NEW NEW NEW

Lenah Valley is blessed with the arrival of a new pizza joint, La Venezia Pizza (13a Augusta Road, Lenah Valley), which has had a store in Kingston since the 1970s. Continuing with the Italian theme, the Geilston Bay Boat Club has a new caterer in the form of Sapore Street Food (48 Debomfords Lane, Geilston Bay), where you can take away some delicious Italian or eat at the picnic tables with sublime water views. From 17 June, Eye Am Hair (67A Murray Street, Hobart) will be in the CBD. Formerly of Macquarie Point, this salon is known for its quirky, intimate vibe, specialising in curly hair. The Brighton Takeaway has had a makeover. Now called Brighton Central (150 Brighton Road, Brighton), there will be a large range of American candy, an increased hot food range including kebabs, and a new coffee machine. Little Howrah Beach will be getting a cute new takeaway coffee shop aptly titled Brewing Journeys – Little Howrah Beach. It will initially run three days a week (Thursdays-Saturdays). Head to the east coast for Freycinet Resort’s new onsite restaurant, Mount Paul Lounge (1819 Coles Bay Road, Coles Bay). Welcome to residents and non-residents, you can soak in the awe-inspiring views of Freycinet National Park as you dine on their seasonal menu. High quality women’s knitted fashion store from Melbourne, Cable (60 Murray Street, Hobart), is set to open in the space vacated by TAG Gallery, perfect timing for a cosy winter. Speaking of TAG Gallery (149 Macquarie Street, Hobart) they have reopened in their new space on Macquarie Street.

HCC’S CHANCE TO RECEIVE SMALL BUSINESS ADVICE

Are you a small business owner looking to revitalise your storefront? You may get a chance with The City of Hobart’s Storefront Excellence Program, which provides eligible small businesses with resources and support to enhance shopfronts and economic activity. Retailers can receive up to $2000 to action any suggested recommendations. Funding will be limited to the first 30 eligible Hobart businesses who successfully submit an application. Applications close on Wednesday 12 June, or when the funding pool has been allocated.

CHILD’S MENTAL HEALTH MAJOR CONCERN FOR PARENTS

A third of parents with primary-school aged children are ‘extremely concerned’ about their kid’s mental health, a new Beyond Blue survey has found, with 60% of parents ‘seriously concerned’. Parents identified bullying and screen time as the main issues impacting kids, followed by social media and the stresses of learning. Parents are also facing their own mental health challenges, with a third of parents reporting they are unsettled or struggling. The main stress factor for parents was identified to be cost-of-living pressures, followed by lack of time, then work demands. On a more positive note, over 80% of parents are confident they can recognise the signs of concern in their child and know where to go for support. Contact the Beyond Blue Support Service on 1300 22 4636 or www.beyondblue.org.au.

‘BUNYIP’ BIRD RETURNS TO TAS WETLANDS AFTER 40 YEARS

After a 40-year absence, the distinct booming call of the endangered Australasian bittern has returned to Tasmania’s Lagoon of Islands, marking a significant conservation success. Led by Hydro Tasmania environmental scientist Bec Sheldon, a decade-long restoration effort has welcomed back this elusive bird species. Recently, a breeding pair with chicks was spotted, which bittern expert Geoff Shannon described as “one of my most exciting birding views ever.” With fewer than 1,000 mature individuals left in Australia, the return of the bittern highlights the importance of ongoing conservation. Known as the “Bunyip bird” for its secretive nature, the bittern is a large member of the heron family. This sighting offers hope for the species’ survival.

SCHOOLS: SPOILT FOR CHOICE

Choosing a kindergarten or primary school for your child can be a daunting task. To get a feel for your local school, you can join the Department of Education’s ‘Launching into Learning’ (LiL) program. It’s free and aimed at bubs and kids up to the age of five. It gives kids the opportunity to get a taste of school life and parents to get to know their local school. Guided by a teacher trained in the early years, LiL is available at every government primary school in Tasmania. Designed to be an easy and fun introduction, kids can play, dance and create art as parents can meet staff and like-minded parents and carers. To learn more, visit www.greatstart.tas.gov.au. If you have a kinder or prep aged child ready to start school in 2025, reach out to your local primary school to enrol them now. Enrolments are open.

SEWING SOLUTIONS FOR MENSTRUAL EQUITY

A group of Hobart women are sewing fabric reusable menstrual pads for women and girls in the developing world without access to period products. Days for Girls Derwent, a local chapter of an international organisation, has reached a milestone by supporting three million women worldwide with these kits. Their goal is to give girls and women back their “days” so they can keep going to school, work, and be part of society. They’re also trying to break the taboo around periods by teaching about women’s health when they give out the kits. Plus, they’re big on making things last and being eco-friendly – their pads are meant to last three years and can handle being washed on rocks. DFG Derwent recently sent 70 kits to Vietnam and seeks financial support to continue their work. Team leader Christa Jones launched a GoFundMe campaign and plans a fundraiser at UTAS to engage the community. For more information and to support their cause, visit their social media channels @days-for-girls-derwent.

URGENT CARE CLINIC ON THE WAY FOR BRIDGEWATER

Bridgewater will get Tasmania’s fifth bulk-billed Medicare urgent care clinic. Mark Butler, the Federal Health minister, said the existing clinics are easing some of the pressure on the Royal Hobart Hospital’s emergency department. “There have been over 25,000 presentations to the four Medicare Urgent Care Clinics in Tasmania, meaning patients have been able to receive urgent care quickly and for free,” he said. The exact location of the Medicare Urgent Care Clinic in Bridgewater will be determined by a Tasmanian Government tender process run in consultation with the Tasmanian Primary Health Network.

ORANGE-BELLIED PARROT ON THE RISE IN TASMANIA AGAIN

There’s hope yet for the critically endangered orange-bellied parrot, as the species saw a record number of fledglings this breeding season. From 33 nest boxes, 74 fledglings were successfully produced, the highest proportion since monitoring began in 1993.

LOCAL HEARING DOGS THE REAL LIFE PAW PATROL

South Arm has a heartwarming addition to its community as Philip, a local resident with hearing difficulties, welcomed his new companion, a fully trained Australian Lions Hearing Dog named Jenny. With the support of Sorell Lions Club, Jenny promises independence and safety for Philip. These specially trained dogs help alert owners to various household sounds, from ringing phones to smoke alarms, providing crucial assistance, especially in emergencies. With demand soaring due to rising hearing loss cases, Australian Lions Hearing Dogs strive to expand their mission, aiming to train up to 120 Assistance Dogs annually.

GET READY FOR SHORTS DAY

On the shortest day of the year, come together and brave the cold for SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY’s annual Shorts Day. Designed to spark conversations about mental health, the community can get involved by wearing shorts to work or school or by hosting a fundraiser or event. Every dollar raised helps Stay ChatTY spark mental health conversations in the community. This year Shorts Day is on Friday 21 June. Learn more at www.shortsday.com.au.

WOMBATS SET TO RECLAIM REMOTE TAS ISLAND HABITAT

A distinctive breed of wombat is poised to reclaim its ancestral home on a remote island off Tasmania, as part of a project to restore the land to its pre-colonial state. Lungtalanana / Clarke Island, located 24 km northeast of Tasmania, holds deep cultural significance for the Tasmanian Aboriginal community. Once teeming with diverse wildlife, the island has suffered from the impacts of colonisation and a devastating 2014 wildfire, leading to a stark depletion in its fauna. In a bid to revitalise the island’s ecosystem, the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre plans to reintroduce native species, and, if approved by the government, the first animal will be wombats. The Bass Strait wombat, a subspecies found solely on Flinders Island and Maria Island, will lead the charge in the island’s ecological resurgence. The wombats are expected to be reintroduced within the next couple years. Subsequent phases of the project aim to reintroduce potoroos and wallabies too.

HOBART LUXURY HOUSING GROWTH BEST IN AUSTRALIA

Hobart leads the pack when it comes to price growth in the luxury housing market over the past decade. New research from Ray White Real Estate has shown that luxury units are up 100.9 per cent and luxury houses up 122.4 per cent. Brisbane was the only other market to crack over 100 per cent growth. Nationally, houses grew by 84 per cent and units 53 per cent. Sandy Bay had the largest number of luxury house sales, followed by Old Beach and North Hobart. When it came to luxe unit sales Sandy Bay also took top spot, followed by neighbouring Battery Point, Hobart, Kingston Beach and Tranmere.

LADIES LOUNGE GOES SUPREME

Mona has lodged an appeal with the Supreme Court of Tasmania in defence of its Ladies Lounge. The Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (TASCAT) recently ordered Mona to ‘cease refusing entry to the exhibit known as the Ladies Lounge at the Museum of Old and New Art by persons who do not identify as ladies.’ Now Mona is challenging that order. Kirsha Kaechele, the artist and curator who created the opulent, velvet-filled lounge, explained, “I’ve decided to take this to the Supreme Court. I think it’s worth exercising the argument, not only for the Ladies Lounge, but for the good of art, and the law. We need to challenge the law to consider a broader reading of its definitions as they apply to art and the impact it has on the world, as well as the right for conceptual art to make some people (men) uncomfortable. Ladies love the Lounge-a space away from men-and given what we have been through for the last several millennia, we need it! We deserve both equal rights and reparations, in the form of unequal rights, or chivalry-for at least 300 years.” The ladies lounge is closed until further notice.

SHOULD SOCIAL MEDIA BE BANNED FOR KIDS?

The South Australian government is looking at ways to potentially limit or ban social media for children under 14. The announcement has led to discussions across the country, including here in Tasmania. Many social media sites already require users to be at least 13 years old, but digital-era kids can easily get around that. Dany Elachi, founder of parent group The Heads Up Alliance, said the results of early use of social media can be terrible for kids’ mental health. “We are contacted by Australian parents daily, with very sad stories of the devastating impacts of social media on their children’s lives,” Dany said. “Big Tech is not interested in the wellbeing of our children. We would also like to see the Federal Government and other states also stepping up and putting the wellbeing of children and young people ahead of the interests of Big Tech.” This plan is in very early stages, and it is unclear how a ban would work. Could the Tasmanian government follow in SA’s footsteps.

NEW FIVE-STAR HOTEL TO BE DEVELOPED IN LAUNNIE

A five-star hotel is set to be built in the heart of Launceston. This will be the debut of Accor’s prestigious Pullman brand in Tasmania, and the plans include 139 hotel rooms, complete with a rooftop bar, restaurants, and meeting and event spaces. The $45 million project will regenerate a heritage-listed former TasTAFE building on a hillside on Wellington Street overlooking the city. It’s expected to be completed in the first half of 2027. Once completed, the hotel building will be the second tallest building in Launceston, with views of the city and Tamar River.

ARGYLE STREET SOCIAL HOUSING PROJECT GOES TO APPEAL

A social housing development that was refused by the Hobart City Council’s planning committee in May has gone to appeal. The St Vincent De Paul Society and Argyle Street development partner Amelia Housing have lodged a notice of appeal with the Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (TASCAT) over the rejection of the application for an apartment building for older women at risk of homelessness. Objectors said the building would be too tall and would cause increased traffic issues. Heather Kent, the CEO of St Vincent de Paul Society, said they had received a lot of public and community support and are now focused on the next step. “There is a legal process to go through which is based on planning matters and we are determined to do all we can to argue our case positively and get this critical development across the line during a costof- living and housing crisis,” she said. “This project is a great example of the Tasmanian and Australian Governments and community organisations working together towards the common goal of providing much needed support for women over 55 years of age escaping domestic violence and experiencing homelessness, it is important we follow the process.”

SLOW DOWN IN SNUG

The speed limit through Snug has recently changed. Now, the speed on the Channel Highway through the town is 50 km/h (down from 60 km/h), and the previous limit of 80 km/h through the southern end of the town and Lower Snug has gone down to 70 km/h. Of course, the speed limit past the school is 40 km/h during school mornings and afternoons.

ASHLEY NUMBERS SPIKING FEAR

The Tasmanian Council of Social Service (TasCoss) have sounded alarm over a spike in the number of children detained in the Ashley Youth Detention Facility. Adrienne Picone, the CEO of TasCoss, said this spike had happened despite government promises to close Ashley and legislative changes to reduce the number of children involved in the criminal justice system. “According to the Commissioner for Children and Young People, at the start of the week [late May] there were 26 children and young people being held at Ashley – a facility we know is unsafe for any child – most of whom are on remand,” Ms Picone said. She then supported the Commissioner’s call for the Government to establish an urgent taskforce aimed at reducing the number of children at Ashley. Meanwhile, a police community survey earlier this year found that the increasing rate of youth crime was the top concern for Tasmanians.

PREMIER’S TAS YOUNG ACHIEVER WINNERS ANNOUNCED

Congratulations to Ella Smalley, from Blackmans Bay, who has been crowned the Premier’s Young Achiever of the Year for 2024. Ella is a final year PhD student at the Menzies Institute for Medical Research, and studies whilst battling with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. She joined the Youth Cancer Action Board, advocating for improved cancer care for adolescents and young adults, and has helped to bring about initiatives such as subsidised fertility preservation and advancements in mental health care for patients. Congratulations go to all ten category winners:

• Jess Deans – Colony47 Courage to Grow Award
• Olly Dove – Heather & Christopher Chong Community Service & Volunteering Award
• Felicity Wilson-Haffenden – Motors Tasmania Sports Award
• Shanae West – Secret Buddha Cafe Spirit of Tasmania Tourism and Hospitality Award
• Shredding for CFT – Spirit Super Connecting Communities Award (People’s Choice Award winners)
• Corey Lee Barnes – TADPAC Print Service to the Disability Sector Award
• Heidi Genevieve – Berry Bean and Leaf Small Business Achiever Award
• William Blackaby – Raw Strength Sports in the Community Award
• Ella Smalley – St.Lukes Healthier Communities Award
• Djuker Hart – Ochre-Rain Indigenous Achievement Award

DO YOU RECOGNISE THIS FACE?

Tasmania Police have released a facial reconstruction image in the hope the public can assist with an identification of skeletal remains found in bushland near Clifton Beach a year ago. The remains were discovered by a farmer clearing bushland between Clifton Beach and Goats Beach on 6 July 2023, but are yet to be identified. Sergeant Lee Taylor said the remains could have been in the area for between five and 50 years. “Police attended and recovered the remains which showed no signs of physical injuries,” he said. “A lengthy forensic analysis has been completed which determined the remains belong to a Caucasian male.” Items found with the remains included black dress shoes with orthotics and unreadable ID papers. “With DNA taken from the remains not matching to any DNA comparisons, within the state or nationally, Australian Federal Police have provided a craniofacial reconstruction of the man’s potential appearance,” Taylor said. “If anyone can assist police to identify this man, I ask them to come forward.” Anyone with information that would assist police to identify this man is asked to contact Sergeant Taylor through on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers Tasmania on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au – quote ESCAD 62-06072023 (info can be provided anonymously).

NEXT HEDBERG WRITER-INRESIDENCE ANNOUNCED

Award-winning African Australian author Eugen Bacon, known for her speculative fiction, will be the 2024 Hedberg Writer-in-Residence in Hobart. She’s been awarded a $30,000 residency for three months to work on her novel Crimson in Quietus, a mystery where the investigator is not a detective but a sound magic scientist. “This residency will help me crucially research and write my novel,” Eugen said. “It will give me quiet time and space away from the everyday hubbub to craft a competitive story that engages with difference and makes a worthy contribution to Australian and worldwide literature.” Born in Tanzania and based in Melbourne, Eugen has authored several novels and collections. She’ll start her residency in August, focusing on her novel, mentoring students, and participating in public discussions. This program, now in its fourth year, has previously hosted authors like Robbie Arnott and Gail Jones.

STAY ALERT OF SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY NEAR SCHOOLS

Police are reminding community members to beware of any suspicious activity, particularly near schools and childcare centres, following reports of students in southern Tasmania being approached by an unknown man recently.

The man has reportedly spoken to several children and offered them lollies. The man drives a white van, and is believed to be of Caucasian appearance. Parents, carers and other community members can help by keeping a look out for vehicles parked in unusual places, and reporting if they see suspicious activity such as an adult trying to stop and speak with children in unsupervised areas. If you see something suspicious, note down the person’s description and the vehicle’s registration if possible. Information can be provided to police on 131 444, or Crime Stoppers Tasmania. In an emergency, call Triple-Zero (000).

FUTURE OF KUNANYI/MOUNT WELLINGTON ON REVIEW

A comprehensive review for the future of kunanyi / Mount Wellington will start in the latter part of 2024, announced the Tasmanian Government. The review will look at options for the upgraded infrastructure, better access, transport solutions and fire management. In 2023, more than 410,000 people visited the mountain, surpassing Cradle Mountain and Freycinet National Park, making kunanyi / Mount Wellington one of Tasmania’s most popular tourist spots. “We have listened to key stakeholder groups including Hobart City Council, Destination Southern Tasmania, and the Tourism Industry Council Tasmania and we have heard the need to develop a longer-term strategic vision for the mountain,” Minister for Business, Industry and Resources, Eric Abetz, said. “There are many views on how the mountain should be managed and what improvements should be made, and we want them all on the table.” The review seeks to understand the community’s vision for kunanyi / Mount Wellington and address its issues, especially regarding visitors, values, and management. It will be overseen by the Department of State Growth with input from other government bodies, Tourism Tasmania, and relevant parties. Consultations will start in the latter part of 2024.

TASSIE FIRST NATIONS KELP PRODUCT IN BUNNINGS

Keep your eyes peeled for a new Tasmanian product on the shelves of Bunnings: a First Nations-owned organic kelp indoor plant food product by tarkiner. Born from an enterprise led by the Circular Head Aboriginal Corporation, tarkiner’s spray is made with bull kelp sustainably harvested from the west coast. Last year tarkiner formed a partnership with Seasol and Bunnings to develop and distribute the product, and it should be appearing on the shelf of your local Bunnings any day now.

TAP BATTLE: TAS vs NZ

Forget wrestling. The ultimate competition is the best tasting Trans-Tasman tap water, where in May a fierce battle took place between Tasmania and New Zealand for the champion title. Last year’s winner was the Fern Tree water treatment plant, but the challenger that tried to take the title away this year was New Zealand’s Rotorua Lakes Council’s Karamu Takina Spring (a mouthful!). This came after a rigorous showdown in New Zealand to find their own best tasting water, with Rotorua emerging as the national winner. Rotorua now has bragging rights over other water supplies in New Zealand for the next year. The ultimate showdown, however, was the IXOM Trans-Tasman Water Taste Test, where these two respected competitors came to a head. During judging, water samples were subjected to a blind taste test and rated according to the ‘Water Tasting Wheel’. The Wheel outlines some of the attributes water professionals use when assessing water such as colour, clarity, odour and taste. Think ‘wine tasting’ without needing to spit out the samples. So, who came out victorious? In a shocking twist, it was a tie! That’s right, Fern Tree and Rotorua share the title for best tasting tap water.

LINDISFARNE FERRY TERMINAL TEST

Initial geological testing is being conducted at the potential site of a future Derwent River ferry terminal in Lindisfarne. The testing is in the very early stages and is taking place near the Lindisfarne Sailing Club to assess whether it’s an appropriate part of the river for a new terminal. The City of Hobart, on behalf of Clarence, Glenorchy and Kingborough councils, has engaged Burbury Consulting to carry out the assessments. During the recent election campaign Premier Rockliff said the ferry expansion would take around 1,650 cars off the road in peak hours.

COMMUNITY, COFFEE AND CAPTURING JERRY

Each year Bridgewater’s Cafe Connections hosts the Bridgewater Jerry Photography Competition to raise awareness for respiratory issues. Member Reuben Eberhardt tells us about the cafe, the Jerry Fog, and the competition.

You’re a part of Cafe Connections. Tell us about that.

Cafe Connections is an informal group that seeks to bring community together. We meet on the fourth Tuesday monthly, at Bean to Brew Cafe in the Brighton Civic Centre, Bridgewater, from 10am to noon. It’s a place for local community members to come together to have intentional conversations about making a more positive and connected community. One of these ideas is the Bridgewater Jerry Photography Competition. We’re open to everyone who wants to tag along for a free coffee and a chat.

It’s Bridgewater Jerry season. What does that mean for you locally?

For us it means a chance to lend our community name to a phenomenon experienced and enjoyed by all of greater Hobart. It’s a natural phenomenon that takes very specific conditions to form, these conditions are only found in a few places globally and nowhere is it as impressive as what we have here. A good prediction for a Jerry is if a frost warning is issued. Jerry is something of a point of pride for many in the community, at one time having even been commemorated in statue form. It is something that seems quintessentially ours.

Asthma Australia is sponsoring your upcoming Bridgewater Jerry Photography Competition – what are you hoping that connection will do?

The Brighton municipality has some of the heaviest cases of respiratory issues in the country so it seemed a natural fit. The hope is to use Jerry as a massive visual reminder to everyone in Hobart that you should be keeping on top of asthma. Jerry is a beautiful phenomenon but is the product of cold weather, and that means cold and flu season is also here. And that’s where we came up with the slogan, when Jerry is here, cold and flu season is near.

How can people enter the competition?

That’s easy, find us on Facebook at Cafe Connections, and shoot us a message with your photo!

GLENORCHY POOL COMING BACK

The Tasmanian government has pledged $5 million in state funding to reopen the much-missed Glenorchy War Memorial Pool. After being closed indefinitely in July 2023 due to structural issues, the idea of reopening the Glenorchy Pool received passionate support from the community. It seemed unlikely the pool would ever be restored due to the estimated high cost of repairs. However, the community input paid off. “I am proud to say, we are acting, with the $5 million funding commitment we took to the recent election now confirmed to be provided in the upcoming 2024-2025 State Budget,” said Minister Ogilvie. “This funding will allow the pool to re-open while longer-term solutions are developed.”

CLASSICAL TASSIE TUNES HONOUR VIOLIST THIS WINTER

In late June and early August 2024, Virtuosi Tasmania will put on two classical music events in beautiful venues across Tasmania. The first will honour Jo StLeon, a Tasmanian musician, teacher, and writer who passed away in July 2023. Jo was deeply involved with Virtuosi Tasmania as a performer and later as a critic. In Memory of Jo StLeon will take place at Home Hill Winery in Ranelagh on 21 June and at Portland Memorial Hall in St Helens on 23 June. The second event features the Hartz Trio – Dianne Legge (piano), Alexandra Békés (cello), and Phoebe Masel (violin). They will perform three concerts in August at LifeWay Baptist Church in Devonport, Holy Trinity Church in Launceston, and Home Hill Winery. Virtuosi is run entirely by volunteers. Book via www.virtuositas.org.au.

THEATRE ICON RETURNS TO HOBART

Robyn Nevin is an Australian theatre icon. She spent her high school years at Fahan School in Hobart and is returning this month as director of a new Australian version of the world’s oldest running play – The Mousetrap.

At school, you played the lead in ‘Snow White’ at the Theatre Royal. How does it feel to return as director of The Mousetrap?

I have vivid memories of my first experience on the stage of the Theatre Royal as Snow White! The theatre was cold, damp, dim but thrilling emotionally – and it was the beginning. This glorious theatre lives in my head and heart and I’m very happy to be returning with The Mousetrap.

How did you approach directing the world’s longest-running play?

I begin each new project as a director by working from the text, or play script, as if it’s new. I disregard the history of previous productions, because my production is unique – as are they all.

You’ve been in some very notable works over the years, what have been standouts to you?

Wicked is a stand-out because I’m not from the world of musical theatre so it’s an exciting new environment. I’m surrounded by wonderful singers and dancers and the huge sound of the Wicked musical score. Among my favourite TV work was Upper Middle Bogan, which I loved doing. My favourite films are Relic and Sting, both of these are in the horror genre. Over a sixty-something year career there have been too many favourite plays to mention!

What aspects of your Tasmanian childhood do you find influence your work in the theatre?

I owe my choice of career – and the confidence to pursue it – to Audrey Morphett, who was co-headmistress of Fahan School where I was a student in the 1950’s. She adapted and directed the school plays (and was my English teacher) and she was an inspiration. Her belief gave me belief. I also watched out, with great affection, for the later paintings of Lloyd Rees who lived nearby in Sand Bay and painted the water views of the Derwent which we shared. Tasmania lives somewhere deep within me.

What do you like to do when you’re back in Hobart?

So many things! I like to visit Bruny Island and many of the coastal areas on both sides of the island. I love to walk on various beaches: Sandy Bay, Cremorne and Howrah all of which have memories, and Seven Mile Beach. But especially in winter, kunanyi / Mt Wellington always fascinates, as does the beautiful Derwent River. It’s the natural beauty which attracts me. Except of course for the man-made Theatre Royal which I can’t wait to return to!

Robyn Nevin is directing the new Australian production of The Mousetrap playing at the Theatre Royal Hobart from 11 to 22 June 2024. For more info www.theatreroyal.com.au.

PARMI vs PARMA The pub staple – the parmigiana. Is it a parmi, parmy or parma? It’s an age-old Australian debate. People get heated over it, and for good reason: parmigiana is bloody delicious, so it deserves to be titled correctly. It’s a perfect meal; the combination of crumbed chicken smothered in tomato sauce, topped with ham and melted cheese. Yum. Data reveals that Victoria is the state most likely to call a parmigiana a parma. The rest are far more mixed, but lean towards parmi. Well, it’s time to throw our hat in the ring. Parmigiana, much like pizza and risotto, is an Italian dish. The correct Italian pronunciation is parr-mi-jah-nah. Notice the ‘mi’? To say par-mah-jah-nah might make for lazy pronunciation. So, for the most authenticity and to honour its origins, it seems a parmigiana is a ‘parmi’. Parma is something completely different in Italy, where it’s actually the name of an Italian city known for prosciutto. However, all that said, words change and evolve, and few love inventing new slang than Aussies. So if it’s a parma to you, there’s nothing wrong with that!

EMPOWERING SURVIVORS THROUGH SEWING

For some people who have been through traumatic experiences, the mindfulness of repetitive action, such as sewing, can be therapeutic. That’s why Frangipani Fabrics, a shop in North Hobart, has teamed up with the Sexual Assault Support Service (SASS) to offer the healing benefits of textile art classes to victims/survivors of sexual harm. In these classes, people can create and master skills while meeting like-minded people. Frangipani Fabrics founder Briony Alderslade said, “Working with survivors through SASS has been very rewarding. We can literally feel the de-escalation happen in the room from the start to the end of class.” Frangipani Fabrics is currently raising funds for SASS’s Consent and Relationships Education program through a raffle to win a basket filled with fabrics, sewing materials and a collection of handmade goodies. Tickets can be purchased online at www.franfab.com.au.

TASSIE’S WORST ROADS NAMED

The most dangerous roads in Tasmania have been ranked thanks to new data compiled by the RACT from five years of insurance claims information. Launceston’s Wellington Street was named the most dangerous and seven of the top ten are in Hobart. The list of ‘shame’ is:

1. Wellington Street, Launceston
2. Sandy Bay Road, Sandy Bay
3. Macquarie Street, Hobart
4. Davey Street, Hobart
5. Brooker Highway, Hobart
6. Argyle Street, Hobart
7. Channel Highway, Kingston
8. Murray Street, Hobart
9. Hobart Road, Kings Meadows
10. York Street, Launceston

TASMANIAN WOMEN’S SHELTERS BAND TOGETHER

All six women’s shelters in Tasmania have come together to form The Tasmanian Women’s Shelters Alliance (TWSA) with the aim of having a stronger and better coordinated approach to the issues of family violence affecting women and children. Currently, eight out of ten women and children seeking help are turned away due to capacity constraints. Alina Thomas, CEO of Engender Equality, is a spokesperson for the alliance. “Our shelters have long made do with what they have, and it’s clear that what they have is not enough,” she said. “We require a better system, one that not only addresses the immediate needs of those in danger but also listens to and integrates the experiences of survivors to prevent future crises. Importantly, this includes separating domestic and family violence support from broader issues like homelessness. By distinguishing these services, we can tailor our resources and expertise to meet the specific needs of victim survivors more effectively.”

THIRD TIME LUCKY FOR MERSEY MOUNTAIN BIKE BRIDGE

Two north-west Tasmanian mountain bike bridges that were washed away in floods have been replaced by the longest single-span pedestrian suspension bridge in the country. The new bridge across the Mersey River connects Railton to Latrobe via the Railton Express Trail and allows walkers and mountain bike riders to connect the two parts of the Wild Mersey mountain biking trail network. The new bridge, built significantly higher than the previous high flood mark, was opened last month.