The Hobart

Bonnie Davies From Taroona

by Stephanie Williams
Bonnie Davies From Taroona

When she’s not nursing in theatre at the Royal, Bonnie is running, completing marathons all over the world.

What do you love about the suburb you live in?

I’ve lived in Taroona for the best part of 33 years, moving there as a child. Taroona is close enough to the city without the hustle and bustle. It’s green, leafy and full of wonderful fauna. When I first met my husband, moving out of Taroona really wasn’t an option!

What’s the best thing about Hobart?

I love that Hobart is nestled at the base of beautiful Mt Wellington and on one of the deepest natural harbours in the world. Within minutes I can be in the foothills of the mountain on my bike

And the worst?

Right now it’s the traffic. I try to avoid using my car as I prefer to walk, run or cycle but the congestion at times through Sandy Bay as traffic attempts to enter the city is pretty diabolical. I certainly don’t envy the person delegated with the task of finding a solution.

Tell us a little about your work?

I’m a Registered Nurse employed within the theatre precinct at the Royal Hobart Hospital. I thoroughly enjoy my work and having a personal understanding of what having surgery is like has provided a greater understanding and desire to help make our patients’ journey a more comfortable one.

What do you love doing outside work?

Running! I just love it. I’m a marathon runner and travel all over the world with my husband to participate in events. I use my love of running to highlight the plight of rhinos and wear a custom designed singlet and make personal donations to Save the Rhino and The Rhino Orphanage after each one. I also enjoy sharing my love of running with others and became a certified run coach through Athletics Australia. I coach a lovely group of ladies some who have since completed their first half and full marathons. Additionally volunteer my time regularly in fun runs running as a pace runner and at park run.

Where’s your favourite eatery?

Without a doubt Bury Me Standing. I just love this quirky little place and they provide a variety of food choices suitable for all dietary needs. The cinnamon scrolls are incredible and Vegan too!

Drink of choice and where do you head for it?

My drink of choice is a Soy Hot Chocolate. Yes, boring to some but I find them comforting and satisfying and no one soy hot chocolate is the same. For a take away option, it has to be Liv Eat and for the sit back and watch the world go by, it would be Seagrass in Lower Sandy Bay overlooking the beach and River Derwent.

Guilty pleasure?

Dark Chocolate or Licorice, BOTH! Especially after a nice long run.

What do you never leave home without?

My Garmin. Fondly named Gary he provides a myriad of information and I honestly don’t think I would function if he wasn’t with me.

Favourite Hobart secret?

Secret Falls. Beautiful, quaint and unmarked just off a mountain trail. It’s a lovely place to just sit, listen and think. Even better when I’m the company of my Labrador.

Quote to live by?

I am a fairly humble person and In the words of Alexander Pope I like to “do good by stealth and blush to find it fame.” ■

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