NEW NEW NEW

Ever searched “Desserts near me”? Well we have good news, as Desserts Near Me (131 Liverpool Street, Hobart) will satisfy those sweet cravings super fast. It focuses on freshly baked bread and Asian-inspired sweets. North Hobart pub The Waggon (327 Argyle Street, North Hobart) is now open after a big, slick reno. Goodbye The Waggon & Horses! Hello elevated pub dining, Tassie produce and wines, lovely interiors – what more could you want. Bringing their casual Mexican cuisine to Howrah, Zambrero Shoreline (Shoreline Plaza, Shop 10/6, Shoreline Drive, Howrah) is coming soon. French style bakery Little Missy Patisserie (151/153 Argyle Street, Hobart) is expanding into a new dine in space next door to their delicious takeaway spot. Southside (402 Macquarie Street, South Hobart) eased into life late February with a delicious soft opening. Open seven days a week, they serve up healthy takeaway – think beef brisket rolls, flathead wraps, and moorish baklava. Fabric studio Decorama (162 Argyle Street, Hobart) welcomes people to explore and get inspired by their vast selection of fabrics. They are open Wednesday and Thursday, 10:30am-4pm.

BIKE COLLECTIVE PLEA FOR DONATIONS FROM LOCAL RIDERS

Like many organisations, Tasmanian Bike Collective (TasBC) are feeling the pinch of increased costs. TasBC are urgently seeking short-term assistance to raise an extra $25,000 to maintain their momentum and support of young people. The collective mentors and trains young people through the medium of bicycles, creating places for young people to grow and develop their character and skills for life. Over the past two years the costs of program delivery has substantially increased while the amount of core funding the programs receive has not. If you’d like to help, go to www.givenow.com.au/tasbikecollective.

SEXUAL ASSAULT SUPPORT SERVICE EXPANDS IN HOBART

The Sexual Assault Support Service (SASS) has opened new offices at Highfield House in Hobart’s CBD. Acting CEO Sandi Doherty said the move would help them respond to the increased need within the community. “SASS has seen a 30 per cent increase in service delivery over the past six months and continues to see exponential growth,” she said. “Further, we know that at least one in four children in Tasmania experience some form of sexual assault.” Ms Doherty said SASS can now offer seven unique counselling spaces for survivors of sexual harm, including a dedicated art therapy room and child friendly spaces. Members of the SASS team have also recently released a podcast. Called ‘Sticky Questions’, it answers real, anonymous questions asked by kids during their sex education sessions in Tasmanian schools. Covering sex, relationships, consent and lots more in between, the podcast aims to helps parents and carers start conversations and tackle the sticky questions from young people in their life. Find it on all the usual poddy spots eg Apple Podcasts, Spotify etc. For support, contact SASS anytime on 1800 697 877.

NEW TASSIE AFL TEAM NAME AND COLOURS INCOMING

Tasmania’s new AFL club will launch its nickname, colours, logo and foundation jumper this month. The new club details will be launched on 18 March, following a survey of over 6000 Tasmanians and community groups. Tasmania was granted the AFL’s 19th licence last May, contingent on the construction of a new roofed waterfront stadium at Macquarie Point. In December, plans for a $70 million high-performance training centre to be built at parklands on the eastern shore of Hobart were announced. The training centre will be completed in 2026, with the team set to enter the national competition in 2028.

NOMINATE A NEIGHBOUR

Got a fab neighbour and live in Clarence? Nominate them for a Neighbour Day Award! Neighbour Day falls on 31 March this year, with various celebratory community events planned across Hobart. City of Clarence are first cab of the rank to accept nominations, so if that’s your patch, head to www.ccc.tas.gov.au/neighbour-day-awards-nominations to dob in a great neighbour.

TASSIE REAL ESTATE NEWS WRAP

New stats from the Real Estate Institute of Tasmania (REIT) revealed that 2023 was the third-highest year on record for the total value of sales in Tasmania (with a total of $5.381bn). In 2023 Tasmania recorded 8795 property transactions, which was down by 10 per cent compared to 2022. Greater Hobart house sales were up 2.1 per cent annually, with the median house price sitting at $740,000 and the median price for other dwellings reaching $522,500. Scottsdale recorded the highest annual median price growth at 39.4 per cent whilst Acton Park was the December quarter’s most expensive suburb, with a $1.261m median house price. Queenstown was the cheapest at $220,000. Land sales were down 32 per cent in 2023 compared to 2022, and 38 international buyers accounted for just 0.4 per cent of all sales last year.

NEW MEGA HUB FOR SOCCER

In soccer news, Football Tasmania has unveiled plans for a new home of foot­ball in the south of the state, though a location has yet to be decided. The $80 million Home of Football plans include six full-sized pitches – three synthetic and three turf – plus four five-aside pitches for all levels of community and elite football, as well as state of the art women’s and men’s change rooms and training facilities. The facilities could also be home to men’s and women’s A-League teams in future. Football Tasmania CEO Tony Pignata said the game was growing in popularity in Tasmania. “It’s an exciting time for football in Tasmania, it’s growing fast, and our footballers need more pitches and better facilities,” he said. “Football is Tasmania’s most played team sport. There’s already 38,000 participants, and that’s tipped to grow by 20 per cent in coming years.”

WHAT A DRAG: A SPATE OF CIGGIE STEALING HITS EASTERN SHORE

The eastern suburbs have seen a spate of cigarette burglaries over recent months. Between October 2023 and February 2024, six business burglar­ies occurred in Lauderdale, Howrah, Lindisfarne and Sorell where cigarettes were specifically targeted, with the total value of stolen cigarettes reported to be in excess of $130,000. Police believe these burglaries are linked to the same group of individuals and are occurring overnight, whilst the businesses are closed. Police wish to hear from anyone with any information, particularly relat­ing to anyone with large quantities of cigarettes or who are offering them for sale. Anyone with information is asked to contact Bellerive CIB on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers Tasmania on 1800 333 000 or at www.crimestopperstas.com.au. Information can be provided anonymously.

CAMBRIDGE SHOPPING PRECINCT EXPANDING

The mega Cambridge Homemaker Centre (home to Anaconda, Harvey Norman and more) is set to expand after unanimous approval of plans at a recent Clarence City Council meeting. The expansion plans include a fast-food outlet, eight new shops and extra car parking spaces. The application was granted with conditions, such as a minimum of 28 bike parking spots and a ban on external lighting between 11pm and 6am (not including security lighting). Signs will also only be able to be lit up between 10am and 10pm.

WALK FOR A GREAT CAUSE

PanKind, the Australian Pancreatic Cancer Foundation, is organising the ‘Put Your Foot Down’ charity walk in Lindisfarne to raise funds for research and patient support programs. Celebrating its 11th year, this walk has been held across Australia. On Sunday 17 March, the Hobart event kicks off at 8:30am at Simmons Park, with the walk starting at 9:30am. Registration can be completed both online and on the day – $35 for adults and $15 for children. Dogs are welcome. As well as the walk, participants can enjoy breakfast, coffee, and face painting. Walkers are encouraged to wear purple, with prizes awarded for the best-dressed. Since its inception, the walk has raised $2,726,810 nationally, and $107,056 from the Hobart events alone. Founded by Tasmanian resident Avner Nahmani, who faced a pancreatic cancer diagnosis, PanKind stems from the realisation of the alarmingly low survival rate for those diagnosed. Avner, along with his wife Caroline Kelly, has spearheaded efforts that resulted in PanKind investing $14 million in research to support those battling pancreatic cancer.

TASSIE UTAS SCHOLARS HEADED TO THE US FOR STUDY TOUR

Three academics and alumni from the University of Tasmania have been recognised with prestigious Fulbright Scholarships. Now in its 75th year, the Fulbright Program is the flagship foreign exchange program of the United States, aimed at increasing binational research collaboration, cultural understanding, and the exchange of ideas. The researchers will be sponsored to travel and stay in the United States while they conduct new research. The first recipient is Dr Gabi Mocatta, who will visit George Mason University in Virginia to look at translating climate science information for health systems and the communities they serve so they can plan for and adapt to a future under climate change. Saleem Ameen will travel to the world-renowned Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Boston to research how AI technologies can help in medicine, with the specific aim to improve colon cancer outcomes in marginalised communities. The final recipient is Dana Badcock, an RnB singer, music tutor, and head of voice at Hobart College, who aims to unravel timeless vocal techniques from the canon of significant 20th century American songs. Congratulations to the three recipients.

HYDRO EMPOWERS TASSIE COMMUNITIES WITH GRANTS

Hydro Tasmania has launched its annual Community Grants Program, which supports groups championing positive change for people and communities. Last year, the Shepherd Centre, a not-for-profit assisting children with hearing loss, received $4,800 for audiology equipment. Tiffany Slater from the Shepherd Centre expressed gratitude, saying, “The grant from Hydro Tasmania has really helped us. Early detection of middle ear pathology ensures children receive timely medical care and have the best conditions to learn spoken languages.” In 2023, a total of $27,000 was distributed among six groups, fostering initiatives such as a community reading program, local playground upgrades, and buying a defibrillator. Now in its eighth year, the program has $30,000 in grants up for grabs. Applications are open until 29 March, welcoming submissions from community groups statewide.

WALKS FOR BIRD WATCHERS

Get twitching bird-lovers! Hobart Bird Walks, a new brochure produced by BirdLife Tasmania, will direct enthusiasts to the best Hobart walks for bird-watching. If you are lucky, you might even spot a swift parrot or grey goshhawk. The brochure is available for free at the City of Hobart Customer Service Centre.

KINGBOROUGH COUNCIL SEEKS COMMUNITY INPUT

To create a safer, more vibrant Margate Main Street, Kingborough Council is inviting the community to have a say. They’re developing a new Master Plan for Margate to service the needs of residents, businesses, and visitors. Head to their website for more details and to fill out the survey. The findings will inform the design of the Margate Master Plan. The survey closes on 12 March. Head to www.kingborough.tas.gov.au for more information.

HOBART CITY COUNCIL APPROVES NEW TOWN SPORTING ENHANCEMENTS

The Hobart City Council has given its endorsement of new design concepts and plans for the New Town Sport Precinct Master Plan. Initially approved in June 2019, the Master Plan envisions key improvements such as extra netball courts, an indoor show court, improved parking, traffic management, upgraded facilities, and new amenities. The plans provide a roadmap for implementation, allowing for further refinement and enabling funding submissions from both the Council and affiliated sporting clubs. This approval empowers clubs to commence their own fundraising efforts, with ongoing engagement planned.

RESPONSIBLE CAT OWNERSHIP FOR MIDWAY POINT

 Ten Lives Cat Centre, in partnership with Sorell Council and TassieCat, has worked on an initiative of cat awareness for Midway Point. “We have gathered essential baseline data on cats within the Midway Point and surrounding communities, with the goal of promoting responsible cat ownership to enhance the welfare of cats, protect native wildlife, and reduce the intake of unwanted animals into shelters,” Ten Lives manager Noel Hunt said. Regional Cat Management Coordinator Dr Sara Balouch said the survey results shed light on significant concerns related to the roaming patterns of cats, both feral and domestic. There were also positive results at Midway Point, indicating a sense of responsibility among cat owners. “The high percentage of cats being microchipped or desexed reflects proactive steps taken by owners for the safety of their pets and population control,” Dr Balouch said. Ten Lives, TassieCat and Sorell Council are currently installing camera traps in Midway Point to confirm the presence of stray and feral cats in the area.

LAUNCESTON BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION WELCOMES THREE YEAR PARTNERSHIP

In a win for basketballers, Jackson Ford have signed a three year deal to support the work of the Launceston Basketball Association (LBA) – a dynamic force in fostering local basketball talent and community engagement. With the dedicated fan base behind Tasmania’s hugely successful NBL team, the Tasmania JackJumpers, this collaboration aims to invigorate Launceston basketball at a grassroots level, inspiring the next generation of international and NBL/WNBL players, including funding to support LBA’s existing involvement with their Disengaged Youth, Migrant Resource Centre Tasmania, and ‘She Hoops’ programs. Mitch Duhig, General Manager of the Launceston Basketball Association said, “The partnership between Jackson Ford and the Launceston Basketball Association exemplifies a shared commitment to the growth and prosperity of basketball at a grassroots level. Together, we look forward to creating a legacy that will inspire generations of basketball enthusiasts in Launceston.” Jackson Ford’s Head of Operations, Josh Langley said, “We are excited to join forces with the Launceston Basketball Association, to advance the growth and development of the basketball community in Launceston. We want to create a lasting impact on local basketball clubs, fostering a love for the sport and providing opportunities for players of all levels to thrive.”

TASMANIAN SWIFT PARROTS’ HOLLYWOOD BOOST

The critically endangered Swift Parrot recently received a Hollywood-level boost when Leonardo DiCaprio shared the plight of the parrot in a social media post. The actor shared an image of a Swift Parrot and called for followers to pledge their support for the protection of the birds’ remaining breeding habitat in Tassie by joining Re:wild, an environmental conservation organisation and charity that he is a founding board member of. He also called for the end to native forest logging here. The Bob Brown Foundation applauded the post, then Bob Brown invited DiCaprio to visit the Tasmania wilderness himself. We’re waiting to see if he takes up that offer. In other Swiftie news (no, not the Taylor kind), Zoodoo is celebrating a successful breeding season for their Swift Parrots, with their population growing from six to ten.

HAMLET CAFE BOOST

Hamlet Cafe, the social enterprise with delicious meals and preserves at the city end of the Hobart rivulet track, has been given a $250,000 grant to continue to provide vulnerable Tasmanians with employment opportunities. Hamlet Café delivers targeted training and work readiness support to people facing barriers to employment, with a focus on people living with disability. Tasmania has the highest rates of people living with a disability in the country and people living with a disability are three times more likely to struggle with employment. As at June 2023, Hamlet has worked with 723 participants and delivered 38,732 hours of training through their hospitality programs. The funding will enable Hamlet Café to purchase new kitchen equipment that meets accessibility requirements and expand their facilities.

CONNECT AND CELEBRATE THIS INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

International Women’s Day is on 8 March, with many Tassie groups and organisations running events that week. First up, on Friday 1 March, The Governance Institute of Australia hosts a panel event for governance officials, 7:15am-8:45am, RACV Hobart Hotel. On Wednesday 6 March, Jess Hill, journalist, author and public speaker on coercive control, will be the special guest speaker at a free International Women’s Day event at Brighton Regional Sports Pavilion – Pontville Park from 9:45am-2pm, book your spot though. On the 7th, The Urban Group of Amnesty International Australia present a celebration of the work of AIA and International Women’s Development Agency at the Town Hall, 6:30am. On the 8th, Christine Finnegan, CEO of the JackJumpers, is special guest speaker at the Royal Hobart Hospital Research Foundation’s annual breaky, held from 7am at Centurion Ballroom, Crowne Plaza. Also on the 8th, The Hive and St.Lukes present Hive & Thrive – an International Women’s Day Conference.

UTI MEDS OVER THE COUNTER

Many Tasmanians can now access antibiotics for uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) over the counter at eligible pharmacies. Those aged 18-65 and suffering from a straightforward UTI should now be able to access medications without having to wait for a GP appointment (which we all know can be extremely difficult to get right now). A urinary tract infection is an infection in any part of the urinary system including the kidneys and bladder. While UTIs can happen to anyone, they are more common in females. In Australia nearly 1 in 3 females will experience a UTI before the age of 24.

TASSIE’S CASH FOR CANS SCHEME RUNNING LATE

Tasmanians are still waiting for a container refund scheme to match those on the mainland. Recycle Rewards, where certain containers such as cans and bottles can be collected and returned for a small payment, was first expected to start in 2023. Communication from the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment has confirmed that the scheme’s procurement process is underway, with preferred tenderers identified. More details about Recycle Rewards, including the commencement date and refund point locations, will be announced once the contracts for these entities have been finalised…hopefully soon, as these schemes encourage cleaner recycling and can lead to less pollution of public spaces.

GLENORCHY POOL PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT PLAN

The Glenorchy City Council are asking the community for their feedback on the future of the Glenorchy Pool. The first stage of consultation, run by MI Global, will run until early March, and will include an online survey and community pop-ups. The second phase, running throughout mid-March to June, will include interviews, workshops, and project updates. If you want to get involved and have your say on the Glenorchy Pool, head to the Glenorchy City Council website.

TEDDY BEARS FOR EPILEPTIC CHILDREN IN GREATER HOBART

Epilepsy Action Australia (EAA) has launched a program in Greater Hobart providing social and emotional support to children with epilepsy and their families. Children under 10 registered for the Ted-E-Bear Connection program will be posted a soft and cuddly teddy-bear to be a comforting friend when they are struggling with sadness, seizures, hospital stays, medical tests, or the loneliness of feeling different. Each Ted-E-Bear pack also gives the child’s family access to a Facebook peer-support group, an online education workshop teaching parents seizure safety, and one-on-one advice from a team of registered nurses. “Studies show around one-third of children with epilepsy will suffer anxiety and up to 25% have depression,” says EAA CEO, Carol Ireland. “Ted-E-Bear Connection gives them smiles and eases their parents’ fears with reliable information.” Registrations are now open for children with epilepsy and their families from the Greater Hobart Region. Approximately 3% to 3.5% of Australians will experience epilepsy at some point in their lives. An estimated 268 children under 10 have epilepsy in the Greater Hobart area, based on 2021 population data and epilepsy prevalence. For more information, to register, or to speak to a specialist Epilepsy Nurse, people can call Epilepsy Action Australia on 1300 37 45 37 or email epilepsy@epilepsy.org.au.

DIRECT FLIGHTS FROM LAUNCESTON TO SUNSHINE COAST

For the first time, Launceston and the Sunshine Coast will be connected with direct flights. The new route, which will be serviced by Bonza Airlines, starts on 29 March. Flights operate every Monday and Friday, all year round. This comes four months after Bonza’s inaugural flight from Gold Coast to Launceston touched down.

BIG IRONMAN EVENT CANCELLED

IRONMAN 70.3 Tasmania will not take place next year. Despite a deal that guaranteed the event would run for five years, the IRONMAN Oceania team recently confirmed the surprise change, without giving a reason. They did say they are “hopeful that the event will return to the calendar in future years. Tasmania is truly a beautiful place – from the deep-water start into the Derwent off the Brooke St Pier, to the first indoor transition in the region, the bike course with the most elevation in Oceania and the run taking in the historical Hobart waterfront, we really have created a course like no other.” The team thanked athletes and the local community for their support over the past two years, saying they’ll ‘take time to review and look at options to make this race even better for the future. We look forward to welcoming you back to the most southern IRONMAN 70.3 race in the world and those of you that have yet to take on the challenge – you can start your training now.”

$200 MILLION TERMINAL UPGRADE COMMENCES INCLUDING MUCH NEEDED EXTRA SECURITY LANE

Hobart Airport has commenced a $200 million upgrade of the terminal, which will result in more space for passengers and a greater range of food and retail outlets. Hobart Airport CEO Norris Carter said work will now commence on doubling the size of the terminal. “There will be increased seating capacity and queuing space for both domestic and international flights, two more departure gates for a total of seven, a third security screening lane with improved screening technology, and a third baggage carousel,” Mr Carter said. Mr Carter said it was planned that the expansion would be completed by early 2027 and would see approximately 450 direct and indirect jobs during construction and hundreds of further jobs expected once completed in areas such as security screening, cleaning, retail and hospitality staff.

PLEASE DON’T PICK THE PINES Visitors to Tasmania’s national parks have been gently reminded to not remove any flora material after rangers discovered evidence of people recently moving or removing plants and flowers from parks. Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service (TPWS) shared some recent examples of what park visitors had done that contravened the parks rules, including:

• Collecting Alpine wildflowers to make bouquets and placed in public huts
• Large numbers of sticks and fern fronds from the Russell Falls area at Mt Field being collected and removed
• A King Billy Pine being cut down and placed in a public shelter to replicate a Christmas tree. TPWS added, “even something as simple as fallen leaves and branches play a crucial role in decomposition and creating habitats for small animals, including insects,” and encouraged visitors to brush up on the Leave No Trace principles to be found at parks.tas.gov.au.

LITTLE TASSIE DEVILS TAKE FLIGHT TO JAPAN

Two Tasmanian devils are off for a new life in Japan, where they will live at the Tama Zoo in Tokyo as special ambassadors. Siblings Wayti and Papiti were handed over to a group of visiting dignitaries, including Mr Junji Shimada, Consul General of Japan, at the Cressy Wildlife Facility last month.

AIR NEW ZEALAND AVOIDS HOBART THIS AUTUMN/WINTER

Air New Zealand will pause flights to and from Hobart from next month. The airline will stop offering flights over winter while they change the maintenance plan for the engines in some of the planes in their fleet. Greg Foran, CEO of Air New Zealand, explained, “Air New Zealand has 17 A320/321neo aircraft in its fleet of 108 aircraft, serving Australia, the Pacific Islands and domestic New Zealand. While this maintenance issue does not present a safety issue, it has caused Air New Zealand to revise its flight schedule as a result of adjustments made to the engine maintenance plan.” He said the route has been popular and will continue. “We need to ensure we can deliver a reliable service across the rest of our network and get customers on our most in-demand routes to where they need to be. Customers will still be able to book to Hobart with Air New Zealand, but these flights won’t be direct and will be partly operated by our partner airlines.” Flights will stop from 5 April and are due to return in October, with direct flights currently available on their website from 27 October.

Huon Art Awards Bigger than Ever

A visit to Cygnet is a delight at any time, but from 6-21 March include a stop at Cygnet Town Hall. The space will be transformed into as massive art gallery featuring local art in all its wonderful forms.

Organisers are expecting more than 250 exhibits to include painting, sculpture, drawing, photography, print-making, furniture, ceramics and leatherwork. All works are for sale and entry is free. The Lovett Gallery is situated at the back of the Town Hall and will be open Friday-Sunday throughout the exhibition. There you will find more art works produced by our members, all at very reasonable prices. This year’s prize money of $17,800 is thanks to the generous sponsorship of many companies, politicians, the Huon Valley Council, and supporters of the Huon Art Exhibitions Group and the Lovett Gallery.