When Alexandra “Al” Viney first stepped into a rowing boat, she instantly fell in love. She was in year seven at Launceston Grammar School when she decided to try rowing as a summer sport alongside her best friend. Though Al had always been drawn to tennis and basketball, it was her friend’s enthusiasm that led her to give rowing a chance.

Jiri Lev is a Czech-Australian architect and urbanist living in Launceston. Earlier this year he unveiled an affordable and easy-to-make house design titled Tasmanian Homestead.

Joshua Santospirito is a multimedia artist, musician, and comics author. He’s just released his third graphic novel, The Islands Where We Left Our Ancestors. It’s an autobiographical tale aimed at adults about his visit to the Aeolian Islands of Italy with his parents, where he sought out past connections and family roots. We chatted to him about his book and upcoming tour.

Born and raised in the serene Upper Derwent Valley, a sanctuary she still calls home, horse enthusiast Stef Gebbie now stands on the other side of the planet. Literally. Amid the vast expanse of Canada, the second-largest country in the world, Stef is embarking on a mighty exhibition: a journey spanning over 6000 km on horseback, a staggering number that puts Burke and Wills to shame.

In just 1 minute and 45.83 seconds, Max Giuliani’s life changed. This was his winning time in the men’s 200m freestyle final at the Australian Swimming Championships in June – a thrilling victory that secured the 20-year-old Tasmanian a coveted spot in the Australian Olympic Team heading to Paris.

He’s the man behind many of Tasmania’s biggest live music events, including Party in the Paddock and Haydays. Now, Jesse Higgs has set up his own record label. We caught up with him to discuss this latest endeavour. 

A journalist and documentary filmmaker, Tim Noonan has journeyed from the wilds of Tasmania to the far corners of the globe and back again. His latest project, Hunt for Truth: Tasmanian Tiger, on SBS, is an ongoing project that explores the mysteries of his homeland.

The world of women’s health can be full of misconceptions. Dr Emily Ware, a Hobart GP specialising in women’s health, is passionate about bucking this trend.

Since stepping back as Premier, Peter Gutwein learnt to slow down and spend time with his family. In that time, he worked on his health, and became Chair of Migrant Resource Centre Tasmania. A migrant himself, he is now putting his fitness to the test for an epic walk to raise awareness for Tasmania’s migrant and refugee communities.

The Aurora Australis Tasmania Facebook group has been helping Tasmanians find and photograph the Southern Lights since 2011. Margaret founded and manages the group of almost 300,000 members, which had a 30,000+ surge after the spectacular Aurora displays of May.

Not many people have a garden named after them but one of the founders of modern organic gardening in Tasmania, David, can enjoy the spoils of the David Stephen Neighbourhood Garden (formerly Kickstart CG) in New Town.

Not many people have a garden named after them but one of the founders of modern organic gardening in Tasmania, David, can enjoy the spoils of the David Stephen Neighbourhood Garden (formerly Kickstart CG) in New Town.

Not many people have a garden named after them but one of the founders of modern organic gardening in Tasmania, David, can enjoy the spoils of the David Stephen Neighbourhood Garden (formerly Kickstart CG) in New Town.

Not many people have a garden named after them but one of the founders of modern organic gardening in Tasmania, David, can enjoy the spoils of the David Stephen Neighbourhood Garden (formerly Kickstart CG) in New Town.

Not many people have a garden named after them but one of the founders of modern organic gardening in Tasmania, David, can enjoy the spoils of the David Stephen Neighbourhood Garden (formerly Kickstart CG) in New Town.

Not many people have a garden named after them but one of the founders of modern organic gardening in Tasmania, David, can enjoy the spoils of the David Stephen Neighbourhood Garden (formerly Kickstart CG) in New Town.

Not many people have a garden named after them but one of the founders of modern organic gardening in Tasmania, David, can enjoy the spoils of the David Stephen Neighbourhood Garden (formerly Kickstart CG) in New Town.

Not many people have a garden named after them but one of the founders of modern organic gardening in Tasmania, David, can enjoy the spoils of the David Stephen Neighbourhood Garden (formerly Kickstart CG) in New Town.

Not many people have a garden named after them but one of the founders of modern organic gardening in Tasmania, David, can enjoy the spoils of the David Stephen Neighbourhood Garden (formerly Kickstart CG) in New Town.

Not many people have a garden named after them but one of the founders of modern organic gardening in Tasmania, David, can enjoy the spoils of the David Stephen Neighbourhood Garden (formerly Kickstart CG) in New Town.

Not many people have a garden named after them but one of the founders of modern organic gardening in Tasmania, David, can enjoy the spoils of the David Stephen Neighbourhood Garden (formerly Kickstart CG) in New Town.

Not many people have a garden named after them but one of the founders of modern organic gardening in Tasmania, David, can enjoy the spoils of the David Stephen Neighbourhood Garden (formerly Kickstart CG) in New Town.

Heater on, music up, a hot coffee in the cup holder. It’s time for an Off Season road trip to experience the north west and west of Tasmania. With a mix of adventurous discovery and snug relaxation, a getaway here will take you through the ancient rainforests of takayna / Tarkine, moody beaches and charming historic towns. Inhale a sharp intake of the super fresh air, let’s get on the road.

Not many people have a garden named after them but one of the founders of modern organic gardening in Tasmania, David, can enjoy the spoils of the David Stephen Neighbourhood Garden (formerly Kickstart CG) in New Town.

Not many people have a garden named after them but one of the founders of modern organic gardening in Tasmania, David, can enjoy the spoils of the David Stephen Neighbourhood Garden (formerly Kickstart CG) in New Town.

Founder of New Town’s Rewind Cinema, which pays tribute to films of the 80s and 90s, Graziano has helped foster an enthusiastic community for film buffs of all ages.

Not many people have a garden named after them but one of the founders of modern organic gardening in Tasmania, David, can enjoy the spoils of the David Stephen Neighbourhood Garden (formerly Kickstart CG) in New Town.

As the president of Disabled Surfers Association Australia Tasmania branch, Shaned loves helping everyone get out to enjoy the ocean.

Hailing from Hobart, mountain biker Dan Booker has done it all from compet­ing around the world to getting his hands dirty building the very trails he races on. And with the renowned Redbull Hardline to be held at Maydena this month, Dan shares why competing on his home turf is so special.

Swapping an island for an island, Scott is representing Tassie in the latest season of Australian Survivor.  

For Ukrainian artist Anna Mykhalchuk, Ukraine and Kyiv are never far from her heart. Anna keeps her connection to her homeland alive through her practice of Ukrainian folk Samchykivka painting which she proudly shares with the Tasmanian community.

Living the creative life looks good on Shelley Bickerstaff – wine brand manager, gallery owner, artist and now fashion collaborator.

From his first job at Chickenfeed to founding Create Crew, Joel Imber’s career, and creativity, has grown.

One of the newest players in the JackJumpers lineup, Jordon Crawford has made his presence known. From Cincinnati, to playing in leagues across the world, Jordon is lighting things up on Australian basketball courts this season.

When Tasmanian soprano Jacqueline Ward was injured, a return to the stage was not assured.

After a childhood full of small town freedoms, Hamish Michael has crafted a career on the stage. From the Uni Revue to appearing in some of Australia’s most-loved dramas, he is now set to spread his wings even further.

Did you know line dancing is great for your short-term memory? We spoke with line dancer Laura Rittenhouse about connecting the community through line dancing.

From programming events like Falls Festival and Sydney Festival to becoming creative director of Hobart Current: Epoch, Chris Twite is the driving force behind some of Australia’s biggest arts events.

Tasmanian Annie Ford is a marine scientist who is currently riding her bike a distance of 4000km from here to Queensland to raise awareness of seismic blasting and support a Tassie-made film about the practice.

Inspired by world-renowned Michelin star chefs and determined to follow in their footsteps, Aura Hobart sous chef, Narendra Shetty is committed to showcasing the very best of Tasmania on a plate.

When looking at the stars at night, it’s hard not to think about the hidden secrets of the universe and the origin of existence. For Dr Martin George, astronomer and head of Hive Planetarium in Ulverstone, it’s his job to find out.

Tassie girl Miss Kaninna’s debut single Blak Britney rocketed to the top of the Triple J charts earlier this year. From a childhood in the bush and beaches of Bruny Island and Dodges Ferry to a performing arts academy, a national tour with The Sapphires theatre show, performing her own song on festival stages and that number one single, it’s been a big few years for the Yorta Yorta, Kalkadoon and Yirendali artist. Kaninna sat down for a chat with us to reflect on her success and to look back on growing up with racism in Tasmania. Oh, and to share her intense enthusiasm for Hobart’s cafes.

Most of us only dress up in costumes on Halloween or at fancy dress parties. For Hobart professional cosplayers, Dr Emerald L King and Amy King, it’s an obsession. We spoke to the dynamic duo about their passion for cosplay and the 2024 World Cosplay Championships in Japan.

What kid wouldn’t jump at the chance to have a chat with the author of their favourite book series? Our very own Jack got the chance to interview children’s author, Andy Griffiths, to get the skinny on the best selling Treehouse and JUST! series and (in Jack’s words) how to make lots of money writing books.

Mariangela Parodi, an alchemist, natur­opath and spiritual healer, helps people, especially women, find themselves after challenging life events; a theme that inspired her new, international best-selling book.

Working with people serving time in prison takes compassion, understanding and a big heart. Occupational ther­apist and art therapy teacher, Diane Reynoldson, has these assets and more, helping inmates make positive change through art. We spoke with Di about her work for the Prison Fellowship and the upcoming art exhibition, Art from the Inside.

Capturing breathtaking scenes from the skies above Hobart, Craig Garth shares how he turned his passion for drone piloting and photography into his full time career.

For sick kids in hospital, putting smiles on their faces can be as valuable as medicine. For Dr Sherbet – aka Claire Dawson – it’s her vocation. We spoke with the Hobart Clown Doctor about her role in helping kids at the Royal get on the road to recovery.

SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY was founded ten years ago by Hobart’s Mitch McPherson and has become a critical part of the mental health landscape in Tasmania. As he approaches this milestone, Mitch has reflected on his journey.

From humble northern suburb beginnings to on stage in the renowned First Nations musical, The Sunshine Club, Naarah has taken the Australian performing arts world by storm.

Running a marathon is one thing, however running the distance of two Mount Everest climbs in a single week is another thing! We caught up with ultra-marathon runner and founder of Run for Mental Health, Ben Hirst, to speak about his upcoming Double Everest Challenge.

His work life revolves around cars, but Audi Service Manager Ken Kerr loves nothing more than family time and Playstation in his downtime.

After a jam-packed last few years performing with Second Echo Ensemble, we found out what’s next for artist, performer and Dance Movement Psychotherapist Eri Mullooly-Hill Konishi.

A lot can happen in five years. Fire, flood, pandemic, border closures and a whole lot of resilience building! During that time, we’ve had the pleasure of interviewing some of Hobart’s most fascinating people – from sports and screen stars, to adventurers, creatives, business leaders and those agitating for social change.

This mother and daughter singing trio are set to appear in the upcoming production, Women of Troy.

Landscape artist and creative Elliott Nimmo is enjoying discovering Hobart’s vibrant art scene and local environment after relocating here from London to pursue his art.

Tasmanians are known for their love of the humble spud, and this year at Springdale Farm they are embracing the rainbow.

Dr Frances Donaldson is the Tasmanian Senior Australian of the Year for 2023, after a rewarding 64 years of working in the Tasmanian healthcare system. From a junior nurse to studying medicine, 12 years in prison health and now leading the COVID@home service, those scrubs aren’t getting hung up anytime soon.

Jeff Vaughan has bounced between state and national level cricket coaching in the past couple of years but as of April, his stumps were firmly in Tasmanian soil for the foreseeable future.

Claire is a self taught crochet artist, creating super cute cacti that she sells around Hobart.

The recent appointment of Donna Adams as Tasmania’s first female police com­missioner is testimony to our progressive maturity towards gender equality in high levels of governance.

After seven years in Melbourne, nurse Elysia has returned to open her own cosmetic and skin practice.

Young Hobart AFL defender Tom McCallum was recently drafted to play with Port Adelaide Football Club and is looking forward to new sights as he moves away from his beloved Tasmanian AFL team mates, friends and family.

23-year-old Hobart musician Kat Edwards may have been born in the back of a car in Canberra, but she quickly came to know Hobart as home. Whilst her music career has taken her off the island to Melbourne for now, she’s stoked to be coming home this summer.

Worker shortage is currently universal, there isn’t an industry that’s exempt. For Kelvin Smith, four years ago he decided there was a very obvious solution to the shortage facing the construction industry, and all that was needed was a little time, empathy and a helping hand. Integrate Workforce is a Hobart-based labour company with one requirement: a refugee/ migrant background. He’s also the outdoor piano man in his free time.

A lot can happen in eighteen months. Josh Gourlay became one of 53 Australians diagnosed with blood cancer last year, but thankfully one who can say it’s been and gone, and the other side is looking far sunnier.

The Pharmacy profession has been the frontline of the pandemic response and Bellerive Quay Pharmacy’s Claire Sutton has also Jaced some extra challenges in the past year.

Sam is one member of Hobart band, Verticoli, who launch a new album this month. He’ also a doctor and the self-proclaimed nagger of the band!

David Boon is one of Tasmania’ best ever cricketers and was recently named the new chair of Cricket Tasmania, a role he is taking on with enthusiasm. A family man, he 8 reveling in being a grandparent and getting out in the garden and golf course.

As a hairdresser for over 30 years and owner of her own salon, you can bet Ally Nischler has had many different conversations over the years with a broad range of clients. It wasn’t until this year that she recognised how feeling invisible, ignored and undervalued was so common in her mature clients. So she decided to do something about it.

Like most genius ideas, seaweed scientist Jock White and a builder/surfboard shaper Tom Gauden came up with their soon to be launched brand, Great Southern Designs over a beer.

Wilderness guide Piotr Babis is about to embark on a week of running…if that doesn’t sound newsworthy, then read on. He completing one Tassie multi day walk each day, for seven days!

Recently lured to Hobart by the Tasmanian Tigers, Elyse Villani is a talented new cricket local, bringing strong hope for a win this upcoming WBBL season.

Mountain biker Tom Cheesman is set to compete in his first world championships this month in Les Gets, France, and gave us the lowdown on this awesome step in his career before he left.

With a job description of “getting paid to talk” you may have heard Jane Longhurst’s voice on the stage, the airways, the screen and even on hold.

A passionate blacksmith, artist and sculptor by trade, Pete Mattila uses inno­vative methods to breathe new life into an age-old artform. His custom architectural and sculptural metal work is sought after for public and private commissions.

Painting dramatic scenes of oceanic land­scapes and sky, Joshua Andree opens up his new exhibition titled Water in the Sky, showcasing the intense wildness of the South East in stunning oil paintings.

For 43 years Jen has taught children around Tasmania from kindergarten up to grade ten. In 2021 she published her picture book Listening to Tree, which aims to teach children about the many ecosystem processes trees perform, with the overarching message that humans and trees are co-dependent.

For 43 years Jen has taught children around Tasmania from kindergarten up to grade ten. In 2021 she published her picture book Listening to Tree, which aims to teach children about the many ecosystem processes trees perform, with the overarching message that humans and trees are co-dependent.

Emily Meaney is a born and bred Hobartian who is on her way to the Commonwealth Games to represent Australia in Diving. We managed to grab some time with Emily, in between training sessions, to ask her all about her sport and her love for her hometown.

Dr Karl, aka Dr Karl Kruszelnicki, is known as an answer looking for a question.

A young man with a solid throw on him, 18 year old Hobart discus athlete Jack Mellor has just been selected in the Australian Athletics team for the very first time.

A specialist at the Royal Hobart Hospital, a goat farmer and a Mum, Kate Field now adds skin care to her list!

Katie Parrott is a Hobart-based plus size fashion influencer and model. She’s freshly back from her very first stint at Australian Fashion Week where she took part in the event’s first ever size-inclusive runway show. Katie spoke to The Hobart Magazine just after the trip, and told us that whilst the fashion world is waking up and noticing people outside of the standard sizing range, there are still many difficulties in being a size 24… and what she just adores about Hobart.

Raising little ones is one of the hardest, yet rewarding jobs in the world. Knowing first-hand the stigma that comes with being a young mum, alongside the need for more help and support that ever, Bernadette went on to found Brave Foundation, a not-for-profit charity.

Clinician Leader and Exercise Physiologist, Josh Miller has been in Hobart almost long enough to call himself a local.

Every year, from 27 May to 3 June, National Reconciliation Week celebrates, educates and pays respect to the world’s oldest surviving culture.

Growing up playing Australian Rules football in Tasmania held Ben Brown in good stead for when he hit his strides and joined the AFL competition. He now works hard to use his platform to advocate for a kinder and fairer world.

When local chef Luke Burgess was setting up his new restaurant, seven-anda- half floors, at The Pod, on a rooftop in central Hobart, he found himself with a rare snippet of spare time.

As an architect, Tim Hurburgh has worked on some incredible projects around the world. Since relocating back to Tasmania, he has turned his creative attention to poetry, releasing his first book.

Sally Kennedy’s passion for bagpipes has spanned nearly five decades. She is a life member of the Hobart Highland Pipe Band and has even played at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in Scotland alongside her husband Paddy. Her generous spirit has led her to teach others how to play the bagpipes – at no cost.

Grayson White turned his passion for card collecting into one of Australia’s leading collectable businesses Cherry Collectables, with a store in Melbourne and here in Hobart.

Chef Lilly Trewartha has explored the world but loves nothing more than her home state’s produce.

Filmmaker, journalist, television presenter and entrepreneur, Burnie-born Craig Leeson wears many hats and was recently named the Australian Tasmanian of the Year 2022. His environmental advocacy work has stretched far beyond Tasmania, but upon each return does he’s reminded just how fragile our planet is.

When New South Wales woman Jodi Wilson, her partner and their four kids decided to change everything, buy a caravan and go travelling, they changed the trajectory of their lives. Their journey eventually brought them to Tasmania, and they decided not to leave!

Lewis Taylor is raising money for Tasmanians with cancer by attempting an incredible feat.

An entrepreneur, a law grad, a mum, an advocate for women facing human traf­ficking, Hannah Vasicek doesn’t do things in halves.

Jay Patey is the man behind the moorish bread, flakey pastries and stellar sambos at Pigeon Whole Bakers.

Felicity Bott, made the move from the “republic of Western Australia” almost a decade ago, and seeks to tell the world about Hobarts culture, history and community through the art of movement, dance and performance.