The Hobart Magazine December 2021

THE HOBART MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2021: ISSUE 29

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INDEPENDENT + LOCAL

JESS BICANSKI LEAD SINGER AND HER HOBART BAND JEQA TALK SUMMER MUSIC

NEWS FROM YOUR COMMUNITY WWW.THEHOBARTMAGAZINE.COM.AU

THE BORDERS ARE OPENING: WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? DINING OUT: NEW TOWN INDIAN EATERY SO MANY SUMMER EVENTS!

KANAKO OKIRON: 14 YO HOBART AUTHOR RELEASES DEBUT BOOK

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WELCOME TO Editorial Stephanie Williams (Publisher) editor@thehobartmagazine.com.au Advertising James Marten advertise@thehobartmagazine.com.au 0405 424 449 Contributors: Taylor Stevenson, Lily Whiting, Sarah Aitken, Laura Cini, Michael Briggs, Fiona Howie.

Cover image: Ryleigh Forward Cover inset image: Kanako Okiron This page: Pulpit Rock Lookout, New Norfolk, Mauricio E. Mozo Publisher Information: While all care has been taken, some information may have changed since publication.

The Hobart Magazine regrets it can’t accept liabilities from errors or omissions contained in this magazine.

The publisher reserves the right to refuse, withdraw or amend all advertisements without explanation.

Reproduction in whole or part without permission is prohibited. The views expressed in articles and advertisements are not endorsed by the editor or publishers.

We welcome any questions, feedback or submissions, email editor@thehobartmagazine.com.au.

THE HOBART MAGAZINE It’s December. How crazy is that? If I’m honest, it still feels like 2020 – the pandemic has been a bit of a blur. But after a long winter and a wet spring, we’re pleased it’s summer.

This month we celebrate the Hobart music scene coming back to life over summer, with a few big festivals back on the cards. New band Jeqa and their vocalist Jess Bicanski have a chat with us about their big plans.

On another note, we recently ran a headline that wasn’t appropriate and we decided an apology was in order. We apologise to Sister Hives Australia, their members and our readers for any offence our headline caused.

We’re running a competition in the lead up to Christmas and the Sydney to Hobart Yacht race, giving away three copies of local author Andrew Wilson’s beautiful book. Check out the Bits and Pieces section for entry details.

We want to wish you a very Merry Christmas and here’s cheers to a fabulous new year. Thank you to all our incredible supporters – readers, advertisers, contributors, collaborators and suppliers. You all contribute greatly to the fabric of the magazine and we thank you for it. As always, feel free to get in contact with us with any feedback, story ideas or just to say hello.

All the best, Steph, James and The Hobart Magazine team.

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INBOX On the front foot Just picked up a copy of the October mag in Smolt this morning!

What a terrific magazine and full of unusual and interesting bits.

So often I hear about events after they’ve happened, now I will look out for this mag early in the month! Well done reports and fact finders.

Jenny Bugg Watch Out White Tailed Spiders About I’m reading the INBOX letters in the November issue and concur with Mrs Saramaskos of Rosny about the white tail spider. My husband has been bitten twice on the leg by a white tail (two separate occasions). The first time the bite blistered and grew to double its size. He saw the GP about a week later and was immediately placed on antibiotics. Lots of treatments and many dressings later he ended up with quite a large (approx 8cm in diameter) lesion on his calf that was discoloured and looked, as Mrs Saramaskos describes, like a scone cutter had cut his leg - hollowed out. For more than 10 years it remained discoloured and no hair grew where the lesion was. A few weeks after the first bite he got another but recognised it and went to the GP sooner. This time the treatment rendered the lesion smaller but again it was discoloured and no hair grew on it. We were informed by the doctors the spiders usually drop out of down lights and the infections are to do with bacteria living on its fangs that cause flesh to become necrotised. Needless to say in the almost 20 years since I have never let a year go by without getting my house sprayed by a registered pest controller. No way I’m letting anyone get a bite on their face!

Esta Hages Money Growing on Trees?

I wasn’t sure I’d ever have anything in common with Cr Simon Behrakis, but here we are. His stance against escalating and ridiculous prices to remove trees is to be applauded. I love trees and value their place in our streets, but paying $60,000 for the council to remove one is a farce. Although it might just help fill the HCC coffers.

D Newnham, Hobart

Helping Families Living With Cancer “Well done Jay this is an initiative of huge proportion. The positive impact you have made on peoples lives after reading this is phenomenal, well done.”

Frans Sterk, regarding the article New Community Service Offering Cancer Respite, THM, June 2020.

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LOCAL LADY

RACHAEL HACKNEY Interview: Lily Whiting Picture: Guide Dogs Australia Rachael is a Guide Dog Trainer at Guide Dogs Tasmania in Hobart.

Where in Hobart do you live? Glebe, Hobart.

Why Hobart? I love the way the city has so much to offer like a big city, but with fewer crowds and a small-town feel. It’s also just incredibly beautiful.

Tell us a little about your work? Most of my work is outside training dogs. You may see me walking the streets of Hobart with a different dog in harness preparing them to go to clients living with low vision. Our puppies are socialised until about 18 months by volunteer puppy raisers, then the dogs come into formal training with me and learn more challenging skills to prepare them for their careers as Guide Dogs. It’s also part of my job to interpret the dog’s behaviour throughout training to make sure they are suited for the work. We have many other careers that the dogs might be more comfortable in such as the Autism Assistance Dogs program for children, Dog Assisted Therapy program and Facility Dogs.

What is it about Labradors that makes great assistance dogs?

Labradors are very food motivated, so that helps with training when using food rewards of course. They also have great temperaments for assistance work. One of the main reasons they were chosen as guide dogs in Australia was the acceptability in the community. People are used to Labradors being friendly and were more willing to adhere to the public access rights when they were first coming into law.

Even though the dogs are amazing, they aren’t robots. It is essential for the safety of the clients that they are not distracted while working. Please act as though the dogs are not there, don’t talk to them, whistle at them and of course don’t touch them. Please keep your dogs on a lead and away from working dogs as much as possible. Our dogs work very hard, but they also get to play and just be dogs and free run with other dogs when off duty.

Which puppies are you currently working with? I have four training dogs on the guide dog program, and work with our Dog Assisted Therapy dog Grady to teach him new skills to use with the kids at Kites.

What do you love doing outside work? ​Spending time with my own dogs at the beach or park, hiking, or relaxing with a glass of wine. Most of all, I love to travel and learn about new places and cultures. I miss my friends and family interstate and overseas; I can’t wait to be able to spend time with them and explore the world again!

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Who do you admire? All of our amazing volunteers; it’s sometimes unbelievable how much time and effort they devote to us and our dogs!

Favourite podcast or tv show? Taskmaster always makes me laugh the most. Although, I do really enjoy watching The Masked Singer; it’s just so random and fun to watch with friends.

Secret vice? Only one? Probably cheese, I could live on cheese...and maybe wine.

What are you reading now? Kitty Flanagan’s 488 Rules for Life What gets your goat? When people distract the dogs by talking to them while in harness. It’s very frustrating to tell people over and over that the dogs need to concentrate. I know they are cute and it’s hard to ignore them, but it is dangerous for them to be distracted while working.

What was your first job? I worked in a Supermarket bagging groceries and collecting shopping carts when I was 15 What are your daily news/social media habits?

Winn News is my go-to each evening for news. Social media tends to be the death scroll on Instagram.

Your favourite place for…

Breakfast: If I get a chance to go out for breakfast, Berta on Liverpool street is my first choice.

Lunch: Room for a Pony for a pizza.

Dinner: I’m still looking for a favourite, so many places to explore still.

Favourite Hobart secret? Ohhh I don’t have one, can someone let me in on these secrets please??

Parting words? It costs over $50,000 to raise and train a guide or assistance dog. The support of volunteers, donors and Hobart businesses are essential for us to continue doing the work we do to improve the lives of Tasmanians living with disability.

If you can help us by donating, volunteering or partnering we would love to hear from you. Otherwise, see you on the streets of Hobart!

Earthy

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LOCAL LAD

SCOTT BOWDEN Interview: Lily Whiting Picture: Supplied Making his rise after a year of injury and illness, Tasmanian Scott Bowden is back on his bike and has hit his stride racing around the European countryside.

Where did you grow up in Hobart and where do you live now?

Rosetta, Tasmania. I’ve been living in Bourg en Bresse, France since March but am staying in Girona, Spain for the European winter.

Tell us a little about your work?

I am a full-time cyclist and coach on the side. I ride both mountain and road, and am currently training with the amateur French team, Bourg-en-Bresse Ain Cyclisme.

What does everyday life look like for you when training and riding competitively?

For the typical training day, it isn’t that busy, so the day revolves around nailing the training. After a slow morning fuelling up with a nice brekky, coffee, keeping in touch with friends and family back home I’ll generally start training around 10am - 12pm for 3-5hrs. In the season there are races most weeks which involves a lot of travel which is quite tiring on top of the physical demands. This time of year, it’s nice to be in one location for a decent period of time, going to the gym a couple of afternoons a week and spending time with friends.

How has your training in Tasmania prepared you for riding overseas?

Being no stranger to inclement weather is probably the biggest thing Tassie has prepared me for and having always trained on plenty of hilly roads!

Has there been a moment since leaving Australia that you have been most proud of?

Winning my third race back after a long time off sick.

Where are you off to next to compete?

I’m spending the European winter in the north of Spain where the weather is a little warmer and I’ve got quite a few friends.

Next season will start in the south of France in mid-February.

Secret vice? There is nothing better than a hot bath after a big day in the saddle.

What are you reading now?

Open by Andre Agassi.

What was your first job?

Funnily enough, working in a bike shop.

What are your daily news/social media habits?

I usually stream ABC News Live on YouTube over breakfast and communicate with people back home via video call, Messenger or voice messages regularly.

Your favourite place (in Hobart) for…

Breakfast: Machine Laundry Lunch: Criterion Street cafe Dinner: Frank Restaurant Favourite Hobart secret?

The view from Mt Faulkner is pretty special.

What do you love doing outside work?

I love going camping, bush walking, swimming, and barbecues.

Favourite French saying you’ve picked up?

Very basic but probably on y va, which means let’s go!

Who do you admire?

Anyone who persists in doing what they love.

Parting words?

It’s great to experience other places around the world but Tassie is always home - Hobart is the best place in the world.

Favourite podcast or tv show?

I am currently listening to the Stanley Street Social podcast.

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BITS AND PIECES though! The new high-vis and workwear super store by RSEA Safety (Homemaker Centre – 66 Kennedy Dr, Cambridge) is certain to catch your eye, holding all the workwear and safety equipment you could possibly need.

HELP FOR THOSE LIVING WITH DISABILITY AND TRAUMA Have you been affected by the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability? Relationships Australia and Li-Ve Tasmania have produced a collection of resources for people living with disability who have experienced trauma. The materials create a pathway to trauma-informed counselling for those affected by the Royal Commission and were co-designed with people living with disability. The materials can be found at www.tas.relationships.org.au/useful-resources NEW OPENINGS New kids on the block, Peppina restaurant and Mary Mary cocktail bar (2b Salamanca Pl, Hobart) are throwing open their very glamorous doors on 9 December at The Tasman. With food director Massimo Mele and head chef Glenn Byrnes leading the team, think Italian trattoria style dining, an abundance of Tasmanian produce and bespoke liquor choices anchoring the Parliament Square precinct. The newest addition to Midtown is taking shape as Simple Cider (189 Elizabeth Street, Hobart), it’s primarily a production space, but also an event and workshop space, a cellar door and providore. Glen Albyn Estate are expanding their business into town and opening lounge bar and eatery, Waterline at the Brooke Street Pier (12 Franklin Wharf, Hobart). The same group have taken over Mustique, the 110ft luxury cruiser on the Hobart harbour, now offering exclusive luxury cruises, intimate gatherings, and lavish lunches and brunches. Bruny Island cheese had handed over their reigns at The Hanging Garden, and the lovechild of St.J’s Deli, Mother Mexico has moved in. Serving up classic Mexican bites for a quick bite or a long lunch. Lark Distillery and Forty Spotted are expanding their 10

territory in Hobart, obtaining the space below Gin Bar to open The Still (30 Argyle Street, Hobart). The ex-Franklin space has been overturned with a retail and tasting space up front and cosy whisky lounge at the back. The Mornington Inn (322 Cambridge Rd, Mornington) is under new management, being taken over by the operators of The Shamrock. A new menu with well-priced pub classics and kids meals will have something for everyone. Fitstop (237 Elizabeth Street, North Hobart) recently opened to get your bod summer fit, with regular HIIT style classes from sunrise to sunset. The Machine Laundry Cafe that we all know and love at Salamanca is opening a sister café in Kingston. Madame Clarke’s (Shop 19 Channel Court, Kingston) will be serving up classic breakfasts and brunches all day.

Adairs (85 Collins Street, Hobart) has relocated to where Harris Scarfe was in the Cat & Fiddle arcade next to H&M. Rebel at Heart hair salon (44 Hopkins Street Moonah) has expanded into a big new space in Moonah, boasting an impressive 18 work stations! Down in Salamanca, Miss Haidee Millinery (79 Salamanca Place, Hobart) is the latest addition to the Salamanca arts precinct. Hold onto your Miss Haidee hats in this windy weather

SYDNEY TO HOBART YACHT RACE CONFIRMED FOR 2021 Tassie is swinging its borders open to the skies and the seas with the 76th running of the Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht race confirmed to go ahead this year. Following cancellation due to COVID last year, 2021 sees a fleet of 112 boats signing up for the 628 nautical mile journey from Sydney Harbour, across Bass Strait and into Hobart. Despite still working on a contingency plan if things go haywire again, organisers are confident they will work through whatever COVID challenges arise. Stay tuned for more information about activities on Hobart’s waterfront to welcome in the sailors.

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BITS AND PIECES

BITS AND PIECES THUMBS UP The entertainment of watching someone using various body parts to press the button at the lights to avoid touching it with their hands.

Bring.on.summer.sun

READY TO WRAP? CHRISTMAS FUN IN THE CITY Have you seen Hobart City’s 14m tall twinkling Christmas tree at Mawson’s Place? It will be lit up with 7500 LED lights and hundreds of stainless steel baubles every night of the festival season. The Hobart City Council’s popular charity gift wrapping service has also returned to Elizabeth Mall from 6 - 23 December.

TASSIE RESEARCHERS RUN FOR DEMENTIA Tasmania is host to the world’s largest dementia prevention research project - the ISLAND Project. To raise ever-needed funds for further research into the causes of dementia and other brain diseases, four researchers from the Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre are doing an epic run this month. Eddy Hill, Jess Collins, Josh Eastgate and James Brad will run 480km - taking on 25km each per day - as they traverse the state from Devonport to Dover. Track their progress, and perhaps meet them at one of their community stops, at island.mooc. utas.edu.au/RUN HOBART SCHOOL’S RECONCILIATION AWARD RECOGNITION Hobart’s St Virgil’s College have won a national Reconciliation Australia award - the Narragunnawali Awards - for their continued work with the Tasmanian Aboriginal community and implementation of “outstanding reconciliation initiatives”. One such initiative is their tunapri makuminya 12

Project, in which young palawa scientist Jamie Graham Blair conducted a biocultural survey of the Austins Ferry campus to identify plant species of cultural significance to Tasmanian Aboriginal people. The project came to include conservation and regeneration suggestions, and proposals to expand cultural practice and cultural learning opportunities. Mrs Heidi Senior, the school’s deputy principal, said “it was a special day in the life and history of the College, and we continue to walk hand in hand with the Tasmanian Aboriginal community to achieve a just and reconciled island for all First Nations people”. She also said they planned to build upon their work so far.

New Bluey episodes have dropped on ABC... for real life.

SOGGY CHIPS: POTATO SHORTAGE LOOMS THIS SUMMER In bad news for carb lovers, a very wet spring season and rising prices of fertiliser have combined to create a potential Pink Eye shortage this summer. Farmers in the state’s north, in particular, have struggled to get this season’s crop of Tassie’s favourite potato in the ground, and the increased overheads mean some farmers see the classic crop as just too risky this year.

Falls Festival being permanently canned.

Stand up dancing is back! Who thought that would ever be a thing.

All new buildings in the UK are required to have electric vehicle charging points from next year (hint hint Tassie).

THUMBS DOWN

After almost two years of online teaching we’ve heard reports of an exodus of TAFE teachers.

Hobart City Council asking Salamanca Market stallholders to offer discounts for a recent Black Friday market event.

General anxiety over borders opening - will our health system handle an outbreak?

Eye-popping bathing suits (g-strings) are creeping in at the Aquatic Centre. It’s not Bondi. Lol.

Hobart’s Friday night market!

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BITS AND PIECES WIN! WHY THE SYDNEY TO HOBART STILL MAKES MY SPINE TINGLE Words: Andrew Wilson Back in the ‘80s, when I was kid, every Christmas this incredible worldwide event would descend on Hobart, transforming us locals from the poor disheveled cousins of the ‘mainland’ into the globally iconic finishing line for the Blue Water Classic – the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race!

This may seem like a strange thing to write, but we really didn’t have much else going for us back then – other than a chance of snow on the mountain on Christmas Day. From Boxing Day to New Years Eve the world’s eyes were on us, and they genuinely loved us. My dad and I would religiously watch the Boxing Day broadcast of the start and absorb every news story in the days following to see which yacht was in the lead, and were they beating Kialoa 2’s long standing race record?

Then, as the fleet arrived en-mass we’d complete our annual pilgrimage to the Docks, marveling at the size and colour of the yachts, and the crew.

Back then, through my childhood eyes, nothing could surpass the excitement of the Sydney to Hobart. And if I’m honest it still doesn’t. Even now as I edge towards my half century I feel a tingle down my back writing these words.

I am, without question, a complete fanboy of the race and everything it means to so many people in Sydney, Hobart, and from all around the world.

That childhood passion for the race, combined with my adult desire to truly understand why it means so much to her spectators and competitors alike, is the reason I spent four years documenting and self-publishing my illustrated title Blue Water Classics: Portraits of the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. And you 14

know, I reckon my eight-year-old self would pester his Dad to buy a copy. Or make him enter the draw to win a copy here, thanks to Steph and James from The Hobart Magazine!

Like the race itself Blue Water Classics is a bit of a beast, weighing in at 2.6 kgs thanks to its 500 pages. That’s why I’m also offering readers of The Hobart Magazine free shipping Australia wide by using the coupon code ‘thehobart’ when you buy it from my website bluewaterclassics.com.au. You can find copies in all good bookshops too, even ones on the mainland!

Andrew Wilson is a commercial photographer and author who lives in Hobart. His other titles include his much loved two book series, Old Sea Dogs of Tasmania.

We’re giving away one numbered and signed deluxe edition (only 500 printed, valued at $125), and three signed standard editions, valued $59.99 each. Email us at editor@ thehobartmagazine.com.au with the subject heading “I’m in it to win it!” or tag our Facebook or Instagram competition post. Winner drawn at random at 5pm on 31 December, 2021, before we crack the NYE champers.

CARBAR LAUNCHES INTO TASMANIA WITH NEW EV PARTNERSHIP Have you thought about buying an electric vehicle but are not ready to commit?

Well a carbar subscription might just be the option for you. In partnership with Aurora Energy, you can now try a range of new and used electric vehicles (EVs) through a subscription-based service, removing lock-in contracts and the need to buy outright. It’s the first time this option has been available in Tassie. The vehicles on offer range from the Kia Niro EV ($389 per week) through to a 2020 Nissan Leaf ($279 per week). Want to try a Tesla? We’re told a Tesla Model 3 will be added to the fleet in early 2022.

There’s an upfront fee to cover delivery and the initial service, then the weekly fee will cover the rest. You can swap your car and add more cars to your booking. carbar co-founder and CEO Desmond Hang said the barrier to entry for Tasmanians to access EVs will be significantly lowered through the partnership. “Consumers can manage their car – on average their third largest household expense – on a fixed budget. There’s no unexpected running costs and you can cancel your car at any time; we believe this level of flexibility and affordability really resonates with the Tasmanian community.” Aurora CEO, Rebecca Kardos shared, “We’re focused on helping our customers become more sustainable, whether that’s through being more energy efficient in the home or through greater access to low emissions transport.” There are a few great incentives on offer as part of the launch. To find out more head to auroraenergy.com.au/ electric-vehicles-carbar

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BITS AND PIECES likely be a white elephant, and unable to compete with similar lithium battery based projects in Victoria that are powering ahead (pun intended!). Marinus Link is a proposed 1500 megawatt capacity undersea and underground electricity connection to link Tasmania and Victoria as part of Australia’s future electricity grid. It relies on pumped hydro and wind generation, then transporting that electricity through the link. The federal government has committed nearly $100 million to the project, but there are still questions about the final investment and how it will get to market, which aren’t set to be resolved anytime soon. In the report Professor Mountain suggests the battery option will be much quicker to establish, likely by 2026.

BELLERIVE PUBLIC PIER: MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT UNVEILED IN CLARENCE A major infrastructure project in Clarence has come to fruition with the official opening of the Bellerive Public Pier, delivering increased amenity and leisure activities just in time for summer.

Located where Cambridge Road meets Victoria Esplanade, the Bellerive Public Pier extends 105 metres into the mouth of Kangaroo Bay and features a 2.5-metre-wide walkway with seating, lighting and a navigation beacon at the end. Clarence City Council Mayor Alderman Doug Chipman said, “The Bellerive Public Pier is a significant asset for Clarence – not only does it provide an important boost to local infrastructure, it will also see the community enjoy increased access to our city’s beautiful waterfront for leisure activities,” he said. The pier also acts as a breakwater to reduce and provide protection from waves to Kangaroo Bay, as well as provide protection for public moorings, the public boat ramp, the Bellerive Yacht Club marina and the existing boardwalk infrastructure. The project was delivered with the assistance of a $350,000 grant from the State Government as part of its Community Infrastructure Fund – Major Grants Program initiative.

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GOOD LUCK TO THE TASSIES OF THE YEAR CONTENDERS Four Tasmanians have been commended for their extraordinary community efforts and are on their way to represent Tassie at the Australian of the Year awards in January 2022. Craig Leeson was named Tasmanian of the Year for his eye-opening documentary, A Plastic Ocean - an insight into the human-induced effects of plastic waste in our waterways. Bruce French was named Senior Tasmanian of the Year while Kaytlyn Johnson was awarded Young Tasmanian of the Year and Kimberly Smith our Local Community Hero. People are nominated by their community for their achievements in overcoming challenges and triumphs beyond career achievements. These four will head to Canberra next year as our picks of the bunch, to hopefully follow in the incredible footsteps of this year’s Australian of the Year, Grace Tame. We have no doubt these four will do us proud.

Fingers crossed!

VICTORIAN BATTERY-BASED PROJECTS POWER AHEAD...BUT WHAT ABOUT MARINUS? In a report released late November, Professor Bruce Mountain of the Victoria Energy Policy Centre reported that the much-debated Marinus Link project will

SOME RECYCLING OPTIONS AT CAPACITY IN TASMANIA As the festive season looms and our general consumption of packaged goods increases, there’s news that two avenues for recycling common forms of holiday rubbish are no longer available. Wholefoods store Eumarrah announced they can no longer accept soft plastics for recycling through JJ Richards, and The Jesse Tree, the op shop at the back of All Saints church in South Hobart, have said they can no longer take corks for recycling as there’s now nowhere in Australia processing them. The good news is The Jesse Tree does still accept jars, e-waste, plastic lids, plastic plant pots, prescription glasses, toothbrushes and egg cartons.

Your local tip shop can also help you responsibly dispose of various things. As for soft plastics - you can put them in the REDcycle bins at Coles or Woolworths.

Search on redcycle.net.au/where-to-redcycle/ to see your closest drop off point.

Or better yet...work on cutting back on buying soft plastics.

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BITS AND PIECES

The students at South Hobart Primary School were recently treated to a very exciting visit from the Westpac Rescue Chopper. The aircraft circled above the school then landed on the oval. The kids welcome the pilot and crew, taking a look through some of the equipment, before they needed to make a quick exit to attend a callout!

NUYINA’S ICE-BREAKING MOMENT While a snap-lockdown was less than ideal timing for the much-awaited arrival of new icebreaker Nuyina, the ship has again hit rough seas with concern the $1.9b icebreaker may not fit under the Tasman Bridge to refuel. With the Self’s Point fuel terminal located between Cornelian and New Town bays, TasPorts and the Australian Antarctic Division are conducting risk assessments and vessel simulations to ensure the ship will fit safely.

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Five years after the project began, the assessment will identify the limitations imposed by ‘windage’ – the surface area exposed to the force of the wind, on its transit under the Tasman arch. AAD Director Kim Ellis shared with us, “The simulation testing couldn’t be done until we had data on the ship’s capabilities from the 24,000-kilometre delivery voyage from the Netherlands. This ensures the testing can be as accurate as possible using real information from the ship at sea.” Ms Ellis said this information will be finalised by mid-November for a voyage to Antarctica at the end of December.

In the meantime, the Nuyina will head north to Burnie to refuel and take on the SAB (Special Antarctic Blend) fuel while commissioned staff familiarise themselves with the world’s most advanced ice-breaker. Nuyina will be the lifeline for Australian Antarctic efforts, carrying

up to 1.9 million litres of fuel down to Antarctica where it can refuel two stations and carry 1200 tonnes of cargo.

LAUNDRY SERVICE FOR HOMELESS A free laundry service for people experiencing homelessness and income stress has been so popular it’s moving to the Hobart Town Hall. Volunteer service Orange Sky Laundry has been operating from the Hobart City Mission’s premises in Barrack Street until now. In the last 12 months they’ve washed and dried around 1800 loads of laundry. They will now use the Town Hall’s parking deck for a weekly service, operating on Thursday evenings, with a 12-month trial arrangement.

CERVICAL CANCER ALMOST ELIMINATED IN AUSTRALIA In rare good news regarding cancer, Australia looks set to become the first country in the world to eliminate cervical cancer.

In just two years it will be considered a ‘rare cancer’, and by 2028 it’s predicted to be eliminated here. It’s all thanks to a comprehensive prevention strategy that began in 1991, involving regular pap smears, free HPV vaccines for girls (and for boys since 2013). Last year Australia replaced pap smears with HPV cervical screening tests, which are predicted to reduce cancer rates by up to 30 per cent in conjunction with the vaccine. Yay science!

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BITS AND PIECES

HOBART CHRISTMAS LUNCHES FOR THE WHOLE COMMUNITY This year, there are a bunch of community lunches being held across Hobart for anyone wanting to share some ham or turkey on Christmas day. Colony 47 are holding their traditional Christmas lunch at the Hellenic Hall, 67 Federal Street, North Hobart. Our Table is making the festive season a little brighter for anyone missing a loved one with a community lunch followed by a memorial service at the Battery Point Community Hall, bookings are essential. The Salvation Army in collaboration with the Clarence City Council is hosting a Christmas brunch at the Howrah Community Centre from 10:30am, no bookings required but a heads up is always welcome. If you’re doing it a bit tough this year, chat to Hobart City Mission if some food packs, vouchers and gifts for the little ones can help ease the stress of putting on a Christmas spread.

NEW GUIDELINES TO ADDRESS SPECTATOR RACISM AT SPORTING EVENTS A new set of guidelines will help Australian sports organisations act effectively and consistently in responding to incidents of spectator racism and preventing racism from occurring at sporting events.

Major professional sports organisations including the AFL, Cricket Australia, Tennis Australia, and some of the nation’s 20

largest stadiums have already endorsed the guidelines, and more are expected to sign on. Blundstone Arena isn’t on the list, but hopefully will sign on soon. Race Discrimination Commissioner Chin Tan said the Commission spearheaded the development of these guidelines in response to numerous incidents of spectator racism over the past year. “Sport holds a unique place in Australian society, it encapsulates our values of equality and fairness and helps us connect to each other but unfortunately, racism in sport remains an ongoing issue,” he said. “When racist incidents happen, they can have a long-lasting impact on those affected, and damaging social consequences. There is no place for racism anywhere, and that includes sport.” The guidelines identify actions that can be taken consistently across sporting codes in responding to incidents of spectator racism. This includes proactive measures to prevent racism from occurring, and appropriate support for impacted parties when it does occur. The Commission intends the guidelines to be the first stage in an ongoing partnership with signatory codes, clubs, and venues to strengthen their anti-racism work and policies.

SOCCER UPGRADES AT LIGHTWOOD PARK BOOST FIFA HOPES Still on sport, a bunch of Tassie sports fields are being upgraded in an attempt to win the rights to host team base camps

locally for the FIFA 2023 Women’s World Cup. The project will see the construction of eight new change rooms and the installation of new lighting. During the 2021 State Election campaign, the Tasmanian Government committed $10 million towards soccer facility upgrades at Devonport (Valley Road), Launceston (Birch Avenue and Churchill Park) and Kingborough (Lightwood Park). Three million dollars has been committed to upgrading Lightwood Park, with this stage of the project expected to be completed by the end of the year. The remaining funds for the $3.4 million project are being provided through a Tasmanian Government Levelling the Playing Field Grant and by the Kingborough Council. This investment adds to the $300,000 over two years committed to Football Tasmania to increase the growth and boost the profile of women and girls participating in football in Tasmania.

FINAL CROWTHER REINTERPRETED ARTWORK IN PLACE The last of four temporary artworks in response to the controversial William Crowther statue in Franklin Square is now on display. ‘Something Missing’ is a filmed series of vox pops in which journalist and photographer Jillian Mundy asks members of the public about the statue, which was hidden inside a crate at the time. You can have your say on the future of the statue at yoursay.hobartcity. com.au/crowther.

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LOCALS WIN $250K FROM ELON MUSK FOR CLIMATE WORK A team of University of Tasmania students has won $250,000 as part of a prestigious international competition to help solve the climate crisis. University of Tasmania team Blue Symbiosis was named one of 23 winners worldwide for its concept, which aims to grow seaweed on old offshore oil and gas platforms. The seaweed will hopefully sequester carbon from our oceans, and it may also be harvested and used to make fire-resilient bricks. The XPRIZE Carbon Removal Student Competition, sponsored by entrepreneur Elon Musk’s Foundation, was launched to fund early concepts for carbon removal technologies by student-led teams.

CAN YOU SEE OR SMELL SMOKE? A new feature of the AirRater smartphone app, developed by the University of Tasmania’s Menzies Institute for Medical Research, will harness the power of citizen science to help reduce the impacts of bushfire smoke on Australian communities. The AirRater app now includes a “smoke reporting tool”, to crowd-source reports of smoke from bushfires and planned burns. Those reports will feed directly into a CSIRO-developed smoke forecasting tool called AQFx. Fire and air 22

quality managers around Australia hope to learn more about how smoke moves through the landscape as a result. Professor Fay Johnston, chief investigator of the AirRater project, said the effects of smoke could be deadly. “Our research estimates over 400 people died from the impacts of bushfire smoke during the Black Summer bushfires,” she said. “By downloading AirRater and reporting bushfire smoke, people can help us understand how bushfire smoke is moving and impacting communities in real time,” she said.

The AirRater app can also now provide members of the public with access to real-time air quality information sourced from AQFx, using Bureau of Meteorology weather forecasts, information from state and territory environment department air quality sensors, satellites, fire information and smoke reports from AirRater.

BUSHFIRE SURVEY REVEALS 4 IN 5 ARE WAITING FOR A SERIOUS ONE A new survey of Hobart residents living adjacent to bushland has had some interesting results. Four in five respondents expect to experience a serious bushfire during their lifetime, and 46% said they need help to prepare for such a bushfire.

At least 18% said they would stay and defend their homes from bushfire and would consider leaving only in extreme circumstances, (which is the worst time to leave). Dr Chloe Lucas from the University of Tasmania surveyed more than 400 people living on the urban fringe of Hobart in areas most exposed to bushfire risk, including Fern Tree, South Hobart, West Hobart, Lenah Valley and Mt Nelson. Almost half of them said the thought of bushfire caused them stress. “One of the things that makes people anxious is if they don’t have a clear idea of the point at which they’ll decide it’s not safe to stay,” Dr Lucas said. “Working out a safe trigger to leave, and how to recognise that trigger when it happens is a vital part of bushfire planning.” As summer approaches, residents are urged to prepare for the bushfire season, which is expected to start later than usual thanks to our wet spring, but could be fuelled by increased vegetation that will quickly dry out over summer.

Dr Lucas said many people understand they can dramatically reduce the bushfire risk to their home and family by creating a defendable space, and maintaining their house and garden. Everyone living in or near bushland is urged to prepare or review their Bushfire Survival Plan.

Information on how to create a plan is available at bushfire.tas.gov.au.

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BITS AND PIECES ROSNY COMMUNITY INVITED TO PAINT UP A STORM The Montagu Bay public toilet block is set to become ‘Bog Beautiful’ with work commencing on a paint by numbers art project. Artist leading the project Mel McVee said the paint by numbers mural is a great way of engaging the community to help create positive change in their local area. “I’m inviting residents of all ages and skill levels to come along to help paint the first layers of the design. It’s easy, fun and a great way to create something beautiful that will be here for years to come,” Ms McVee said. The Mural project is funded by Bank of us, through its Bank of useful ideas community initiative. The mural will be finished to a high standard by Mel and will be added to the #bogbeautiful toilet trail the artist is running all over Tasmania.

INTEREST IN EXTENDING DERWENT FERRY TO SATURDAYS The Salamanca Market Stallholders association is welcoming the extension to the Derwent ferry services and is requesting the inclusion of Saturday services. A Saturday service would allow patrons from across the Derwent to sail directly to the Salamanca Market doorstep. Association president, Emma Hope said there is a great opportunity to create a unique service whilst also taking the pressure off the congested roads around the area.

“Salamanca Market is Tasmania’s top vis-

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itor attraction and being able to combine that with a ferry ride on one of Australia’s most picturesque waterways would be an unbeatable combination,” says Ms Hope.

A Saturday ferry service has the opportunity to also support the Tasmanian Produce Market in Kangaroo Bay held each Saturday morning. Ms Hope is calling for Saturday services to be implemented in time for the border opening on 15 December. We have a feeling Battery Point residents would certainly appreciate some freed up parking spaces on a Saturday morning!

INAUGURAL TEDX HOBART PROGRAM ANNOUNCED Some of Hobart’s most interesting artists, thinkers and changemakers will present talks as part of the TEDx Hobart event on February 12. The line-up includes

entomologist Shasta Henry, independent funeral director Rebecca Lyons, fish scientist Lokman Norazmi and swimming and diving instructor Nadia Azizabadi.

You can also hear scientist Qamar Schuyler, who has written numerous columns in The Hobart Magazine, talk about marine debris. For more information about the program and ticketing head to their Facebook page.

HOW YOU CAN HELP OTHERS THIS CHRISTMAS A helping hand is always welcomed over this time of the year. If you find yourself with some extra time or resources, a tax-deductible donation to Loaves & Fishes Tasmania will give a Tasmanian family a big, fat hamper filled with all sorts of Christmas delights. The Hobart City Mission is continuing their annual food and toy Christmas drive. Goodies can be dropped off at their Barrack Street store and don’t forget to mention Christmas! The Salvation Army is welcoming non-perishable goods and gifts to any Salvos store or to their Derwent Park warehouse, just give them a heads up if you can so they can distribute to someone in need. If you can help with a food donation or as a volunteer for their Christmas lunch in Howrah too, give Joel a call 0417190413. There are many organisations offering help at this time of year. If you know of a charity that is helping, please email us at editor@thehobartmagazine.com.au and we’ll share it on our socials.

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BITS AND PIECES

THE BORDERS ARE OPENING. WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? Words: Lily Whiting, Stephanie Williams Picture: Universal Pictures Two years ago, who would have thought our everyday conversations in 2021 would revolve around words like social distancing, vaxxed, vertical drinking, sanny and restrictions.

As Tassie residents we’ve been fortunate that our lives haven’t been impacted too heavily by the collateral damage of COVID, racking up only about 80 days in lockdown in almost two years since the first case.

As we approach the grand reopening on 15 December, we’re happy for our hospitality and tourism operators who are set to be at full throttle once again, and to see family in New South Wales and Victoria.

But what will life be like once the inevitable patient zero comes to a state that topped the list of best places to survive a global disaster?

The Tasmanian Health Service calls this opening the transition from zero cases to living in a COVID-19 vaccinated community. With the goal of 90% vaccinated before opening looking good, Tassie-specific modelling by Professor Raina MacIntyre from the Kirby Institute predicts Tassie will still inevitably get its first few cases within days of borders opening to the fully-vaxxed only. South Australia recently clocked their first case on the first day after reopening.

It’s already been declared Tassie will maintain some social and public health measures once borders open, aiming to protect the vulnerable and our youngest cohort who won’t be able to get the jab 26

till January, fingers crossed, and then get back to school on time. The Reconnecting Tasmania Plan hasn’t ruled out imposing masks or further density restrictions if required.

Without any social distancing measures, modelling suggests Tassie could reach a couple of hundred cases per day within weeks. Focus is on encouraging booster shots and more mandated vaccinated sectors to help minimise hospitalisations and keep Tassie functioning “covid normal”.

Despite the vaccinated still able to be infected and transmit COVID, hospitalisation and serious illness is reduced by up to 90% after getting the jab. So how will border entries work for the vaxxed and what do we do with unvaxxed travellers at the border? The current TAS E-travel and G2G system will remain with a vaccination declaration required for all travellers.

Visitors from high-risk areas will also need to provide a negative test result from within a 72 hour window before arriving in Tasmania. All these requirements will be shown to biosecurity officers upon arrival. For those who don’t have the test prior, there is a hotel stay on the cards till a negative test is produced.

All this sounds strict and like a wellthought-out plan, but then it was also announced that the Tasmanian

Government may not actually be checking every single passenger’s vaccination status like they do with a G2G pass, rather spot checks upon arrival. This isn’t a fruit fly infestation, it’s COVID and lives are at risk. You’d have to consider it’s better to over engineer the border entry and have people waiting to have their vaccination status checked on the tarmac rather than the emergency ward?

Currently, NSW is recording about 200 cases a day and Vic about 1000.

Overseas, Europe is undergoing its fourth wave, with some countries vaccination rates as low as 30%. A resurgence in North America is looking likely as they recently recorded a 23% increase in cases, hinting that a cold winter and impending Christmas gatherings are the perfect breeding ground for COVID. Tasmanians will soon become very familiar with vaccine passports, more nose swabs and breaking out the hand sanitiser and masks once again. Our reunions are going to be extra glorious in time for Christmas after another year of being separated from loved ones across the ditch.

With almost all states on board to rule out border closures in the future, fingers crossed 2022 will bring back easy travel and less need for emotional reunions.

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WHAT’S ON IN HOBART MONDAY

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Those not afraid of heights will love The Vertical Life film tour at Village Cinemas Hobart from 11am.

Local a cappella ensemble ThylaSing present their annual end of year concert - including guest quartets Cocktail Hour and Four d’Fiesta. 7pm at Hobart Town Hall.

John Ingleton’s new installation ‘Travelling Home: Staying In’ is on all month at Lightbox, Salamanca Arts Centre, finishing up on 30 January.

The Junk Weavers and Post Office 176 are hosting an open day of recycled crafts and a mega clothes swap.

10am-2pm, Post Office 176, Hobart. More info on Facebook.

Start the new year on the right foot with beginners ballroom dancing classes at Ranelagh Soldiers Memorial Hall, 7:00 – 8:30 pm

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TUESDAY It’s the circle of life as The Musical Theatre Crew present a stage performance of The Lion King at the Peacock Theatre from 6:30pm, book at trybooking.com.

The University salsa dance classes tonight will focus on Colombian salsa. Students and non-students are welcome. 7:30pm workshop with Camilo and Maira followed by 9pm social dancing. Mathers House, Bathurst St.

Join Luke McGregor, in conversation with Jane Longhurst, at the Royal Hobart Hospital Research Foundation’s Big December Breakfast, Wrest Point, 6:30am8:30am.

Taste of Summer, the new iteration of the 30-year-old Taste of Tasmania, begins today and runs till 3 January at PW1. The local produce will be there in spades - think food, wine, craft beer, spirits and more.

Take the kids to see Treasure Island outside at The Botanical Gardens. Put on by the Big Monkey Theatre Inc, book through the Theatre Royal.

Enjoy the Childrens Gig in the Gardens, a free event with face painting, Rock & Rhyme and entertainment at GCC Lawns from 10am12pm plus The Haven’s Christmas Arty Party, creative play, singing and celebration from 10:30am.

It’s the day we’ve all been longing for or dreading, or both - Tasmania’s borders open to the rest of the country today.

Get the midweek giggles at the Jokers Comedy Club at The Polish Quarter, 7:30-8:45pm, more on evensi.com.

Get arty at a family friendly Pinot and Picasso ‘sip and paint’ session, 2-4pm, 7/9 Franklin Wharf.

Visit four local craft beer breweries as part of the Crafty Hobart

by Night tour. Start at Lark Cellar Door and Whisky Bar at 6pm then hop on the bus to the next spot. To find out more and grab a ticket, head to eventbrite.

Take the 2-5 yos to connect with nature in Knocklofty Reserve with the guided Bush Stories active morning. Later, Dilruk Jayasinha headlines tonight’s comedy gig at Hobart Brewing Company from 8pm.

It’s almost your last chance to get some Santa photos done for this year - try Kingston’s Channel Court Shopping Centre.

Book on trybooking.com

We’re getting hungry just thinking about the Hobart Twilight Market - on at Brook Street Pier tonight from 4:30pm - 9:00pm.

Get copymerry and bright with the Van Diemens Band Christmas concert at St David’s Cathedral from 6pm or the Carols of Christmas Spectacular at the Theatre Royal from 7pm.

Jingle all the way at the Sorell Community Carols, 6:30 – 9:00 pm, Pembroke Park. And don’t forget to wrap the last pressies, leave out a treat for Santa and some carrots for those hard-working reindeer.

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Get your sparkle on tonight and celebrate the end of 2021 at one of the many events around town, enjoy the fireworks and fun.

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copy Warm up the vocal chords for Carols on the Hill tonight at Guilford Young College oval. Gates open 5:30 pm, Christmas Concert 7-9pm.

Free!

Last chance to grab some local gifts at the final Salamanca market of the year. Tonight, join the Tasmanian Sri-Lankan Catholic Christmas Carols at Holy Spirit Catholic Church tonight from 7:30pm.

copy And keep them warm for the Singing Shed’s Christmas Concert at Elizabeth College from 2pm, featuring Deep South Chorus, The Silvertones, and many more.

Get some live music AND give to others less fortunate at the Jack Jones fundraising gig for Short of a Sheet at the Longley International Hotel from 2:30pm.

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Merry Christmas to you from The Hobart Magazine team!

Happy New Years!

May your 2022 be full of safe and happy times with family, friends and community.

4 December Take a day trip to the Huon Valley for the Hartz Trio’s performance at Home Hill Winery in Ranelagh. Hartz Trio are Dianne Legg on piano, Natalya Bing on violin and Alexandra Bekes on cello, and they’ll play music by Beethoven and Ravel. Starts at 11am.

7 December Road trip! Some may say it’s utterly ridiculous to travel the length of the state to let your pet have a Santa photo. We are here for it. 10am-1pm at the North West Animal Hospital in Devonport.

The 77th Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race salty sea dogs set sail from Sydney today - safe sailings to all and we look forward to your Hobart arrival.

The wonderful Tex Perkins and Matt Walker play at Stefano Lubiana Wines in Granton from 3:00 – 7:00 pm, tickets on moshtix.com.au

For even more events in Hobart and further afield this month head to www.thehobartmagazine.com.au/decemberevents

10 December The stunning songs of Emily Wurramara will lure you all the way to Queenstown - where she plays the Paragon Theatre from 7pm. Originally from Groote Eylandt, Emily now calls Tasmania home.

14 December Get out of the city for a chance to see a significant meteor shower in our night skies. Spring Bay Mill, at Triabunna, is hosting a special event to welcome The Geminid Meteor Shower. There will be talks about Aboriginal history and interpretation, astronomy, astrophysics and more, with poetry, dinner, starry tours and stargazing through telescopes with scientists to help explain what you’re seeing. More at springbaymill. com 18 December Van Diemens Band will bring their Christmas concert to Launceston this afternoon.

It features some of the most gorgeous Christmas music from throughout the ages, with your best-loved Christmas carols in a family-friendly celebration featuring the young choristers of Crescendo Choir. 2-3pm at the Holy Trinity Church 31 December Love beer? You’ll love an entire festival dedicated to the stuff!

Head to Launceston’s Royal Park from 11am for the Family Fun Day session. The evening session, including fireworks, begins at 5pm.

Got an event coming up in Tassie?

Email us at editor@thehobartmagazine.com.au Background photo: Bicheno, Robert King Visuals 29

COVER FEATURE

HOBART’S JEQA BAND LAYING DOWN TRACKS Interview: Lily Whiting Can you get more Tassie than this? Under the namesake nickname of lead singer Jess Bicanski, newcomers Jeqa are writing dreamy songs in an old apple shed in the Huon and gracing Tassie stages with self-composed tunes. A short 10 months ago, Jess, Taylor Lewincamp, Ethan MacGregor, Sam Watson, and Theo Idstrom were strangers and now they have a music filled summer ahead and plenty of exciting things in the works.

Are you from a musical background? How long has playing music been part of your life?

Jess: My Nanna was a piano and voice teacher while I was growing up, so I had my first lessons at age four. I was a part of a few choirs and school productions growing up but was more invested in pursuing dancing. I moved to Northcote in Victoria a few years ago and would go to the Northcote Social Club each week to watch local bands play. I remember thinking I wish I could write my own music, play in a band, and perform on stage.

It took me a long time, but I eventually gave writing a crack and shakily performed my first song to my very encouraging housemates.

How influential has Hobart been on your music career so far?

Jess: I believe Jeqa have come such a long way in such a short amount of time because we have had enormous support from our local mates, family, and strangers alike. The connected nature of this city has meant that we see a lot of the same faces at each show, and it feels very much that our audience are coming on this ride with us and watching us as we grow. There is a consistent music scene in Nipaluna/Hobart which has facilitated regular performance opportunities for us. We have been able to practice being on stage quite a bit in our brief time of being together as a band which has helped us enormously to feel comfortable and develop a reputation, we are proud of.

You guys haven’t been together very long, how did you meet the rest of Jeqa?

Jess: After a gig of mine at Hobart Brewing Co, Ethan introduced Theo and I. While chatting, Taylor introduced himself and expressed interest in jamming with us some time. After everyone shared their excitement on the idea, I told the boys I needed accompaniment for my next gig supporting sweethearts Luca Brasi and went out on a limb and asked if they’d be interested in joining me, under the name Jeqa. A couple months into our journey, we decided to look for a new drummer as Theo was excited to take my place playing guitar while I put my energy towards honing in on my singing and movement on stage. After seeing a picture of Sam, although I had never spoken a word to our new drummer, I had recently been on a four-day silent meditation retreat with him and was thrilled to invite him to join us.

Did you grow up in Hobart?

Jess: I grew up in Devonport and moved to Hobart half-way through year 12. One of my brothers was living here at the time with a household full of musicians and I would visit and feel so inspired by the creative community here. Two weeks after my mid-year exams, I made the move.

How do you fill in your days when you aren’t playing?

Jess: When I’m not at my cafe job in town I try and spend my days around home in Sandford. I am a mega foodie, a very beginner surfer and a passionate yogi – I am becoming qualified to teach yoga next year so I try and get in as many hours practising at my local studio as I can.

How would you describe your music?

The Band: We tend to write music that is very guitar centric, involving plenty of spacey licks that take inspiration from the 30

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COVER FEATURE

awesome reverb and delay pedals at our disposal. These guitars, paired with buttery bass lines and tight drums supply a foundation for vocal harmonies that invoke the ascension of our listeners to a dream realm.

What’s your creative process when you create new music?

The Band: We all have an irreplaceable role in the creative process of writing songs for Jeqa. While initially Jess provided the bones of our first songs, since spending more time together the band now utilises a more collaborative process. Songs usually stem from an idea belonging to one of us and the rest of the band shares their responses, uncovering a trajectory that is, in most cases, mutually agreed upon. We all have our separate strengths in writing, relying heavily on the beautiful voice and lyrical prowess of Jess, Ethan’s constant flow of creative juices, Theo’s dexterity and tasty shreds, Tay’s deep theoretical knowledge and expressive musical intuition, and Sammy’s phat grooves and deep fried hi-hat toppings.

Where do you draw inspiration from?

The Band: While there is no direct musical influence as a band, each of us bring our own tastes and inspirations that create a big ol’ Jeqa sandwich.

to see how they end up and finally get to share with you our first released songs very soon.

How has the pandemic affected you?

The Band: Jeqa was born out of COVID, and while we have had some frustrating experiences, we have been inspired by the pandemic to use time effectively and to not take our privilege to artistic expression lightly. We are blessed by the drive for connection and creativity that each of us had coming out of the worst times in the pandemic and believe that Jeqa has used the associated difficulties of this time to our advantage.

In a music-less life, what would you be doing? Do you have day jobs?

The Band: Outside of music the band members have a bunch of things going on! Whether this lies in study, yoga, flying planes, drinking beer, or munching on nutritional yeast.

What are your favourite things to do and places to go in Hobart?

The Band: We have some special places that are held dearly within our hearts and where you might bump into one of us. We are frequent visitors of Hobart Brewing Co, The Grand Poobah and the Macquarie Street Foodstore. Much of our time is spent exploring kunanyi, surfing at Roaring Beach and frolicking around beautiful Tasmania. We also have some cheeky little band/artist crushes around Hobart we get around like the Flower Extract, The Tinderboxers and the amazing Kat Edwards, just to name a few.

Where can we find JEQA playing over the Summer?

You’re getting ready to record to get your music onto streaming platforms. How has the recording process worked so far?

The Band: As we are writing these responses, we have completed our first day of recording in the most beautiful location – Jethro Pickett’s 100-year-old apple shed on the Huon River.

Tassie chucked on some stunning weather that primed us for a wholesome yet intensive day of musical productivity. After hearing the initial bounces of each track, we are beyond excited 32

The Band: We have an exciting summer ahead of us with a bunch of confirmed shows! Come see us in Launceston at Party in The Apocalypse on 28 December, Hobart Uni Bar on New Year’s Eve and on 26 February at Koonya Garlic Festival on the Tasman Peninsula. Follow us on the socials @jeqaband to stay tuned for all the exciting stuff yet to be announced.

What is in store for JEQA in 2022?

The Band: We are not quite sure what is in store for us in the next year. However, we do know the possibilities are endless, as are our aspirations. We wish to release more music in an EP or album format and have a band dream of going on tour and playing at our favourite festivals around Australia.

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FEATURE

14 YEAR OLD HOBART AUTHOR DEBUTS NOVEL INTERNATIONALLY Interview: Stephanie Williams Pictures and artwork: Kanako Okiron

What were you doing when you were 14 years old? For 14 year old Eastern Shore resident Kanako Okiron, she has just released her debut novel - an exploration of life as the child of a Hollywood megastar. We caught up with Kanako recently, before she hits her own trajectory to writing stardom.

What was the catalyst for NLITM? I originally had the idea for Not Like in the Movies in 2019, when I was 12. Up until that time, especially during my in-between years of 10 and 11, I had been pondering a lot about fame and what it all meant. I’m sure every child goes through this at some point, but I dreamed about being a guest on talk shows and proving to the world that I was worth something. I think I had finally reached the mature-ish stage where I began to think more about, “Maybe I don’t want this.”

What is the process of getting published like for young authors?

I’ve been wanting to be published since I was 10 years old, writing a book called Overflown with Rice, about a classroom that gets, literally, flooded with rice to the point of drowning.

I was advised by my parents to wait a few years later until I proved to be more serious about getting published, for the better!

Last year, after finishing my book, I decided I wanted to take a step further and publish my work. I submitted my first draft of my manuscript to many literary agencies, all rejections, so I decided to opt for self-publishing, which turned out to be one of the best decisions ever, since I’m always alone (joke). Selfpublishing gave me more freedom I’d never had before - but of course, freedom isn’t free.

How would you describe your approach to writing?

My approach to writing centres around fantasy and reality - a real mishmash of the two. In NLITM, I had absolutely no intention about writing my protagonist, Zelda Mulette, to have the same characteristics and traits as me! It just happened as I eased into the plot. I don’t think this will occur when writing future novels though!

How has living in Hobart influenced NLITM? Living in Hobart has inspired NLITM in the fact that I live nowhere near Hollywood and have not lived the star life (gladly) so I can write safely from the comfort of home with no paparazzi around! The Hollywood star of Errol Flynn outside the State Cinema does give Hobart a Sunset Strip vibe.

Since early last year, you have been doing your schooling from home, has this changed your approach to creativity?

I’ve definitely had less distraction and anxiety. School has been mentally and emotionally draining as a social and academic setting, so now I am finally in a peaceful state of mind! Due to isolation, I’ve been reading a lot more in the past year, books about philosophy and psychological fiction! My learning has improved, which is great because I was falling behind at school.

Left and overleaf: Original artwork by Kanako Okiron.

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FEATURE

Where can we get a copy of NLITM, and specifically within Hobart?

Not Like in the Movies is available to purchase as a paperback and eBook on Amazon, Booktopia, Kobo, and Barnes and Noble, but there are only so many of my books that I can get printed due to being a self-published author! I am in the process of getting NLITM in bookstores across Hobart.

What are your career aspirations?

I would love to be a New York Times bestselling author or be shortlisted…every author’s dream. But we’ll just have to wait and see! Until then, I hope to study philosophy, arts and graphic design at Uni, and sell a few more copies of my books!

Do you still long to live the Hollywood lifestyle?

Nope! It would be very odd if I contradicted myself after writing a whole book on the topic! I’ve sought solace in writing about fame - it became therapeutic for me to write down my (Zelda’s) feelings and how she responds to the life she’s been assigned at birth.

What do you like to get up to when you aren’t at school or writing?

I practice yoga, meditate, go for runs and kick back in nature.

And I try not to overthink too much! You’ll find me sprawled upon the couch on Friday nights binge-watching my favourite shows. I usually watch sitcoms, perhaps too much. It is merely a coincidence that The Office has slight parallels to my book, I promise!

Parting words?

I believe that any kid or teen, if they love to write fiction and they set their mind to it, can write a story with a lot of potential.

Take all the time that you need, and if the timing is right, go for publishing!

Who would you like to see reading this book?

I don’t feel like Not Like in the Movies is targeted towards a specific audience, probably because I’m only 14. But I do feel like tweens and teens will most relate to Zelda Mulette, famous background or not! Like us, she has her own little quirks and awkwardness which will be reminiscent for young adult readers.

Apart from some censored language (only a little bit!) it’s written in the second person format of a mockumentary which makes for an entertaining read.

What would success look like for you with this book?

What I would love the most is for the moral of my novel to be projected and understood among my audience, especially young people my age. Just like we all have experienced, I’ve gone through dark periods in my life, and fantasising seemed the only way out. But I want people to know that fame and success, to make a long story short - Zelda’s words, not mine - is Not Like in the Movies.

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FEATURE

HOBART CYCLIST DEVELOPS BETTER BIKE SAFETY INSPECTIONS Words and picture: Michael Briggs

purchase. So, what’s stopping them? In a word…options.

For such a cycling-mad country, it boggles the mind that I can count on my two hands how many specialists there are who have the skills and knowledge to inspect carbon bikes using the most accurate tools. Even crazier is that, for an industry worth $5b and that has been in existence since the 1970’s, this dearth in talent can be seen across the globe. In fact, according to Roman F. Beck (a bicycle-accident forensic expert in San Diego) “because no one tracks how often carbon-fibre bike components fail, there’s no way to determine how widespread the problem has become”.

The issue, of course, is that carbon fibre is a mysterious material.

Super light-weight with a higher strength-to-weight ratio than most metals, but brittle when impacted. To compound this, manufacturers will often state that ‘no two bikes are the same’ and hold on to their designs and testing results in bid to preserve their intellectual property. Therefore, specialist skills in the art of ‘non-destructive testing’ are our only hope - but this needn’t be the ‘dark art’ that it is perceived to be.

In 2018, my father purchased his first road bike for $1,500 (a hefty sum for a retiree) only to find out two months later that the bike was riddled with hidden cracks and fractures in the material, known as ‘delaminations’.

The end result? The bike was a write-off, and relegated to indoor use only. Whilst I am forever grateful to the bike repairer for identifying this invisible damage when he did, it got me thinking…how many slip through the cracks? How many people are out there riding bikes completely unaware they are playing russian roulette with their safety?

When talking about carbon fibre bicycles, this couldn’t apply more. Once considered an ‘exotic’ material, improved manufacturing processes have steadily been making premium carbon bikes more and more affordable to the general public. So much so that it’s predicted that the vast majority of the 59.4 million premium bicycles predicted to sell between 2021-25 will be carbon fibre.

So back to the story…partly due to my own guilt at having purchased this bike on my father’s behalf, I wanted answers to these questions. I found that the majority of cyclists are acutely aware of the risks of riding damaged or defective carbon bikes - yet have not sought inspections to confirm their safety. When buying a used bike, almost 1 in 2 cite ‘hidden damage’ as their main consideration - yet do not request an inspection prior to 38

Just imagine a world where your local bike shop and trusted local mechanic is equipped with the tools and skills to efficiently identify damage and assess risk. Any doubt whether to purchase a bike, ride a bike or even to sell a bike (knowing it’s true condition) is removed. Without a thorough inspection, doesn’t the concept of a bike service seem incomplete? The bricks and mortar retail bicycle space and small business owners such as mobile mechanics are best placed to fill this gap. From here in Hobart, I’ve developed Cycle Inspect, which is providing training and accreditation to ensure quality according to global standards, technology to equip mechanics with the necessary tools to start their journey; and risk assessment software to drive consistent interpretation of inspection data. My vision is to create a culture of ‘equipment safety’, and to introduce standards for inspection practice and quality where there are none.

I want to create a world where headlines such as “Cyclists falling victim to an undetected danger”, “Why carbon fibre bikes are failing” and even “Fork fail leads to death” do not exist. If we empower the bicycle mechanics we then empower consumers to make responsible decisions around whether to purchase, ride, repair or sell a bike.

You can ask me about it via cycleinspect@gmail.com, or LinkedIn. Head to www.cycleinspect.com for more info.

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coronavirus.tas.gov.au/checkintas 39

COMMUNITY

MONA X GAGEBROOK Interview: Sarah Aitken Pictures: MONA In November’s magazine we reported on the new MONA x Brighton Council x Centacare community development at Cris Fitzpatrick Park in Gagebrook. We’ve since spoken to the ever-effervescent Kirsha Kaechele, 24 Carrot Gardens project founder and leader of Mona’s community projects, about what it means for Mona’s place in the northern suburbs.

Tell us about this new project!

We found a space in 2018, two abandoned lots in lower Gagebrook. The houses had been burned down and not much was happening. So I asked the neighbours if they’d mind us building a garden and running some workshops for kids. They were all very welcoming and we named the project Bond Place (it’s in the Bond Place cul-de-sac).

One of the groundsmen at Mona happens to live nearby and he told us we’d picked the worst possible location as it was adjacent to the neighbourhood drug dealers. It was definitely a rough and tumble scene, a house full of mainly teenagers, but they were friendly and their kids quickly became part of the project.

Shortly after the head of the house took a job at Mona. This all became an asset, as we were ‘protected’. It’s always good to have the right friends.

Or it could be relationships. Shortly after opening a cohort of amazing and strong women, leaders in their community, began to attend. One of these women is now on our not-for-profit board and three others, who live in Gagebrook, now work for Mona and are helping to run the project. So many beautiful children come through.

We open once a fortnight, and sometimes weekly, hosting kids from the local primary schools for workshops in the garden, planting and harvesting, cooking and sharing meals, and making art, including ceramics (a collection of the ceramic work made over the last few years have been exhibited at Design Tasmania).

After school, the community comes in to partake and enjoy.

At the moment we have to put tents and tables and chairs and cooking equipment out every time we run a workshop. This new structure will change our lives and free up our team to focus on the good things. It is a beautifully designed space with rammed earth walls, an uplifting environment for this work.

That house has since burned down. Things seem to burn down (a church and community centre and plenty of cars—the latter affectionately referred to as a Gagebrook birthday cake).

But we’ve had only positive experiences. This could be luck.

Or strategy. On the day we completed our first structure there, a shade trellis designed by the University of Tasmania, we put blowtorches in the neighbourhood boys’ hands and asked them to burn the wood, a traditional Japanese architectural technique that results in a beautiful charred finish. It is exciting, but painfully time consuming, and I think by the end they’d had their fill of burning.

How does Mona see itself as part of the northern suburbs of Hobart?

One need only look at the stats or better, take a drive to see that there has been a greatly uneven dealing of wealth, health, infrastructure, education and opportunity in the northern suburbs.

Mona is in the northern suburbs and my husband [David Walsh] came from them. He grew up in public housing in Chigwell and Glenorchy. We believe every child deserves the same chance in life so we do our best (a tiny bit in the big picture) to even out the playing field.

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24 Carrot runs in ten schools in the northern suburbs and now one highschool, in Bridgewater, where we’re piloting our new highschool program. I personally teach a group of 12 and 13 year olds (which, let’s just say, is never dull). I am very excited to have the social enterprises up and running so we can channel the genuine interest, dedication and talent I see in the students into meaningful and inspiring opportunities. There is an enormous amount of talent that only needs a channel for expression and success. These kids will work in our upcoming social enterprises.

What else do you have planned in this area?

In addition to Bond Place we have the 24 Carrot HQ in Bridgewater, a large site near the river where we run workshops and build social enterprises where we can employ locals from the community.

Is there much interaction between the local community and Mona?

We have a beautiful relationship with the locals we work with in the community and are committed to seeing it continue to grow.

We are currently building a beauty lab on this site with the support of Sanctum Medical. In this lab young people will make their own beauty products which we will sell through Mona and on site. We will also have a cafe to compliment our kitchen garden, and a ceramics workshop which will produce items for sale at Mona and beyond. We’re going big. The idea is to create as many jobs as possible through inspiring, creative, sustainable and healthy work, a place where young people can thrive and realise their potential in a beautiful setting.

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WINE

MEWSTONE WINERY CELLAR DOOR OPENS AT FLOWERPOT Words and pictures: Lily Whiting The brothers behind Hughes & Hughes and Mewstone Wines, Matthew and Jonny Hughes have swung, or rather gently rolled, their giant glass doors open to the public with the recent opening of their new cellar door.

Set among farmland in Flowerpot, a picturesque 45-minute drive from Hobart finds you on the banks of the D’Entrecasteaux Channel where the always-stunning vineyard outlook is even more striking than usual. Beyond the vines, views over Bruny Island and a stunning side profile of the Wellington ranges make this outlook glorious on grey days, and even more stunning on a rare sunny blue afternoon that I was very happy to be graced with.

A boofy, excitable Slovakian Pointer Magnus is a keen doorman in the carpark, and escorts guests to the front door where he resumes bathing in the sunlight or wandering around the vines.

While the venue has a glorious outlook, inside is just as interesting. Industrial high concrete walls, timber features and an extended galley-style bar for tastings are brightened by sunlight pouring through the floor to ceiling windows facing towards the channel.

Keeping the operation simple, cellar door hosts Matt and Zofia are operating through booked wine tastings only. They are wanting to keep things intimate for now, with the focus on being able to talk all things wine with keen connoisseurs. Admittedly,

I am no wine bible of knowledge, but Zofia keeps the tasting accessible for those with little idea (me) or those with a lot. This approach keeps the venue friendly and calm, with no more than maybe a dozen or so other guests coming through the doors at once. I have no doubt Magnus is a big fan of this, leaving plenty of time for pats in between welcoming guests.

We began with the Dunkel Spritz from the Mewstone Living Wines range before moving to the always gorgeous, blushing Pinot Gris from Hughes & Hughes. Zoe eagerly talked us through the different varietals and processes that separated the Rieslings across their three ranges and although a Tassie Pinot never goes astray, it was the plush, inky purple Dornfelder (if my memory serves me right!) that was my pick of the day.

Upon booking, the offer of a cheese board was hard to refuse, and the little voice inside my head thought something to soak up the tipples would be a welcome addition before driving back to town. With contents sourced as close to the vineyard as possible, pieces of aged Ashgrove cheddar and Tongola goats’ cheese were fixed with bread and butter pickles (made by local maker Bruce Kemp), pinot paste, and Bruny Island smoked trout. All arriving on Ridgeline Pottery vessels and a large two-foot-long wooden board.

While normally Mewstone allows an hour or so for the tasting and plenty of opportunity to laze about on the lawn, we may have overstayed our welcome by a few hours. After some belly scratches for Magnus and a bottle of the Hughes & Hughes Riveaux Rd Vermouth stashed in my handbag (paid for of course!), we were feeling very content upon our drive back to the city for some happy hour oysters.

Bookings are a must. Head to mewstonewines.com.au for more information.

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43

COMMUNITY

BUSH BEBES: CONNECTING KIDS WITH NATURE Words: Fiona Howie Pictures: Fiona Howie, Ruth Whelan, Jenny Dudgeon

Our day begins with a circle and a small fire. The kids, aged between six weeks and five years, are decked out in bright clothing, earthy knits and colourful gumboots, ready for today’s adventure, their adults in tow. Ruth, our bush kinder leader, announces tadpoles are about: a chorus of ‘yays’ follows. She also matter-of-factly tells us that jack jumpers have been spotted and snakes can be assumed to be active. A small level of managed risk is an important element of the experience.

We sing an acknowledgement of Country song together and set off.

A little further up the eucalypt-lined hill is our first stop, pakata ‘mountain’ (a large mound). The kids seem to know what to do: some head instantly for wooden steps, each one high enough to provide a challenge for a toddler. Older children congregate to do a spot of ‘fishing’ with large sticks near a stick tipi, or to explore the deeper puddles. I see babies splashing in the mud, and tentatively set down my tenmonth-old Theo with his toes in it. Theo boldly attempts to head downhill towards a large drop-off to a deepish drain where bigger kids are wading, but he is thwarted (by me). Children and carers alike seem to be having a great time.

Some people, like me, are here for the first time, others are regulars. There are parents, grandparents and carers. One tells me she is encouraging her grandchild to 44

become a little tougher, less adverse to wet feet. At our morning tea stop, a little fellow plays in a puddle some way off from the adults. He seems independent and cheerful, and you would not guess that when he first started coming, he was reluctant to leave his adult’s side. Ruth observes that the greatest transformations tend to happen in children who are initially wary but accompanied by adults who are passionate about the space. Children who on their first visit do not want to leave their adult’s knee or perhaps even to go on the grass, can develop confidence to fully engage with the space, “mud, water, sticks, rocks and all.”

Alongside more obvious benefits such as resilience and gross motor skills, bush kinder can also help children to improve their oral literacy. As children begin to create friendships in this space, they become more independent, says Ruth, which helps them to develop their language skills further. “They’re talking with one another, they’re creating their own play, they’re problem solving. Along the track, there were some who were investigating the fungi that were around.” Usually, Learning on Country with an Aboriginal Education Worker is also an important part of the program, though this was not possible on the day we attend.

Like the children, I follow the lead of those around me: seeing others let their

children play in the muddy water, I’m emboldened to do the same. I’ve brought gumboots but they are quickly kicked off and suddenly Theo is soggier than intended but seems happy. As he plays with found objects, I try not to hover as closely as usual, to relax a little more. Ruth later explains that children and adults tend to follow each other, “not in terms of footstep by footstep but activities and investigations…it’s very much community behaviour. There’s growth not just for children but for the adults as well.” We leave the day keen to return.

Bush Kinder is every Monday of the school term at the Sustainability Learning Centre, Olinda Grove, Mount Nelson. To register, visit their Facebook page.

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Follow us on: 45

HISTORY

STATE OF THE ART CASES KEEP THYLACINE GALLERY FROM DECAY Interview: Sarah Aitken Pictures: TMAG The Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery’s Thylacine Gallery is currently closed as the precious exhibits undergo some gentle maintenance and move into some new, state-of-the-art display cases. We caught up with Nikki King Smith, TMAG’s Senior Objects Conservator, to find out more.

Nikki, what condition are the thylacine exhibits in? Our thylacine specimens have been on display fairly constantly throughout the museum’s recent history, in some cases for about 50 years, and so are consequently showing signs of wear.

What factors impact on the thylacines? Light exposure is a major element in the degradation of organic material, such as mounted specimens like the thylacine. Oxygen also promotes the deterioration of organic materials such as animal skin, and this deterioration can often be visible as yellowing, embrittlement and colour fading.

What do we lose if we leave these thylacines to decay? The thylacine specimens in the TMAG collection are irreplaceable and these new display cases will assist us in slowing down their

degradation so they can be continue to be seen by museum visitors into the future.

Where are the new display cases from? What do they do? The new anoxic display cases, which have been funded by the Friends of TMAG and produced by Launceston-based company Applied Conservation Science, will protect the objects inside by providing a sealed, oxygen-free environment.

The cases and their specialised lighting systems inside have been developed in Tasmania by experienced conservator David Thurrowgood. This is the first time this type of case has been used at TMAG, and there are only a few of these

specialised cases elsewhere in Australia, protecting important documents and objects at places such as Parliament House and the National Museum of Australia in Canberra. The cases David has developed for TMAG are also particularly technologically advanced, as they are the first to use spectroscopic monitoring, which constantly monitors and logs the conditions in the case electronically.

How much do you worry about the thylacines in the museum - and what do you worry about? We do worry about the condition of objects in our collection, including the thylacine specimens, and that is why we are working on projects such as these new anoxic cases to improve display conditions and ensure that objects are protected.

Are there other specimens of thylacine? TMAG has several thylacine specimens in its collection, however not all of them are able to be on show in the Thylacine Gallery at the same time.

When do you think you’ll open the room again? We hope to have the Thylacine Gallery open to the public in a few weeks, in time for the Christmas holidays.

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DINING OUT

Words and pictures: Stephanie Williams

SACRED BITES

17/119 New Town Rd, New Town My husband has a very deep love of Indian, nurtured by many trips there. His first trip was as a toddler, and I don’t doubt that one day, when borders and international borders return to a more “normal” situation, we’ll travel there as a family.

In the meantime, we travel via food. Sacred Bites (17/119 New Town Road, New Town) doesn’t profess to serve traditional Indian food. Owner and chef Karan Vinayak does profess to have a deep passion for food, having owned and run a successful restaurant in Launceston and returning to Hobart.

We booked for a Friday night and arrived as the sun was low in the sky and enjoyed the last orange rays from our table. We settled in to a comfortable table, cornered by comfortable banquette seating, perfect position to strategically secure our kids to stay at the table. The l-shaped space is petite and anchored by the bar and kitchen. Wherever the eye rests there is texture and colour - Moroccan style floor tiles, metal panels, timber and gold touches. It’s busy but it all comes together.

Wine lists excite me - recognising names I know always gives confidence in the rest of the list, and a push to try something new. You trust the wine knowledge. The Sacred Bites wine list reads well, with loads of Tasmanian options and very reasonable prices.

The menu features some classic Indian dishes - butter chicken ($21.90), chicken tikka masala ($21.90) and one of my favourites, lamb saag ($23.90). But also dances into “modern” territory with chicken tikka tacos ($15.90) and pulled pork bao buns ($15.90). The dough menu features many options - we go for plain naan ($3.90) and garlic naan ($4.90) but there’s also a range of filled breads, parantha and roti. The menu also features a few fun jokes - “If I have an Indian restaurant I will call it Jack of all trades, master of naan.” Lol. The kids jump into the tikka tacos, although it’s a good idea to ask for them with no chilli sauce if you don’t like heat, and with some rice and naan, they’re happy. We get excited and definitely over order with butter chicken, lamb saag, naan, rice and kofta palak ($19.90). The kofta is a standout - spiced spinach koftas surrounded by a sweet, creamy tomato gravy. It was a favourite at Karan’s previous restaurant and we both agree there’s no surprise it was a hit. Once the feeding frenzy is over, we have plenty left so we take the rest with us. The staff are very helpful and friendly, always popping by at just the right time, and nothing is too much trouble.

As we rolled back to the car, we all agreed we found a new favourite and can’t wait to return.

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NUTRITION

CHARTING A COURSE FOR CALM AMIDST THE SILLY SEASON Words: Laura Cini

Hello readers. How are you? No, not the usual “how are you?” question that’s met with the usual “fine thanks” response.

How are you really?

Are you feeling relaxed and calm? Or are you in the hurry/worry/money zone, feeling wired, restless or tense? Are you affected by the general ‘world-stress’ that saturates the media? Or do you, like many, find the silly season and the approaching end of the year just too busy?

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Whether it’s anxiety or just finding it hard to relax, here’s three simple tips to help you navigate your day with steadiness and calm.

reminders where you’ll see them (e.g. on the bathroom mirror, in the car etc).

You will be surprised at the calm this can bring to your day.

Eat regularly and enough. Unstable blood sugar with daily peaks and troughs triggers the body’s stress response and adrenaline release. Prioritise nourishing, filling and even warm foods like the soup recipe on this page. Try not to skip meals or undereat, especially if you’re stressed, unwell or sleeping badly.

Give your brain (and your eyes) a break from screens. Yes, I know

Breathe! Many of us are shallow breathers, breathing largely in the upper part of the chest. When you breathe deeply from your belly, it switches on the rest/digest/ calm part of your nervous system and is incredibly calming. Babies are born knowing how to do this; their whole belly expands on the in breath, but many of us become shallow breathers as we grow up.

The body is not designed to always be in the stress zone. It’s draining and can leave you flat and cranky with poor sleep. Try the above ideas, but also know there’s excellent evidence-based nutritional and herbal medicine options available too for calm and sleep. So, if needed, seek help from an experienced practitioner.

Schedule in mini breathing breaks across your day where you stop and take three deep, slow breaths. Put a few breathing

I won’t win the popular vote with this advice, but tough love people! I’m not suggesting you ban all screens and live in a cave, but the constant stream of information and stimulus from screens is not relaxing.

Laura Cini is an expert nutritionist, herbalist and naturopath with over 20 years’ experience. Visit lauraciniwellness.com or connect @lauraciniwellness.

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51

HISTORY

TASSIE TEAM PLAYS IN FIRST WOMEN’S CRICKET MATCH IN AUSTRALIA Words: Jacqui Triffitt

On 17 March 1906 Tasmania played Victoria in the very first interstate women’s cricket match held in Australia at Victoria Park in Abbotsford in Melbourne.

The pioneering Tasmanian team was chosen from North-West Coast ladies’ cricket clubs - Devonport, Latrobe and Wynyard. Mabel Hocking was named captain of the Tasmanian team, which included Miss Collard, E. Dunn, Charlotte Garner, E. Hardstaff, Edith Hocking, Ida Lane, May Martin, Miss Palmer, L. Peart, M. Stevens, A. Thompson, L. Thompson and Miss Porter.

The match drew over 1500 spectators and attracted coverage from major newspapers in Melbourne. The Tasmanian team wore fetching Oxford-blue skirts, cream blouses, white straw hats, and white cricketing shoes. The cricket dress of both teams proved challenging. High winds created havoc for the straw hats, which were described as ‘flopping up and down like a huge fan’. Full skirts were also an encumbrance in the wind and constant readjustment was needed if they got tangled up in the bat.

Starting at 2pm the match was played on a matting pitch and umpired by Mr Tom Weedon (Victoria) and Mr Steve Murphy (Tasmania). Mabel Hocking won the toss and elected to bat, sending Miss Porter and Miss Stevens to open the batting.

Facing May McDonnell who ‘ran down the wicket and sent an over-arm ball swiftly and with precision’ a nervous start saw Miss Stevens dismissed in the first over. Against strong and accurate bowling, Tasmania managed 49 with five 52

of the team scoring ducks. Ida Lane (9) was run out and top scorer May Martin (10) was unlucky when her skirt sent the ball into the wicket as she swung around to hit a ball from Ida Dennis. Batting for an hour and a half for two runs, Charlotte Garner (6) eventually opened her shoulders, miss-hitting a ball through the slips for 3 and then notching a single.

A striking difference between the two teams was that the Victorians bowled over-arm and the Tasmanians ‘slow underarm’. Becoming accustomed to the underarm bowling, by 6pm the Victorians reached 78, winning by 6 wickets and 29 runs. The game was played in good spirit and it was clear that the women enjoyed playing cricket in front of a supportive crowd.

Tasmanian captain, Mabel Hocking, was presented with an inscribed cricket ball by Mr Thomas Sherrin as a memento of the history-making game. Founded in 1880 and now an iconic Australian brand, T. W. Sherrin was the local manufacturer of cricket balls and footballs. Mabel’s family donated the mounted ball and it is on display at the Tasmanian Cricket Museum and Library at Blundstone Arena.

The Tasmanian team played a series of matches against Victorian ladies’ clubs around Melbourne and another match against Victoria. Away for a fortnight, the tour had been a resounding success, generating media and public interest, and

building the profile of ladies’ cricket in both states.

For Tasmania it was a challenging entry to competitive cricket; however, it created a standard that the Tasmanian women could aspire to and a benchmark for cricketing skills they needed to develop. By embracing the opportunity and competing in the first interstate ladies’ cricket match, Tasmania would lay claim to a significant piece of Australian women’s cricket history.

On The Front Foot: The Rise of Tasmanian Women’s Cricket, written by Jacqui Triffitt, tells the spirited story of Tasmanian women’s cricket from its beginnings in 1891 to the modern era and the emergence of Tasmanian Roar, the Tasmanian women’s cricket team. Head to www. hillstreetpsychology.com.au for more.

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The TasOGS GP-led pregnancy team

We are delighted to launch TasOGS GP-led Pregnancy Care (GPLPC) for low-risk women booking to birth at the Royal Hobart Hospital (RHH). This is collaborative antenatal and postnatal care with your family, your Women’s Health GP specialist, and the Maternity team at the Royal (RHH).

Why should I consider TasOGS GP-led pregnancy care? + You will experience the benefits of continuity of care in your pregnancy, which research has shown to improve perinatal outcomes. + You can have peace of mind that your specialised care is with GPs specifically trained in Women’s Health, who are all mothers themselves, excellent listeners and keep up to date with the latest evidence based practices. + You will have access and dedicated appointments with the TasOGS midwifery team for one on one tailored information sessions. + You are eligible for TasOGS WHGP continued care after your pregnancy for all your women’s health needs.

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Dr Kirsten Connan and practice manager Molly McDonald