HOMELESSNESS IN HOBART

It’s not ok that an estimated 750 people sleep rough here each night, with many more in insecure housing situations or under mortgage stress. If you can, DONATE warm blankets, clothing and non-perishable food. Try Bethlehem House, Hobart City Mission, Tassie Mums and St Vincent de Paul. Or perhaps you can spare a few hours to assist one of these charities behind the scenes. If you’re experiencing housing stress, homelessness or are at risk of homelessness, Housing Connect is a good starting point. For assistance call 1800 800 588.

SYNAGOGUE SEEKING DESCENDENTS

The Hobart Synagogue, consecrated in 1845, is the oldest synagogue in Australia. The Hobart Hebrew Congregation is planning the 175th anniversary of the consecration of the synagogue for July 2020. The congregation would like to invite descendants of the many families that were vital to our survival to play a special part in this celebration. If you are a descendant with ties to the Hobart Synagogue and are interested in the 175th anniversary, please contact Jeff Schneider, enquiries@hobartsynagogue.org or 0466 434 620

DJANGO & GRAPPELLI GYPSY JAZZ

Hobart gypsy jazz musicians Harry Edwards (lead guitar) and Charlie McCarthy (violin), along with their band, are presenting a Django Reinhardt & Stephane Grappelli tribute show at the Salamanca Arts Centre on 27 July. Their show, Django & Grappelli: The Originals, will focus on the original compositions of these two influential jazz musicians. The concert will feature two sets of music, punctuated by stories and legends of the two musicians and their collaborations. There’s one matinee from 2-4pm and one evening performance from 8-10pm. Last year’s shows sold out so get in quick! Tickets available via www.salarts.org.au

WE NEED WALKERS!

Are you looking for a bit of extra cash? Want to exercise and work at the same time? We’re on the lookout for trustworthy people to help deliver our magazines across Hobart. Perhaps you’re an older person wanting to get out and about? Or a parent who is walking kids to sleep anyway! Or you just want to pick up some extra cash. Whatever your motivation, send us an email at advertise@thehobartmagazine.com.au or call James on 0405 424 449 for a chat.

A VERY LONG WALK

Hobartians Paul and Kaye Gilhooly are on the adventure of a lifetime, currently walking the Via Francigena, an old pilgrim way from Canterbury in the UK to Rome. Their journey is on foot over four countries, 2000kms and the Alps. Ouch! The trip was inspired by Bishop Sigeric, who walked from Canterbury to Rome to become Archbishop of Canterbury way back in 990AD. They’ve said it’s not a religious pilgrimage but a time of reflection, conversation and adventure. “We’re not in a hurry,” says Paul, who at 61 and Kaye at 58 trained regularly over the preceding four months to build up their strength and stamina. And do they have a good track record (pun intended!)? “We started this whole adventure from scratch, with no long distance walking experience or any of the gear needed to complete it. We started with an idea, a will and sense of adventure.” All the best Paul and Kaye!

SING YOUR HEARTS OUT

Hobart transforms into a welcoming winter festival of song from 2 to 14 July with the 15th Festival of Voices. A stellar line-up of local, national and international artists will present choral, contemporary, cabaret, jazz and classical shows. The restaurant and entertainment strip of North Hobart is also a brand-new Festival destination this year with exciting performances at the Hobart North Uniting Church, sing-along cinema at The State Cinema and the stunning cabaret A Migrant’s Son at Hellenic Hall.

SELF CARE WORKSHOPS FOR MUMMAS

If you’re a busy Mum, then put this in the diary. Mental: The Mother Load workshops will be held at The Haven (121 Macquarie Street) on 23 and 24 July. Mental: The Mother Load is a creative documentary performance exploring the beauty, grotesque and poetic in the madness and mundanity of motherhood. It’s been developed by five artist mums, Carrie McLean, Julie Waddington, Rebecca Thomson, Bryony Geeves and Mel King. As part of the documentary they’re holding creative workshops for Mums to have a play, have a cuppa and take part in some creative self-care. It’s a free, but ticketed, event. The Haven has a separate area with toys and one of their team will be on ‘play’ duty so feel free to bring your bub along. For more details search ‘The Haven’ on Facebook.

BENNY BINTRUCK

Our editor, Steph, has been working away on her new children’s book, Benny Bintruck, which is almost ready to be released. Benny Bintruck is a messy, noisy and hardworking garbage truck who discovers he might not be as useful as he thinks. Enter the Bin Rats to help their friend Benny get back on track. As a mum of two, Steph has consumed her fair share of kids books and is looking forward to releasing Benny Bintruck in the coming months. You can follow Benny’s progress at @bennybintruck or order a pre-release at www.bennybintruck.com.