NEW OPENINGS

New places to wine, dine, shop and play are our thing here, and as the weather turns chilly, don’t let the winter hibernation kick in too quickly! Rosie in My Midnight Dreams (Brooke Street Pier, Hobart) are the new kids on the waterfront block. Open almost all day for your coffee and cake fix in the morning, to an early wine, margarita and afternoon snack into the night. Wine bars com[1]bine two of our favourite things, so we have no doubt Molto (Melville Street, Hobart), a new wine bar and shop from the team at Stefano Lubiana Wines will be welcomed with open arms this month. A curation of their own wines, paired with other local wine-makers and some fly-ins from international producers, we have no doubt the chairs will be kept warm at this new venue. There’s a new brewery in the northern suburbs, with Brewlab (22 Gepp Parade, Derwent Park) swinging open their venue doors, overlooking Prince of Wales Bay. Bahnmi Bites (11 Springfield Avenue, Moonah) is now serving traditional Vietnamese street food favourite, banh mi rolls. Open daily from 11am. If you’re heading out towards Mt Field or Maydena, pop into the National Park Hotel. After a year of finding their feet, new owners Ami and Tony have opened their new restaurant, Runic’s Pizzeria (2366 Gordon River Road, National Park). Named after the horse of William (Bill) Belcher, Mt Field National Park’s first ranger. They serve pizza and pasta Wednesday to Sunday. Check their website for specific opening times. Head to Richmond to get lost in the new Amaze Richmond (13 Bridge Street, Richmond) complex. There’s a timber and hedge maze, ready to bamboozle anyone who tries to make their way out. Perhaps just keep the little ones close, so as to not lose them in the two metre high hedges! For fitness or fun, head to Tasmania’s Pole Dancing and Burlesque Academy (424 Richmond Road, Cambridge) newly opened studio for some twirling fun. Poles are perched in an old sandstone building and classes are suitable for beginners looking for some fun, to seasoned professionals.

NEW TASSIE SHORT STORY COMP

The Tamar Valley Short Story Competition is a brand new Tasmanian for creative storytellers. Entrants have a chance to win $1500 cash, mentorships and more. Entries close at 5:30pm on June 30, and winners will be announced at the 2022 Tamar Valley Writers Festival in October. Head to www.tamarvalleywritersfestival.com.au for all the details – and to check out the volunteer positions available at the festival this year too.

A LIFE-CHANGING WIN FOR AUSTRALIANS LIVING WITH CF

Tasmania has the highest incidence of CF in Australia, and second highest incidence in the world behind Ireland. Cystic Fibrosis Tasmania found figures at best show 1 in 20 Tasmanians carry the CF gene, compared to 1 in 25 in the rest of Australia. Australians living with Cystic Fibrosis had a win last month with prescription drug Trikafta being approved for the Prescription Benefits Scheme (PBS). One in 2500 babies are born each year with CF, a genetic disease that causes persistent lung infections. Trikafta works to move the build up of bacteria in the lungs caused by genetic defects that limit chloride and water flow through cell membranes. Australians who could afford Trikafta previous to PBS listing were up for over $250,000 a year for the life changing medication. Now, scripts will cost as little as $42 and $6.50 for concession holders. There’s currently no cure for CF, but now Australians with CF aged 12 and older, with at least one F508del mutation (the most common mutation) will experience a much improved quality of life, and hopefully life span too.

DARK MOFO DESPERATE FOR VENUE HELP AS DEVELOPMENT SITES BITE

The organisers of Dark Mofo have put out an urgent call for access to any and all unused venues in greater Hobart that might work for events at this year’s festival. They’re on the lookout for old ballrooms, unused industrial sheds, warehouses and other potential venues in and around Hobart that may be available this year, or in future years.“ It’s getting harder and harder to find spaces for our events as more properties in the city are being developed, and it’s putting pressure on our ability to meet demand, as we try to manage up to 20,000 patrons a night across Hobart,” Dark Mofo Creative Director Leigh Carmichael said. “We are yet to find appropriate venues for at least four projects for this year’s festival, and we are getting desperate. At this stage it’s likely we’ll need to cancel at least some of them,” Leigh Carmichael said. Interested parties can email info@darkmofo.net.au with information about any available venues.

DAN WATKINS BACK IN FORM FOR CANOE SLALOM NATIONAL TITLES IN TASSIE

Local Olympian and canoe slalom athlete Dan Watkins has successfully defended his MC1 Australia title and added a new gold medal to the MK1 bronze medal he won on Sunday. This was despite being on a planned break from international competition since the Tokyo Olympics. “I haven’t been on a boat too much since Tokyo, I’ve been mountain biking and trail running and all sorts of other stuff… but I jumped into a boat at Bradys and it just feels like home.” The championships were originally planned to be held at the Penrith Whitewater Course, but due to flooding moved down to Bradys Lake. Australia’s top canoe slalom paddlers will now turn their attention to the international season for the ICF World Championships starting with competition in Augsberg, Germany in May and World Cups later this year.

RED CROSS 50 WAYS TO DO MORE GOOD IN MIDTOWN

We know that people want to help others and make their community stronger. The pandemic has shown us that this is important now, more than ever. Australian Red Cross has put together a list of 50 actions people can take to do more good and make a difference in their local community. With a focus on making a difference, the actions cover the themes of kindness, connection, inclusion, raising awareness, learning more, preparedness, fundraising, donations, and volunteering. Importantly, all of these actions can be done either individually or as a group/business, are self-led, and COVID safe. Some highlights include writing a letter to people living in aged care, developing your Acknowledgment of Country, sharing your skills and hobbies, starting a lifeblood team. Check out the Red Cross 50 Ways to Do More Good website to find an action you might like to do in your local community. www.redcross. org.au/act/action-catalogue. You’re also invited to the free celebration and launch event in Midtown on Thursday 12 May from 10:30am- 12pm in the UTAS Elizabeth St Courtyard, Hobart (opposite Red Cross, 146 Elizabeth St).

NEW TASSIE TRAFFIC APP

There’s a new app in town, and it will hopefully lead to smoother drives and fewer unexpected delays through Hobart. The TrafficTas app uses existing traffic monitoring technology to provide real-time information about traffic conditions on busy commuter routes. It currently covers the major routes through Hobart and Launceston with plans to expand further. The app will tell users about unexpected events like crashes, and also provides estimated travel times on key routes based on current traffic conditions. The service covers the State-managed roads in the two major cities, including the Southern Outlet, the Brooker, Tasman and East Derwent Highways, and Macquarie and Davey Streets in Hobart; and the Midland, West Tamar and East Tamar Highways and Wellington and Bathurst Streets in Launceston. To use the TrafficTAS app you need a Bluetooth-enabled smartphone. The app is available from the Apple App Store or Google Play. More information is available on the Transport website at www.transport. tas.gov.au/TrafficTAS

DESIGNS FOR NEW BRIGHTON HIGH SCHOOL REVEALED

Following the government’s 2018 election promise of a new high school in Brighton, concept designs have finally been released, only weeks before this year’s federal election. With Brighton’s population estimated to increase from currently around 19,000 to over 24,000 by 2045, the project hopes to lessen the strain of a growing population by accommodating up to 600 students across years seven to 12. Estimated to cost around $50 million, the school will include a gymnasium, performing arts space, commercial-style kitchen, sports field, and outdoor learning areas. Developed by local firm Jaws Architects, the release of the renders is the next step in the detailed design phase, which follows extensive community consultation before and after the release of the master plan last year. Construction is expected to begin in 2023, with students walking through the doors by 2025.

SOARING PETROL PRICES RENEW INTEREST IN EVS IN TASSIE

Unfortunately our eyes weren’t deceiving us last month when petrol soared to $2.30/L, proving enough for some to question switching to electric. In the past EVs may have felt unattainable unless you had a decent nest egg wedged under your mattress, however EV technology has rapidly improved, resulting in more brands and falling prices. One year into a two year stamp duty exemption for all EVs in Tasmania, Tesla saw a 178% increase of their cars on Tasmanian roads in 2021 with EVs and combustion vehicles (the regular kind) predicted to equal in the car yard by 2030. Range longevity is possibly the biggest concern for potential buyers – no one wants to be left stranded with a flat battery. EVs will average between 200-500km before needing a recharge and while cars plugged into your regular powerpoint at home will need overnight to recharge, fast chargers located around the state can have you back on the road with a full battery in 30-90 minutes. The Electric Vehicle Fast Charger Scheme initiative was introduced in 2017 to encourage private businesses and homes to take matters into their own hands. The scheme provided technical expertise and offered rebates to those who install ‘DC fast electric chargers’ for public use. Participants could be reimbursed for costs associated with the physical charger, installation costs and power upgrade costs. There are now 14 fast chargers offering charging rates of up to 350kW linking Tasmania in 200km intervals, as well as regular powerpoints if you’re stopping for a bit longer. You can find these on the PlugShare website/app (or search the app store for more options). Cars can now be charged up to 80% in the time it takes to sip a flat white. You’re almost more likely to hit water before you run out of charge here in Tasmania! The state government is also committing to a 100% electric government fleet by 2030 and two years free registration for car rental companies and coach operators who update EVs. There can be delays on getting an EV into the state, so if reading about an EV tickles your fancy, it might be time to start your search.

SYDNEY SWAP AND GO CONTAINERS NOW IN HOBART

A Sydney container swap start-up, Replated has arrived in Hobart with their funky blue reusable takeaway containers. A bunch of Hobart businesses are already on board (check the website for an updated list) where customers can  bring their clean Replated containers to be filled with lots of yummy takeaway, reducing the need for any single use packaging. The company is trialling a swap and go system in their home state where customers can order their food, take in their container and swap for one filled up and ready to go. Keep your eyes peeled. Replated containers can be purchased online or instore at Teros, Elizabeth Street, Hobart. Go environment!

THE HOBART MAGAZINE CELEBRATES FOUR YEARS

This month marks the fourth anniversary of The Hobart Magazine, and we can’t quite believe it! First published in May 2018, The Hobart Magazine has grown from a bimonthly to a monthly publication, and through trial and error and community feedback, we’ve found our feet. In each edition we want to put a spotlight on local people, whether it be chefs, bakers, teachers, artists, athletes, scientists, musicians, nurses, farmers, activists, social workers, film directors, or business owners. On our covers we feature interesting Tasmanians, as we seek to celebrate and share the achievements of fellow locals who are part of our community. Some highlights have included interviews with Grace Tame, Richie Porte, Kirsha Kaechele, Robert Clifford, Mitch McPherson, Sabra Lane, Dan Watkins, Matt Bevilacqua, and even the Bridgewater Jerry! We’ve had some proud moments, like when AFL star Jess Wuetschner, our first ever cover person, earned her third All-Australian nomination in 2019, or when boxer Luke Jackson shared his inspiring story of escaping a tough childhood to become one of Australia’s best boxers. We’ve tried to not shy away from writing about tough topics either, like when we reported on the chronic underfunding of Hobart’s schools, the need for better architecture and design choices in public buildings, and the effects of Covid 19 resulting in an increased number of calls to Lifeline Tasmania. Whether it’s good news stories or those a little more difficult to tell, we always write about what we feel is important. A big thank you is in order to everyone who has helped us along the way – contributors, advertisers, suppliers, distribution points, our patient family. And lastly, we couldn’t have done it without the support of our readers – thank you for spending your precious time with us each month. Here’s to many more years to come. Feeling nostalgic? You can read all previous editions of The Hobart Magazine online at www.thehobartmagazine.com.au

A TRAIL OF TIPPLES ACROSS TOWN

We are celebrating our local watering holes this month with Australian Cocktail month, yes a whole month! There are half a dozen venues around town with curated cocktail lists of their favourite tipples, all you need is a ticket from the website to unlock them for a cheeky $14 tour around town. The pass includes eleven cities beyond Hobart, with 145 bars taking part across Australia to celebrate the wonderful mixologists that help us celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, engagements and the end of the working week. Not a drinker? Non-alcoholic options are included (at a cheaper price too) and anyone with a disability card is eligible for a free pass. Bottoms up!

DARK MOFO RETURNS

As autumn turns to winter and the darkness creeps in earlier each evening, it’s time to make Dark Mofo plans again (if you haven’t already – more than 30,000 tickets were sold within the first five hours, with a number of shows selling out). The two-week event will take place from 8–22 June this year. Some standout names on the program include Sonic Youth’s Kim Gordon,The Kid Laroi and the TSO. There are also the regular events like the nude solstice swim, the opening night Reclamation Walk and after-event The Gathering and the Winter Feast. “This year’s festival is a celebration of coming together again, to listen to some music, see some art and eat at the Winter Feast,” Creative Director Leigh Carmichael said. “As the cultural world re-emerges from the darkness of cancellations and lockdowns, we are all experiencing a rebirth, of sorts. The forced isolation gave rise to a re-evaluation of what matters, to new ideas, new dreams. We’re just grateful to be able to present a full festival program again.”

CLARENCE STORY FESTIVAL LOOKING FOR TRUE LOCAL STORIES

Clarence City Council recently announced a brand new festival addition to their cultural calendar. The Story Festival will be a week-long celebration of Clarence’s diverse community, with activities, talks and performances from Tasmanian artists across different locations in the area. Learn traditional Thai dance, practice contemporary Arabic calligraphy or give traditional African Basket weaving a go. The main events will be held on Saturday 21 May, including a Market Day with performances, food vans and free workshops, and the Nitty Gritty: True Stories Told by Real Humans, a free forum to hear interesting and unique real stories from Hobart locals. Have something to say to yourself? Applications to tell your story are due 13 May. Events are running all day, some suitable for children. Check out the itinerary at www.clarenceartsandevents.net/story-festival.

NEW MOLLE STREET CROSSING WORK COMMENCES

If you’ve ever tried to cross at the intersection of Molle and Collins street in the CBD, you’ll be glad to hear that funding has been secured for the installation of traffic lights. A $650,000 project, the lights will make the junction safer for commuters, pedestrians and cyclists. The lights will be positioned opposite the beginning of the rivulet track near Hamlet Cafe, a popular route for CBD workers living in South Hobart, Dynnyrne and West Hobart. Approximately 2300 people cross the two lane road each day, including parents dropping children off at the nearby Goodstart Early Learning Centre and South Hobart Primary School. City of Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said the project would not have been possible without the support of Tasmanian Independent MP Andrew Wilkie and the Australian Government’s Black Spot Program. The project is estimated to take four months to complete, and was identified by the City of Hobart as a key link in making Hobart an accessible and safely connected city for everyone.

CHANGES TO FIRST HOME OWNERS/ BUYERS INITIATIVES

Breaking into the housing market for the first time seems an impossible nut to crack these days, however first home owners and buyers will be glad a helping hand is around for a bit longer. First home-owners looking to build or buy brand new homes will have access to a $30,000 grant for an additional year, now ending June 2023. For those looking to buy land, the tax-free threshold has been increased to $100 000, and first home-buyers of established homes and pensioners downsizing to another home will enjoy the 50% discount on Property Transfer Duty till June 2023 too. For properties to be eligible for the discount, property value has increased from $500 000 to $600 000 to match rising property prices in Tasmania and to be considered for exemption. This equates to roughly $11,250 on a $600,000 property. The program extensions and changes are part of the Tasmanian government’s pledge to provide more affordable housing for Tasmanians, a 10-year housing package worth more than $1.5 billion.

KENNEL COUGH HITS HOBART

Numerous Hobart vets are reporting cases of kennel cough amongst local dogs. Kennel cough is a highly contagious infection, with the main symptom being a harsh dry cough (sometimes likened to a goose’s honk). The infection is airborne, so dogs can pick it up without being in contact with other dogs. If you think your dog may have it, call your local vet for advice and to help them monitor the outbreak.

NEW COMPOSTABLE DOGGY DOO BAGS FOR HOBART

Almost a million fully compostable doggy doo bags will be installed in parks and at popular dog-walking areas across Hobart this year, giving dog owners no excuse to not pick up after their pets.

END OF AN ERA: LOVERS OF ICE SPORTS LEFT OUT IN THE COLD

Tasmania’s only ice rink may be closing down for good after being sold to a private buyer. The Glenorchy Ice Skating Rink has been an iconic part of Hobart culture for the better part of 40 years, hosting figure skating, ice hockey, paralympic sled hockey, and recreational skating. Anna Holliday, president of Ice Sports Tasmania said she believes a new ice sport facility needs to be built in order to save the future of ice sports in Tasmania. “Hundreds of social and competitive ice-hockey and figure skating athletes have no local future in their sport and our young people have lost a place of community connection.” Since the announcement of the rink sale, Ice Sports Tasmania have formed an online petition which garnered over 1100 signatures within the first 48 hours. “We are humbled by the influx of messages from local and interstate supporters, and we also realise the impact our local situation may have on ice sports on a national scale,” Ms Holliday said. “The messages are consistent, that ice sports in Tasmania need to be saved by securing a new full size ice sports centre.” Originally opened in 1980 by Tony and Beverly Kaitinis in 1980, the Glenorchy Ice Rink is one of only 20 ice rinks Australia-wide.

TASMANIA’S CLOSE CONTACT CHANGES EXPLAINED

Tasmanians who are classified as close contacts no longer need to quarantine for seven days, provided they comply with other Public Health measures. Anyone who experiences COVID-19 symptoms is still required to isolate and get tested immediately. Close contacts must take a daily rapid antigen test, wear a face mask when outside of the home, advise their workplace of their close contact status, and avoid high-risk premises such as aged care facilities and hospitals. Workplaces can assess the appropriateness of close contacts working from home. Premier Jeremy Rockliff said he understood some might find the changes difficult. “While these changes will be confronting for some, they are another important step in our ongoing transition to live with COVID-19 and I want to assure Tasmanians that we will be doing this safely, sensibly and in line with public health advice,” he said. Dr Rosalie Woodruff MP, the Greens Health spokesperson, called the move irresponsible. “Now is the time for the Liberals to tighten and reinforce the importance of public health protections, not to weaken them,” Dr Woodruff said. “Removing close contact isolation requirements won’t solve workplace shortages. It will just mean more people get Covid, and more people risk getting long Covid post-viral syndrome and other serious long-term complications.” The Check in TAS App requirement in hospitality venues is also gone – although some venues may continue to use their own check-in processes.

NEW WRITERS FEST FOR NEW NORFOLK IN THE WORKS

Southern Tasmania has a brand new writers’ festival! The inaugural Derwent Valley Writers’ Festival will be held this month, from 27 – 29 May. The three-day event will include writing and story-based activities, author talks, panel discussions, films, workshops and book launches. Excitingly, Allen and Unwin representative Annette Barlow will be there and if you’ve got a manuscript ready to go you can enter the draw to be one of 12 writers who get to sit down and pitch your book to her. The festival is presented by Derwent Valley Arts, and will be held at The Barracks in New Norfolk. See the full program and extra info at www.derwentvalley.art/dvwf.

CHECKING IN: THE HOBART MAGAZINE’S VERY FIRST COVER PERSON

Jess Wuetschner is an AFLW player, currently with the Brisbane Lions and hails from Hobart. Four years ago she took a gamble and allowed us to feature her as our very first cover person. Steph checked in with Jess recently to find out what she’s been up to.

You were our very first cover person. Thanks for trusting us! Did anything happen for you after being on the cover? Thank you for trusting me to be on the very first cover! I was truly humbled. I had so many family and friends post it on Facebook and send me photos. Plenty of people from my younger Tassie days saw it as well, and got in contact which was nice.

You’ve been picked in the All- Australian team, played in a premiership final and consistently scored amazing goal kicking stats over the past few years. What’s your role in the game now? That All Australian selection feels like a lifetime ago, haha! My role has changed within the years. I think for me my role has involved creating scoring opportunities, leadership and pressure, but the young kids are taking over a little bit now. I’m now at a point of perhaps winding down my football life and chasing new goals, but I haven’t decided yet.

You’re taking a break from playing to focus on your mental health. Do you think you could’ve done that four years ago? It was a hard thing to do, I have been struggling quite openly for a while. The changes and stresses in life make it a roller coaster. It hasn’t been easy – you feel very detached from the team and not many people can understand what you’re going through. Four years ago I was in my prime mentally and physically so I don’t know how it’d have been back then. But the club was happy for me to do what was best for me.

When you get back to Hobart, what do you love doing? When I’m feeling good, I love to see the sights – the East Coast, Eaglehawk Neck and the Huon! And of course see family and friends, my favourite people are here in Hobart!