NEW NEW NEW

We have many new openings, reopenings and new directions this month. Oatlands distillery Callington Mill has opened the Callington Mill Hobart Cellar Door & Restaurant (18 Hunter Street, Hobart) within the MACq01 building, taking the former Frogmore Creek Wine Bar space. Open for lunch and dinner, the menu features seafood, meat, and fresh produce designed to match their whiskies. Their full range of whiskies and gins are available, with a $30 tasting experience available, plus a more personalised whisky crafting experience. Something hot and delicious has landed in Centrepoint Shopping Centre. That Spud Place (K3, Centrepoint Shopping Centre, 70 Murray Street, Hobart) is now serving up jacket potatoes with a load of topping options and milkshakes. Open for less than a year, Seafood restaurant Sylvie has now relaunched as Sylvie Fiskebar (9/11 Murray Street, Hobart), a more casual dining and bar setting. Classic cocktails, pescatarian food, and a relaxed atmosphere are the order of the day. Open Thursday to Saturday evenings from 5:30pm.

Attica on Hampden (45 Hampden Road, Battery Point) has no connection to the famed Attica in Melbourne. Instead, it’s a traditional Greek estiatorio (an upmarket restaurant) offering a warm, family-friendly dining experience. The menu is packed with classic Greek favourites.

The Continental Bar n Grill (141 Sandy Bay Road, Sandy Bay) has recently opened, recently opened for brunch brunch, lunch, and dinner. The menu features classics like parmis, burgers, and seafood, along with a few dishes inspired by east Asian flavours. Falafel, get the spotlight at new restaurant Saba’s Falafel Hobart (73-75 Main Road, Moonah). Their menu also has other Middle Eastern delights like shawarma, hummus, and Turkish coffee, alongside freshly squeezed juices. There’s plenty of vegan and gluten-free options too.

Nearly a year after the restaurant burnt down in a fire, Hungry Jack’s Glenorchy (424-434 Main Road, Glenorchy) has been rebuilt and is open again to the public. Northern suburb locals no longer need to drive to North Hobart to get their Whopper fix. The revitalised restaurant has new digital ordering kiosks, dual-lane drive-thru access and a refreshed playground for children. From specialty coffee roaster Leaping Goat Coffee, The Little Goat (127-129 Gilbert Street, Latrobe) are bringing good coffee and good vibes to Latrobe, their second location after Devonport. Travellers coming through Launceston Airport can now be treated to the fresh menu of Liv Eat (201 Evandale Road, Western Junction), featuring bowls, burritos, smoothies, and coffee. Zeehan has a new spot for coffee and food, Big Z Cafe and Restaurant (125 Main Street, Zeehan), run by a local family who were already known for their food truck. Elizabeth’s Tasmania (418 Macquarie Street, South Hobart) has opened in the space of the old Kookaburra second-hand store, selling a selection of designer clothing, accessories, and curious artefacts from around the world, from brands such as such as Yohji Yamamoto, Maison Margiela and Lanvin.

Tattoo studio Walk the Line (3/29 Lincoln Street, Lindisfarne) have left their Liverpool Street location and swapped it for the Eastern Shore. Walk-ins welcome. ZooDoo Zoo has relaunched as Hobart Zoo and Aquarium (620 Middle Tea Tree Road, Tea Tree). The biggest addition is Tasmania’s largest public aquarium. There’s also a new weatherproof main building with air-conditioning, a café, shop, and a large indoor adventure playground. Here’s another one for Zeehan: the Zeehan Pharmacy (120 Main Street, Zeehan) was officially opened recently by Daniel Snyder, who has been a pharmacist for 15 years. The King Island Hub (38 Lighthouse Street, Currie) is now open. It’s a warm and welcoming space where residents can catch up, work, study, or enjoy a coffee while taking in the views through the panoramic windows. The hub is also home to Study King Island, a regional study hub initiative that’s currently supporting 10 local students. Designed by Core Collective Architects, the community hub has been in planning since 2020.

MORE VISITORS ARE COMING TO TASSIE…AND SPENDING

More and more tourists are coming to Tasmania and spending money here according to Tourism Tasmania. Based on the latest indicative results from the Tasmanian Visitor Survey, visitor numbers increased to 1.35 million (up 3.7 percent from the previous year) and spending grew to $3.61 billion (up 4.3 percent). 12.84 million nights were spent in Tasmania by visitors, which is an increase of 0.9 percent. After it was reported that the most recent summer saw a record number of visitors, the indicative results say the same happened for autumn.

BULK RECYCLING FOR BULK REWARDS

If you’ve worn out your wrists putting drink container after drink container into the Recycle Rewards sites, you’d be excited to learn about the Recycle Rewards Depot that recently launched in Goodwood. The drive-through depot can process over 100 drink containers per minute. It takes the effort out of depositing large amounts of containers by hand. As usual, you can choose to receive your 10 cent refund in cash, via the Recycle Rewards app, or donate it to a registered charity. As of 1 July, more than 12 million containers have been returned since Recycle Rewards launched on 1 May. Claremont Plaza is one of the state’s busiest sites, followed by Cove Hill in Bridgewater. Aluminium is the most frequently returned material (63 percent), followed by plastics (21 percent), then glass (14 percent).

HIDDEN TREASURES ON SHOW IN REGIONAL TASMANIA

The Royal Society of Tasmania (RST) has announced a new series of exhibitions called Hidden Treasures to run over the next three years, bringing the group’s art collection to the people of regional Tasmania. It gets its name because the collection is of national significance and yet the vast majority of them have not been seen by the public. It features Tasmanian paintings by John Skinner Prout, Louisa Anne Meredith, Charles William Piguenit and Simpkinson De Wesselow from the 1840 to 1900 period. The exhibition series opens in Oatlands during the Heritage and Bullock Festival, 8-9 August, in two heritage buildings: the gaolers residence and the court house. It’ll next appear in Longford at Woolmers Heritage Estate between early January to mid February 2026, then in Queenstown at the Galley Museum and Soggy Brolly Gallery from late February to March/April 2026. All framed and stand-alone prints in the exhibition will be for sale.

GOOD NEWS FOR GOONDOOLOO

Historic local boat the MV Goondooloo has been salvaged from the floor of the D’Entrecasteaux Channel, months after it sank on the way to the Wooden Boat Festival. The 67-year-old 20-metre wooden pilot cutter sank after the engine failed part way through its trip from Port Huon to the city in February. Built in 1958 by the Maritime Services Board of NSW at Goat Island, the Goondooloo is one of just three pilot cutters of its kind still in existence.

CRIME IN GLENORCHY DOWN, BUT LONG TERM ACTION IN QUESTION

Glenorchy sometimes makes headlines for crime, including a recent Daily Mail piece about a “shocking eshay crime wave” that saw significant attention, and the April incident at the Glenorchy Big W store involving a large group of youths shouting, jumping onto counters, and throwing punches. Despite this media attention, Tasmania Police says crime in the area is actually going down. They said there’s been a 16 percent drop in total offences across the Glenorchy division over the past year, falling from 4,578 to 3,848 incidents. Youth crime is also down by 21 percent, from 928 offences to 731. It’s worth noting these numbers count incidents, not individuals. Repeat offenders are counted more than once. This backs up reports from earlier in the year, when police revealed just 57 repeat offenders were responsible for more than half of all youth crime in Tasmania last year. In May 2025, Tasmania Police launched Taskforce Respect to tackle anti-social behaviour and boost safety in the Glenorchy CBD and shopping areas, involving a higher number and visibility of patrols. In its first month, the taskforce issued 35 formal directions for people to leave popular public areas because they were either committing offences or displaying anti-social behaviours. Inspector Jason Klug said results since the implementation of Taskforce Respect in mid-May had been particularly encouraging. “Our calls have reduced by about 40 per cent since the introduction of Taskforce Respect, so these are some really positive figures,” Inspector Klug said. Along with the Taskforce, Glenorchy City Council Mayor Sue Hickey said the lower crime rates can be partly attributed to police working closely with young people. “Seeing our youth engagement officers and police working directly with young people, whether it’s by having a game of street basketball or just being available for a quiet chat and understanding any issues they may be dealing with, is something I am particularly proud of as Mayor,” she said.

Independent Member for Elwick Bec Thomas has said more still needs to be done to address what she calls a complex and intergenerational issue in the long-term. Ms Thomas proposed legislative change to provide security officers with greater powers to intervene, increased investment in early intervention programs for at-risk youth, a Glenorchy Youth Hub and a review of youth justice sentencing and diversion program outcomes. “Over the past decade we’ve seen the Government axe the Pulse Youth Health Drop In Centre in Glenorchy, the U-Turn Program, the Wilderness Program and Chance on Main,” Ms Thomas said. “There’s been very little investment in evidence-based programs to replace these initiatives that have proven to change the course of, and even save, young people’s lives.”

If you’ve got information about a crime, you can call police on 131 444, or dial 000 in an emergency. You can also report anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at www.crimestopperstas.com.au.

TURNING NEGLECTED SOUTH HOBART LAND INTO NATURE

South Hobart local Aaron Leeman-Smith and his colleagues have given some much-needed attention to a neglected patch of land along McRobies Road. Fifteen young saplings were planted on the bare hillside, marking the first step in a broader vision by the South Hobart Sustainable Community to create a “Green Mile.” The project aims to transform overlooked spaces along the route from the Southern Outlet turn-off on Macquarie Street, all the way to Cascade Gardens, with native trees, shrubs, and understorey planting.

JACKIES ON THE MOVE WITH TASMANIAN AUTO COMPANY

 The Tasmania JackJumpers have partnered with leading Tasmanian automotive company Jackson Motor Company (JMC) to get the players moving off the court. JMC will help drive the club over the next two years as the official vehicle sponsor of the JackJumpers. JMC Dealer Principal, Kristy Stewart, shared, “We’re excited to be partnering with such a dynamic and much loved brand like the Tasmania JackJumpers. Their commitment to success on and off the court mirrors our own values at JMC. We look forward to being part of the team’s journey and assisting with their logistical needs through our reliable range of vehicles.” Head Coach Scott Roth and a number of key players will be behind the wheel of some of JMC’s premier vehicle brands. JMC will also partner with the JackJumpers to support the club’s preseason games against Sydney Kings in the State’s North West and North this month.

HISTORIC MODEL STAIRCASE REUNITED WITH MEDAL

A model staircase on display at Tas- TAFE’s Clarence Campus now sits alongside the medal it won at the British Empire Exhibition in London in 1925. The grand elliptical (skewered) staircase made from Tasmanian blackwood was built in the early 1920s by William Michael, who was a teacher at the Hobart Technical College (which is now TasTAFE) from 1921-45. In 1925, the model travelled to the British Empire Exhibition in London, representing the best of Australian craftsmanship. And it won a medal! The exhibition featured craftsmanship from all over the world, and had some amazing things like a rollercoaster, a dance hall, a boating lake, an elephant pageant, a coal mine, and a recreation of Tutankhamun’s tomb. In 2024, William Michael’s great niece, Mrs Margaret Nicholls, contacted TasTAFE seeking to reunite Mr Michael’s staircase with his winning medal. Now, 100 years after the British Empire Exhibition in London, the model staircase and the medal are officially reunited.

LAND RETURNED TO ABORIGINAL OWNERSHIP

A parcel of land on Tasmania’s north west coast has been returned to Tasmanian Aboriginal ownership. The 26-acre property, located at Dempster Creek in Loongana, south west of Ulverstone, was handed back to the Aboriginal Land Council of Tasmania (ALCT) by its former owners, Barbara and Ian Sale. ALCT General Manager Sarah Wilcox described the area as a landscape of significant cultural, natural, and environmental value.

PLANTING FOR PENGUINS

Hellyer College Outdoor Education students recently finished planting vegetation in Burnie to help little penguins. At Cooee Beach, Marram grass and blackberry were removed to be replaced by plantings which will provide more habitat for the local little penguins when they return in spring. The students planted 400 local native grasses and plants to regenerate the area. At Burton St Reserve, which is a classified Eucalyptus viminalis (white gum) forest, they helped remove weeds which will help the threatened native vegetation.

FERMENTATION HUB BUBBLES UP IN NORTHERN TAS

Tasmania now has a dedicated home for all things fermentation with the launch of the Ferment HQ in the Tamar Valley. It aims to bring together producers, researchers, chefs, and makers to explore and experiment with fermentation, from koji to kombucha, miso to mead. Fermen- Tasmania is the organisation behind it and they’re thing is promoting fermentation across the state. Expressions of interest are now open for businesses looking to make use of the new hub.

WOAH, A GLOWING QUOLL

A never-before-seen image of a glowing Eastern Quoll captured in Tasmania’s wilderness has been named among the finalists for the 2025 Beaker Street Science Photography Prize. The photograph, taken by Tasmanian photographer Ben Alldridge, shows the endangered marsupial’s biofluorescence under ultraviolet light, making it the first time the phenomenon has been documented in the wild for this species.

DEVONPORT DOES IT AGAIN

Three towns from Tasmania’s north west have taken the spotlight in this year’s Tassie’s Top Tourism Towns awards. Devonport has once again taken out the top honour, being named Top Tourism Town for the second year running. People can’t get enough of their candy-striped lighthouse it seems. Stanley took home not one, but two major awards, winning Tiny Tourism Town and the People’s Choice award. Deloraine also did the region proud, earning the title of Small Tourism Town. In a new category, Cat Davidson from Inala Nature Tours won the Tassie Tour Guide Award. All winners will go on to represent Tasmania at the Australian Top Tourism Towns and Top Tour Guide Awards, to be held in Canberra on 10 September.

BECOME A PLANT PARENT TO ALPINE FLORA

The Gondwana Project is conserving and restoring Tasmania’s ancient and endemic alpine flora, which are remnants of the supercontinent Gondwana. This includes King Billy, Huon, and Pencil pines, and Nothofagus gunnii (fagus). Now, a new initiative invites the Hobart community to care for saplings in their gardens before they are planted as part of the project. In August and September, you can pick up plants and become their custodian. You’ll own the plant, but in times of crisis or for any reforestation programs, you can provide cuttings and seeds. Head to Gondwana Project’s Facebook page or website at www.thegondwanaproject.org/custodianship for more information.

STAY SAFE ON WINTER WALKS

Tasmania’s wilderness is breathtaking in winter, but it can also be unforgiving. Tasmania Police is urging bushwalkers to take extra precautions during the colder months, as winter walking carries significantly higher risks. So far in the 2024/25 financial year, the Tasmania Police Search and Rescue helicopter has already been called out to nearly 200 missions. Many of these incidents, they say, could have been avoided with better planning and preparation

THE SPIRIT’S COMING HOME WITH A SCOTTISH ACCENT

The Spirit of Tasmania IV’s holiday in Leith, Scotland has come to an end. The ship is currently on a 14,857 nautical mile voyage home to Tasmania. But the sightseeing isn’t quite over. The ship will pass through Gibraltar, Cape Verde Islands, Cape Town, Mauritius, and Fremantle before reaching Hobart in late August. Once in Hobart, the finishing touches will begin.

PFAS BANNED IN AUSTRALIA

From 1 July, Australia introduced a ban on the manufacture, import, export, and use of certain PFAS chemicals including PFOS, PFOA, and PFHxS. This move is part of the Industrial Chemicals Environmental Management Standard (IChEMS).

What are PFAS?

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are synthetic chemicals known for being resistant to water, oil, heat, and stains. Often called “forever chemicals”, they stick around in the environment and have been linked to serious health and environmental risks. You’ll find PFAS in things like cleaning products, antifoams, aerosol sprays, specialty paints, firefighting foams, industrial coatings, non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, and waterproof clothing. So the ban is quite a big deal.

What isn’t banned?

The ban doesn’t apply to scientific research or chemicals used for medical and therapeutic purposes. That means medical devices (including their packaging, instructions, and spare parts) aren’t affected.

Where is PFAS?

Because PFAS don’t break down easily, they’ve been used in a wide range of products and can be found in low levels pretty much everywhere. Higher concentrations tend to turn up near landfills, sewage treatment plants, industrial sites, and places where firefighting foams have been used like airports, fire training centres, fuel refineries, transport hubs, and mines.

What about Tasmania?

Here in Tassie, PFAS contamination has been detected in places like Hobart and Launceston Airports, the Tasmanian Fire Service’s Cambridge Facility, and the Australian Maritime College’s fire training centre at Bell Bay. As for water, TasWater has run nearly 2,000 tests across all 70 of its raw water catchments, and there’ve been no PFAS detections to date.

BLACKMANS BAY NORTH DOWNGRADED IN WATER QUALITY

The latest long-term water quality ratings are out for Greater Hobart’s beaches and bays, showing a bit of a mixed bag. The northern end of Blackmans Bay Beach was the only site that changed in status, being downgraded from Good to Fair. The good news is all other swimming sites improved, but only slightly. The Derwent Estuary Program tested 38 sites from New Norfolk to Kingborough every week between December and March, split into swimming beaches and environmental sites. Water samples were checked for a specific bacteria, enterococci, which signals possible contamination from stormwater runoff and other sources. By the end of the season, ten swimming spots were rated Good, seven were Fair, and two were rated Poor. The two sites rated Poor are the southern end of Blackmans Bay Beach and the northern end of Kingston Beach. Kingborough Mayor Paula Wriedt said, “Investigations indicate that contaminated stormwater flowing from the upstream catchment area is likely reaching the beach at various times, contributing to the ongoing water quality issues.” She also said it was important that the community did their part to lessen the risk of blocked sewer systems, which can lead to sewerage entering stormwater pipes. “This means, we remind people to only flush the 3Ps – Pee, Poo and Paper,” she said.

RIDE WHILE YOU READ

Spotted at Glenorchy Library: a desk with a difference: a biking desk. It’s a stationary exercise bike with a desk attached so you can sit on the bike seat, work or read at the desk, get your exercise done and check out the view out the window, all at the same time.

ONE YEAR OF MEOW MEALS MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Over a year ago, Ten Lives Cat Centre launched the “Meow Meals” Feline Food Assistance Program, which are cat food care packages designed to help individuals and families doing it tough to keep their furry companions at home. Each pack includes two weeks’ worth of food, easing the pressure on cat owners facing financial hardship. In the 2024–25 financial year, Ten Lives delivered 1,590 Meow Meals. That’s an average of around 61 packs every fortnight. The program runs on donations, and Ten Lives says more support is needed to keep it going, with a recent rise in the number of people needing a helping hand. Along with financial donations, you can drop off unopened dry food, tins of wet food, and even ziplock or paper bags to help keep local cats in loving homes and out of shelters.

GOOD NEWS: TEEN INTEREST IN VAPING DECLINING

After a few years being the big new thing for young people, teen interest in vaping is on the decline. Vaping rates among children aged 14 to 17 have dropped from 17.5 percent at the beginning of 2023 to 14.6 percent as of April this year. The figures come from the Cancer Council’s latest Generation Vape study, which is considered the most comprehensive survey on vaping in Australia. The data, drawn from responses by around 3,000 young people, also sees a broader decline in vaping across all age groups. “We’re seeing fewer teens picking up vapes, less curiosity about vaping, and a growing sense of embarrassment around being a ‘vaper’. That signals a real cultural change — and that’s a win for families, schools, and communities,” said AMA Vice President, Associate Professor Julian Rait. Other notable findings include: vaping rates among Australians aged over 15 have dropped by more than a third; vaping among adults aged 30 to 59 has halved; exposure to vaping-related content on major social media platforms has fallen; fewer teens are purchasing vapes themselves; and interest in vaping continues to decline, with fewer than one in three teens expressing any curiosity.

ST PATRICK’S COLLEGE RELAYED FOR LIFE

Cancer Council Tasmania recently presented St Patrick’s College with the Champions of Hope Shield, recognising the school’s amazing effort in the 2025 Launceston Relay For Life. A total of 95 people from the St Pat’s community, including students, staff, Old Collegians, families, and friends, got involved. Together, they covered over 1,100 kilometres and raised more than $14,000, setting a new fundraising record for the College. Statewide, 3,270 people took part in six Relay For Life events, raising over $720,000 to support the fight against cancer. Money raised through Relay For Life helps Cancer Council Tasmania provide free support services to Tasmanians affected by cancer.

WHERE DOES YOUR SEAFOOD COME FROM?

A new law coming in for Australia will require hospitality businesses like restaurants, pubs and cafes to label seafood as imported or Australian. This law already exists for supermarkets. Businesses have been given a year to implement these changes, which come into effect from 1 July 2026. Customers will start seeing businesses use the Australian-Imported- Mixed (AIM) model to indicate the origin of their seafood, with ‘A’ indicating Australian, ‘I’ indicating imported/international, and ‘M’ indicating mixed origin containing both Australiana and imported. According to Seafood Industry Australia (SIA), 64 percent of seafood in Australia is imported.

SEASON OF GIVING: HELP THOSE IN NEED BY PREPARING A REVERSE ADVENT CALENDAR

You’ve heard of advent calendars, but what about reverse advent calendars? Swapping receiving for giving, a reverse advent calendar begins as an empty box and is gradually filled up each day with items like non-perishable food, toiletries, and Christmas treats. They are then handed out to those in need. Reverse Advent Calendar Hobart have been doing this since 2021 and they’re looking to fill over 300 boxes this year. To take part, simply join the Reverse Advent Calendar Hobart Facebook group, put your hand up for a box, collect and fill the box with panty staples throughout the month of November, then drop it back to a central collection point in the last week of November. It will then be distributed by food relief agencies to people in the community who are experiencing food insecurity. By putting in one item a day, it’s a practical way to give back and spread Christmas cheer.

NEW REPORT PREDICTS 15 CANCER DIAGNOSES A DAY IN THE FUTURE IN TASMANIA

A new report from the Tasmanian Cancer Registry, commissioned by Cancer Council Tasmania predicts a 30 percent increase in cancer diagnoses across the state over the next decade. By 2032, an estimated 15 Tasmanians will receive a cancer diagnosis every day. This is up from the 11 daily of 2022. Annual diagnoses are predicted to rise from 4,094 in 2022 to 5,328 by 2032, which will place additional burden on oncology services. Cancer Council Tasmania CEO Alison Lai said this is a conservative prediction. Prostate cancer is currently the most common diagnosis, and it’s expected to stay that way. Melanoma, a type of skin cancer, is predicted to rise significantly to overtake breast and bowel cancers and become the second most common cancer. The report attributes this predicted rise in cancer to Tasmania’s ageing population, healthcare accessibility issues and risk factors such as tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption, UV exposure, unhealthy diet and physical inactivity. In regards to what can be done about this, Ms Lai the Tasmanian Government needs to prioritise investment and funding towards this. Ms Lai said, “A proactive response is going to be essential, and the prioritisation of investment into cancer prevention, early detection and screening, is going to be critical to improve cancer outcomes by ensuring Tasmanians understand how to reduce their cancer risk and increasing cancer symptom awareness to find cancer early. We know that almost half of our cancer burden is attributable to modifiable risk factors and that people are more likely to survive cancer if it’s found early.”

WALKWAY TO THE SNOW

Had a chance to hit the Tassie slopes yet this winter? If not, now’s a great time to head up to Ben Lomond. After months of work, the brand-new village walkway is finally complete. It links the public shelter to the Snow Sports building, replacing the old treated pine structure that had been there for over 50 years. The new walkway is built to last with a 75-year lifespan in mind. It’s 122 metres long and 2.4 metres wide, giving plenty of space for skiers, snowboarders, and tobogganers, plus two-way foot traffic. The deck gratings have been specially designed to reduce the build-up of snow and ice, so it’s safer and easier to walk on, even in icy conditions.

GET YOUR GLUE GUNS OUT: BOOK WEEK TURNS 80

It’s time to start preparing those costumes because Children’s Book Week runs from Saturday 16 to Saturday 23 August, and this year it turns 80. The 2025 theme is Book an Adventure! Keep an eye on library activities at www.libraries.tas.gov.au/bookweek.

ARACHNOPHOBES BEWARE: NEW TAS SPIDER REVEALED

A newly discovered Tasmanian species of funnel-web spider was recently named after the local who found it. The discovery was made in late 2016, when QVMAG Collections Officer Simon Fearn was collecting beetle specimens in the Mount Paris dam area near Weldborough in north east Tasmania. “We were pulling up logs, looking for beetles,” said Fearn. “We’d rolled over hundreds of logs and hadn’t seen a funnel-web spider, and then this one turned up. I thought it was odd, because normally where funnel-webs occur, you tend to see a lot of them. It also looked different; a little bit weird.” At the time, two species of funnelweb spider were known in Tasmania: one in the state’s east (Hadronyche venenata); and another (Hadronyche pulvinator) from the Cascades area near Hobart that was described in the 1920s and hasn’t been seen since. Fearn gave the specimen to QVMAG Honorary Research Associate John Douglas, the only spider taxonomist in Tasmania. Douglas examined the specimen and found it had some unfamiliar features. He sent photos to Queensland-based global spider expert Dr Robert Raven, who confirmed that it was a likely new species. Confirmation came after specimens were sent to Dr Raven and together, they produced a new scientific record for the spider. “If you can find a new species of funnel-web spider in 2016, and such a large one too, it just goes to show how little we know,” said Fearn. The spider has now been named Hadronyche simonfearni in recognition of Fearn’s discovery. Amazingly, a thorough check of the QVMAG funnel-web collection revealed further specimens of the new species that had been misidentified over the years. This spider has larger, more elongate chelicerae (the pair of appendages at the front of the spider that house the fangs), has a ‘shinier’ appearance as well as a range of small taxonomic differences.

GLENORCHY SLAM DUNK: SPORTS CENTRE APPROVED Local basketball fans are sure to be aware that Greater Hobart has a significant shortage of basketball infrastructure, despite the popularity of the spot. Now, the development for a new basketball and multi-sport complex in Claremont has been approved by the Glenorchy City Council. Currently called the Glenorchy Sports Centre, it’ll house four basketball courts and be built near Claremont College. Glenorchy Mayor Sue Hickey said the new facility would provide much-needed basketball infrastructure for the community. “Glenorchy is seeing increasing demand for basketball courts as more and more young people are inspired to take up the sport, and these new courts will go some of the way to addressing court demand,” she said. The courts will also support futsal, netball and volleyball, as well as wheelchair sports, and seat up to 600 patrons. Construction is expected to begin towards the end of the year and finish in Q4 2026.

MEDALS FOR TASSIE ROWERS Many Tasmania rowers recently came home with medals after the Australian Masters Rowing Championships in New South Wales. Athletes from most Tasmanian clubs competed and won medals from events across the four days of the regatta. The men’s IS Masters D 4x crew of Michael Wilson (Ulverstone Rowing Club), and James Cowley, Tom Wilcox, and Phil Hutton of Lindisfarne Rowing Club put in a strong row to bring home the silver medal. The men’s IS Masters D 8+, made up of nine Tasmanian rowers, claimed the bronze medal. The women’s IS Masters D 4x crew finished fourth. Topping the medals for Tasmanian clubs was Lindisfarne Rowing Club, ranking 23rd overall of the 97 clubs competing from across Australia, New Zealand and Great Britain. In the Individual Point Score four Tasmanian club rowers were in the top 20 of 964 athletes: Patrick Bird and Robert Wrigley from the North Esk Rowing Club came sixth and eight respectively; Tom Wilcox and Phil Hutton from the Lindisfarne Rowing Club came ninth and 20th respectively. Congratulations to all the athletes who competed.

HOBART DUO BREAK KETTLEBALL WORLD RECORDS IN ITALY Two locals from a kettlebell-focused gym in Hobart have just become world record holders in the sport. Annette Counsell, 57, and Lenka Pelcova, 36, broke five world records between them at the recent World Kettlebell Sport Championships in Italy. The pair travelled as part of the Australian national kettlebell team, joining more than 700 lifters from around the globe over three days of intense competition. A kettlebell is a cast-iron or steel weight shaped like a cannonball with a handle. Kettlebell sport involves completing as many overhead reps as possible within a fixed time, typically 10 to 30 minutes.

Annette came away with three medals and now holds four world records in her category. Competing in the Under-65 Masters (55-64) division, she set new world records in the 10-minute One Arm Long Cycle (OALC) with a 12kg kettlebell, the 12kg biathlon, and the 30-minute snatch event. Lenka, who earned five medals at the championships, now holds the world record in the OALC 16kg event in the Under-65 Masters (35–44) category. Both athletes train at the ArtGym in Hobart and have been involved in the sport for about three years. They now have their sights set on the national championships in Perth this September.

PARK UPGRADE A WIN FOR DEVONPORT SPORT Great news for sport in Devonport: the Byard Park upgrade is officially done and dusted. The revamped facilities are a big win for local cricket and footy clubs, with fresh, modern spaces that’ll help players grow and get more of the community involved. Contractor Mead Con is responsible for the works

NEW GLENORCHY SKATE PARK ROLLS INTO ACTION A new skate park and pump track has recently opened at Windermere Bay between Claremont and Berriedale, suitably named the Windermere Skate Park. Glenorchy Mayor Sue Hickey said the park was designed with recreation for younger people in mind. “We know that riding skateboards, scooters and bikes is popular among children and young adults, which is why Glenorchy City Council is investing in these types of facilities to ensure we are helping keep young people active and engaged in healthy pastimes,” Mayor Hickey said. The park adjoins an existing recreation area which has new public toilets, barbecue facilities, picnic tables and bench seats, and is near a boardwalk and walking track.

TASMANIAN PARA SPRINTERS SELECTED FOR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS Tasmanian athletes Shannon Winchester and Alexander McKillop have been named in the Australian team for this year’s World Para Athletics Championships and will both contest 100 metre races. Classified as a T36 athlete with cerebral palsy, McKillop is in his ninth year as a para-athlete at the age of just 23, while 35-year-old Winchester is a newcomer having only recently been classified T38 for athletes with coordination impairments. They will be heading to New Delhi, India, to contest the championships from 26 September to 5 October.

THIS NORTHERN SUBURBS ATHLETE’S TREMENDOUS SEASON It’s been a standout season for rising Brighton athlete, Kayedel Smith. This year, the Northern Suburbs Athletics Club sprinter became the Tasmanian Open 60m Champion and clocked the fifth-fastest 100m time ever by a Tasmanian woman. She qualified for the 2025 Australian Athletics Championships in Perth, claiming silver, and reached the semi-finals of the Stawell Gift in Melbourne. Finishing as overall runner-up in the Tasmanian Athletic League season, she broke the 12-second barrier at the State Champs in the 100m. All of this led to Kayedel’s international debut at the 2025 Pacific Mini Games in Palau recently, Tasmania’s sole representative, winning gold in the 100m and bronze in the 200m. An athlete to keep an eye on.

TASSIE GETS FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME Football Tasmania is starting a Hall of Fame to honour and celebrate the round ball achievements and legacy of Tassie football players. Football Tasmania Chief Executive Officer Tony Pignata said, “The Hall of Fame will recognise players, coaches, referees, administrators, media, and contributors who have made an enduring impact on football in Tasmania, because their legacies have helped shape the game we all love. We know there are individuals who have a long and proud history within our game, and I strongly encourage the football community to submit nominations. The first inductees will be announced at Football Tasmania’s end of season awards night on 13 September.

TASMANIA RECORDS SHARPEST RISE IN ROAD DEATHS, SPARKING NEW SAFETY CAMPAIGN Tasmania has recorded the largest increase in road deaths of any state or territory over the past year, according to new figures from the Australian Automobile Association (AAA). In the 12 months to 31 May, 43 people lost their lives on Tasmanian roads, a 43.3 percent jump compared to the previous year. Nationally, it was the deadliest year on Australian roads since 2010, with 1,337 fatalities, an increase of 4.8 percent. In the aftermath of this news, the Road Safety Advisory Council launched their latest campaign, Different day, different drive. Chair of the Road Safety Advisory Council, Scott Tilyard, says it’s a reminder that adjusting how you drive can be the difference between getting home safely or not at all. He explained that while around 30 per cent of serious crashes involve illegal or reckless behaviour, such as speeding, drink or drug driving, or running red lights, the remaining 70 per cent are caused by simple mistakes. “A moment of inattention, a poor decision or driving faster than is safe for the conditions. Things most of us have done at some point,” he said. Although speed remains a major factor in serious crashes, Mr Tilyard pointed out that in many cases, drivers weren’t actually exceeding the speed limit. “They were simply driving too fast for the conditions,” he said. “Speed limits are set for good conditions. This means dry roads, clear weather and good visibility. At this time of year, we often don’t get all those things at once.” As many Tasmanians know, conditions here can change in an instant. One moment it’s clear and dry, and the next it’s wet, foggy, or a wallaby jumps out. “Drivers need to be alert and ready to respond to all of these situations. It’s not just about speed limits, it’s about making good decisions based on what’s around you,” Mr Tilyard said.

FERRIES BREAK RECORD In a win for Tasmania and for a more sustainable maritime industry, Incat will build two electric ferries that will operate on one of the busiest ferry routes in Europe in a new deal that is the biggest ever export contract for a manufactured product made in Tasmania. “These new vessels for Molslinjen mark a turning point not just for Incat but for the global maritime industry,” said Incat Chairman Robert Clifford. “They are part of a new class of high-speed, low-emission ships that are redefining what’s possible at sea.” Early-stage construction of the 129 metre vessels will begin in the coming months, with delivery of the first vessel scheduled in late 2027. Once operational, the ferries will each carry up to 1,483 passengers and 500 cars, operating at speeds over 40 knots, and eliminating thousands of tonnes of CO2 emissions annually. Meanwhile, Incat is already pretty busy making waves in the international electric ferry space: construction is well advanced on Hull 096, the world’s largest battery-electric ship, and Hull 100, a 78 metre next-generation hybrid ferry.

ULVIE ROCKETSHIP RETURNS The much loved rocketship in Anzac Park, Ulverstone, will be upgraded and reopened to the public. The Central Coast Council endorsed the proposed upgrades at their July meeting, following strong community input via a public survey. Director of Infrastructure Services Nick Browne said the community’s feedback was passionate: “What we heard was clear – people love the rocketship and its history, but also want it to be safe, fun and accessible for the next generation,” Mr Browne said. “This proposed hybrid design honours the iconic structure while adding slides, inclusive access and new play panels. It strikes the perfect balance between preserving the past and embracing the future.”

YOUNG CHEF’S GOLDEN HAT Young Launnie chef Nicholas Rudeforth is off to the national finals of a culinary competition. Rudeforth is the Tasmanian winner of the 2025 Nestle Golden Chef’s Hat Award regional cook off in Launceston last month. The competition is the longest- running challenge for apprentice and young chefs. Rudeforth won with his main of rump steak with celeriac puree and now heads to the national finals in Sydney in September. Good luck Nicholas!

SPIRITED DRUG BUST Tasmania Police say they recently seized illicit drugs from a vehicle coming off the Spirit of Tasmania that could have translated to 40,000 individual deals. During the operation on a Sunday in July, officers allegedly found 3kg of methamphetamine, 2kg of cocaine, two vials of testosterone, 20 steroid capsules and 40 oxycodone tablets. A 29 year old Hobart man has been remanded in custody to appear in the Devonport Magistrates Court at a later date. He is facing several charges, including trafficking and unlawful importation of a controlled substance, drug possession and dealing with property linked to crime. In May police found 3.39kg of ice and 5 litres of the drug GHB during routine screening at the Spirit of Tasmania terminal in Devonport. Tasmania Police said the latest bust is part of ongoing efforts to stop illegal drugs from entering the state through its sea and air ports.