BITS AND PIECES

Tassie App Takes The Stage

A Tasmanian-made roster management app for the classical music industry, Symphona, has recently announced its collaboration with Sydney Symphony Orchestra. Symphona aims to change the way orchestras and musicians manage their rosters, schedules and arrangements with casual musicians. The app was created by musician James Menzies - originally from Sydney, now based in Tasmania - and his business partners Tiffany and Jeremy Ashdown, after COVID-19 crippled the performing arts industry in 2020. Menzies saw a need for a more streamlined method of communication between orchestras and musicians. “We’re proud to bring a Tasmanian app to the market that we hope will change the game for musicians and orchestras across the globe,” said Tiffany Ashdown, Symphona’s CEO.

Tasmanian Olympic And Paralympic Talent Search

The Tasmanian Institute of Sport (TIS) has launched a talent identification test to uncover our future sporting champions in preparation for Brisbane’s 2032 games. The TIS aims to test 1000 athletes aged 12-22 across seven Talent ID for 2023 testing sessions in May in Hobart, Launceston and Penguin. Identified athletes will be offered further opportunities to train and develop with the TIS. TIS Senior Coordinator Talent Identification, Gina Vernon, said the testing would identify athletes with who had natural upper and lower body power, good endurance and mental capabilities. “With Brisbane 2032 only nine years away, we have to start work now to get our talent pool in the best shape possible,” Dr Vernon said. “The range of tests used vary from the classic beep test, to a 20-metre sprint and vertical jump. We are looking for athletes from all sporting backgrounds who may find themselves being perfect for a sport they have never tried before.”

The Hobart testing sessions will be on Wednesday 3 May at Hobart College from 4-7pm, on Thursday 11 May at Elizabeth College from 3:30-6:45pm and on Friday 12 May at Elizabeth College from 3-6pm.

Further details and information on how to register is available at www.tis.tas.gov.au/ services/TID2032

Winter Donations Needed For Tassie Mums In Need

Not-for-profit organisation Tassie Mums, which sends out essentials to children and families in need across the state, are hoping Tasmanians with a little bit extra to give can help them build up their winter stocks this year. Clair Harris, CEO of Tassie Mums, said they particularly need warm clothing for kids in all sizes. “As we head into the busy winter months we are especially seeking any donations of new or excellent condition warm essential clothing; pants, jumpers, long sleeve t-shirts, singlets and new socks and underwear,” she said. In March the organisation sent out items such as clothing, nappies and toiletries, to 195 vulnerable and at-risk children across Tasmania. “Tassie Mums now works with over 65 social service organisations and 185 support workers to ensure we are reaching children and families most in need,” said Clair. “Families experiencing financial hardship, domestic violence, mental health and homelessness. We are incredibly grateful for such a generous community of donors, sponsors and volunteers that enable us to help Tassie kids get the best start in life. Thank you, Tassie!” Get in touch through their socials or website tassiemums.org to find your nearest donation drop point or make an online donation.

FANCY A FROLIC THROUGH COSTUME HISTORY?

From the truly magnificent to the downright bizarre, the Allport Library and Museum of Fine Arts is hosting an exhibition that gives centre stage to over 130 years of dress ups. Fancy Dress: From tutus to cosplay is an inclusive, sumptuous and friendly frolic into the joys of costume, and shines a spotlight on our enduring passion for costume culture from the 1890s to today. The exhibition - running until 29 July - features rarely seen historic images and film from the Tasmanian Archives, as well as a series of cosplay and curator talks. To find out more, head to www.libraries.tas.gov.au/exhibitions.

Two Bulk Billing Clinics On The Way For Hobart

Hobart will get two Medicare Urgent Care Clinics, providing bulk billed care for locals who need to see a health professional with an urgent, but not life-threatening, problem. They’ll be open seven days a week with extended hours. Here’s hoping they’ll ease the pressure on our emergency departments - more than 41 per cent of presentations to emergency in Tasmania are classified as semi- or non-urgent. It’s not yet known where they’ll be, or when they’ll open. Providers are currently being identified through a Tasmanian Government tender process, which follows an Expression of Interest that closed earlier this year.