Local Person: Joel Imber

by Peta Hen

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

Where did you grow up and where do you live now? I grew up in Forcett and went to Dodges Ferry Primary School. It was a great community, very kind and creative.

Tell us a little about your work. I run creative projects, workshops and creative mentoring in communities across Tasmania. I worked at City of Hobart’s Youth ARC for 14 years – it’s a very important part of my life as it is for many other young people. I now run Create Crew (currently myself as a sole trader), working on creative workshops (music, art, photography, video), mentoring and projects through NDIS, collaborative events, community projects, youth work and other community initiatives. In a sense, I am a mobile creative service ready for a challenge!

What inspired you to start to Create Crew? My inspiration comes a lot from hip hop culture, particularly from its earlier foundations of graffiti art, breaking, djing and rapping and how they all could work together. When I first got into hip hop through breakdancing (breakin) in my late teens, I was hooked! It became a massive part of my outlook towards life in learning new skills, connecting with the community, creating projects and events.

Why is engaging the community with creative projects important? I’m passionate about connecting through creativity. It’s a great way to express yourself, try new things and feel empowered. When you are in the community creating art, or music or whatever it might be you are often interacting with people passing by. This could be verbal or nonverbal, they could be participating or observing. We are there in the moment…creating!

Which project has been a highlight? There are too many to mention! But I really enjoyed working with a young man I helped mentor through his NDIS plan. He is a passionate video gamer and streamer. We went on a bit of an adventure meeting other video gamers in the community and we made a documentary called Our Gaming Lives – which you can see on YouTube. That was a lot of fun! We were geeking out pretty hard and created lots of great memories. For Luke aka MRMARIO827, this was a unique experience as he is often isolated and disconnected from the broader community.

Favourite podcast or tv show? I have and always will love cartoons! Regular Show is one of my favourites. I also like lots of classic funny UK humour too-Mr Bean, IT Crowd etc.

Secret vice? Ice cream. 100%

What are you reading now? Currently it’s Eminem’s biography.

Do you have any pets? Our dog Romeo.

What was your first job? My first real job was at Chickenfeed, RIP.

What are your daily news/social media habits? Marketplace, Gumtree, Facebook. Ideally less of!

Your favourite place for…

Breakfast: Raincheck Lounge.

Lunch: Browns Burgers.

Dinner: Local Pizza.

Favourite team? JackJumpers!

Dream holiday destination? I would like to check out New York City one day.

Favourite Tasmanian secret? Bidencopes Lane.

Parting words? Have fun, be kind and listen, learn new skills, and connect with your community and discover the power of creativity! Also, surround yourself with people who support you with your dreams and aspirations.

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Hobart Happenings

by Steph Williams

Bits and Pieces- June 2026

Hobart Happenings

by Steph Williams

Bits and Pieces – May 2026

Bits and Pieces- May 2026

Stay up to date with everything happening at the Hobart Magazine.

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.

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.

Even though Tasmania is known for its mild summers, it doesn’t take much to get sunburnt. Tasmania experiences extreme ultraviolet (UV) levels, but contrary to popular belief this isn’t due to the hole in the ozone layer, which is actually south of the continent.While higher UV levels often occur at the same time as higher temperatures, the two are not linked. Instead, UV levels are determined by the angle of the sun in the sky: the higher the sun, the higher the UV. In December and January, the position of the sun over Tasmania gives the state a UV index of 11 or more on most days, which is classified as “extreme” on the UV index. Tasmania’s lack of humidity and generally clear skies contribute to the stinging feeling of the sun. UV can reflect off buildings and water, making it possible to get a higher dose of UV from these reflected rays, even in the shade.

Setting up shop during a pandemic was a risky move, but if the crowd at Dāna Eating House (Dāna) on a Friday night is anything to go by, it’s one that’s paid off. With tables of diners chatting and laughing over drinks, the music and conversation buzzes off the monstera-leaf-green walls. Low-hanging rattan lights and worn wooden floorboards give the newly opened South-East Asian fusion venue in Hobart’s CBD a relaxed vibe.

A Holyman flagged ship hasn’t steamed up the River Derwent since 1984 but the company’s name still proudly adorns its former offices at 5 Morrison Street, Hobart.

Widening the Tasman Bridge to allow 3.5 metres on each side is a big win for walkers and cyclists.

Need a laugh? Check out @theinspiredunemployed feed on Instagram.

Rain, hail and shine, the school crossing guards are always there to help with a smile on their face.

It’s hard to believe it’s not standard practice to have a working phone in every aged care room - shared phones make private conversations impossible and increase the risk of spreading COVID-19.

Just when you think your cousins are alright. NZ Opposition Leader Judith Collins took aim at Tassie during her recent (unsuccessful) campaign, calling us Australia’s “poor cousin.” She also seems worried about us nabbing tech businesses, “It’s a lovely part of the world but do you necessarily want to go there with your high- tech business? Possibly not,” she said. We beg to differ!