LOCAL PEOPLE: Tony Pignata

by James Marten

As the head of football, or soccer, in Tasmania, Tony Pignata OAM is pleased to ride the post-FIFA World Cup wave to benefit the sport here.

Where did you grow up and where do you live now? I was born and bred in Melbourne to Italian parents. I spend my time between Melbourne and Hobart, commuting.

What do you do for work? I’m the Chief Executive Officer of Football Tasmania. I’ve been here now for three years.

There’s no denying the current popularity of soccer in the wake of the 2026 men’s World Cup. What do you hope the flow on is for Tasmania and how does this translate at a grassroots level? The World Cup comes around every four years, and it captures a nation – we saw scenes in every state when the games were on. The Socceroos had a great tournament, we finished second in our group and made it to the playoffs before losing to Egypt on penalties. It does create a pathway for our young boys and girls as well, and they all want to be the next Socceroo or Matilda. This crop of players is young – Tony Popovic has brought a lot of new players into the squad, and created heroes. Patrick Beach, Jackson Irvine, Nestory Irankunda, Paul Okon-Engstler. There are so many talented Australian players that are playing now at a high level, including in Europe and that does create the next generation of players.

After the Matildas beautiful run in the 2023 Women’s World Cup, was there a boost in female participation and has this been sustained? Here in Tasmania, we did have an increase in participation. Our biggest barrier is facilities. You can have an uptick in players wanting to play, but we also need more facilities to accommodate them. Here at Football Tasmania, together with the clubs, we are pushing government and councils to assist us.

There’s not yet a rectangular stadium suitable for bigger crowds. When do you hope this will happen for Tassie? We’re probably the only State without a rectangular stadium. We’ve spoken to the government about this – their priority is obviously the new stadium in Hobart at Mac Point. So I think it’s a long way off for us. We are in the planning stages for a Home of Football, which will include multiple pitches, and while it won’t be a stadium per se, it will provide a boutique facility for us to host all levels of football from grassroots to elite.

What advice do you have for young players working to be the next Matilda or Socceroo from Tasmania. How is Football Tasmania encouraging the development of young players? Follow your love of the game, play as much as you can. It’s not only about playing a club level, it’s playing for your school, playing with your friends in the backyard. We’ve set up a Football Tasmania Academy here, which we’re very proud of, to develop future players for the Matildas and the Socceroos. There is a pathway. And, you know, when you have one, two or three players going to the next level, it does create excitement for players and shows that there is a pathway that you can play in Tasmania and go on to join our national teams.

Favourite TV show? Ted Lasso. It is a football show, but it’s more about life and I think we’ve seen the popularity of that show.

What are you reading now? I used to read a lot of John Grisham books, but I don’t anymore. Like everyone else, I’m glued to my phone and scrolling on Instagram, which is not great. I’d love to read more, but I’m very time poor.

What was your first job? It was working for Ferrari formal hire, where I was a consultant. The groom would come in with his groomsmen, and we’d have to fit him out. That was my part-time job while I was studying. I also worked in nightclubs as a barman, which was interesting!

What’s your secret vice? I suppose sport, and participating in sport, I cycle a lot. That’s my outlet and my therapy.

Your favourite place for…

Breakfast: Sisterhood in Sandy Bay for their almond croissant oats.

Lunch: Cheese and biscuits at my desk and carry on!

Dinner: I like Rockwall. I’ve been there a lot. I also like Peppina. There’s a lot of great restaurants – we’re very lucky here in Hobart.

Your dream holiday destination? Without doubt, has to be the Amalfi coast. I’ve been lucky enough to spend time in Positano and Capri and that’s a fabulous destination.

Favourite Tasmanian secret? When I’m in Tassie I like to cycle up Bonnet Hill on the Channel Highway through Taroona for the sweeping bends.

Parting words? I love working here at Football Tasmania. I love the game and I’m very passionate about the game and our football succeeding here.

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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.

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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!