Perth after competing in the Hockey Australia National Championships, with the boys’ team claiming the bronze medal. The tournament began with mixed results in the pool rounds for the boys, who opened strongly with a win over NT, before narrowly falling to Victoria. A loss to NSW followed. Finishing third in their pool, Tasmania progressed to the repechage match against NSW Blue. The team earned a win, which propelled them into a quarter-final rematch with Victoria, which they also won, sending them into the semi-finals. There, they met the undefeated Queensland Maroon team. It was a close battle, and at times it looked like Tassie would win, but ultimately the opposition came out on top. The boys then competed for bronze against Queensland Gold. It was an incredibly close game that came to a shootout, resulting in a victory for Tasmania, earning them bronze. The girls team unfortunately lost their pool games against NSW, SA, and Victoria. It was a tough series of matches, as NSW and Victoria eventually played off in the gold medal match. The girls then lost to WA Black in the repechage, then to the Victoria Devel­opment team, before securing a win against NT. The girl’s final game was a re-match against SA, which was also a loss. Hockey Tasmania commended both teams for their improvements in teamwork and skill throughout the championships.

PICKLEBALL COMING TO NEW TOWN The New Town Sporting Precinct, home to several local clubs, has recently undergone a bit of a facelift — with more works coming soon. Six new pickleball courts will be added after final court painting takes place in the warmer months. Recent completed works include the transformation of a former lawn bowls green into two netball courts, along with new all-weather shelters and synthetic surrounds now installed at Bucking­ham Bowls Green Two. The entrance to the Southern ITF Taekwon-Do Club has also received an upgrade.

YOUNG LEADER RIDES FOR A CAUSE IN RURAL TAS In north east Tasmania is an MX track called Santarena Park, near the town of Jetsonville. This is where Scotch Oakburn College year eight student Bella Hall led an effort that brought together over 100 motorbike riders for a muddy, 70 kilometre enduro ride, in support of mental health, wellbeing and suicide prevention in rural and remote Tasmania. Bella organised the Enduro Motorbike Ride for RAW (Rural Alive and Well) as part of her school community service project. With the support of her family, friends and local community, she raised $4,462 for RAW, which will go directly to helping mental health in rural communities. Raffle prizes from 15 local busi­nesses and a BBQ helped round out the event.

CHIGWELL KICKING GOALS The North Chigwell Soccer Hub officially opened in August, giving Metro Football Club a much-needed upgrade. The club had been dealing with issues caused by the poor condition of the natural turf and the nearby small-sided games area. During winter, the fields would often become waterlogged, forcing regular closures and throwing a spanner in the works for training and matches. To tackle the problem, a major redevelopment was carried out to improve the quality and usability of the grounds. The works included the construction of brand-new changerooms, clubrooms, and public facilities. The project was backed by the Federal Government, funded through a $12.8 million grant package shared between this redevelopment and the KGV precinct in Glenorchy.

RUN, TEA, AND CHAT Would you like to run with a diverse group of people and bond over tea? That’s what Chiya Guff Run Club sets out to do — a community-focused initiative by the Nepali Society of Tasmania. People from all walks of life come together every Sunday at 7am for a five kilometre run at a designated location in Greater Hobart followed by tea and chats. Runners of all levels are welcome, and no sign-ups necessary.

GET YOUR BATHERS READY, GLENORCHY POOL IS NEAR After a long journey, works have com­menced to repair, refurbish and reopen the Glenorchy War Memorial Pool. It’s expected to be completed in the middle of next year, with the pool ready to open ahead of summer 2026/2027 — a perfect time to have a splash. Glenorchy Mayor Sue Hickey thanked everyone who helped make this happen. “Community pools are important. They provide access not only to water-based recreation, fitness opportunities and lifesaving learn-to-swim programs, but they also serve as hubs for people to gather and socialise, helping ev­eryone live healthy, active and connected lifestyles,” she said. Works will include repairs to the pool and pool infrastructure, changerooms, concourse and pavement around the pool, grandstand, pool heating system, plant room, tiling and sealing of the pool, and construction of an accessible ramp in the pool.

GREYHOUND RACING TO BE PHASED OUT IN TASMANIA The Tasmanian government has confirmed it will end its funding for greyhound rac­ing in the state by 2029. This timing aligns with the end of the government’s current funding agreement with Tasracing. To sup­port the transition out of the industry, the government plans to establish a Parliamen­tary committee to assist both greyhounds and industry participants. In July, we reported on Tasmania’s declining interest in greyhound racing, despite substantial government funding. We detailed a report by independent economist Saul Eslake, which revealed the sport had received a total of $74.6 million from Tasracing over the past 15 years. Annual funding had increased from $3.5 million in 2010-11 to a projected $7.5 million in 2024-25.

ALEXANDER’S PATH TO THE PARALYMPICS

Alexander McKillop is a 23-year-old para-athlete from Kingborough. He was recently selected to represent Australia in the T36 (a disability classification in athletics, for which Alexander’s Joubert Syndrome fits into) 100m at the World Para Athletics Championships in India, to be held from 27 September to 5 October. It’s a major milestone in his journey to become an Olympian. He’s supported by his coach Rosemary Coleman who volunteers her time.

You’ve been competing as a T36 athlete since you were 12. What do you love most about running? I love feeling fast, being happy and achieving my goals, and the people I compete against, as well as my own squad members, who are fun and great to chat with. I also love reading, watching and looking at times from all over the world in athletics and keeping up to date with my own events.

You’ve been selected to represent Australia at the World Para Athletic Championships in India. How did it feel when you found out? I felt very excited, honoured and privileged after all my hard work to get there and have this opportunity and it has made me spurred on for the Olympics, my dream goal.

What does this achievement mean to you? That my determination, focus and the fact I was working hard to achieve this goal, and never giving up has made me achieve one of my goals. When I got the phone call, I was very smiley and teary, and a bit nervous, but it was a great feeling. I was so excited.

Tell us about your fundraiser to help get your coach, Rosemary, over to the championships with you. As a volunteer, I understand you need help to get her to join. Rosie’s been with me from the start. We go every­where with each other, so we need to get her over to India because she should be there. She is my support crew so I would like her to be there coaching and sup­porting me as well. You can support the fundraiser at www.asf.org.au/projects.

What’s your goals for the future? My goals are to represent Australia at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games. I also would like to be selected for the 2027/2029 World Athletic Championships. My goal for this World Championships is to make the final, and then I want to be on the podium for the Olympics.

ROSEMARY COLEMAN

You’ve volunteered as a coach for 32 years and have been coaching Alex­ander for the past nine. What is it like working with Alexander and what do you see in him as an athlete? Alexander and I just have that magic connection that enables us both to have a clear vision to the path that we both want to see fulfilled. He brings me far more than I bring him. His love and dedication to track and field and his ambition to reach his goals. We have had many obstacles in our path over the years, but we always manage to have the same focus, based on respect, trust, humility, understanding and hard work. I see Alexander as a driven athlete with the goal of achiev­ing his dream of an Olympic Podium, and it is a pleasure to watch him grow and develop, despite his limitations.

RICH FISH ON OFFER ACROSS TASMANIA Every day’s a good day for fishing, especially when you win some money. The Inland Fisheries Service’s popular Tagged Trout promotion has returned, for the 2025-26 brown trout season. Thirty specially tagged fish have been released across 13 inland waterways, each carrying a $5000 reward, but one fish will get you $25,000. The tags are yellow and have unique identifying details. The waters with tagged fish are Lake Mackintosh, Lake Rowallan, Lake Burbury, Huntsman Lake, South Riana Lake, Curries River Reservoir, Lake Leake, Yingina / Great Lake, Bradys Lake, Arthurs Lake, Lake Sorell, Craigbourne Lake, and River Derwent. To win one of the prizes, you’ll need to catch a fish with the correct tag and report the details of your catch, with photo evidence, to the IFS, within 72 hours of capture. Fish caught during the promotion must be kept with tag intact for verification.

BACK FOR NUMBER TWO The Pooseum’s odd and quirky poo-paint­ing art competition is back for its second year. This year’s theme is “Expressive Portraits: Faces with Faeces”, so expect to see some familiar faces rendered with poop. Whether it’s a compliment or an insult, well, that’s open to interpretation. Only animal poo is allowed (human poo strictly prohibited). There are cash prizes on offer for the top three artworks, and registrations open on 13 September. For all the details and entry info, head to www.pooseum.com.au.

OUTDOOR SPORTS CANCELLED BY RAIN? NO PROBLEM, LET’S PLAY INDOORS…OR NOT! On a rainy day in Hobart it’s not just the ovals that close — it’s now the indoor courts too. Due to ageing infrastructure, it’s not uncommon for water leaks to appear on heavy rain days, bringing indoor sports like basketball, netball and pickleball games to a halt. Follow­ing a particularly rainy day late July, the Kingborough Sports Centre and Moo­nah Sport Centre had to close due to roof leaks and water on the courts. That got us wondering if any measures are being put in place to stop it happening in the future.

Kingborough Mayor Paula Wriedt said the council is currently looking into short-term repairs to reduce the likelihood of future leaks and closures, though she didn’t specify what those fixes might be. “A long-term solution will involve a full roof replacement, which would require a significant capital investment and has been proposed for 2026/2027 budget,” Mayor Wriedt said.

The Moonah Sports Centre, meanwhile, isn’t council- or government-owned, but run by the National Fitness Southern Recreation Association (NFSRA), which also operates Clarence Sports Centre.

“We are in the process of upgrading,” NFSRA President Steven King told us. Specifically for the roof, they’re working with roof plumbers to address the leaks, but it’s proving tricky. “Leaks are the hardest thing to deal with,” Steven said. “We put whirlybirds on the roof to create ventilation, but when the wind blows in a certain way, which it did on that week­end (26 July), the rain seemed to have gone up underneath them. But because the roof plumbers weren’t there when it happened, we can’t be sure exactly what (the leak) is.”

Funding for upgrades come from a $2 million State Government grant from a few years ago, aimed at keeping both their Moonah and Clarence centres open, though the NFSRA had originally requested $4 million. “We spread that money a long, long way,” Steven said. The centres host a wide range of sports, from volleyball and futsal, to martial arts, wheelchair sports and more. The grant money has been used to spruce up the centres, but as a not-for-profit, Ste­ven said the NFSRA struggles to keep open and give its users the best facility and opportunities they can. When asked why more funding isn’t flowing into existing and well-used sport centres, Steven said, “There is no more money. There’s only a certain amount of dollars to go around.”

TASMANIANS TO HELP TRACK ONE OF WORLD’S RAREST SHOREBIRDS Over the coming months, citizen scientists across Tasmania will be helping to track the call of the critically endangered Far Eastern curlew. The CallTrackers project, launched by the not-for-profit Bookend Trust, uses acoustic recorders and advanced AI software, allowing everyday Tasmanians to help detect and track threatened species by their calls. The technology is freely available through local libraries. Volunteers can borrow recorders, set them up in selected locations, then upload the audio, where automatic recognisers identify species by their distinctive calls. The latest addition to the program is the Far Eastern curlew, the world’s largest shorebird. Once widespread, its global population has dropped by around 60 percent in 25 years, with pollution, habitat loss and human disturbance driving the decline. Dr Clare Hawkins, Adjunct Researcher at the University of Tasmania and Citizen Science Coordinator at the Bookend Trust, said several experienced Tasmanian birdwatchers had never heard one call in Tasmania. “So we were thrilled when our very first test recordings with the new technology picked up numerous curlew calls. It was a breakthrough moment,” she said. With curlew habitat being restored at the Mersey Estuary in the north west, Dr Hawkins is hopeful that more positive detections will follow. There’s also the potential to uncover previously unknown curlew sites as the project expands statewide.