NEWS: The Reverse Advent Calendar is Back in 2026

by James Marsten

Unlike a regular Advent Calendar where the focus is on receiving a treat every day, the Reverse Advent Calendar takes the focus off receiving and places the focus on giving. Each Christmas a Reverse Advent Calendar begins as an empty box, collected from a local supporting business.

Over November participants place one item into the box (non-perishable essential foods, toiletries and Christmas treats are welcome). Your filled Reverse Advent Calendar is dropped off at a designated collection point on drop off day, where it is collected by local food relief agencies and distributed directly to people in your community experiencing food insecurity. Every box is checked to make sure it’s full of the good stuff!

The 2026 Reverse Advent Calendar recipient charities are Hobart Women’s Shelter, St Vincent de Paul Moonah, Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre and community centres across wider Hobart. For the last five years coordinated efforts have contributed more than 1100 boxes full of hope, love, joy and giving. Would you like to get involved? Head to www.facebook.com/groups/hobartreverseadventcalendar for more information.

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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!