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‘It’s just work stuff’ has been written for the parents, carers, children and families of all of Tasmania’s emergency services first responders and those who work in areas that support the front line.
The book, written and illustrated by serving north-west police officer Stewart Williams, will help first responders start a conversation with their children and extended family about the impacts emergency service work may have on the home environment and to demystify critical incident stress and
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Tasmania Police Commissioner
Donna Adams said the organisation recognised that the impact of responding to critical incidents daily may extend to the family and children of first responders.
“It is for all emergency responders, whether that be a police officer, a firefighter, an SES responder, a paramedic or one of our scientists at Forensic Science Service Tasmania,” she said.
“When an emergency responder comes home after a challenging and difficult day, this can impact their behaviour at home and this book is a reminder that it’s not their family’s or their children’s fault, it’s just work stuff.”
Mr Williams said he had written, illustrated and published five children’s books previously, however it was his first venture into the therapeutic space.
“Books normally take me about three months to complete, this took around 12 months,” he said.
“A lot of time was spent reflecting, seeking feedback and reviewing the material in the book to make sure the content was understandable and appropriate for the audience.
“I see this book as a tool for those parents who may have had a tough day and may be out of sorts to use to sit down and read to or with their child to help explain the challenges PTSD creates for everyone in the family.”
HOBART locals were treated to a vibrant display of multicultural artwork at Hobart Town Hall during Refugee Week as the Migrant Resource Centre (MRC) assembled a collection of works by members of the local migrant community.
Mexican artist Karla Salgado led the MRC Tas art workshops working with the youth team and women’s group on a number of creative projects including painting, embroidery and collaborative artworks.
Ms Salgado said everyone was welcome to learn and celebrate
the variety of cultures represented in the exhibition.
“Many of the major pieces are collective works by different people,” she said.
“For instance, our beautiful wing display involves more than 100 pieces from 19 local migrants.
“There is an immense sense of pride for all of the artists involved in the exhibition who have a unique opportunity to share their culture with others in the local community.
“I believe in the community and the
strength of those of us who migrate as we share the possibility to create art in different languages and cultures.”
Chief executive officer
Gillian Long said many MRC Tas programs were focused on exploring creativity as a powerful means of expression and sharing of culture and experience.
“We see first-hand how Tasmanians from refugee backgrounds embrace creative expression and take pride in being able to showcase art, culture and crafts from their cultures,” she said.
“We welcome the opportunity to celebrate their stories of freedom and family through our second annual Refugee Week art exhibition.”
Hobart Mayor Anna Reynolds said the exhibition was a testament to the resilience and creativity of the refugee community.
“It is a celebration of their contributions to our cultural tapestry and an opportunity for all the people of Hobart to come together and appreciate the diverse talents within our community,” she said.
WHEN Paul Bunn first arrived in Tasmania from Western Australia, he was on the Disability Support Pension due to his medical needs and was worried about securing employment because of his criminal history.
Despite this, Mr Bunn has turned his life around and has been a support worker for six months, offering his own life experience and positive mindset as inspiration to the people he works with.
“If you want to break out of a cycle, it starts with positive thinking,” Mr Bunn said.
“Don’t be afraid to start a new career, believe in yourself and just give it a go.”
Bethlehem House provided housing, counselling and community outreach to support him on his road to recovery.
When he was ready, the Bethlehem House staff encouraged him to apply for a job and introduced him to MAX Employment.
With the help of the MAX team, Mr Bunn managed his mental health,
increased his confidence, improved his employability skills through training and learnt how to achieve good work performance.
Mr Bunn received assistance from his job coach ranging from administrative aspects including resume crafting, job applications, police check, working with vulnerable people registration to practical solutions such as mock interviews, coaching and group support sessions.
Despite being initially concerned that his criminal history would affect his chances of sustaining valuable and ongoing employment, Mr Bunn had a strong desire to help others.
His job coach arranged an interview for Mr Bunn to pursue his passion in community services and successfully secured employment in his chosen field.
Mr Bunn also has a clear criminal record and has been selected for jury duty.
THE City of Hobart has unveiled its budget for the 2024-25 financial year with a five per cent increase in rates and charges for local residents.
This equates to an average weekly increase of about $2.80.
Hobart Mayor Anna Reynolds said this adjustment ensured continued investment in essential and future infrastructure without imposing excessive burdens on residents.
“Hobart is committed to roads, rates and rubbish,” she said.
“But our vision is also for a modern, thriving city that addresses the needs of today while planning for tomorrow.
“And just like most households, the city will also be tightening its belt, reviewing and reducing its expenses over the next 12 months.”
Outlined in the city’s budget are specific allocations to essential services.
Road and footpath maintenance will see an investment of $2.9 million, while $9.1 million is
earmarked for waste management, covering waste and recycling collection, landfill operations, litter bin maintenance and the rehabilitation of McRobies Waste Management Centre.
The budget includes $600,000 for the installation of the McRobies Outlet Gross Pollutant Trap to enhance stormwater management and protect local wildlife, including the Hobart Rivulet’s most famous inhabitant, the platypus.
The $2.15 million New Town Rivulet Estuary Restoration Project will be a collaborative effort with the Glenorchy City Council to restore and improve public access to this vital area.
A further $340,000 has been allocated to enhance the Collins Street streetscape, making it safer for cyclists, pedestrians and people with mobility challenges.
For a full breakdown of the City of Hobart’s 2024-25 budget visit www. hobartcity.com.au
SCHOOL Food Matters
(SFM), with support from The Tasmanian Community Fund (TCF) has published a business case for an expanded School Lunch Program (SLP) which can ensure more school aged children across Tasmania have access to nutritious and tasty meals.
The SLP is currently offered in 30 schools statewide and is dedicated to advancing children’s educational capability through access to nutritious, locally sourced school meals and aims to foster a foundational understanding of nutrition, healthy eating habits and addressing food security.
SFM Executive Officer
Kirsty Grierson said the study proposes a phased approach to growing the
SLP to accommodate the practical realities of implementation and ensure its sustainability for the future.
“Tasmania is facing considerable challenges in reducing the disparities in health and education when compared to national benchmarks, revealing a landscape where urgent intervention and innovative approaches are needed to deliver significant improvements,” she said.
“The SLP is not just about feeding children, it’s about investing in their futures, improving educational outcomes and fostering a healthier community.”
Julie Dunbabin, School Lunch Program Manager, found inspiration during her 2019 Churchill
Fellowship travels to seven countries around the world to research how other countries run their school lunch programs successfully.
“At least one third of a child’s daily energy intake is consumed at school. Nutritious food in schools can lead to better focus and concentration, improved classroom behaviour and better learning outcomes.
“We are excited that as the first state in Australia to establish a school lunch program, Tasmania is leading the way.”
TCF Chair Sally Darke said the program would break down significant barriers to education by ensuring all Tasmanian children are supported with sufficient school meals.
THE overnight temperature in Hobart may have hovered around two degrees recently but spare a thought for Australia’s expeditioners at the Casey Research Station in Antarctica where minus 20 degrees was the average temperature during June.
The good news is that the Australian Antarctic Festival will enable visitors to experience much of the work being undertaken by our expeditioners without having to cope with these bone-chilling temperatures.
The Australian Antarctic Festival is produced by the Mawson’s Huts Foundation specifically to
BANJO’S Bakery Café celebrated its 10th anniversary partnership with SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY and in the process raised $44,000 to support mental health awareness and education across Tasmania.
In 2024 Banjo’s extended the donations taken from coffee sales with 10 cents from every transaction at Tasmanian Banjo’s stores donated to the mental health awareness and suicide prevention organisation.
This resulted in the organisation’s largest fundraising total to date.
SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY founder Mitch
McPherson said the ongoing support from Banjo’s Bakery and its customers had been instrumental in helping the organisation further its mission.
“The funds raised will go a long way in enabling us to reach more people, promote positive mental health and continue breaking down stigma that still surrounds mental health,” he said.
“We’re deeply thankful for Banjo’s amazing support and their strong belief in the importance of mental health awareness.
“This partnership has been so valuable over
the past decade, and we can’t wait to see what awesome things we’ll achieve together in the future.”
Banjo’s Bakery chief executive officer Jessica Saxby said the company was incredibly pleased with the results of this year’s fundraising efforts.
“Banjo’s is proud to help spark those vital conversations about mental health, and our customers have been incredibly generous over the past decade,” she said.
“Over the past 10 years, Tasmanian Banjo’s stores have raised close to $300,000 for SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY.”
BIG Monkey Theatre’s family show in the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens next summer will portray the beloved story of Alice in Wonderland.
As Big Monkey began to put the show together it became apparent that its crew may need a Cheshire Cat and sought out a happy, smiling puss than the Ten Lives Cat Centre.
Both Ten Lives Cat Centre and Big Monkey Theatre were beneficiaries of support from an anonymous benefactor who asked the Alice in Wonderland crew to pass on $4000 to help Ten Lives with its valuable community service of providing
care and shelter for unwanted and abandoned cats and kittens.
Ten Lives chief executive officer Noel Hunt said the centre was always delighted to receive such generous cash donations as it enabled the staff to prioritise and direct the funds into areas of greatest need.
“This donation also comes right in the middle of our 2024 tax time appeal and it may motivate others to make similar commitments,” he said.
Tickets for Big Monkey’s Alice in Wonderland are now on sale through the Theatre Royal box office www.theatreroyal. com.au/tickets
STUDENTS from Calvin Christian School have enjoyed a unique behindthe-scenes experience as they joined the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra (TSO) for an open rehearsal.
TSO learning and community projects manager Jack Machin said the orchestra was passionate about providing the Tasmanian community with educational opportunities to get students out of the classroom and see real live musicians working.
“To have access to a professional orchestra and insight into the rehearsal process is
both exciting and gives students a great learning experience into the rigours of performing with a professional ensemble,” he said.
“One of the TSO’s goals is to ensure every Tasmanian child experiences the orchestra by year three and these open rehearsals are a step towards achieving that by offering students a chance to witness toplevel musicians at work.
“Students will gain insight into how a piece of music evolves during rehearsals and will see and hear the intricate process of refining a performance and how
ON Thursday 20 June the St Vincent de Paul Society Tasmania (Vinnies) hosted its annual CEO Sleepout at MyState Bank Arena in Hobart and University of Tasmania Stadium in Launceston to raise funds for Tasmanians experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness.
More than 50 business and community leaders registered for the event and participants endured a cold night in both cities as they experienced first-hand what it is like to sleep rough.
“It was a physical and emotional challenge that gave participants a small glimpse into what Tasmanians experiencing homelessness and poverty go through on a daily basis,” Vinnies Tasmania chief executive officer Heather Kent said.
“As Tasmania experiences harsh winter conditions, the CEO Sleepout becomes even more significant in raising awareness about the extreme challenges of those experiencing homelessness during the coldest months of the year.
“The event drew attention to the fact that many Tasmanians cannot afford to heat their homes due to rising energy prices and the cost-ofliving crisis. We know that just paying rent at this time is a key issue.”
Alison Flakemore Senior Partner from Hobartbased accounting firm Crowe was the highest individual fundraiser, bringing in donations totalling $6,926.
Meals were provided in both Hobart and Launceston by the Vinnies Soup Van teams and participants slept on concrete with only a piece of cardboard and a sleeping bag for comfort.
More than $70,000 has been raised to date with donations closing on 31 July.
the conductor and the musicians work together.
“The experience is designed to enrich their understanding and appreciation of professional musical performance.”
Mr Machin said for many students, this may be their first time seeing a live orchestra, especially in a rehearsal setting.
“We hope they leave inspired to pursue their musical studies and perhaps even consider a professional career in music,” he said.
The TSO Open Rehearsals are open to all schools and can be booked via the TSO website.
THE Tasmanian Community Fund (TCF) and Fostering Hope recently launched a free, online trauma awareness community training resource.
Fostering Hope Executive Officer Mary Blake said the Tasmanian community was full of wonderful volunteers making a difference in children and young people’s lives by giving their time to coach sporting teams and lead music groups, scout groups, camps and so much more.
“This resource will better help them support children to find belonging, interact with safe adults
and peers, gain confidence and new skills,” she said.
“We have a lot of children and young people interacting with those programs from all different backgrounds, so we want to offer a free resource to all those volunteers who are out there giving their time to the community to have a greater understanding of how young people are connecting with their programs and be able to fill that role with compassion and care.”
“We know children and young people who come from unsafe beginnings may present in these programs with behaviours that are challenging and
hard to understand.
“However, being able to engage in extracurricular activities and be around safe adults can play a huge part in their healing and developing life skills, self-esteem and increased self-worth.
With the support of the Tasmanian Community Fund, Fostering Hope put together this free resource for everyone working or volunteering at a grassroots level with children and young people.
The videos aim to encourage them in the role they are already playing, increase their understanding and give them skills to enable more children and young people
to be able to participate.
“The TCF is proud to support such an important resource that can be made available for free,” TCF Chairperson Sally Darke said.
“This training resource will lead to children’s trauma being better
understood and supported, leading to more positive opportunities for children, including in their education and learning.”
For more information and to access the videos visit www.fosteringhope. net.au/trauma-awarenesstraining
Stanton Place, Cambridge (03) 6248 4144 admin@rplawyers.com.au
IN May, Landcare Tasmania celebrated its 30th year as an incorporated association supporting the community Landcare movement.
Landcare Tasmania was the first independent State peak body for Landcare in Australia, soon followed by the other State and Territory Landcare organisations that represent the grassroots Landcare movement.
“We have grown into a robust community of more than 300 member groups and more than 6,900 volunteers state-wide,” Landcare Tasmania chief executive officer Peter Stronach said.
“Together, we have continued
to protect and restore the soils, waterways, flora and fauna that make Tasmania unique.”
Landcare Tasmania has used the celebration as a chance to reflect on key milestones, such as the 1996 Red Tree Campaign, its first conference in 1997 in Deloraine and numerous award-winning initiatives over the years.
“Recognising our achievements helps us appreciate the landscapes and ecosystems we’ve preserved and restored,” Mr Stronach said.
“Imagine the state of our local environment without the care and dedication of Landcarers, it would be a very different situation if local
Monday 6am: Monday Breakfast with Brett Marley. 9am: Monday Music Mix with Mandi Bennett.
Midday: Lunchtime Classics with Rick Rae. 2pm: Music Of Your Life with Suzi Hodgkinson. 4pm:
Reeling in the Years with Dave Batchelor. 6pm: Glenn’s Country with Glenn Gillie. 8pm: Classic Ride with Melvin Freestone. 10pm: Double Or Nothing with Jack Wilson. Midnight: Music of Your Life Overnight.
people had not stepped up and managed their local patch.
“As we celebrate this milestone, we are acutely aware of the immediate threats facing our environment. Grassroots Landcare is arguably the most vital communityled environmental movement of our era, and often our efforts are taken for granted.
“Tasmania grapples with a range of complex challenges, and the Landcare movement offers a practical, community-based solution. Participation in Landcare strengthens social connectedness and resilience, which is so important for the challenges ahead.”
Tuesday 6am: Wake Up with Kaye Payne. 9am: Bringing Back the Memories with David Carr. Midday: Beat & Ballads with Phil Williams. 2pm: Music Of Your Life with Rebecca Rupel. 4pm: Tuesday Drive with Mal Dennis 6pm: Mostly Folk with Owen Gardner. 8pm: The Early Late Show with Margs. 10pm: What’s Next with The Catman. Midnight: Music of Your Life Overnight.
Wednesday 6am: Wednesday Breakfast with John Evans. 9am: Bright and Breezy Mix with Kath. Midday:
NOMINATIONS are open for the 2024 Tasmanian Volunteering Awards which will honour the significant contributions made by volunteers who dedicate their time to enrich communities.
Volunteering Tasmania chief executive officer Shirleyann Varney said volunteering was a significant part of Tasmanian culture.
“Volunteering has the largest workforce
Music of Your Life with Frank McIvor. 2pm: Music of Your Life Handpicked with Ron Andersen. 4pm: The Johnny Dallas Revival Show with Johnny Dallas. 6pm: Wednesday Night Jukebox with Robbo. 8pm: Country Jukebox with Russell Hevey / Bob Hevey. 10pm: Wednesday Night with Michael Holloway. Midnight: Music of Your Life Overnight.
Thursday 6am: Thursday Breakfast with Craig Cracknell. 9am: Magic Music Mix with Tom Payne. Midday: From The 40s to The 00s with Robyn Guy. 2pm: The
in Tasmania. With nearly 70 per cent of the population volunteering, every Tasmanian would know someone who is contributing through volunteering,” she said.
“This is the opportunity to really appreciate those volunteers and understand just how much they do for our communities.
“We encourage everyone to take a moment to think about a
volunteer that has made a significant impact to their life or to their community.
“Let’s make those contributions visible, to celebrate, recognise and to show just how diverse and impactful volunteering can be.”
Nominations for the 2024 Volunteer Awards are open until 14 August.
For more information visit volunteeringtas. org.au
Music Of Your Life with Kenny White. 4pm: Thursday Drive with Luca Forest. 6pm: The Serbian Program with Alek Djeric. 7pm: Mandarin and Cantonese. 8pm: Hobart FM Jazz. 10pm: Greek. Midnight: Music of Your Life Overnight.
Friday 6am: Rise & Shine with Ria Walter. 9am: Songs & Stories with Brian Corr. Midday: Music of Your Life with Karina Ceron. 2pm: My Favourite Music with Judi Forsyth. 4pm: Friday Drive with Peter Johnston. 6pm: Good Times Rollin’ with Bob Hevey /
OVER the last two rounds of its Community Grant Program, TasPorts has awarded critical safety gear upgrades to six surf lifesaving clubs and volunteer marine rescue organisations across Tasmania.
In the south of the state, clubs including Freycinet Volunteer Marine Rescue, Volunteer Marine Rescue Kingborough and Clifton Beach Surf Life Saving Club have completed fantastic projects that enhance
water safety outcomes for Tasmanians.
These volunteeroperated marine rescue services have limited funding outside of basic necessities.
TasPorts recognises the vital role of the surf club network and its members in providing essential educational and emergency rescue services to all users of Tasmanian beaches and coastal waterways.
“TasPorts is proud to support initiatives that improve marine safety in Tasmania and ensure
the safety of waterways where we operate,”
TasPorts CEO Anthony Donald said.
“We acknowledge and appreciate the efforts of services that provide essential emergency support and are working to facilitate training, education, and awareness outcomes.
“Surf Life Saving Tasmania (SLST) and its members are essential in fostering healthy communities and ensuring safety in and around our beaches and port regions.
We are immensely proud of the high level of community grant project applications we have received in support of these initiatives.”
One notable beneficiary of the TasPorts Community Grant Program is Freycinet Volunteer Marine Rescue (FVMR) on the state’s east coast.
FVMR recently acquired a used rescue vessel from Marine Rescue New South Wales
but needed to upgrade its onboard equipment.
Thanks to the grant, FVMR was able to purchase upgraded lifejackets, personal locator beacons, a UHF radio and Milo communicators.
The new beacons feature Automatic Identification System (AIS) technology for immediate local response to a person overboard, supplemented by traditional satellite location technology.
“With TasPorts’ support, Freycinet Volunteer Marine Rescue Association has been able to provide a significant upgrade to volunteer safety and communications at a time when considerable funding was needed for the rescue vessel,” unit commander Col Barney said.
“This upgrade will allow volunteers to operate in a safe environment, supporting not only the traditional boating community
but also a wider range of watercraft users, including jet skis, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards.
Volunteer Marine Rescue Kingborough (VMRK) a part of Surf Life Saving Tasmania, serving the waters surrounding Southern Tasmania, also benefited from the TasPorts grant.
The unit replaced two outdated searchlights on their rescue vessel with modern, remotecontrolled units, significantly enhancing their operational capabilities.
“TasPorts’ commitment to marine safety across the state is commendable,”
VMRK secretary Andrew Fogarty said.
“We are thrilled to receive another Community Grant to allow us to focus on our core role in supporting all aquatic users and our emergency services.”
Clifton Beach Surf Life Saving Club, Australia’s southernmost
surf lifesaving club founded in 1963, has been a central hub for its members and the surrounding communities.
The volunteer-run organisation provides lifesaving patrol services during the summer months along with a successful nippers program, and regular community events.
“The grant allowed us to add a special ‘rainbow rescue’ board to our Diversity and Inclusion initiatives,” club representative Nicole Davey said.
The Pride Surf Rescue Board is a visible sign of progress and acceptance for everyone on the beach and is certified for use as a rescue board.”
Clifton Beach SLSC hosts a variety of events promoting diversity, including the Starfish Nippers program for children with additional needs and supports migrant communities to feel included in water activities, providing
a comprehensive introduction to safely and confidently enjoying the Australian summer at the beach.
“Member and community feedback has been positive. The rainbow rescue boards often serve as great conversation starters about our club’s services and how we are open to the community, everyone is welcome,” Ms Davey said.
This truly showcases the crucial role local surf clubs play in their communities.”
TasPorts’ commitment to supporting these organisations underscores its dedication to enhancing marine safety and fostering inclusive, engaged communities across Tasmania.
Applications for the next round of the TasPorts Community Grant Program will open on 1 August 2024.
For more information visit the TasPorts website.
SV MAY Queen’s ongoing maintenance schedule has highlighted the dedication of its volunteer crew and TasPorts’ significant role in preserving Tasmania’s maritime history.
SV May Queen, built in 1867, holds the title of Australia’s oldest sail trading vessel and is one of the few remaining wooden ships of its era still afloat worldwide.
This historic vessel is currently undergoing essential maintenance at the Domain Slip to ensure its continued preservation and conservation.
Transporting the May Queen, a vessel without a motor, from its home
at Constitution Dock to the Domain Slip was no small feat.
It required the vessel to be towed and then carefully maneuvered into place by punts.
The vessel will be on the slip for two weeks, during which a dedicated team of four volunteers will carry out the necessary work, underscoring the unique challenges of maintaining such a historic vessel.
At the heart of the May Queen’s preservation efforts are the dedicated volunteers, some of whom have been working on the vessel for decades.
Graham Roberts and Phillip Calvert, both in their 80s, have
been steadfast in their commitment to the vessel’s upkeep for 20 and 10 years, respectively. Their dedication is a testament to the importance of the May Queen’s preservation.
“With two new young guns volunteering on the crew, we hope to repaint the 21.5m Tasmanian blue gum and stringy bark hull with antifoul paint from the rubbing strip to the keel after using a high-pressure wash to blast mussels and other debris off the hull and sealing any identified leaks,” Mr Roberts said.
Once the May Queen returns to Constitution Dock, the volunteer crew will sand the Celery Top
Pine deck floor before sealing it to protect against rain and wear, followed by caulking with a bitumen product.
Additionally, a new canvas cover has been specially ordered to replace the existing hold cover that has been in place for more than 30 years.
Phillip Calvert is a member of the volunteer crew and expressed the team’s need for more ‘hands on deck’.
“We would greatly appreciate more volunteers to assist with the May Queen’s preservation, if anyone is interested, please come and visit us when we’re back at Con Dock,” he
said.
“Your support can make a significant difference in our preservation efforts.”
TasPorts’ partnership with the May Queen Trust, providing berthing facilities for the SV May Queen at Constitution Dock and contributing to its annual maintenance, underscores the importance of preserving Tasmania’s rich maritime history.
TasPorts, along with its predecessors, the Marine Board of Hobart and Hobart Ports Corporation has a long-standing relationship with the May Queen, offering similar support for nearly 50 years.
TWO remarkable Tasmanian gardeners are tending to more than just plants.
Max Heerey and Chris Hills are the green-thumbed heroes helping end homelessness one garden at a time.
Max Heery from Mowing Tasmania, and real estate agent Chris Hills have witnessed the impact of the housing crisis firsthand and are using their skills to offer gardening support for social housing residents.
“We’ve had a huge rental crisis over the last few years,” Mr Hills said.
“There were a lot of people who weren’t able to afford to pay rent and experienced couch surfing with no fixed address or living with family members.
“It sounds like it’s much the same all over Australia at the moment.”
For people struggling to make ends meet, tending to a garden can be overwhelming but without maintenance an overgrown garden can put people at risk of eviction and homelessness.
After a career in finance, Max Heerey followed his passion for working outdoors and started his own business, Mowing Tasmania.
As his business grew, he saw how many people were facing eviction notices because of their
• 250ml Pureed pumpkin (room temperature)
• 50 ml warm water
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1 Tsp sugar
Method
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 500g plain flour
• 2 tsp dry yeast.
soft use a blender to process it. Stand aside to cool.
*These next steps can be done with a bread maker on dough setting.
3. In a bowl place the 50 ml warm water, sugar and yeast together. Mix and set aside until frothy, or about 10 mins.
4. In a larger bowl place the flour and salt. Make a well in the centre and put in olive oil, cooled pumpkin puree and the yeast mix. Mix together and turn out onto a floured bench top and knead for 10 mins, if dough is sticky add a bit more flour. Set aside for half an hour or until doubled in size. Knead again for 10 mins and set aside for another half an hour.
5. When dough has risen again flatten out slightly and sprinkle pepitas and sunflower seeds onto the dough. Form into the shape of loaf you want, containing the seeds on the inside.
6. Set aside again to rise for 40 mins.
7. Set oven to 195oC
8. When dough has risen again, brush the top with water and sprinkle on more seeds.
9. Bake for 20 – 30 mins, depending on shape of loaf.
10. Bread is ready when it is
wanted to lend a helping hand and began mowing lawns for free every Friday.
When one local lost her job as a cleaner after 40 years, her garden had become unmanageable, but Mr Heerey’s assistance not only brought relief but also restored hope.
“There are endless ways to contribute. Never underestimate the impact of small gestures,” Mr Heerey said.
Mowing Australia has now partnered with Mission Australia to help tenants at risk of eviction.
Chris Hills, a real estate agent for 17 years, has seen the impact of the housing crisis first-hand.
“The average person who’s
renting through social housing, a lot of those people would not want to be in that position,” Mr Hills said.
“A lot of those people haven’t got family support, so they don’t speak to anyone about the challenges they face.”
Chris volunteers his services to Mission Australia, helping spread a little kindness and joy to people in need.
“If I spend a day in the garden helping someone, many people will open up to me,” Mr Hills said.
“I’ll go in and do the heavy extreme garden makeover stuff, to get it back to a level where hopefully someone can manage it going forward.”
TREE Guy Tasmania is providing high quality tree and garden care to Hobart and Southern Tasmania.
Tree Guy Tasmania is a one stop shop for tree and garden care, offering large tree removals, tree and shrub pruning, hedge trimming, plant and tree sourcing, soil preparation and planting, landscape design and construction, fire risk mitigation and more.
With 35 years of experience as an arborist and landscaper owner Gareth Fryer and his team bring experience and passion to the work they do.
“Trees and plants have been an integral part of my life growing up,” Mr Fryer said.
“Recreating in nature, both as an avid hiker and
whitewater kayaker, then combining with time working in nurseries and as a landscaper, then as an arborist, has given me new appreciation and wonder for the plants and trees that are the life-force of our worlds existence”
Mr Fryer’s passion for nature has given him a strong connection to the gardens he and his team work on.
“I always have the approach of what if this was my garden or property, how would I want it to be treated and my assets looked after,” he said.
“How would I want to be treated as a client? I always try and give my client the best service possible.”
“I put my heart into every job that we do.”
Tree Guy Tasmania prides itself on having a personal connection to all its customers and works hard to ensure the work the team do is achieved as seamlessly as possible.
“We go the extra step to protect our clients’ plants and assets underneath the trees we are pruning or removing, we never want to do damage” Mr Fryer said.
“I stand for the highest levels of customer service and being uncompromising on quality, I strive for the highest level of client satisfaction.
“Our team can help our clients with all aspects of tree and garden care.”
You can contact Tree Guy Tasmania by calling Gareth Fryer on 0488 065 065.
Branch chipping
Fire risk mitigation
FRESH off the roaring success of The Mousetrap at the Theatre Royal, Hobart Repertory Theatre Society is staging another of Agatha Christie’s spellbinding plays at the Playhouse Theatre this month. With up and coming director Jeremy Pyefinch at the helm and a talented cast of local performers and creatives, The Unexpected Guest is a gripping mystery set on a foggy night in southern Wales.
A man’s car breaks down on a lonely road, seeking help, he stumbles upon an isolated house where he discovers a woman standing over her dead, wheelchairbound husband.
She confesses to murder and the unexpected guest offers to help her concoct a cover story.
Secrets, suspense and unexpected twists abound in this classic Christie tale
Agatha Christie is the bestselling novelist of all time, with more than two billion copies of her books sold, she is also the most translated author enjoying worldwide success.
Born in the 1890’s and published from the 1920’s through to her death in 1975, but what is the cause of her enduring popularity?
The Mousetrap, which recently delighted Hobart audiences is the longest running play on the West End, running since 1952, Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple are household names as characters.
Even now Kenneth Branagh is responsible for a new movie
franchise based on her work, which is receiving rave reviews and big audiences.
The secret appears to lie in the accessibility of the language, humour and complexity of the stories.
The shows keep audiences and readers guessing, whilst exuding the dry, self-deprecating humour that allows such shocking subject matter as murder to make for an enjoyable night out.
So come along to The Playhouse Theatre from the 10 to 20 July to lose yourself in a misty Welsh Mansion, marooned with murderers and mystery and see if you can figure out ‘who dunnit’ but remember, assumptions are dangerous things.
WHAT do you do when you have around 15,000 books in categories as diverse as Tasmanian history, cooking, gardening, art, contemporary fiction, true crime, murdermystery, fantasy, children’s classics, music and much more?
For Argyle Street Lifeline Op Shop manager Rob Bouwmeester the answer
was easy; hold an incredibly ambitious book fair all in the cause of raising money for suicide prevention.
“Almost every other Lifeline centre in Australia has an annual book fair,” Mr Bouwmeester said.
“For the last six months we’ve been sorting and packing and in August everything we’ve collected
will go on sale for a good cause.”
The fair will also feature a wide selection of vinyl records.
“We just thought, why not give music lovers the opportunity to indulge and extend their collections as well,” Mr Bouwmeester said.
“It’s a lot of work, but with all the proceeds going straight back into the Tasmanian community through programs such as Chats, A Tasmanian Lifeline, the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme and the Suicide Bereavement Group, it’s well and truly worth it,” he said
“This would not have been possible without the support of the University of Tasmania who donated both the Activities Centre for the event and a nearby storage location.
If you have spare books and records you would like to donate you can drop them into 147 Argyle Street or call to arrange for collection prior to July 31st.
The Lifeline Tasmania Book and Vinyl Fair will be held at the University of Tasmania Activities Centre, Sandy Bay Campus on Saturday 3 August and Sunday 4 August from 10am to 4pm.
Located centrally in New Town, these well-appointed Self Care Units are approximately five minutes by car from the Hobart CBD. Each maintained unit offers privacy without isolation and the freedom to come and go as you please. All are a short walk from New Town Plaza Shopping Centre.
To arrange an inspection please call: (03) 6279 4200 email: reception@maryogilvy.com.au
THE Council on the Ageing (COTA) recently held multiple community and business events across Tasmania as part of its annual Walk Against Elder Abuse Day rallies.
Coinciding with walks in Hobart, Launceston and Burnie, COTA also launched its Wear Purple Campaign to encourage Tasmanians to show their support, compassion and respect for older citizens.
COTA chief executive officer Brigid Wilkinson said elder abuse could involve
physical or sexual abuse, taking an older person’s money or possessions, making threats or stopping their social contact.
“Each year, one in six older people experiences abuse,” she said.
“Elder abuse is a serious issue in our community and we need more Tasmanians looking out for and respecting older people wherever they are in our state.
“Older people have the right to live with dignity and safety just like people of every other age and COTA
encourages all Tasmanians to learn about elder abuse and look out for people in their community.
“These community and business activities highlight the issues of ageism and elder abuse and help reassure older people in our communities they are not alone.”
In support of this campaign, prominent landmarks including the Tasman Bridge and the Launceston Town Hall, were lit up in purple during the week of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
The District Nurses has been caring for Tasmanians at home since 1896.
Our nurse lead teams provide a full range of services in your home. Support & Care that will help you stay healthy and independent at home and within your community.
There have been improvements in aesthetics and functionality, more choices for styles and colours
Modern hearing devices offer features to support your lifestyle, with options that are water-proof or rechargeable.
could be improved, please book an appointment with us today at Hobart Hearing Care to discuss your options.
VOLUNTEERS are an integral part of the support we offer at Arthritis & Osteoporosis Tasmania.
There really is no typical volunteer, we believe that everyone has something valuable to offer.
We have a host of volunteer opportunities to suit different time commitments, interests and experiences.
Some require specific skills, some a longer-term commitment and others you can do on an occasional basis.
More than 25 people regularly volunteer at Arthritis & Osteoporosis Tasmania offering their valuable time, skills and experience in a range of roles.
Whilst we have some volunteers who have been with us for more than 15 years (average length of service is currently 8-10
years) volunteering doesn’t have to involve a long-term commitment.
We understand that people often have busy lives. Arthritis & Osteoporosis Tasmania offers a variety of volunteering opportunities with variable time commitments, from regular weekly 1-4 hour shifts to more casual involvement for those times when a helping hand is needed (for example, data entry and large mailouts).
Volunteering now, more than ever, is vital to our providing ongoing services to the community.
As well as greatly benefiting our organisation, volunteering can also be personally rewarding offering people the chance to gain knowledge and learn new skills, use one’s life experience to help others, meet some wonderful new people, work with a friendly team who
appreciate their contribution and know that you are putting something back into the community.
Arthritis & Osteoporosis Tasmania is currently looking for help in the following areas.
Volunteers respond to calls received on the 1800 InfoLine Service and prepare a tailored information pack from our available resources. Located in our Reception area, volunteers also provide a friendly face and assistance to members of the public visiting our Office. Thorough training is provided and there is always staff back-up. When you work in this area you’ll talk to a wide range of people.
We ask for a weekly or fortnightly shift of three hours at our Office in Moonah.
For our Community Speakers program volunteers are trained in presenting talks on arthritis and related conditions, enabling us to reach thousands more people in a range of settings including retirement villages, service clubs, fitness centres and other venues.
Time commitment is variable, being based on requests for speakers.
Interested volunteers must be comfortable speaking to groups, can learn and share basic arthritis information and have transport to get to group presentations (out of pocket expenses will be reimbursed).
Jackie Misson is an experienced audiologist and the local owner of Hobart Hearing Care She offers comprehensive hearing tests and advice on the latest hearing technology Hobart Hearing Care can fit you with new hearing aids or review your current hearing aids
53 Sandy Bay Rd, Battery Point TAS (Parking available on site) Call today or book online! (03) 6292 5607 hobarthearingcare.com.au
Would you like an opportunity to learn new skills and to help others?
Arthritis & Osteoporosis Tasmania is currently recruiting volunteers to support its community programs such as the Arthritis Information Line, Community Speakers & Events Programs.
Arthritis and associated musculoskeletal conditions are the primary cause of chronic pain and disability in Australia yet many people know little about them or how to manage them. This is YOUR opportunity to learn new skills and to help others.
Interested volunteers must enjoy working with people; and can learn and share basic information about arthritis, osteoporosis and associated conditions. Training and support is provided.
Please call 6228 4824 or email info@arthritistas.org.au to put your name down for a Volunteer Information Session on Tuesday, 9 July at 10.30am.
BY
Volunteering with RSPCA Tasmania is an incredibly fulfilling experience that goes beyond simply spending time with animals (though that is one of many volunteer roles!).
In the south of the state, our main volunteer roles include being a foster carer, supporting projects through working bees (e.g., preparing enrichment toys, sewing, or knitting), organising Cupcake Day fundraisers, helping at events, or donating several hours on a Saturday to work with dogs at our famous Puppy Parking service.
Foster Carers: This is a crucial volunteer role. Foster carers support animal wellbeing by allowing animals to spend less time in shelter environments and more time in nurturing, loving homes. The impact of this role on an animal’s life is incredible.
Working Bees: Volunteers occasionally hold working bees to create items for animals in our care, such as knitted blankets, sewn items, handmade toys, beds, scratchers, cat towers, and guinea pig cradles. If you excel in woodwork, construction, sewing, or knitting, your skills would be greatly appreciated.
Cupcake Day Fundraisers:
If you love cooking, join us as a Cupcake Day volunteer. While formally held any day in the month of August, you can choose any day of the year. We welcome keen bakers to make cupcakes for both humans and dogs (with very different ingredient lists!).
Puppy Parking: On most Saturdays, year-round (weather permitting), we gather at the bustling Salamanca Market at the Hobart Waterfront. Our volunteers care for a variety of pups while their owners enjoy the market, knowing their dogs are loved and having fun with our canine support team.
Volunteering with RSPCA Tasmania also provides an excellent opportunity to meet like-minded people who share your passion for animals and animal welfare. By volunteering your time with us, you can make valuable connections, significantly impact the lives of Tasmania’s vulnerable animals, and contribute to our mission meaningfully.
Here are some of the things RSPCA Tasmania volunteers say about their experiences:
“Volunteering as a foster carer for both the “safe beds” program and shelter animals has been a wonderful experience.
Being able to look after someone’s animal while they might be struggling is a very rewarding way to support the community while also getting to hang out with some pretty amazing pets.
Being able to provide one-on-one non-institutional care for animals experiencing homelessness and anxiety, to help them become the very best happy versions of themselves that they can become, is also an incredible experience.
RSPCA Tasmania has been really easy
to work with in coordinating care needs, dropping off food, vet visits and working around our time schedules as well. Overall, it’s a really enjoyable, rewarding experience.”
Kathleen (Hobart)
“Volunteering at RSPCA Tasmania’s ‘puppy parking’ is a highlight of my week. It’s fulfilling to help the adorable pups and their owners enjoy a stressfree Saturday. The market atmosphere is always buzzing, and taking care of cute dogs is incredibly rewarding. I love meeting all kinds of dogs with unique personalities and seeing the owners’ gratitude for a safe place to leave their pets. For me, it’s a perfect way to unwind, de-stress, and get my much-needed ‘puppy fix’ while contributing to the well-being of these beloved animals. I can’t think of a better way to start the weekend.”
Emma (Hobart)
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer with RSPCA Tasmania or would like some more information, visit rspcatas.org.au/ become-a-volunteer or contact RSPCA Tasmania’s Volunteer Coordinator Liza directly email: Lparsons@rspcatas.net.au
Diprose,
IN the heartwarming tale of Panda, a stray discovered on the outskirts of a new subdivision in early March, every step of her journey towards recovery speaks volumes about resilience, care and dedication.
Found emaciated and dehydrated on the 4th of March, Panda’s arrival at Ten Lives was met with immediate attention and concern.
At approximately six weeks old and weighing less than 370g, Panda’s condition was dire, scoring a mere 1-2 on the body condition scale.
Placed on fluids, wrapped snugly, and nestled onto a heat pad, she was given the tender care she needed to start her recovery journey.
“She was emaciated, very, very thin, dehydrated and not in a great state.” Vet nurse Rachelle Pregnell said.
“We got her on emergency fluids and warmed her up because she was very cold.”
Panda’s initial signs of improvement were heartening, meowing and purring but her journey was only just beginning.
“I took her home for the first couple of nights because she had to stay on fluids because she was still quite dehydrated,” Rachelle said
“I would bring her back in every day until she brightened back up and was able to go to another foster carer.”
Through the dedicated efforts of the veterinary team and the nurturing foster care provided by vet nurse Rachelle,
Panda’s initial progress was steady and remarkable.
Rachelle provided initial critical care before Panda was placed with another foster carer once she was well enough.
From timid beginnings to playful antics, her transformation was evident in her demeanour and appetite. Transitioning to a diet suited for her needs, Panda flourished under the watchful eye of her caregivers.
A bout of vomiting and diarrhea prompted two visits to the Animal Emergency Service, the first on the 3rd of April and the second on the 8th of April, where she received prompt treatment and ongoing care.
Through it all, Panda’s spirit remained undeterred, her progress evident in her playful nature and improving health.
“She did have some gastro upsets but she came out with a clean
bill of health.” foster carer Leanne said.
“She’s absolutely loves cuddles of a morning and sits and watches TV with you.”
Panda also gained confidence in foster care, enjoying playtime with her new fostersiblings.
“She loved those other cats, she loved Charlie’s tail with the little white tip on it.” Leanne said.
From dietary transitions to medication regimens, every detail speaks to the tireless efforts to ensure Panda’s well-being.
As Panda returns from her foster home in search of her forever home, her story reminds us of the resilience of animals and the impact of a helping hand along the way.
Ten Lives is a selffunded animal charity that relies on donations and volunteers to care for and rehome the unwanted cats and kittens of southern Tasmania. See how you can get involved: tenlives. com.au
Hank Jongen, General Manager, Services Australia
HELLO everyone.
In Australia, the Age Pension is either income tested or assets tested, and this determines how much pension you’ll get.
Age Pension has income and asset free areas and limits. If you’re over the free area, you get a lower pension until you reach the limit or cut off point.
That’s why it’s a good idea to understand the connection between depreciating assets and your pension.
If you’re getting the full rate of the Age Pension, or you’re a part-rate pensioner because of your assessable income, changes to your assets’ value might not have any impact on your rate of payment.
So, if the value of your assessable assets is under your assets free area, then any reductions in those assets will mean you still get the same maximum rate of payment.
But if your rate of pension is reduced because of your assessable assets, variations in the values can cause changes in your payment.
We take care of the revaluation of some of your assets ourselves. On 20 March and 20 September each year, we automatically revalue your shares and managed funds.
In August and February, we update the value of most publicly available account-based pensions. We also automatically revalue assessable properties, like investment properties, on the anniversary of you claiming your payment.
You can get these assets revalued at any time if you feel their value has dropped. Just be aware that when we revalue one listed share, we revalue
GLOBAL wagering giant
Ladbrokes has extended its principal partnership agreement with Tasracing and the Tasmanian racing industry for a further five years.
Ladbrokes, which is part of Entain Australia and New Zealand, will continue to be the Tasmanian racing industry’s venue and major race day partner for the next five years, with an option to extend for a further two years.
Tasracing CEO Andrew Jenkins said the partnership extension was a big win for Tasmanian racing.
them all.
One of your shares may have dropped, but if the rest have risen, you may get less pension than before.
The main assets we don’t revalue automatically are bank accounts, cars and home contents.
Under our notification rules, you need to tell us if your financial assets, including your bank accounts, have increased by $2,000.
There are no requirements for you to tell us if they’ve gone down, but keeping us updated if they’ve decreased could mean we pay you more pension.
When we assess your cars, home contents and personal affects, we base the assessment on the value you gave us with your claim.
That also means that we keep it at that value unless you tell us otherwise.
So, Services Australia doesn’t automatically include a depreciation component for your car or contents.
If the value of your car or contents has fallen, then I’d recommend you use our online functions, like the Centrelink online account through myGov, myGov app, or Express Plus Centrelink app, to update them because it’s fast and convenient.
You can also call us or visit your local service centre if you need to update the figures that way.
Remember, for cars and household contents, we are after a realistic value of those assets based on what someone would pay for it second hand.
We don’t want your new-for-old value or your insurance value. Have a think about what you could get if you sold it in a garage sale or on the second-hand car market. Until next time.
“The continued investment into Tasmanian racing by Entain through its premier Ladbrokes brand is
evidence of the industry’s prospects in our state,” he said.
“It means Ladbrokes’ relationship with the Tasmanian racing industry will extend over 10 years.
“We are pleased and excited to extend the relationship for a further minimum period of five years.
“While Tasracing will be able to broaden our promotion of Tasmanian racing directly to our audiences, Ladbrokes will also promote our product to its significant database in the highly competitive national wagering space.”
Entain Group executive director stakeholder engagement Karl deKroo said Ladbrokes was thrilled to continue its
association with racing in Tasmania.
“Ladbrokes is proudly a racing-led business, and we believe strongly in helping to build and sustain the industry through our unique approach to marketing and content,” he said.
“The Tasmanian racing industry has had its challenges, but we are proud to stand shoulderto-shoulder as its major partner and together we look forward to a period of stability and growth.
“Racing has a very proud history and heritage in Tasmania. It has consistently punched above its weight and we look forward to working with Tasracing, the respective clubs and
other stakeholders to continue to grow racing, build the fan base and improve outcomes for participants across all three codes.”
Mr Jenkins said it was unique to be able to mark a decade-long partnership with the Tasmanian racing industry.
“Ladbrokes has long-term partnerships with racing clubs and organisations interstate, so it is gratifying that it also sees benefit in partnering with clubs and the industry here,” he said.
“Its role as a key partner and key contributor to Tasmanian racing, both looking back and forward, cannot be underestimated.”
TASMANIA Tigers and Hobart Hurricanes player Molly Strano and former WTA player, nurse and Tennis Tasmania coach Alyssa Hibberd are joining forces with The Live Life Whole Project founder Megan Dickinson to discuss the status of Tasmania’s women and girls’ health and wellbeing in sport. Coming together for a free community event on Thursday 11 July 2024 at the Glenorchy District Football Club Strano and Hibberd
will share their personal health and sporting journeys as well as discuss the unmet needs of women and girls in sport today.
The event’s aim is to help the local sporting community write a healthier journey for the next generation.
“Everyone involved with women and girls in sport is invited to attend this important discussion on what’s needed to improve the wellbeing and performance
of young females in sport across Tasmania,” Dickinson said.
“There are unique differences in coaching a female and we’ll discuss the obstacles that hinder young females from participating and thriving in sport.
“We’re passionate about equipping coaches, parents, teachers, club management and everyone involved to enhance the wellbeing of the next generation of women in sport.”
THE North Hobart Football club celebrated club legend Brad Tilbury’s life membership game with a hard-fought seven point win over Launceston at North Hobart Oval.
The result marked the Demons’ first win of the 2024 TSL season in Tilbury’s only senior appearance of the year to date.
“I’ve got great relationships with all the
boys so they might have put in a bit of effort with me out there, but they’ve really been pushing week to week to get over the line,” Tilbury said.
“They certainly had it in them already and we finally put in four quarters and got the job done.”
The match also featured a breakout performance from 16-year-old Charlie Bovill who kicked two goals, including the game winner
to end North Hobart’s season drought.
“It’s pleasing to see some of them get their first win as a senior footballer. You don’t forget those things and to see them all experience that on the weekend made me very proud,” Tilbury said.
“I look at the boys who stood up last year in senior footy for us and played in all those great wins we had the
previous two years and they were only recently playing in the Development League and all of a sudden they’re big contributors in senior footy.
“Once the guys get 30-to-40 games at senior level they become a bit more comfortable and if they’re all playing together consistently it will hold us in good stead moving forward.”