Local Person: Kasper Hallam

by Lily Whiting

At only 19 years of age, Hobart teen Kasper Hallam is rubbing shoulders in the A-League after signing with Melbourne Victory late last year.

Where did you live in Hobart and where are you now? I was living in Dodges Ferry for the last 15 years or so and now I have moved to the suburb of Preston in Melbourne.

Why Hobart? The nature in and around Hobart, particularly kunanyi, makes the city quite a special place.

Tell us a little about your work? Last year I was working at Sorell High School as a trainee in the Health and Physical Education (HPE) and Outdoor Education Department – which is essentially the dream job of doing all the fun activities minus the paperwork of teachers!

Congratulations on signing with Melbourne Victory. What was the support like in the leadup to signing? Unbelievable really. Ken Morton (South Hobart manager) was constantly getting in touch with me during my trial period asking how things were going and giving me advice. It was tough to make the decision to leave, but I always felt that they were behind me and supporting me.

What has been the biggest adjustment for you, going from playing NPL in your home state to playing in the A-League across the ditch? The biggest adjustment has been the training load. After only this short period that I’ve been up here training with the Melbourne Victory U23 squad – I already feel that I’m probably the fittest I’ve ever been!

What aspects of your game are you focusing on this season? The basics of a good first touch and quick passing has always been a focus of mine to work on and this step up has definitely increased my focus on these simple areas of the game.

Are there any players or teams you are looking forward to playing against or with? Right now, my goal is to break into a few first team trainings and get the opportunity to train with the A-League players.

What do you love doing outside work? Football has been my number one focus for a number of years now, however I do love getting out in the waves with my mates when I can.

Who do you admire? Probably most of all my brothers, who teach me not to get too wrapped up in football and enjoy the journey along the way.

Favourite podcast or tv show? I recently finished binging the whole two seasons of Netflix, The Witcher in about two days during isolation which was pretty unreal.

Secret Vice I’m a bit of a sucker for a rom com.

What does a dream career of a professional soccer player look like? Being a professional player looks incredibly demanding and takes a lot of sacrifice, however, it is the dream career and I’d do just about anything for a shot at it!

What are you reading now? Man’s Search for Meaning by Victor E. Frankl

What gets your goat? Copping banter for saying football instead of soccer, haha.

What was your first job? Working as a cleaner at the local butcher.

What are your daily news/social media habits? I’m still somewhat of a screen-ager, so I get most of my daily news off of Facebook.

Your favourite place for…

Breakfast: Just at home for Mum’s egg, bacon and mushroom cook-ups.

Lunch: The sushi train is a go to.

Dinner: The Winston makes a pretty good pub meal.

Favourite team? Newcastle United

Favourite Hobart secret? Ooh, if I told you, it wouldn’t be much of a secret!

Parting words? I’m definitely excited for the future, but I’m certain that a part of me will always be missing Tassie, and my friends and family.

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Extras

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!