Local People: Gabe Gossage

by Stephanie Williams

Buy a pair, give a pair. Two years in, Gabe’s 1for1.clUb has helped more than 1,000 Australians doing it tough get new clothing, one pair of socks at a time.

Where did you grow up and where do you live now? I spent most of my younger life growing up on the North West Coast at Boat Harbour Beach. I’m now very lucky to live in semi bush in Acton Park.

What do you do for work? My day job is in IT working for RACT but my passion is for making a positive difference via being a Social Entrepreneur with the 1for1.clUb.

You started 1for1.clUb, which is celebrating its second birthday. How does it work? The idea is simple: when someone buys a pair of our Australian merino socks, a second new pair is delivered to one of our giving partners for someone doing it tough. Those partners, including homelessness and outreach services here in Hobart and across Australia, make sure the socks reach people who need them. I started 1for1.clUb because I wanted an everyday purchase to do something useful. Two years on, it’s become a community of people who take our socks on adventures around the world and know their purchase has helped someone else doing it tough.

Why socks? And what’s the next product? Socks are one of the most requested items by homeless shelters, yet they’re rarely donated. For hygiene reasons, services can’t accept second-hand socks or underwear, so people need new ones.

There’s also a connection to Tasmania’s outdoor culture. On a multi-day walk, you want socks that stay comfortable and durable when you can’t wash them every day. For someone living in crisis, limited access to laundry facilities and the need for long lasting clothing is an everyday reality. That’s why we’ve put so much thought into making durable, comfortable merino socks with antimicrobial treatment integrated into them. So they last a long time, blister-resistant, and more importantly don’t smell. We’ve since added beanies, and underwear is the next everyday essential I’d like to explore.

What impact has 1for1.clUb had? In our first two years, we’ve helped more than 1,000 people across Australia access new clothing, particularly socks. That includes people supported by organisations here in Tasmania such as Hobart City Mission and the Hobart Women’s Shelter. We also work with a number of NGOs across Australia in other cities. The number matters, but so does what’s behind it. A fresh pair of socks can mean warmth, comfort and a little dignity at a difficult time. Every person who buys from us, shares our story or wears the U is helping make that possible.

You have been independently verified by People and Planet First – what does that mean for the business and to you? It means 1for1.clUb has been assessed against global standards for businesses that exist to address a social or environmental problem. It gives customers and giving partners an independent way to see that our purpose is built into how the business operates.

Personally, it means a lot. I didn’t start 1for1.clUb just to sell socks. I started it to see whether a business could make a practical difference, one purchase at a time. The verification recognises that commitment, and it pushes me to keep earning people’s trust as we grow. Watch out Patagonia or North Face 😉

What’s something you wish more people knew about what you do? I think I am very community driven. Whether it be helping a local charity with fund raising such as Variety Tas or being sent to flooded areas to perform swift water rescues with Surf Life Saving Tasmania.

Who do you admire? So many people who don’t fear taking on a challenge and leaving the world a better place.

Favourite podcast or tv show? I’m a little bit obsessed with Beau Miles at the moment and how he lives his life.

Secret vice? Building camper vans out of Postie Vans…up to number 14 now.

What was your first job? Picking up glasses in my parent’s pub and being paid in mixed lollies.

What are your daily news/social media habits? I love local news – especially anything ABC (I’ve become my parents!). I also enjoy seeing everyone’s adventures on Facebook or Instagram.

Your favourite place for…

Breakfast: I’m in Capulus in North Hobart most mornings.

Lunch: Love a good veggie curry, I like Chai Vegetarian in Mathers Lane.

Dinner: Good veggie curry again like Sawak in the city or Dawat in Bellerive.

Dream holiday destination? Somewhere warm with good friends. I’m hoping to go bike packing next year across Japan.

Favourite Tasmanian secret? Camping in a van on the banks of the Derwent River at Derwent Bridge.

Parting words? I’m passionate about Tassie and all of her treasures. I spent decades working on the mainland with people who joked about Tasmania…the jokes on them now!

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Extras

Hobart Happenings

by James Marten

Bits and Pieces – August 2026

Hobart Happenings

by Steph Williams

Bits And Pieces – July 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!