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MARCH 2021
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Exploring liberty through art
AN EXHIBITION that has been nearly two years in the making will open in Hobart this month. Liberty is the inaugural instalment of the biennial Hobart Current program – a major partnership between the City of Hobart and the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG). THE FULL STORY CITY NEWS PAGE 7
Hobart artist Dexter Rosengrave is one of 10 artists selected for the inaugural Hobart Current exhibition, which opens at TMAG this month.
GOING IN TO BAT FOR BREAST CANCER THE successful inaugural Bat4Boobs Pink Stumps Day, supporting the McGrath Foundation, was held at the New Town Oval on Valentine’s Day (Saturday 14 February). STORY CONTINUES PAGE2
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2 Hobart Observer MARCH 2021
Community News
Celebrating International Women’s Day
Anna Reynolds City of Hobart, Lord Mayor IT seems that International Women’s Day, which took place on 8 March, is getting bigger and more interesting every year. There are so many diverse events and celebrations that take place in the week around the actual day. This year, I enjoyed going to a fundraising breakfast with my mum and I also spent time with the women who work at the City of Hobart looking at some new projects in the city that celebrate women. This year, we marked International Women’s Day with some exciting new initiatives, including the relaunch of Hobart Women’s History Walk, which was created almost 25 years ago. It’s not very wellknown, so we are republishing the walk brochure to encourage Hobart residents to explore their city, and understand the rich
contribution women have made to it over the years. There’s also several new art billboards that are on display around Mather’s Place in the city – to tell the story of several women artists who worked in a studio on Collins Street in the mid 1930s. Edith Holmes, Mildred Lovett, Florence Rodway, Dorothy Stonor, Ethel Nicholls and Violet Vimpany trained together at the Hobart Technical College, and their work was widely exhibited at the time. The billboards celebrating these important figures from Hobart’s past, will be perfectly complemented by a fun new mural being painted on Bathurst Street, which focuses on women of all ages. I am really excited to see the launch of these initiatives and I hope they inspire our current generation of young girls and women to go on and make important contributions to the city’s future.
From left, Michael DiVenuto, Lisa Dakin, local Liberal Member for Clark Elise Archer and Renae DiVenuto.
Going in to bat for breast cancer FROM FRONT PAGE
More than 150 people attended when the New Town Cricket Club partnered with the McGrath Foundation through its National Pink Stumps Fundraising Campaign to raise funds to support the McGrath Breast Care nurses. The event took place during a Women’s Premier League game between New Town and North Hobart – a repeat of the recent T20 grand final held in December last year. Both teams showcased a line-up of star-studded current and former state and national players as well as underage representatives. Bat4Boobs Pink Stumps Day organiser
Peter DiVenuto said the game highlighted the growth of women’s cricket in Tasmania and nationally. “It’s great to see the growth in young women taking on the sport of cricket,” organiser Peter DiVenuto said. “The game encourages a healthy and active lifestyle. “The strong team environment and mateship creates a wonderful support network for when difficult times arise – such as a family member or friend being diagnosed with cancer.” Highlights from the match included New Town’s Rachel Priest scoring 47 not out, Amy Smith capturing three wickets for just 15 runs
and captain Meg Phillps taking three wickets for 16. The final outcome saw a win to New Town. The lunch was held in stylish dome marquees that were donated by Salters Hire, with entertainment throughout the afternoon provided by MCs John X and the ABC’s Allison Costelloe. Mr DiVenuto said more than $26,000 was raised for the McGrath Foundation, which funds 154 breast care nurses in communities around Australia. “One in seven women in Australia will be diagnosed with breast cancer by the age of 85,” he said. “It’s estimated 55 people every day receive
a breast cancer diagnosis in Australia. “We received great support from many Tasmanian businesses.” Local Liberal Member for Clark and AttorneyGeneral Elise Archer attended the event and said it was great to support a worthy cause and also support the wider promotion of women in sport. “Off the field, the big winner of the day was the McGrath Foundation receiving over $25,000 from the event and the players played a major part in the success of the event,” she said. “Our Government recognises local sporting clubs provide an important and valuable physical and social outlet for many members of
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Hobart Observer MARCH 2021 3
Community News
Wanted – new night spot for homeless
From left, Safe Space program Hanna Richardson, Housing Services program manager Ewan Higgs and Hobart City Mission chief executive officer John Stubley.
HOBART City Mission is desperately seeking a new location for the Safe Space night program for people experiencing homelessness. Safe Space helps people who are sleeping rough in Hobart by providing safety, shelter and connection to important services. Safe Space operates a day program and a night program at two separate locations. The day program is located at Hobart City Mission’s office at 50 Barrack Street and is open from 9am to 6pm every day. The night program is located at the YouthARC building on Collins Street and is open from 8pm to 7am every night. The Hobart City Council has provided YouthARC for the overnight program, but the arrangement is coming to an end at the end of March this year. Hobart City Mission has put the call out to
the community and property owners to help find a new space for the night program before 31 March. The ideal space would be about 300 to 350 metres squared of roofed open area, with toilets and preferably shower facilities. The building must be secure and available every night from 8pm to 7am. Hobart City Mission chief executive officer John Stubley said the organisation was appealing to the public for help after months of searching for a new location. “We’ve been looking for a new space since late last year and have not yet found anything that is appropriate,” he said. “The few options that we have had have fallen through and we are starting to run out of time at our current location. “We are hoping that a proprietor will see our appeal for a new
TENDERS CALLED FOR CONSTRUCTION OF CENOTAPH STAIR LINK THE Macquarie Point Development Corporation is calling for tenders to construct the first of two pedestrian linkages to provide access between the Macquarie Point site and the Hobart Cenotaph. Chief executive officer Mary Massina said it will be the first time a formal link to both key areas will be built. “Once constructed, this linkage will provide a safe and reliable access point from the site to the Hobart Cenotaph, replacing the informal track currently used by the community,” she said. “Its development will enhance the connection between the two sites and provide a valuable link to
increase public access.” The works will include excavation, balustrading, lighting, and the construction of new concrete stairs. Work will also be done on carving out the embankment to improve visibility for cyclists using the pedestrian path below. “The Corporation invites suitably qualified civil construction firms to apply for what will be a significant construction that will support the site’s access for generations to come,” Ms Massina said. Tender applications close on Wednesday 17 March 2021. For more information, visit www.tenders.tas. gov.au.
location and be able to provide support on commercial terms. “Safe Space really is a life-changing program – anyone who is able to help us find a new location will be making a massive difference to people experiencing homelessness in our community. “The people of southern Tasmania really got behind the Safe Space launch in 2019, and we are asking for the same support now.” Safe Space has provided approximately 8,600 bed nights. More than 267 individuals have been supported through this time, with 46 per cent of these moving into long-term housing. In January 2021, the Safe Space night program provided 515 bed nights and the day program provided 583 periods of support. If you have a building that you feel may be appropriate, phone Hobart City Mission on 6215 4200.
Paper Souls performing at The Goods Shed. Photo credit: Andrew Fuller.
New future for The Goods Shed THE Macquarie Point Development Corporation is seeking pre-registration of interest for a leasing and operating opportunity for The Goods Shed. Chief executive officer Mary Massina said the popular event space had become a main fixture of Hobart’s thriving festival scene. “The venue is currently used for a range of popular events including concerts, art exhibitions, markets, theatre and music performances, and wine and gin launches,” she said. “We have built up a good base and feel that this is the right time for a venue operator to manage the space – with great potential for commercial opportunities to complement the venue.” The Goods Shed is located within the major urban renewal project currently underway
Pre-registration of interest for the leasing of The Goods Shed is now open.
at Macquarie Point, which is set to deliver a precinct encapsulating arts, culture, Antarctic research and science. “The leasing and venue management of The Goods Shed will complement our planned developments currently underway at Mac Point and continue to draw people to the site which is set to begin a rapid
transformation,” Ms Massina said. “The shed is historically significant – it dates back to 1914 and was primarily used for the temporary storage of goods entering or leaving the railyards. “The heritage shed still features its original oregon roof beams and has the capacity, preCOVID, to hold up to
1,555 people.” The pre-registration of interest process will be managed by local firm Knight Frank Tasmania, with submissions closing 26 March 2021. A Request for Proposal stage is expected to be run soon after. For more information, visit https://www. macquariepoint.com/ leasing-opportunity.
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4 Hobart Observer MARCH 2021
Community News
HOBART REPERTORY SPINS A WEB OF A SHOW IT is not often that someone comes along who is a true friend and a good writer, but both of those are true of Charlotte – the kind and intelligent spider at the heart of the family friendly play Charlotte’s Web. Charlotte’s Web is one of the most loved books of all time, and Tony-winning playwright Joseph Robinette’s touching and faithful stage version will make audiences believe this beloved book is coming to life on the stage. Wilbur, a young orphan pig, is loved by his owner, Fern Arable, but the pig is
destined to be slaughtered for food when he gets bigger, and soon Wilbur is sent to his fate on the Zuckerman family farm. A spider named Charlotte lives in a dark corner of the Zuckerman’s barn. She takes pity on the little pig and decides to do what she can to save his life. Wilbur is grateful for this mysterious mother figure, but the act of true motherhood will come at a costly price for the tiny spider. Charlotte’s Web will be the first show presented by the Hobart Repertory Theatre Society in 2021,
and this family friendly tale is sure to delight the young, and the young at heart. The play is performed by 21 talented actors, with their ages ranging from 10 to over 60, and is directed by Anne Blythe Cooper. “Charlotte’s Web is a story of the power of words and friends to make change and I’m so happy to be directing such a charming tale,” Ms Blythe Cooper said. “We’ve been having a lot of fun rehearsing over the past weeks and working on ways to bring magical elements
into the show.” Originally scheduled for July 2020, the show was unfortunately postponed during the height of the COVID-19 lockdowns. Hobart Repertory Theatre Society are delighted to be able to bring the show to Hobart audiences, although a little later than originally planned. Charlotte’s Web is showing at the Playhouse Theatre, 106 Bathurst Street, Hobart, from 9 April 2021. Tickets are available starting from $25 at playhouse.org.au.
n thAt someone comes Alon e t f o g wh not true friend And A good wr s i o i t ter I is A Hobart Repertor y Theatre Society
proudly presents by Arrangement with OriginTM Theatrical, on behalf of Dramatic Publishing Company of Woodstock, Illinois
We B anne Blythe-Cooper based on the book by E.B. White adapted by Joseph Robinette
directed by
opens 9 April performances: Wednesday - Saturday evening & matinee performances
bookings at playhouse.org.au or The Playhouse Theatre Box Office see website for details or call 6234 1536
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Never short of a sheet GENORISITY and kindness are the heart and soul of most charities, and Short of a Sheet is no different. The Hobart charity began life in 2020 and continues to work towards making the lives of Hobart’s homeless easier, collecting donations and distributing them directly to people who are homeless, sleeping rough, in shelters or couch surfing. With more than 1,600 people sleeping rough across Tasmania every night, Short of a Sheet’s work is vitally important. Danni, a young woman with experience of homelessness leads the organisation alongside a group of dedicated volunteers and said they were always looking for donations. “Short of a Sheet is always in need for donations of dry food goods, new toiletries, underwear and socks, new or as new towels, trackpants and t-shirts,” she said. Labor Member for Clark Ella Haddad collects donations for the charity at her office and said she was
From Left, Labor Member for Clark Ella Haddad with Short of a Sheet volunteers Tully and Sam.
amazed by the generosity of the public. “My office has received so many donations, the response from the Hobart community has been quite incredible,” she said. “Danni and the other volunteers work incredibly hard to help those in need and I am proud to do my bit to help out. “They have been so proactive in identifying a gap in what is needed in terms of services and support to homeless people
and are working hard to address it. “Homelessness in Tasmania is a real problem and I encourage everyone to help where they can to make the lives of those sleeping rough a bit easier.” Short of a Sheet are currently on the lookout for more volunteers to help with weekly donation distributions. For more information, visit the Short of a Sheet Facebook page.
Grant support to build vibrant community COMMUNITY events and projects that help make Hobart a great place to live are invited to be put forward for grant funding from the City of Hobart. Applications for Community, Event and Small and Medium Creative grants are currently open, offering a combined $195,000 in funding. The grants are offered twice a year and have contributed to the success of countless local events, projects and initiatives. One recipient of the Community Grant last year has brought song into the lives of Hobart’s young people. The Youth Vocal Project (YVP) is an initiative of the Hobart Men’s Barbershop Harmony Club, which has used a City of Hobart Community Grant to introduce young people to a cappella singing. “We know there’s solid scientific evidence to prove that singing is, in fact, good for your body and your mind,” the club’s youth development team coordinator Trevor Rootes said. “Members of our club know how great singing is and we love to share it in the community.
“The mission of YVP in 2021 is to build a mixed youth ensemble that enjoys the challenges and rewards of a cappella singing through working, sharing and performing together. “The group performs a repertoire of contemporary jazz, doo-wop, barbershop, and pop.” The Youth Vocal Project has already held a holiday program for school students and will be running free workshops in university colleges and accommodation venues. Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said the City of Hobart’s grants program supported a wide range of projects that contributed to a vibrant and inclusive city. “This financial year, we’ve allocated almost $1.2 million to supporting our community through grants,” she said. “Every grant goes to someone who is doing something that makes Hobart a great place to live and visit. “Whether it’s through delivering events that attract people to our city, celebrating our culture and creativity, or encouraging people to develop new skills and talents in a supportive and inclusive
setting – like the Youth Vocal Project – these initiatives contribute so much to our city.” The Creative Hobart grants are split into two categories – small and medium – offering grants of up to $5000 and $15,000 respectively. Community Grants of up to $5000 are available to groups and non-profit organisations to develop projects or events – or specific elements of ongoing programs – that enable access and participation or respond to community issues and concerns. Events Grants provide up to $20,000 to support the facilitation of events that contribute to the identity, economy and wellbeing of the Hobart community. Applications for each of the grants close at 5pm on Monday 15 March. Prospective applicants who would like to discuss their project are encouraged to contact the City of Hobart’s grants officer prior to lodging an application. For more information on the grants, including eligibility criteria, how to apply and contact details, visit hobartcity.com.au/ grants.
Hobart Observer MARCH 2021 5
Community News
Click&Collect Rapid groceries in Hobart
From left, Colony 47 team members Adrian Overeem, Nicolas Price, Donovan Szypura, Jed Wallis and Eilidh Direen.
MIND GAMES RAISES MORE THAN $80,000 THE second ever Mind Games has been hailed a success, raising more than $80,000 for mental health research with donations still rolling in. After being delayed by COVID-19, the event returned bigger and better. It featured 275 competitors from 55 Tasmanian businesses tackling 11 secret stages at the Goods Shed in Hobart. Teams of five travelled around the course with 30 minutes to complete each stage. The stages were large scale installations designed by the stage sponsor. Mind Games creator and energy health director Sherri Ring said the stage
sponsors had “…hit it out of the park…” with the scale and inventiveness of challenges. “The first Mind Games was incredible, but this is next level,” she said. “A big thank you to our sponsors, especially our gold sponsor, TasNetworks, and our silver sponsor, Tas Gas. “For the Tasmanian business community to rally around this event and the cause of promoting good mental health in the workplace is incredible, not just in spite of COVID, but because of it. “We need more than ever to be having open, honest conversations about mental health
and reducing the stigma, and we need to support research that advances our knowledge of how employers can ensure their workplaces are mentally healthy.” Donations can still be made via The Mind Games website at www. themindgames.com.au, with all proceeds going to the Menzies Institute for Medical Research for research into workplace mental health. “At the end of the day, it’s also about having fun, creating connections with your colleagues and other businesses and working as a team,” Ms Ring said. TasNetworks acting general manager for
people, culture and community Pip Bartlett said the company had been so impressed by the first event that they signed up on the spot to continue as gold sponsor. “The energy in the venue is incredible,” she said. “It’s so much fun, but there is also a serious side to it, which is saying to our staff that good mental health is important and that we are here to support them. “It’s also about demonstrating to the wider business community that we have a responsibility to the Tasmanian people to create supportive, mentally healthy places for people to work.”
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COLES Sandy Bay, New Town and Bridgewater are among some of the first supermarkets in Australia to launch Coles’ 90 minute Click&Collect Rapid service, allowing Hobart residents to place their grocery order online and collect it just 90 minutes later. Hobart customers can have their groceries picked, packed and ready for collection at these Coles stores in 90 minutes for a flat $5 fee when they select the Click&Collect Rapid service on Coles Online. Click&Collect Rapid customers will also be able to order from an extended range not usually offered, with the popular Coles hot roast chicken now available. Coles Sandy Bay, New Town and Bridgewater regional manager Scott Franklin said Click&Collect Rapid was a convenient solution for local shoppers who didn’t have time to complete a full shop in-store. “Hobart locals will be some of the first in the country to use our new 90-minute rapid service designed to save time and take the stress out of shopping,” he said. “We’re seeing demand increase for
convenient shopping solutions in Hobart, so we’ve rolled out easy collection windows at Coles Sandy Bay, Coles New Town and Coles Bridgewater from 2:30pm and 5pm every day of the week.” Available collection windows are visible on Coles Online from 1pm. Coles Online head of network development and customer delivery James Geddes said Coles was committed to offering time-poor customers convenient solutions to topping up the pantry or picking up those last ingredients for dinner. “Coles Online continues to grow in popularity and we’re excited to launch this offer for customers who are looking for a convenient and affordable shopping experience,” he said. “The feedback from
customers who used Click&Collect Rapid during our trial last year was overwhelmingly positive and it has proven particularly popular with customers who tend to have smaller baskets and shop more frequently as they can place their order during the day and collect it on the way home. “Whether it’s meat and veggies for a last-minute dinner, pet food for your dog, or making sure you have fresh bread for school lunches for the following day, Click&Collect Rapid takes the stress out of running to the supermarket for forgotten items.” Coles Click&Collect Rapid is being progressively rolled out to more than 400 Coles supermarkets across Australia and is currently available on orders over $30 with a maximum of 40 items.
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6 Hobart Observer MARCH 2021
Community News
New outdoor public arts space 1300 732 377 1300 732 377 www.onroadoffroad.edu.au www.onroadoffroad.edu.au
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www.megwebb.com.au Authorised by Meg Webb, 3/32 Channel Hwy, Kingston.
THE Salamanca Arts Centre has officially opened its new Outdoor Public Arts space after an investment of $200,000 from the Federal Government. The project allowed the Salamanca Arts Centre to create a public arts space and gathering space in an under-utilised part of the centre. The project included the construction and installation of timber seating, outdoor tables, chairs and portable shade umbrellas, as well as landscaping, including raised garden spaces and improvements to sound and lighting infrastructure. Metalwork design and fabrication was done by Gerhard Mausz, while Hobart furniture maker Paul Allen provided the tables and seating for up to 60 people. Hobart artist Colin Langridge designed his vibrant ‘Escape Pod’, with landscaping design done by PlayStreet to help enhance the music and theatre performances that will take place within the courtyard. The upgraded space also provides opportunities for emerging designer-maker and artists to ac-
From left, local Liberal Member for Clark Elise Archer, Alderman Simon Behrakis and Senator Eric Abetz.
cess studio spaces, as well as become an educational space for trades and crafts. “The project has improved the amenity of the Salamanca Arts Centre Courtyard, making it more inviting to the public, allowing them to enjoy the space, and from within that space, witness a range of art and design practices,” Senator Eric Abetz said. “The new arts space is a massive benefit to the Salamanca Arts Centre and local communities and visitors to Hobart, with 30,000 people anticipated to use the space
each year. “This is another completed project by the Liberal Government for the people of Hobart and its part of the Government’s wider ongoing economic and cultural support for the people of Tasmania. “It’s a commitment to Hobart’s vibrant cultural scene and a commitment to local jobs and local tourism.” The construction of the new public arts space was part of the Federal Government’s Community Development Grants program. Community Development Grants projects
contribute to the local economies, create jobs and boost the confidence within a region. To date, funding has been committed to more than 1,400 projects, including more than 490 projects from Government commitments in 2019. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government has committed to invest an additional $14 billion in new and accelerated infrastructure projects over the next four years, delivering 40,000 jobs. The project supported 34 jobs during construction.
PLAY SHINES UNIQUE LIGHT ON PTSD FOR VETERANS AND FIRST RESPONDERS VETERANS, first responders and their families will resonate with WHAM Theatre’s play – Foxholes of the Mind – about Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Touring nationally in May this year and funded by the Department of Social Services, Bernard Clancy’s stage play will be performed at the Playhouse Theatre in Hobart on Thursday 20, Friday 21 and Saturday 22 May 2021. Foxholes of the Mind premiered at La Mama theatre in Carlton in 2010 to virtually full houses and toured regional Victoria in 2016. It had a profound effect on veterans, first responders, wives and families, and was widely acclaimed by critics and audiences alike. Playwright and Vietnam veteran Bernard Clancy said Foxholes of the Mind took audiences on a roller-coaster ride as it looked into the lives of Vietnam veteran Frank and his wife, Trish, 30 years after the war. “I’m very excited to see Foxholes of the Mind go national,” he said. “It’s a terrific opportunity to highlight PTSD and
just how damaging it can be to our community, particularly our defenders and first responders. “I’m extremely grateful to the Australian Government Department of Social Services for supporting this community initiative.” Mr Clancy said the play was dealing with a number of themes around trauma and PTSD. “I originally wrote Foxholes of the Mind because I wanted to highlight the tragedy of PTSD, to try to stop the terrible waste and destruction of the human spirit that PTSD entails,” he said. “Much is being done to try to counter PTSD, not only in the military sense, but also for first responders who deal with trauma, sometimes extreme, on a regular basis. “Foxholes is a non-clinical story about how a family, and its extended contacts and friends are affected by PTSD. “It shows how it can be identified and managed – it’s about caring for those who come home from conflict, in our name, with wounds of the mind.
“If the play prompts just one veteran, police member, nurse, firey or ambo with PTSD to seek help, then I’ll be very happy indeed.” The play will be directed by Wolf Heidecker. His production company WHAM is the producer on behalf of the Geelong Sub-Branch
of the Vietnam Veterans’ Association of Australia. The cast includes Joanne Davis, Peter Finaly, Adrian Mulraney, Maureen Hartley, Victor Gralak and David Lih. Mr Clancy is also the author of the acclaimed Vietnam War novel ‘Best We Forget’ and the comedy ‘The Zipper’.
From left, Peter Finlay and Joanne Davis.
Hobart Observer MARCH 2021 7
A U T U M N 2 0 2 1 | H O B A RT C I T Y. C O M . A U
Exploring liberty through art AN EXHIBITION that has been nearly two years in the making will open in Hobart this month. Liberty is the inaugural instalment of the biennial Hobart Current program – a major partnership between the City of Hobart and the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG). Complemented by public and school-based programs, the exhibition explores 10 artists’ individual responses to the concept of ‘liberty’ across a range of artistic mediums. For Hobart artist Dexter Rosengrave, the upcoming exhibition is the culmination of a “rollercoaster” 12 months that impacted heavily on the arts sector. “It was quite devastating at first when a lot of things got cancelled or postponed; 2020 was supposed to be a big year,” Dexter said.
“To suddenly have barriers put up was difficult. But the experience has built a greater resilience. “Now I’m excited to finally get this work out into the world.” An arts professional for five years, Dexter is one of 10 artists selected by Creative Director Rosie Dennis to participate in the exhibition, which opens at TMAG on 12 March. Each artist has created an original work based on their own concept and experiences of ‘liberty’, using mediums such as film, installation, performance and visual art. “My work is a largescale, four-channel, multiprojection work exploring what liberty means to the queer community, focusing on club culture and the loss of safe places and nightlife,” Dexter said. Also exhibiting are Tasmanian artists Sinsa
Hobart artist Dexter Rosengrave is one of 10 artists selected for the inaugural Hobart Current exhibition, which opens at TMAG this month.
Mansell, Brigita Ozolins, James Newitt, Jacob Leary and Nadege PhilippeJanon, plus Sydney-based artists Uncle Wes Marne, and Jagath Dheerasekara, Victoria’s Sarah Jane Pell, and Indonesian sculptor
Suryo Herlambang. While working on their individual projects, five of the artists mentored students under a statewide school-based educational program facilitated by TMAG.
Students gained valuable insight into how contemporary artists made their work, and developed new ideas for presentation of their own creative practices. Continued page 2
Midtown streets get a vibrant new look THERE is now even more reason to explore Hobart’s Midtown precinct, following last month’s Vibrance Festival. A series of murals have been painted in and around the Midtown area by local and visiting artists, creating an outdoor art gallery. The City of Hobart has funded four of the 11 murals, including one that was created by emerging Tasmanian Aboriginal artist Takira Simon-Brown under the mentorship of well-known street artist TOPSK.
Artist Alice Cooley working on her mural outside The Stagg during Vibrance Festival. RIGHT: The new artwork on the Tasmanian Aboriginal Health Service created by emerging artist Takira Simon-Brown and mentor TOPSK.
Lord Mayor Councillor Anna Reynolds C/- Town Hall Hobart 7000 M: 0423 222 149 E: lord.mayor@ hobartcity.com.au
Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Helen Burnet C/- Town Hall Hobart 7000 M: 0417 284 267 E: cr.burnet@ hobartcity.com.au
Alderman Marti Zucco 364A Elizabeth St. North Hobart 7000 M: 0418 120 060 E: ald_zucco@ netspace.net.au
Alderman Jeff Briscoe C/- Town Hall Hobart 7000 M: 0447 791 274 E: ald.briscoe@ hobartcity.com.au
Alderman Dr Peter Sexton C/- Town Hall Hobart 7000 M: 0407 099 294 E: ald.sexton@ hobartcity.com.au
Alderman Damon Thomas C/- Town Hall Hobart 7000 M: 0429 064 805 E: ald.thomas@ hobartcity.com.au
Councillor Bill Harvey C/- Town Hall Hobart 7000 M: 0428 243 964 E: cr.harvey@ hobartcity.com.au
Alderman Simon Behrakis C/- Town Hall Hobart 7000 M: 0436 027 369 E: ald.behrakis@ hobartcity.com.au
Councillor Mike Dutta C/- Town Hall Hobart 7000 M: 0437 455 672 E: cr.dutta@ hobartcity.com.au
Further enhancing the area, temporary outdoor dining decks have been installed in Elizabeth Street under a trial project. Planter boxes, bicycle racks and furniture have been added to create a more inviting retail strip in a project supported by the Tasmanian Government through its Ready for Business Program. Off-street parking is available at the Midtown Melville Street car park, underneath the UTAS accommodation building.
Councillor Jax Ewin C/- Town Hall Hobart 7000 M: 0408 631 831 E: cr.ewin@ hobartcity.com.au
Councillor Zelinda Sherlock C/- Town Hall Hobart 7000 M: 0439 720 549 E: cr.sherlock@ hobartcity.com.au
Councillor Will Coats C/- Town Hall Hobart 7000 M: 0413 304 699 E: cr.coats@ hobartcity.com.au
8 Hobart Observer MARCH 2021
Art program puts focus on liberty From page 1 Documentation of the students’ work – including drawings, photo montages and video blogs – has been captured in an online interactive platform known as Liberty Canvas, which is available through the Hobart Current website. In addition, the City of Hobart is hosting a program of community activities in public spaces across the city. Liberty Loop showcases work from photographers, film makers and digital artists at The Loop screen on Elizabeth Street daily from 24 March. See the full schedule at theloophobart.com.au. In Liberty Soapbox, disability-led performance company Second Echo Ensemble (SEE) presents The Stare on the Soapbox Billboards at Mathers Place,
challenging the way the world views people living with disability. Liberty Art on Victoria Street comprises eight art frames dedicated to young people’s responses to the liberty theme. The Liberty Postcard Exhibition features creative responses submitted by members of the community in an exhibition at the Waterside Pavilion on 8-10 April and in an online gallery on the Hobart Current website. Hobart Current: Liberty is at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery and locations in the Hobart CBD from 12 March until 9 May 2021. Admission is free. Details at tmag.tas.gov.au. For more information on the Hobart Current program and the participating artists, visit hobartcurrent.com.
Track closed for repairs
Suburban road paved with plastic
REPAIR works have started on an eroded embankment on the Lenah Valley Fire Trail. The trail is a popular choice for walkers, and is the easiest route into the Old Hobartians Track. Works to stabilise the dangerous section are expected to be completed in May. Access to the Old Hobartians Track is via a 1km detour to the Main Fire Trail and is suitable for more experienced hikers. Discover other great walking tracks across the Greater Hobart region at greaterhobarttrails.com.au.
DISCARDED plastic bags are quite literally paving the road to more sustainable construction methods in Hobart. More than 150,000 plastic bags were diverted from landfill and transformed into the Reconophalt sustainable asphalt mix recently used to refurbish Beaumont Road at Lenah Valley. The product is mixed locally by Downer, which sources plastic bags collected through a partnership with REDcycle, and other recycled matierials. The Beaumont Road
The new kids’ play zone has been a hit with local youngsters.
Splashing out at aquatic centre KIDS are making a splash in the new-look leisure pool at the Doone Kennedy Hobart Aquatic Centre. The children’s pool opened in January, after a major refurbishment that started during last year’s COVID19-enforced closure. The refurbished pool – which features
slides, a tipping bucket, water jets and soft-fall flooring – has proven to be a popular attraction over the summer. For more information on the centre, including opening hours, pool availability and class timetables, and COVID-safe information, visit hobartaquaticcentre.com.au.
City of Hobart staff lay Reconophalt on Beaumont Rd.
project used about 260 tonnes of Reconophalt, comprising around 154,000 plastic bags,
5400 printer cartridges, 6200 glass bottles and 26 tonnes of reclaimed asphalt.
In addition, the City of Hobart used 280 tonnes of recycled concrete as backfill material for the stormwater trench. It has been reused from other construction projects around the city, preventing it from going into landfill and is cheaper than purchasing new concrete fill material. The City is investigating use of recycled concrete for future footpath repairs and upgrades. The City of Hobart has also used recycled glass in pipe bedding and fill material in a stormwater upgrade at Sandy Bay.
SLOW DOWN
FOR A SAFER HOBART Hobart’s CBD is now a 40 km/h zone hobartcity.com.au/saferhobart
CITYnews | AUTUMN 2021
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Hobart Observer MARCH 2021 9
Deadline for single-use plastics HOBART will soon be single-use plastic-free. A by-law prohibiting the supply of single-use plastic packaging, cutlery and similar items by takeaway food businesses will be enforced from 1 July 2021. Hobart was the first Australian city to make such a by-law, which was gazetted in early 2020. However, implementation was delayed due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on food businesses. Since then, City of Hobart has been working with food and beverage businesses across the
city to help them to transition to compostable products and many of the 300-plus businesses have already made the switch. It is estimated that the by-law
will result in a reduction of up to 600 tonnes of single-use plastics to landfill each year – or around 9 million individual items. Salamanca Market (and currently Tasmania’s Own Market) and the Doone Kennedy Hobart Aquatic Centre both became single-use plastic-free in 2019, with up to 18,000 kilograms of waste now going to compost instead of landfill each year. To find out more about the by-law, visit hobartcity.com.au/ singleuseplastics, or contact the City of Hobart to access business resources and assistance.
North Hobart future in spotlight FEEDBACK is invited on a shared vision for the future of North Hobart’s primary retail and entertainment precinct. The draft North Hobart Place Vision Framework and Access and Parking Plan was commissioned to explore the challenges and opportunities posed by the popular Elizabeth Street dining, entertainment and retail strip. The draft plan was developed from feedback received during a consultation process early last year. The diverse range of eateries and shops, inclusion of cultural festivals and events, the heritage streetscape, a pedestrianfriendly nature and a strong sense of community were among the features valued highly by residents and traders.
THE 2019-20 Annual Report, which was formally adopted at last month’s Annual General Meeting, detailed an end-ofyear deficit position brought about by the impacts of COVID-19. The 2019-20 financial year was described as one of “exceptional circumstances and challenging times”. Highlights of the 2019-20 financial year include the redevelopment of the South Hobart Community Centre, replacement of the toilets at Swan Street in North Hobart, construction of the Rose Garden Bridge, pedestrian improvements at Salamanca Place, and the refurbishment of Fern Tree Park and visitor amenities. The Annual Report and the Lord Mayor’s speech can be viewed on the City of Hobart’s website.
Apply for grants APPLICATIONS for Community, Event and Small and Medium Creative grants will close at 5pm on Monday 15 March. A combined total of $195,000 in grant funding has been made available in this round. For more information, including eligibility criteria and how to apply, visit hobartcity.com.au/grants.
Check in with app
The unique character of North Hobart has been captured in the draft Vision.
A survey that considers the outcomes of the draft plan is now available to complete on the City of Hobart’s YourSay website,
closing on Monday 29 March. To view the draft plans and complete the survey, visit yoursay.hobartcity.com.au.
Easier way Urban sprawl talk topic to park THE EasyPark app is available to download for free and is the easiest way to pay for parking in Hobart. It allows drivers to skip the meter and pay via smart phone from anywhere. Features include the ability to top up parking to the maximum time allowed, and notifications advising when the parking session is due to expire. Plus, parking sessions can be ended manually, so users only pay for the time they actually use. The app is compatible with all on-street paid parking in Hobart, including the new meters at North Hobart.
Report recaps challenging year
THE topic of urban sprawl will be up for discussion at the next CityTalks online event. In a forum titled Sprawl and crawl? Or a comfortably compact Hobart? Leading Australian planner Greg Vann and a panel of experts will discuss the economic and social impacts of urban density and suburban sprawl. The discussion will explore global and local trends in cities resulting from the pandemic and leading to a rise in “localism”, the concept of a 15-minute city, and an effort to create quality city environments. Greg Vann is a Queensland-based planning and economics expert with nearly 40 years’ experience. He is a former State President of the Planning Institute of Australia, was the project director of the new South East Queensland Regional
Plan and Chair of the state’s Transit Oriented Development Taskforce. He will be joined by UTAS Professor of Human Geography and Planning Jason Byrne, SGS Economics’ Ellen Witte, and Hobart-based placemaking expert Steven Burgess. CityTalks is a partnership between the City of Hobart and the University of Tasmania. The public discussion events focus on topics relevant to Hobart and feature community leaders, international and national keynote speakers followed by a panel discussion. CityTalks - Sprawl and crawl? Or a comfortably compact Hobart? will be held on Wednesday 24 March at 5pm. All are welcome to watch the free online event. More information at hobartcity.com.au/citytalks.
CITYnews | AUTUMN 2021
TO MEET contact tracing requirements, the Check-in TAS app is now in use at City of Hobart venues, including the Town Hall, Council Centre and Mathers House. The app can be downloaded for free from the App Store and Google Play.
Dahlias on show THE 2021 Hobart Horticultural Society Dahlia Show will be held in the Hobart Town Hall on Friday 12 and Saturday 13 March. Due to limited capacity, groups are asked to register attendance in advance by email to events@hobartcity.com.au. It is the final show in the 2020-21 City of Hobart Floral Shows season.
Council meetings COUNCIL Meetings are held in the Council Chambers at the Town Hall at 5pm, unless otherwise advertised. All meetings are streamed live on the City of Hobart’s YouTube channel and agendas are published on the City’s website. Upcoming full Council meeting dates: • 9, 22 and 31 March • 26 April • 10 and 24 May • 7 and 21 June 3
10 Hobart Observer MARCH 2021
Collins Court design A PROPOSED design for Collins Court aims to transform the laneway into a fun, family-friendly city destination. Designs that increase accessibility and connectivity, and create a safe place for families to enjoy when visiting the city, have been released for public feedback. The proposal includes a playful sculptural octopus (pictured below) for children and an all-abilities access ramp connecting Collins Court to the St David’s Cathedral carpark. Visit yoursay.hobartcity.com.au to view the designs and provide feedback. The survey closes on Monday 12 April.
City of Hobart’s Mischa Pringle, Brian Pigden, Sean Black and Jill Hickie were among the key staff involved in the refurbishment of the park.
Busking trial end nears A TRIAL of new locations and times for busking and street performance will end this month. Feedback is invited from performers, businesses and other members of the public to help determine whether the new arrangements should continue. Under the six-month trial arrangements, buskers and street performers have been able to perform between 8am and 8pm on weekdays
and from 10am to 8pm on weekends, with a maximum 80 minutes of performance time per location, per day. This was designed to promote regular turnover at each location to provide variety for audiences and give more performers the opportunity to busk in the higher-profile locations. Feedback can be provided at yoursay.hobartcity.com. au/busking and closes on 30 March.
Rediscover historic park A TINY park in Fern Tree that once hosted summer strawberry festivals and has been a gateway for visitors wishing to explore Wellington Park for more than a century is being rediscovered by local families. A $2 million makeover was completed at Fern Tree Park last year and includes a fun natural playground featuring Tasmanian animal engravings. The new toilets and bus shelter include stonework by local stonemason Ray Hilton. Upgrading the park brought considerable
design challenges. It is set on steep, forested terrain on the edge of Huon Road and includes parts of the heritagelisted Pipeline Track, which carries a quarter of Hobart’s water supply. The location is steeped in natural and cultural heritage, which the City sought to protect and celebrate through the improvement project. Tourists were first drawn to the natural beauty of the area in the early 1860s, visiting Silver Falls and the rainforest glade at Fern Tree Bower. In the early 1890s, summer strawberry feasts
were held on the lawns to raise funds for St Raphael’s Church, which was built in 1893. Stalls were set up serving berries and cream and afternoon tea and the feasts became a local attraction for Hobart residents. The church has survived two major bushfires and still stands today. The City worked closely with the local community on the upgrade, which was undertaken with assistance from the federal government through a Community Development Program grant of $800,000.
Become a bandicoot buddy HOBART residents are invited to take the pledge to protect the endangered eastern barred bandicoot by signing up to be a Bandicoot Buddy. Residents can become citizen scientists by reporting sightings in their backyards and neighbourhoods and help provide safe habitat for native wildlife. Eastern barred bandicoots were declared extinct in the wild on the mainland nearly 20 years ago, leaving Tasmania as the last hope for this important native species. The marsupials often seek shelter in residential gardens, where the deeper, moist soil makes for easier foraging of earthworms and tubers. This puts them at risk from predation by roaming cats and dogs and cars at night. Find out more about the program at hobartcity.com.au/bandicoots.
Baby eastern barred bandicoots. Photo supplied by Adam Muyt.
How to be a Bandicoot Buddy: • Report sightings in your garden and neighbourhood. • Keep pet dogs and cats contained, especially at night, and away from bandicoot habitat in your garden. • Keep dogs on-lead in bushland. • Create and maintain native wildlife habitat in your garden.
CONTACT THE CITY OF HOBART 03 6238 2711
coh@hobartcity.com.au
CITYnews | AUTUMN 2021
GPO Box 503, Hobart TAS 7001
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Hobart Observer MARCH 2021 11
A FINANCIAL MOMENT EXTRA FINANCIAL SUPPORT COMING IN MARCH By Hank Jongen, General Manager, Services Australia SERVICES Australia will be paying the fourth Economic Support Payment to eligible customers from early March. This $250 payment will automatically go to people who are receiving a pension, Carer Allowance or Carer Payment, Family Tax Benefit and some concession cards on 26 February 2021. If you’re eligible for the $250, you don’t need to do anything. We will automatically deposit the money into your bank account.
You can check your eligibility for a payment or concession card at our website, servicesaustralia.gov.au/ paymentfinder. Overpayments – we’re here to help When the coronavirus pandemic first hit, the Government paused a range of debt raising and recovery work to help ease budget pressures. That pause has now ended and this month we’re contacting people who owe money to support them in repaying it. People don’t need to pay back any money before the due date in their letter, unless they
choose to. If you owe money, we’re here to help you. We can work with you to help you understand the reason for the overpayment, and set up a repayment plan that works best for your situation. We also have a range of support services to help you. This includes specialist staff, such as social workers, who can provide short term counselling, information and referrals to other services. We understand there’s no one size fits all when it comes to repaying money, that’s why we have
information to help you make decisions about how you repay the money. You can manage repayments by using the ‘Money You Owe’ service in your Centrelink online account through myGov and the Express Plus Centrelink mobile app. We know many Australians are still doing it tough during these challenging times, so we encourage people to contact us on their regular payment line if they need support. For more information, visit servicesaustralia.gov.au/ debts.
We’re merging to become Spirit Super from 1 April 2021.
Find out more at tasplan.com.au/merger-info
Issued by Tasplan Pty Ltd. For further information in relation to whether to acquire or hold the products referred to, please read our guides at tasplan.com.au/pds. The trustee of Tasplan Super (ABN 14 602 032 302) is Tasplan Pty Ltd (ABN 13 009 563 062). AFSL 235391. © 2021 Tasplan Pty Ltd. All rights reserved.
Cancer and exercise By Jo Cordell-Cooper* COMING out of COVID, I thought I might do some professional learning while my private gym was quiet, and I decided to train as a cancer exercise specialist. I’ve been dealing with quite complex clients for years now and some of them have had cancer, but I felt that to consider working with clients at all stages of cancer required more expertise. I registered for the most suitable course I could find, the US based Cancer Exercise Training Institute. It was an eye opening and confronting course, but it has a huge global support network for personal trainers just like me that want to help people with cancer. Many of the participants were personal trainers with cancer. Cancer shows no bias, wreaking havoc in the healthiest bodies as well as those with multiple complexities. Having said that, living a healthy life does reduce your risk of can-
cer – I’ll talk about that another time. Exercise has long been recognised as part of a cancer recover regime. There are many benefits to exercising before and after surgery. The improved muscle tone and strength improves surgical outcomes. The same can be said for most surgical procedures, not just for those with cancer. The benefits for the person on chemotherapy are impressive. What kind of exercise is suitable you might ask? It is not rocket science – the types of exercise that has benefits for the general population is suitable, and can make you fitter, stronger, and help you maintain a healthy body weight. There are also mental health benefits such as improved mood, reduced fatigue, and a boost in confidence. Walking, bike riding, weight training, swimming, stretching are all
recommended. The key thing if you are resuming an exercise program following surgery and treatment, is that there will be guidelines to follow and a medical clearance is essential. Your body may feel different and you may have lost a little confidence in what your body can do. You may adapt protective postures if you have a surgical scar or amputation. Working with an appropriately trained and experienced personal trainer is key at this stage. Beyond feeling empowered, is the compelling evidence that research repeatedly shows a longer life span and less re-occurrence of cancer in those who exercise regularly, when compared to those who did not. Being able to maintain a healthy body weight is also key in managing cancer as body fat often harbours sex hormone oestrogen that feeds
tumour growth. It’s a complex condition that often sees women having a hysterectomy which then leads to surgical menopause and bone density issues. A major part of a treatment regime in this case is weight training. For an extended version of this article, visit www.jocc.com.au/blog.
*Jo Cordell-Cooper runs the award winning business Jo CC Holistic PT. For a free smoothies recipe book go to www. jocc.com.au/smoothies. Make contact directly on 0409 862 206, or jo@ jocc.com.au for personal training and wellness coaching.
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DVA and PENSIONERS welcome Comfortable natural looking dentures flexible metal free partial dentures affordable IMPLANT retained dentures Same day repairs, relines CALL 6272 0544 NOW TO BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION! Now in two great locations: 118 Main Road Moonah and city address available by request
12 Hobart Observer MARCH 2021
EDUCATION FEATURE 2021
Sacred Heart College
SEE US AS WE ARE
ST MARY’S COLLEGE
OPEN DAY TUESDAY 23 MARCH
Twilight Tours Thursday 11 March 3:15pm - 5:15pm We welcome you to take a closer look at our College, take a tour, visit classrooms and see all that Sacred Heart has to offer - Enrolments for students wishing to commence
We warmly invite all prospective families to take a tour, speak with our students and staff, and see what we do during a regular day at St Mary’s College. St Mary’s College is the only Catholic all-girls school in Tasmania for Kindergarten to Year 12.
Kindergarten in 2022 are due by Friday 30 April 2021 - Enrolments for students wishing to commence Year 7 in 2023 are due by Friday 10 September 2021
Tours depart regularly from Reception (at the lower Brisbane Street entrance) between 9.30am - 12.30pm. 164 Harrington Street, Hobart enrol@smc.tas.edu.au www.smc.tas.edu.au
2 Cross Street, 2 Cross Street, New Town New Town (03) 62794090 (03) 6279 4090 admin@shc.tas.edu.au admin@shc.tas.edu.au www.shc.tas.edu.au www.shc.tas.edu.au
Seamless pathway for girls ST Mary’s College marked an exciting milestone in its history by enrolling its first-ever girls-only kindergarten class this year. A review of Catholic education in Tasmania’s south encouraged this exciting move for St Mary’s College. While changing to girls-only in early years education is new for St Mary’s, the college has been leading the way in girls’ education for 153 years, having girls-only education from year three to year 12 on the one, central campus. St Mary’s College principal Helen Spencer said the college was uniquely placed to provide a seamless and comprehensive education that recognised every child’s pathway to personal excellence was different. “The single pathway for kinder to year 12 is one of our greatest strengths,
allowing for the smooth transition from primary to secondary schooling,” she said. “While students are navigating the formal school environment, they are also adjusting to the social changes that happen when changing schools and classes. “Being on the one central site, girls in the junior school get to see their older peers on a day-to-day basis, making the role modelling of older students authentic. “As they move into the senior school, they are joined by students from other primary schools, which provides for greater diversity and a solid scale for the delivery of a breadth of subjects.” The lifelong journey of learning can now start even earlier with milangkani, the college’s free early years program which is open to all parents and
carers within the greater community who have a child aged between birth to five years. Sessions are held on Mondays (term-time only), from 9am to 10:15am and 10:30am to 11:45am by early-childhood educator and program coordinator Meg Kitchen who has more than 20 years of teaching experience. “We warmly invite all prospective families to find out more about St Mary’s College by joining us at milangkani or for a tour at our open day,” Ms Spencer said. The open day will be held on Tuesday 23 March, with tours departing regularly from reception from 9:30am to 12:30pm. To book a personal tour of the college or for more information, contact enrolment officer Jo Burgess on 6108 2560 or enrol@smc. tas.edu.au.
St Mary’s College first all-girls kinder class enjoying the purpose-built outdoor learning area.
Hobart Observer MARCH 2021 13
EDUCATION FEATURE 2021
Register now online or by calling the College.
Open Day Sunday 14 March • 10am – 12pm
Excellence in girls’ education. Mount Carmel College is a place where every student is given the opportunity to achieve their personal and academic best. Our students belong to a community where they are free to be themselves and encouraged to embrace and pursue their own interests, talents and ambitions – wherever they may lie. At Mount Carmel, every teacher knows every student, supporting and empowering them as they grow into confident and capable young women. We offer affordable fees that don’t compromise educational standards or results. The best way to discover more about the opportunities that Mount Carmel offers is to visit us on Open Day and explore for yourself.
A Catholic, Kinder to Year 10 school for girls. 361 Sandy Bay Road, Sandy Bay, Tasmania • P (03) 6216 7900
mountcarmel.tas.edu.au
Community News
Photography awards stun audiences THE winners of a major international competition to find the finest in nature photography was announced at an exhibition at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery. The Frank Hurley Photography Awards attracted more than 1,200 entries from 26 countries around the world. The exhibition, which premiered in Hobart, showcased 35 of the best photographs, including the grand prize winner. “Frank Hurley was responsible for some of the great images in the age of exploration, in addition to that, he was a celebrated war photographer, so it was quite fitting to use his name for the
awards,” Mawsons Hut Foundation director Greg Carter said. “There were five different categories all in all – we had everything from the landscape of Siberia to the Antarctic, to Patagonia, to the Salt Lakes in the USA, and the weird and wonderful places in between. “Polar photography was a big part of the awards, but we also had some great photos about adventure and other parts of the natural world as well.” The winners were: • Overall winner: ‘Cenote Angelina Cloud’ by Jason Gulley. • Polar category: ‘Ursus Maritimus’ by David Sinclair. • Scenic category:
‘Isolated Cell’ by Will Eades. • Composition category: ‘Mutant’ by Benjamin Maze. • Nature category: ‘Flight of the Penguins’ by Andrew Dickman. • Portrait of Adventure category: ‘Cenote Angelina Cloud’ by Jason Gulley. First prize for the overall winner of the Frank Hurley Photography Awards was a trip for two to the Antarctic valued at about $23,000. Sandy Bay resident David Sinclair was the winner of the Polar category with his photo titled ‘Ursus Maritimus’ (pictured). The photo was taken about 82 degrees north
of the archipelago of Svalbard and features a polar bear standing on its hind legs on a melting ice cap. “The photo is taken from the ship’s rail and the bear came up to check us out to smell the air to see if we were food or not – it was a great encounter,” Mr Sinclair said. “I never get tired of experiences like this, it’s phenomenal. “Frank Hurley is a personal hero mine, he’s known to all Polar photographers, so it was a big thrill to win an award named after him.” Mr Sinclair said he had been doing photography since he was in high school and it was a wonderful way to share stories. “The images at this
exhibition tell stories about the environment, and the environment is under pressure like it’s never been under pressure before,” he said. “I think photographers
have a large part to play in bringing that knowledge and information to people. “It’s a huge privilege to visit places like Svalbard, so it’s incumbent on us to
tell those stories and for me that’s the power of photography.” A preview of the images are available at frankhurleyphotoawards. com.
14 Hobart Observer MARCH 2021
Community News
Two of Hobart’s favourite co-ops join forces to promote sustainability
The opening of the Tip Shop pop-up at The Finders.
THE Finders and the Resource Work Cooperative (South Hobart Tip Shop) have joined forces for a pop-up and celebration in Hobart to promote sustainability. The event started on 26 February at The Finders at 140 Harrington Street and is selling some amazing vintage offerings until mid-March. It is the first time these two collectives have joined forces to show off their treasures. The Finders is a vintage fashion co-op run by four Hobart women who own Vintage Stallion, Heaven Vintage, Moon Sign Taurus Vintage and Hiatus Store. The store stocks vintage clothing from several eras as well as small batch items, and zero waste products from Hobart designers. “The Finders was an idea born in the wake of COVID, we opened in late 2020,” Bec Taylor from The Finders said. “We share a lot of the same values and we all love the Tip Shop. “Both of our enterprises are passionate about the
environment, shopping local and reducing waste, so co-hosting this event together seems a perfect match. “Almost all of the fittings in our shop came from the Tip Shop too, so that makes it even more perfect. “When we did the fit out, we were determined not to buy anything new unless we absolutely had to, so most of what you see in store came from South Hobart.” The RWC or Tip Shop was founded in 1993 and employs 38 Tasmanians who run the business as a social enterprise. They take goods that are being thrown out and sell them on to new homes. This creates employment as well as minimising waste and caring for the planet by providing sustainable options for the purchasing of goods. “The Tip Shop works to reduce landfill while creating employment for our co-op workers,” Resource Collective coordinator Jason Richards said. “I think there is a misconception in some
Come and see the friendly team at Milk Bar Sandy Bay for a full driveway service experience. We’ll fill up your car, check your tyre pressure, top up your oil and wash your windscreen! We also stock quality Tasmanian products including: • ASHGROVE CHEESE & MILK • HUON VALLEY BAKERY CAFE PIES, CAKES & SANDWICHES • FEDERATION ARTISAN CHOCOLATE • VALHALLA ICE CREAM • TASMANIAN GINGERBREAD • ELLY’S GOURMET CONFECTIONERY • HOUSE OF FUDGE • PLUS MANY MORE! Treat yourself at the Milk Bar!
66 Regent Street Sandy Bay Open 5am-11pm 7 Days Full Driveway Service 7am-7pm weekdays 9am-5pm weekends & public holidays
of the community that we are the council, but we aren’t – we are a social enterprise full of passionate waste warriors. “One of the most discarded items is clothing. “Our shop is overflowing with garments, and we have been collecting some absolute pearlers for this event.” Fast fashion has seen manufacturers worldwide producing garments quickly, cheaply and in mass quantities, seeing more items than ever before reaching landfill. An average consumer throws away 32 kilograms of clothing per year. Globally, 13 million tons of textile waste is produced each year, 95 per cent of which could be reused or recycled. In addition to all this, the fashion industry is one of the most polluting industries in the world. The Tip Shop popup opened Friday 26 February at 140 Harrington Street and will remain in-store until 12 March.
Specialist supported housing for older Tasmanians A 25-UNIT social housing complex has officially opened on Goulburn Street in Hobart as part of the Tasmanian Government’s plan to deliver more homes for Tasmanians in need. The $11.7 million inner-city development will provide accessible, adaptable and energy efficient homes for older, at risk Tasmanians from the Housing Register. Specialist agedcare housing provider Wintringham have been secured to run the complex, and will work with Housing Connect to allocate and welcome occupants from next month. “This is a project that is going to support older Tasmanians in need – men and women who are over 50 and experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness, and this is a roof over their head,” Wintringham deputy chief executive officer Michael
From left, Cumulus Studio director Keith Westbrook, Fairbrother’s Phillip De Jong, Minister for Housing Roger Jaensch and Wintringham deputy chief executive officer Michael Deschepper.
Deschepper said. “Tenancy is one thing, but providing an integrated service that provides the housing and support is also equally critical.” Housing Connect is Tasmania’s front door to services assisting people experiencing housing crisis or homelessness and can be accessed by calling 1800 800 588. The units were specifically designed by Cumulus Studio to support the cohort who will be living there. “It’s a really great example of building in the inner city as well
as providing homes for people in need,” Cumulus Studio director Keith Westbrook said. “These 25 apartments go towards that by designing around the liveable housing standards, so it’s providing additional space for people with mobility requirements as well as access for all 25 apartments for people with different needs.” Minister for Housing Roger Jaensch said the social housing complex would go a long way in supporting elderly at risk Tasmanians. “The Goulburn Street
units are further proof that the Tasmanian Government is delivering on its commitments to increase the supply of housing in Tasmania,” he said. “We are investing a record $300 million to deliver more homes and homelessness initiatives than ever before as we continue to rebuild a stronger Tasmania. “These initiatives combined will see more than 1,500 new homes delivered for social housing over the next three years, including 444 due in the next 12 months.”
Fill-a-Bag Sale promotes fashion
Hobart City Mission social enterprise senior manager Verity Davis at last year’s Fill-a-Bag Sale.
CITY Mission Op Shops is hosting a special ‘Filla-Bag Sale’ on Sunday 21 of March in Moonah to provide op shop lovers with affordable and sustainable fashion options. The exciting sale will mean shoppers can fill a standard supermarket bag full of women’s clothing and shoes for $5, with some never-before-seen stock available on the day. There will be a huge amount of women’s clothing available and new stock put out every hour of the sale. All profit from the sale
of goods at City Mission Op Shops helps to fund important programs in the southern Tasmanian community. These programs include Mountain View, which is a supported accommodation for people experiencing homelessness, and Small Steps and DIY Dads which are live-in parenting and life-skills programs for young mums and their children, and single fathers and their children. The Fill-a-Bag sale comes as City Mission Op Shops continues to receive large quantities of
donations from the local community. The organisation hosted a similar sale in September last year, in order to clear a large amount of stock from the warehouse and provide affordable clothing options. The previous sale was held in the City Mission Op Shops Sorting Warehouse. This year, the Fill-abag sale will be held at City Mission Op Shops Moonah Clothing store, which is located at 15 Main Road, Moonah. “It is thanks to the support of the community
that we are able to offer these amazing sales to our customers,” Hobart City Mission chief executive officer John Stubley said. “We have seen a huge increase in quality donations, and we are pleased to be able to provide really affordable prices for the City Mission Op Shops community.” The Fill-a-bag sale runs from 10am to 5pm on Sunday 21 March at 15 Main Road, Moonah. The bag size is a standard reusable supermarket bag and the sale applies to women’s clothing and shoes only.
Hobart Observer MARCH 2021 15
Sport
NETBALL TASMANIA TO APPLY FOR SUNCORP SUPER NETBALL LICENCE NETBALL Tasmania will apply for a licence to compete in the Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) competition for the period commencing in 2022. “This is an exciting time for Tasmanian netball and Tasmanian sport in general as we see many sports push for Tasmanian teams in national competitions,” Netball Tasmania chief executive officer Aaron Pidgeon said. “We still have a number of matters to line up before this can become a reality, but we’re committed to the cause and we believe that it’s the right time to be expressing interest.” The expression of interest process for SSN licences for the period commencing in 2022 is expected to open in April 2021. Netball Tasmania will seek a participation commencement date of season 2023, allowing the existing Tasmanian Government agreement with Colling-
wood Magpies to expire prior to the creation of the new club. As part of the strategy to operate a SSN club in Tasmania, Netball Tasmania will field a standalone team in the Australian Netball Championships for 2021 (formerly the ANL), rather than continue with the Tasmanian Magpies team. Mr Pidgeon said Netball Tasmania had been extremely lucky to partner with Collingwood since 2017 through which a joint Australian Netball League (ANL) team operated, and Collingwood have played SSN matches in Tasmania. “We understand a decision to support a Tasmanian SSN team may impact the agreement with Collingwood beyond 2022,” he said. “That is not a reflection on the relationship with Collingwood which has been fantastic, rather our need to prioritise the implementation of a
Tasmanian team in the competition. “We’re thankful to the Tasmanian Government for supporting that opportunity and we look forward to continuing to work closely with Collingwood to deliver SSN content in Tasmania throughout the remainder of the existing agreement.” Netball Tasmania has submitted a request to the Tasmanian Government for financial support for an SSN licence, a critical component of the application and the implementation of a sustainable financial model. “We believe that the financial model we have created for the proposed club is sustainable, but it is dependent, at least through the first licence period, on the financial support of the Tasmanian Government,” he said. “While we would like to be able to deliver a financial model which can standalone without the support of the Tasmanian
Government, that’s not a reality in the short term.” “That said, we are not looking for a handout but rather a mutually beneficial partnership that would see the Tasmanian SSN team deliver a value through regular and ongoing engagement with the Tasmanian community and an unwavering
commitment to providing positive leadership and role models for young Tasmanians.” Mr Pidgeon said there were still challenges in both obtaining a licence and operating a team in the competition. “As noted, the sustainability of our proposed program is initially
dependent on securing government funding, but beyond that we still have much to do to in order to present the strongest submission possible,” he said. “Realistically, that submission needs to be strong enough to beat out a submission from one of the existing SSN
teams or to convince the SSN Commission and the broadcaster to expand the league.” If approved, the new club will provide local jobs, new entertainment product, a boost to local participation and strong role models in the community inspiring young Tasmanians.
From left, Renee Eiszele, Lucy Midson, Ashleigh Probert-Hill, Ava Dwyer and Charlie Wheller. Photo credit: Linda Higginson/Solstice Digital.
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OBSERVER SPORT 16 Hobart Observer MARCH 2021
Cricketing community comes together at Blundstone Local Liberal Member for Clark Elise Archer with ICSL players from KLM and TPS, and Glenorchy Cricket Club director of cricket Simon Stebbing.
THE cricketing community came together at Blundstone Arena for a day of competition and fun that showcased diversity and inclusion. The Community Cricket Celebration Day was held on Sunday 7 February and featured three games. The first game was between the Southern and Northern All Abilities teams, with the Southern team coming out on top. The players have intellectual disabilities, but play for mainstream clubs. Southern All Abilities player Blake Bonnitcha said it was a great experience to play on Blundstone Arena. “So many unbelievable players have played on that cricket pitch and on the ground, so it
was amazing to play, get a decent score, get a wicket, have some fun and get the win,” he said. The second game was a high-quality contest between an Indigenous Invitational XI and a Cricket Tasmania Pathways XI. Normally the Indigenous team would travel to Alice Springs to the National Indigenous Championships, but COVID-19 restrictions stopped that. This game was an opportunity for them to play against some really high quality opposition. “It was a really good opportunity to play for your state and play for your culture – you don’t get the opportunity every day of the week, so when it does come along, you take it with two hands,” Indigenous XI
player Jack Callinan said. The day was capped off by the 2021 Hurricanes Champions League grand final, a significant event in the cricket calendar and a milestone for the Intercultural Sports League (ICSL). The Hurricanes Champions League is a partnership between the Hobart Hurricanes and the ICSL that was established in 2017 and supported through the Hurricanes Foundation, with 14 teams playing in this year’s competition. This was the first time the grand final was held at Blundstone Arena, with previous years’ grand finals being held at KGV in Glenorchy. The final was played between the KLM Kings and the Tasmanian Punjabi Sports Club, with
the KLM Kings coming out on top. “The competition is getting better and bigger with every year because more people are migrating from different states as well,” KLM Kings captain Umair Butt said. “I think ICSL is one of the competitions that has brought all the communities together to one platform and is somewhere you can actually make friends – it’s not only about cricket, it’s much bigger.” The ICSL is an incorporated not-forprofit organisation founded by Mohan Mattala and Raj Chopra. It aims to reduce isolation experienced by refugee and migrant communities in Tasmania through participation in sport.
“The competitors are players from diverse cultural backgrounds including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Syria and Australia,” said ICSL cofounder Mr Mattala. In 2020, the ICSL was granted $2,865 from the Tasmanian Government’s Communities, Sport and Recreation’s COVID-19 Sport and Recreation Grants to assist with items needed to return to play safely including hand sanitiser, wipes and cricket balls. “Tasmania is a culturally, religiously and linguistically diverse state, with a long history of migration,” local Liberal Member Elise Archer said. “I commend Raj, Mohan and John for having the initiative and sheer determination
to pursue their dream of socially integrating our culturally diverse communities through sport and cricket in particular. “It’s great to see the rapid growth of the number of teams competing from nine teams in 2017 to 14 this season.” “As a supporter of the ICSL since its inception, it has been my absolute pleasure to be involved in supporting and sponsoring this organisation, knowing how important it is for people to connect with and support each other.” Director of cricket at Glenorchy Cricket Club Simon Stebbings attended the event. “Through the Glenorchy Cricket Club, specifically the Elise Archer Sponsorship,
15 players have been supported to play Premier League cricket,” he said. Cricket Tasmania general manager of community cricket Ben Smith said it was important that Blundstone Arena acted as a community cricket ground. “It’s part of the community and it’s a great asset for the Tasmanian community, so every opportunity that we can get to get anyone who loves the game and wants to play cricket the opportunity to play here is really important,” he said. “We’re really keen to make sure that cricket is a sport for all and celebrating all of these different groups who enjoy our game is really important to us.”
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