The Hobart Magazine October 2023

10 Molle Street, Hobart

For Sale - Expressions of Interest

6 Bed 3 Bath

3 Car

Introducing ‘Alyth’ at 10 Molle Street, Hobart: An architectural gem from 1880’s, this majestic residence stands tall, capturing both city and mountain vistas, ideally positioned on the fringe of the Hobart CBD, its commanding presence is both inside and out. It has beautiful sandstone features, high ceilings, original fireplaces and ceiling roses.

Boasting 6-7 spacious bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and versatile living spaces, this property is your canvas, waiting for the right artist. Experience the fusion of vintage charm and endless potential in this iconic Hobart masterpiece.

101 Channel Highway, Kingston

For Sale from $595,000

2 or 3 Bed 1 or 2 Bath

Stage 3 selling fast.

5 Car

Welcome to these beautiful, newly constructed townhouses consisting of 2 or 3 bedrooms, plus 1 or 2 bathrooms and garage parking.

The properties boast spacious, open plan kitchen, dining and living areas, with plenty of natural light and double glazing. The modern kitchen comes with stainless steel appliances and plenty of storage space. Heating is via a reverse cycle heating system.

Located close to schools, parks and all the amenities that Kingston has to offer.

Rorie

Stage 1 & 2 sold

WELCOME TO

THE HOBART MAGAZINE

School holidays, show days, Halloween. As the weather warms up ever-so-slightly we can all start to come out of mid-year hibernation, and get on the slide now toward the end of the year.

This month we have actor and musician Hamish Michael on the cover. An old school mate, it was a pleasure catching up on his career - from small town beginnings in Latrobe, to now heading off to the US to explore more opportunities with his wife Kate Mulvany.

We’re now also available in Launceston - so welcome to all our new readers. It’s great to have you reading our pages and enjoying the local news, people and events that make Tassie such an awesome place to be.

As always, get in touch with us at editor@thehobartmagazine.com. au, we love to hear from you.

Publisher Stephanie Williams editor@thehobartmagazine.com.au

Advertising advertise@thehobartmagazine.com.au

03 6295 3742

Cover image: Maryna Rothe

This page: South Arm by Elizabeth Osborne

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 acknowledges the Tasmanian Aboriginal People as the Traditional Owners and ongoing custodians of lutruwita/Tasmania. We pay our respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and to their Elders past, present and emerging. www.thehobartmagazine.com.au

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

MARION COOPER

From helping to rid the world of polio, to generating funds for the Royal Hobart Hospital, former Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania Commodore Marion Cooper is dedicated to helping the community.

Where did you grow up and where do you live now? I grew up in Burnie on the North West Coast and my home is now at Kettering.

Tell us a little about your work. I’m a retired administration and finance manager. I was employed in this capacity at the St Helens and Hobart Private Hospitals in Hobart. I am currently employed part-time as senior bookkeeper by Express Plumbing.

What are you doing locally to raise awareness of polio? World Polio Day is being held on 24 October. As Rotary Tasmania District Chair for End Polio I have organised an all day breakfast from 7am-2pm in the Elizabeth Street Mall i. Hobart. I have also made tentative bookings in prominent places in Burnie, Devonport and Launceston and am encouraging Rotary Clubs from the area to do likewise. A cocktail party is also being held at the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania where the guest speaker will be Gary Newton, a polio survivor. Christmas puddings have been made by the late Chris Standen, a polio survivor, and End Polio Now socks will be sold at the event. To raise funds we have opened a Raise for Rotary funding page which you can make a donation at www.raise.rotary.org/ wpd9830/celebration.

Why is End Polio an important cause for you? Unless we eradicate polio, within 10 years as many as 200,000 cases could occur around the world each year. In the past year, only two countries have reported cases of polio by the wild virus, but no child anywhere is safe until we’ve

vaccinated every child. For every dollar raised by Rotary, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation will match it two to one.

You were the first woman to be elected as Commodore of the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania. Tell us about your time in the role. My role as Commodore was challenging, exciting and fulfilling. Prior to my standing for the position, I spoke to members about their thoughts of having a female Commodore. Some were skeptical but found that my vision for the club was similar to theirs. I learned I didn’t have to know everything about sailing because there were others who did. The role was predominantly administrative, presiding over meetings and leading the team. During my tenure, I oversaw the construction of the $4.5 million floating marina. This project was heavily contested by some members of the community, and efforts resulted in a positive outcome for the RYCT proposal at the Appeals Tribunal.

You were involved with fundraising for Royal Hobart Hospital (RHH) Playground, which recently opened. As President of the Central Auxiliary of the RHH and a Rotarian, in 2019 I responded to suggestions by the community that there was a need for a playground at the Royal Hobart Hospital. It became a Rotary Centenary project, marking 100 years of Rotary in Australia, as well as successfully applying for funds from the Tasmanian Community Fund. I managed the project until completion in August.

What do you love doing outside work? I love spending time with my family, especially my great-grandchildren. I enjoy being with people, especially catching up with my friends. I have a passion for helping those less fortunate than I.

Who do you admire? Jackie Lambie.

Favourite podcast or tv show? My Kitchen Rules and The Voice.

Secret vice? I enjoy a glass of bubbles.

What are you reading now? More Please by Barry Humphreys.

What was your first job? I was a clerk at F.H. Stephens in Burnie.

What are your daily news/social media habits? Reading my digital copy of the newspaper and some Facebook and LinkedIn.

Your favourite place (in Hobart) for...

Breakfast: Rendezvous Cafe.

Lunch: Sea Wall, Kettering.

Dinner: Cultura Restaurant.

Favourite team? The Geelong Cats.

Parting words? I feel privileged and would like to encourage everyone to consider regularly doing some kind deeds for others. We all have something to offer. There is such a need in the community and despite all that is being done by many organisations and people, we are barely skimming the surface.

Interview: Peta Hen

Picture: Adam Reibel

JANE ALPINE

Interview: Stephanie Williams

After spending her childhood on a boat sailing the world it’s no surprise Jane Alpine pursued a career in the outdoors.

Where did you grow up and where do you live now? I was born in the UK and moved on to a boat when I was just five days old. I spent the next 13 years travelling around the world –mostly in boats but a few caravans and the occasional house sit thrown in for balance. I now live in Cygnet and am very grateful to have discovered such a magical part of the world.

Tell us a little about your work? I work at Hydro Tasmania in the Community Engagement team. It’s a great mix of talking, people, creativity and collaborative thinking. I spend a lot of time speaking to communities to better understand how they use Tasmania’s ‘hydro waterways’, which can be very diverse – ranging from offering great spots to camp, right through to supplying irrigation water. My team plays a key role in ensuring any impacts of our hydropower operations are minimised, and benefits are maximised.

What has been the most memorable project you’ve worked on? I recently took part in a video campaign for Hydro Tasmania. It totally took me out of my comfort zone, but was so much fun and I got to meet some amazing people. It was so fun. I loved it!

Tell us about the pathway you took towards working in a STEM field such as renewable energy. It definitely wasn’t straight! I went to uni after Year 12 but didn’t really know what I wanted to do – so, I ended up trying my hand at everything! Commerce, law, journalism, French…After living in Europe for a couple of years, I got some clarity and came back to finish my commerce degree and added a science degree. From there, things went more smoothly. I did

post-grad in marine science which led to me becoming involved in helping shape Australia’s marine conservation work in the Asia Pacific region and designing our commonwealth Australian Marine Park network. I went on to work in France and the UK in marine science roles, before coming home in 2019. I joined Hydro Tasmania three years ago in search of new challenges – and absolutely love being part of such an exciting field. Australia’s transition to renewable energy is exciting and inspiring and Tassie is so far ahead of the game. We’re one of only a handful of places worldwide that are 100% renewable and I think that’s something to be pretty proud of.

What advice would you have for other women wanting to work within STEM industries? Be bold, follow your heart and nurture your networks so you have access to support and advice.

What do you love doing outside work? I love being outside – bushwalking, camping, swimming – there’s just so many opportunities in Tassie to get out in nature. If I get to take the dog, even better. I’m just discovering a love of gardening and on a rainy day, I enjoy creating mosaics – even though my skills don’t quite match my ideas (yet!)

Who do you admire? My mum and dad – for forging such an adventurous path in life.

Favourite podcast or tv show? No Such Thing As a Fish is a stand out podcast which always makes me laugh out loud – I look forward to a new episode every Friday.

Secret vice? I can’t drive past a garage sale or thrift store without stopping for a “quick look”.

What are you reading now? A shout out to our amazing libraries – I love their new release express service! I just borrowed Chai Time at Cinnamon Gardens by Shankari Ghandran. I struggle to actually finish books because I get distracted but I am trying to do better.

Do you have any pets? A whippet called Shadow who my son and I got from Wales, and brought home when we came back to Australia. And a cat called Pesto that we adopted through Ten Lives.

What was your first job? Packing Egyptian perfume bottles for my neighbours – they imported them into Australia and sold them around Oz.

What are your daily news/social media habits? I have a terrible Instagram habit! For news, I tune into ABC Hobart as I drive to work, scroll Twitter or read The Guardian.

Your favourite place (in Hobart) for… Breakfast: Farm Gate Market’s food vans Lunch: Ja&Jon banh mi during the week and Poolish & Co in Cygnet for a weekend feast.

Dinner: Arigato Sushi is always fantastic.

Favourite team? I’m not a huge sports fan, so this is a difficult one for me, but I enjoy cheering on the JackJumpers and should give a special shout out to Southern Storm, our local footy team.

Dream holiday destination? Three months in South America with a backpack, my son and no schedule sounds like bliss.

Favourite Hobart (or Tasmanian) secret? Randalls Bay for a swim, walk or a Sunday sauna with Elsewhere Sauna.

Parting words? Love fiercely and freely, embrace new challenges and drink cocktails often!

BITS AND PIECES

The latest ‘scoop’ is Bertie’s on Albert (55 Albert Road, Moonah) is now open, putting ice cream back on the menu in Moonah after the closure of Valhalla’s outlet. Lovers of Japanese food can rejoice as Rin (196 Macquarie Street, Hobart) is reopening on Macquarie Street. Rin classics include quality sushi, sashimi and steaming hot ramen. Oishii desu! Hobart’s newest burger joint, Boss Burger Hobart (319 Elizabeth St, North Hobart) has landed, offering a fully loaded burger menu featuring classic Americana eats like ribs, hot dogs and onion rings. Brunch is coming to Montrose with the owners of Angie Sue in Lauderdale opening Saint Hugo’s (491 Main Road, Montrose) in late October. The cafe, set inside a former church, will serve an all-day menu. Keep your eyes peeled for opening day. Want more than brunch or lunch? Trophy Room (342 Argyle St, North Hobart) is now opening for Friday night dinner from 5pm-9pm. New cha (tea) and snack cafe, Chache (Shop 4, 109 Mathers Ln, Hobart) has opened in Mathers Lane in the former Cafe Nom Nom space. The menu has something for everyone with a huge range of tea flavour combos. Local sporting duo Will Ponsonby and Mark Steczkowiz have opened Off Court (1/221 Liverpool Street, Hobart), specialising in all things racquet-based. “Off Court is the culmination of our 30+ year love for racquet sports and a desire to provide the local community with a dedicated space to fuel their own passion for these fantastic games,” Mark said. The vintage maritime and home goods

store, The Old Shop Yard (55 Gepp Parade, Derwent Park) is now opening on Saturdays from 10am-4pm. Deck out your home with a bounty of nautical-themed treasures, wares and decor. Hobart CBD is getting its rizz on with its very own AdultShop (93 Liverpool Street, Hobart). The store will be the third spicy addition of the franchise to the map of Tassie. The full reveal is happening soon, so watch this space. Natures Works (109a Collins Street, Hobart) will soon be leaving The Cat and Fiddle Arcade and moving around the corner to a larger space on Collins Street. JD Sports (44-46 Elizabeth Street, Hobart) is coming to Elizabeth Street Mall in Hobart’s CBD. Slick sneakers await. It will be back to buying tools in Hobart CBD soon as construction on the new Mitre 10 Hobart (Patrick Street, Hobart) has started. The former Claremont Hotel has had a facelift and reopened recently as The Mont (1 Main Road, Claremont). The Mont has expanded lounge and bistro spaces, and a kids’ play area, as well as updated accommodation offerings. Golf Park Hobart (6 Cranston Parade, Cambridge) is undergoing a revamp of the driving range. Watch this space for the grand transformation. Launceston’s newest Nepalese restaurant, Thamel House Bar + Restaurant (146148 Charles St, Launceston) has opened in the former Spice On Charles space. Diners can expect authentic dishes like mushroom choyla, momo dumplings and shaybale alongside Western-style dishes.

Art lovers can check out EP Fine Arts Gallery (86 St. John Street, Launceston) in The Quadrant Mall. The gallery showcases the works of Italian-Launceston artist, Eleonora Pulcini.

NEW CARE BOXES FOR LOSS

Beyond the Rainbow is a new Tassie not-for-profit organisation that creates and donates care boxes for families who lose children through pregnancy, stillbirth and early infancy. The boxes include keepsake items, helpful resources and supportive self-care products. The purpose of these boxes is to offer some comfort and support to families following the loss of their baby and to be a light within the darkness of grief. To help other families know they are not alone in their grief. The charity will officially launch with a fundraising event on 20 January next year in Launceston, and plans for a similar event later in the year in Hobart. Local businesses are invited to get involved and provide support through product donation for a silent auction, sponsoring events or directly donating to fund the care boxes. The cost of supplying these boxes to hospitals across Tasmania is expected to reach $30,000 per year. For more information head to www.beyondtherainbowtas.org and follow them on Instagram @beyondtherainbowtas.

BATTERY POINT DEVELOPMENT NOD

After years of unsuccessful attempts to have development plans approved, a proposal to create 24 units in Battery Point looks likely to go ahead. Plans for the development of 1 Knopwood Street, next to Preachers pub, were rejected in 2016 and twice in 2022 following hundreds of community objections. The developer (Bensons Property Group) appealed to the Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, with the tribunal stating a planning permit should be issued, subject to conditions. This would mean the commercial building and warehouse from the 1970s that are currently on the site will be demolished and replaced with a five-storey and a four-storey building.

BITS AND PIECES

NEW STATS REVEAL 1 IN 7 WOMEN AGED 44–49 HAVE ENDOMETRIOSIS

The latest release from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), Endometriosis in Australia, has revealed that around 14% of women aged 44-49 are estimated to have endometriosis. The report also shows that the rate of hospitalisations for the condition has doubled among women aged 20–24 over the past decade. “Endometriosis is a progressive chronic condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows in other parts of the body,” said AIHW spokesperson Katherine Faulks. “Endometriosis causes inflammation and scarring, which can lead to painful adhesions joining together pelvic organs that are normally separate. Women may experience pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, bleeding between periods, abdominal bloating, fatigue, anxiety, depression and reduced fertility, among other symptoms.”

Researchers at the University of Queensland used data from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health, along with health

SHIP BUILDING APPRENTICESHIPS ON OFFER AT HOBART’S INCAT

Do you want to help build ships in Hobart? Incat is offering apprenticeship opportunities with applications now open for the January 2024 apprentice intake. Incat Managing Director Craig Clifford said, “We are proud to be leading the world in the transition to zero-emission passenger and vehicle ferries, and an apprenticeship allows you to be involved in a ship-building revolution,” Mr Clifford said. Successful applicants will join the 57 apprentices currently employed by Incat. Applications close 15 October, 2023. For more information or to apply check out www.incat.com.au/

service data, to estimate the prevalence of endometriosis in two groups of women, those born between 1973 and 1978 and those born between 1989 and 1995. The estimates show that women are being diagnosed with endometriosis at earlier ages. By age 31, 9.2% of women born between 1989 and 1995 were diagnosed with endometriosis, compared with 6.9% of women born between 1973 and 1978 at the same age. “This increase may reflect increased awareness of endometriosis among the general public and health professionals, leading to increased diagnosis and/or reporting of diagnosis among women born more recently,” Ms. Faulks said.

Diagnosis and management of endometriosis is complex, with an average of between six and eight years between the onset of symptoms and diagnosis. Endometriosis can affect women and girls, transgender, non-binary, and gender-diverse people assigned female at birth. For more information on the report and terminology, please visit www.aihw.gov.au.

apprenticeship-application or email careers@incat.com.au.

HOUN VALLEY STUDIO ART TRAIL

The Huon Valley Studio Art Trail is on again this October. The Trail showcases over 40 artists and makers, who will open their studios, shared spaces and galleries. The lineup is diverse across artists and art forms throughout the Huon Valley. This year’s ambassador is botanical artist, fabric designer and professional printmaker, Deborah Wace. The Huon Valley Studio Art Trail is on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 October, with opportunities to meet the artists and makers across the weekend. For more information

head to www.huonvalleytas.com/event/ huon-valley-studio-art-trail.

BUSHFIRE SEASON IS HERE

Bushfire season has well and truly arrived. The Red Cross recommends four key steps to being prepared and staying safe over the coming months:

• Get in the know about your risks, where to get information and how to manage stress.

• Get connected by identifying emergency contacts, meeting places and people who can help.

• Get organised with important documents, medical information, insurance and pet plans.

• Get packing with a list to help you survive and personal items that are important to you.

Red Cross Australia has a range of resources available for the community on how to create emergency plans and how to prepare survival kits. More information is available at www.redcross.org. au/prepare. The Tasmania Fire Service and State Emergency Service also have dedicated resources available on how to prepare for bushfires, floods and storms.

More information is available at Tasmania Fire Service www.fire.tas.gov.au and Tasmania State Emergency Service www. ses.tas.gov.au. If an emergency is developing, TasALERT will list clear instructions on what to do and when: www.alert. tas.gov.au and tune in to ABC Hobart on 936 am, online or on their app to get updates too.

The Board of Reconciliation Tasmania humbly asks Tasmanians to vote with their heart on October 14.

We believe the modest request from First Nations peoples as expressed in the Uluru Statement from the Heart will:

Enrich us all as we recognise 65,000 years of culture and history on these lands;

Empower First Nations people to have a say in decisions that directly affect them;

Unite Australia as it walks together for a stronger future.

We can choose to improve life for many First Australians who continue to be unrepresented and disadvantaged in their own country

Please don’t let this once-in-a-generation opportunity pass us by.

With respect, Reconciliation Tasmania Co-Chairs

Clair Andersen and Beth Gilligan

[Authorised by M Redmond, 1 College St, Sandy Bay ]

BITS AND PIECES

THUMBS UP

Bring on school holidays after what felt like the busiest term ever. Or is that just us?

Kookas lemon curd biscuits, keeping this team going.

Days off for Show Day public holidays around the state.

LIFT OFF! HAS LANDED

Lift Off!, the dedicated annual kids festival, is back for the school holidays. This year’s theme is ‘Twists and Turns’, in line with TMAG’s major exhibition, Twist. The festival includes a digitally augmented reality trail, a silent disco and lots of other activities. Check out the full program at www. tmag.tas.gov.au.

CRASH HOT SPOTS OF HOBART

Congratulations Argyle Street, you’re Hobart’s worst crash hotspot! New data from the AAMI Crash Index also shows that male drivers are ever-soslightly more likely to be involved in crashes than female drivers (51 per cent to 49 per cent respectively). The worst offenders were those aged 35-49. Macquarie Street came in second, followed by Main Road, Moonah, then Sandy Bay Road, Murray Street and Main Road in Glenorchy, Liverpool Street, Bathurst Street and Campbell Street. Bit hard to steer clear of all of those, so all we can say is drive safely!

KIDS’ COLLECTIONS WANTED

Got a young collector in your life? The Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery is looking for a new collection to

show for Term 4 this year. Since 2005 TMAG’s Young Collectors program has showcased over fifty interesting and eclectic collections, from sheep tags to seeds and slot cars to shells, all highlighting the varied collecting interests of children. Anything goes, so whether it’s dragons or teddy bears, penguins or money boxes, they’re interested to hear about it. Search for the young collectors form on www.tmag.tas.gov.au or drop in and ask about it.

NEW BE HERS HUB SPACE ON THE WAY FOR HOBART

Be Hers, an not-for-profit organisation dedicated to ending human trafficking and slavery, is creating a new social enterprise hub in Hobart’s CBD. Work is currently underway on the new place which will become home to the Dream Free Sewing Centre and also be a space for Be Hers volunteers, staff and events. The new hub will also provide vulnerable women with a safe place to seek additional advocacy and support. The new hub includes a shop front and cafe where vulnerable women can receive training and accreditation in retail, sewing or as a barista. To learn more about Be Hers or to support the hub, head to www.behers.org.au.

Trick-or-treating. Is there any better way to get to know your local community?

THUMBS DOWN

The post-trick or treating sugar crash, when they’re 80% sugar and have to go to school the next day.

Traffic havoc around Granton.

An early start to the bushfire season.

Editor’s Note: Last month we shared a Thumbs Down related to the new Urgent Care Clinic in Hobart, and included some incorrect information about Your Hobart Doctor. Head to page 20 to read our updated story on the new clinic.

model shown.

BITS AND PIECES

routes, triggers for action and where to go for more information. To find out more head to www.ses.tas.gov.au/plan-prepare/ flood-plan.

CPR TRAINING SAVES TWO HOBART LIVES IN SEPARATE INCIDENTS

DOMAIN TENNIS CENTRE OPEN DAY

Have the urge to pick up a tennis racket or unleash your inner tennis star? The Domain Tennis Centre is having an open day on 15 October where everyone from total novices to seasoned pros can come and hit the courts. There’s a stack of activities happening, such as Cardio Tennis, the ball machine and pickleball, along with lessons for juniors and free play. The Domain Tennis Centre open day is on from 10am-1pm. To find out more or book your spot in one of the events, head to www. play.tennis.com.au.

LAUNCESTON AIRPORT NOISE LEVELS TO CHANGE

The amount of planes in the skies above Launceston and surrounding areas are about to get a shake up with changes to Launceston Airport’s Runway 14 coming into effect early November. Airservices Australia are implementing increased safety measures to Runway 14 to increase the separation between inbound and outbound aircraft. Due to the amendments, noise levels in some areas are expected to change. Launceston, Perth and Devon Hills should see noise reductions, while Longford and surrounding areas are likely to notice an increase in aircraft noise levels. Cressy may also experience an increase in noise above 42dBA after the changes are implemented. As most of the air traffic at Launceston Airport services

traffic to and from locations to its north, it’s crucial aircraft are kept separated from each other to maximise safety. The changes also aim to reduce delay for departing aircraft as they will no longer need to account for arriving aircraft, particularly during poor weather conditions. To find out more which areas are affected, head to www.engage.airservicesaustralia.com.

NEW CAR PARK SPACES IN NOHO

The expansion of North Hobart’s Lefroy Street car park has been completed. The $1.59 million project added 35 car parks, six bike parks and two new EV charging stations plus better lighting, two new disability access points and pedestrian access. The car park now provides three hour parking between 9am-8pm (with 24-hour access), with no payment required after 6pm.

NEW SES FLOOD GUIDES FOR HIGHRISK AREAS AROUND TASMANIA

Are you living in a flood-risk area? Flood guides are now available for flood-prone areas around Tasmania to better prepare people for what to do if a flood emergency strikes. New SES Community Protection Flood Guides have been launched for South Hobart, Geeveston, Orford, St Marys and Railton to help inform communities of their flood risks, how to prepare homes and properties, what to do if there is a flood, safe escape

The importance of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and defibrillator training was clearly demonstrated when the lives of two Hobart residents were saved during separate medical emergencies recently. A man at the Doone Kennedy Hobart Aquatic Centre and a woman at the Currency Cafe in Lindisfarne both suffered cardiac emergencies. Vital life-saving CPR with the use of defibrillators kept both patients alive until paramedics arrived. Royal Life Saving Society (Tas) Project and Programs Manager Karina Siggins said CPR is a critical life-saving procedure. “During cardiac arrest, the heart stops pumping blood to the brain and other vital organs,” Ms Siggins said. “CPR helps to keep blood flowing and may help minimise the damage to the victim.” If CPR is performed immediately, it can double or triple the chance of survival from an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. In both of the local instances, training in CPR and the use of defibrillators was crucial in saving the lives of the patients during the emergencies. It’s important to keep first aid and CPR training up to date, and for first-timers, it’s never too late to get trained up. In Tasmania, there are multiple organisations that provide current and accredited First Aid and CPR training to the public, such as St Johns Ambulance, Australian Red Cross and First Aid Courses Tasmania.

HYDROELECTRICITY

Grab your popcorn, sit back, and watch as three Tasmanians stumble upon the secrets that lead to a greener, brighter, and more empowered Tasmania.

“GET READY FOR LAUGHTER, AWE, AND A RENEWED SENSE OF TASSIE PRIDE!”

BITS AND PIECES

SOME GOOD PLATYPUS NEWS

The Hobart Rivulet Platypus Organisation, a local not-for-profit founded by Pete Walsh (aka the Platypus Guardian), has won a significant grant to continue making a positive impact to the community. The organisation won the ‘Environment and Overall Grant Winner’ category of the Canon Oceania Grants Program. “Being awarded this grant enables us to complete work on Becoming Platypus, a short film that picks up where The Platypus Guardian left off,” said Pete. “Set to be released in 2024, it tells the intimate and contrasting story of two adult female platypuses and the challenges their puggle offspring face. We hope that once released, Becoming Platypus will play an important role in platypus education programs around Australia.”

BIG BUCKET BYE BYES

It’s safe to go back to the pool! The ‘Big Bucket’ in the little kids’ section of the Doone Kennedy Aquatic Centre has been replaced with a less extreme version. It’s great news for those who don’t enjoy being taken out by a large volume of water suddenly falling on their head, and might lead to fewer kids refusing to go in.

BRIDGE OVER TUNBRIDGE WATERS

In a win for Tunbridge, years of passionate rallying by the local community has finally paid off, with repairs on the Blackman River Bridge given the go ahead. The Blackman River Bridge which was built in 1848 and is believed to be the oldest surviving wooden-decked bridge in Australia, was damaged in a deliberately lit fire in late 2019. Native timber is now being sourced for the restoration of the bridge, with construction due to begin in early 2024.

It’s a big month Dress for Success - a charity that helps women to enter or re-enter the workforce - with two important fundraisers in the first week of October. We sat down with Amanda French, CEO and Founder of Dress for Success Hobart, to catch up.

What is Dress for Success? We provide clothing, confidence and connections - empowering women to participate fully in their community. Established in Hobart in 2019, Dress for Success has now supported more than 800 women to access our transformational programs and services. In addition to our styling services, we provide career support in the form of resume writing and job application and interview preparation. We also support women re-entering the community following a period in prison. Our programs are delivered by our volunteers who are all amazing local women with broad ranging experience and expertise.

How important is it for clients to have access to this kind of clothing and accessories, as opposed to them walking into an op shop? Our programs are free to all and we have no set eligibility criteria, meaning any women looking to enter or re enter the workforce can come and access the

support we provide. We know that not everyone enters the workforce on a level footing, we don’t all have access to the same things in life. Dress for Success is about providing a simple solution to one part of that problem.

Tell us about your events this month. We’re hosting two events at Wrest Point in October to help us raise much needed funds to ensure our programs remain free for those in the community that need it. Bubbles & Bargains (5 October) is our signature event where pre-loved fashion items are available at great prices, with all funds raised supporting Dress for Success’ work in the community. Fashion Frenzy (7 October) is a clearance style sale with all items priced at $5 – there will be some amazing bargains to be had!

How are you seeing the rising cost of living impact on your clients? Cost of living pressures are impacting every corner of our community and the clients that come to see us often tell us that they put themselves last on the list of the mounting expenses that they have every week. To be able to treat someone to a wonderful experience where they are made to feel valued and important can build so much confidence. Women leave our boutique with huge smiles on their faces and their shoulders pulled back, ready to take on the world.

Do you need volunteers or help in any other way? Absolutely! As a volunteer-powered organisation, we literally couldn’t do what we do without the generosity of volunteers in our community. There are a number of ways you can be involved including as a Boutique Stylist, Career Support Mentor or as an Event Helper at one of our great sales. If you work for an organisation that has a Corporate Volunteering Program, you might also be able to give your time to us through that initiative. Reach out to us at volunteers@dfshobart.org and we’ll be able to give you more information.

DRESS FOR SUCCESS WITHOUT THE STRESS

DARK MOFO WINTER PAUSE

Dark Mofo is having a gap year with the festival pressing pause in 2024 for a period of renewal. Dark Mofo intends to reshape a more sustainable model for a full return in 2025, and set the foundation for the next 10 years. However, Dark Mofo organisers have announced that the Winter Feast and the Nude Solstice Swim will still go ahead in 2024. These two key events will also coincide with the opening of a new major exhibition at the Museum of Old and New Art (Mona). Destination

Southern Tasmania CEO Alex Heroys said, “This coming year will be different, but Winter Feast is continuing and Tasmanians and visitors alike love this iconic event.”

TWO TASSIE CHARITIES JOIN FORCES FOR RURAL WOMEN

The Care for Africa Foundation and Motherland, two Tassie charities, are joining forces to host the 2023 Friendship Cocktail Party fundraiser on 25 November in Launceston. The party will raise awareness and funds for the work they do in rural Australia and Africa. Motherland supports isolated rural mothers in Australia and delivers services and programs to connect rural women and improve mental health outcomes. Care for Africa partners with communities in Tanzania to fight against poverty and empower independence by providing water, health, education and enterprise. Motherland will also hold its inaugural national conference in Launceston in March, 2024. Dubbed, ‘Australia’s biggest rural mother’s

group’, the event will bring hundreds of rural women to Tasmania for two days to celebrate rural motherhood. For more information check out www.motherlandaustralia.com.au.

NEW BRAIN CANCER COLLAB FOR TASMANIA

A new collaboration between the Brain Cancer Centre, the University of Tasmania’s Menzies Institute for Medical Research and the Royal Hobart Hospital (RHH) will investigate what drives the development of brain tumours. The Brain Cancer Centre, founded by Carrie Bickmore’s Beanies 4 Brain Cancer Foundation, will provide $100,000 a year for three years to fund research into the genetic links behind brain cancer. Professor Rosemary Harrup, Director of Cancer Services at the RHH, said Tasmania had advantages when it came to researching the disease, “One of the advantages of researching brain cancer in Tasmania is there are large, geographically stable family groups and a small number of sites for treatment,” she said.

“Unfortunately several large Tasmanian families have a high incidence of multiple types of cancer, including brain cancer. We are able to track these families and map genetic changes occurring in patients which we expect will unlock vital clues to the development and potential treatments for this often fatal disease.” This year’s Point to Pinnacle event in November has partnered with Carries Beanies 4 Brain Cancer to raise significant funds for further brain cancer research.

SLOWING DOWN ON LAUNNIE STREETS FROM THIS MONTH

Reductions to speed limits are on the way for a number of Launceston’s roads after the City of Launceston’s application was confirmed by the State Transport Commissioner last month. Speed limit reductions from 60km/h to 50km/h will come into play on Bathurst Street, Wellington Street (between William and Howick Streets), High Street (between David and Arthur Streets), Invermay Road (between Forster Street and Vermont

Road), Elphin Road, Penquite Road and Hoblers Bridge Road near the Newstead Shopping Centre.

Speed limit reductions from 50km/h to 40km/h will come into play in the Launceston CBD area bordered by Cimitiere, York, Wellington and Tamar Streets, Mowbray Shopping Centre, Invermay Road between Vermont Road and Haig Street, Kings Meadows Shopping Centre, Hobart Road between Riseley Street and Opossum Road.

QUEENSTOWN

WINS TOURISM GOLD

Queenstown has taken out the grand prize in the Australian Top Tourism Town Awards for the Top Small Tourism Town 2023, beating out Airlie Beach in Qld and Sorrento in Victoria. The award recognises Australian towns with a population under 5,000 but greater than 1,500 that offer amazing tourist experiences and are committed to increasing tourist visits to their region. Congratulations Queenstown.

TAKE A SEAT: ARMCHAIR TAKES OUT PRESTIGIOUS CLARENCE PRIZE

Hobart designer Patrick Adeney has won the prestigious $20,000 Clarence Prize for his piece of masterful joinery, the Winslow Armchair. The Winslow Armchair was expertly crafted from Tasmanian blackwood, Danish paper cord and brass and was selected from a shortlist of fifteen finalists from around Australia. The winning piece, along with other finalists, is on display at the 2023 Clarence Prize Exhibition until 15 October at Rosny Barn. The Clarence Prize is a biennial exhibition which celebrates innovative and contemporary Australian design and furniture making.

NEW HAUS IS COMMITTED TO SUSTAINABILITY

New Haus Agency is not just a real estate agency, it’s a catalyst for positive change.

With our commitment to courageous authenticity, collaboration, and sustainability, we are redefining what it means to be a real estate agency in Tasmania.

We believe in pushing into the digital world a little more than some, and we take a different approach to marketing your property.

Not only will your home be showcased on 14 different websites both domestically and internationally, but we will promote your property via a digital media campaign like no other!

Whilst all our property marketing material is available digitally to buyers, we do understand that moving into a fully digital world takes time. That’s why any marketing materials that we print for your property are printed on 100% recycled and 100% recyclable Ecostar card.

We are targeting 90% digital agency agreements and contracts by the end of 2023 to reduce our reliance on printed materials and to reduce carbon emissions.

One step at a time to a better future, a better result, and a better Tasmania.

STORYBOARDS SHARE STORIES FROM TASSIE CHILDREN LIVING WITH HEARING LOSS

Seven inspiring journeys of Tasmanian children living with hearing loss are being shared through a series of special Storyboards. The Storyboards share very moving stories of how The Shepherd Centre (TSC), a specialist not-for-profit organisation, provides vital support and early intervention services for children with hearing loss. One of the children, Milly Collins from Mount Nelson, was born with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. Early intervention from TSC helped support Milly’s mother, Clare Collins, and her family through uncertain times. “Having local access, including house visits, has been a game-changer, making the process of optimising our daughter’s access to sound so much easier,” said Clare. The Storyboards are currently on display at The Shepherd Centre’s temporary Hobart site, and will be on display at TSC’s new permanent location in Hobart early next year before being relocated to TSC’s Launceston site. For more information about The Shepherd Centre services, head to www.shepherdcentre.org.au.

TASSIE VETERANS SUBMISSIONS FOR ROYAL COMMISSION

A free legal service has issued an urgent plea to Tasmanians who have served in the military. The Defence and Veterans Legal Service is urging veterans to speak up now if they want to share their views

with the Royal Commission. The national inquiry is examining the treatment, mental health and wellbeing of people who have served. The Defence and Veterans Legal Service has two lawyers in Tasmania who provide free support to help people prepare their submissions to the Royal Commission. This service is a National Legal Aid initiative and is delivered in partnership with Tasmania Legal Aid. Submissions to the Royal Commission must be lodged with the inquiry by Friday 13 October. To find out more or to get free, confidential and independent assistance with preparing a submission, call 1800 331 800.

NEW MEDICARE URGENT CARE CLINIC NOW OPEN IN HOBART

There is a new bulk billing medical service available in the Hobart CBD. The Hobart Medicare Urgent Care Clinic provides urgent care medical consultations and is located within the existing Your Hobart Doctor medical centre complex at 71 Bathurst St. Your Hobart Doctor will continue to provide private billing, extended hours primary health care from your GP of choice, seven days a week, every day of the year. The GPs and the support team at Your Hobart Doctor have been providing essential primary health care in Hobart since 2019. The medical centre includes 17 doctors rooms, Blooms the Chemist, TML pathology services, Radiology services and Bumi Café. Your Hobart Doctor is still taking

new patients with appointments available from 8am to 10pm every week day and weekends. If you would like to make a booking with a GP of your choice at Your Hobart Doctor, you can call 1800 25 24 36 or visit www.yourhobarthealth.com.au for an online booking.

In addition to these existing GP services, the Medicare Urgent Care Clinic is an Australian and Tasmanian Government initiative which offers an alternative to the Royal Hobart Hospital emergency department, allowing patients requiring non emergency, urgent care to receive bulk billed medical treatment. Medicare Urgent Care Clinics are opening around Australia to assist hospital emergency departments. If there’s medical urgency but not an emergency, consider visiting a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic. Medicare Urgent Care Clinics treat non-life-threatening injuries and illnesses such as minor infections, minor fractures, sprains, sporting injuries and neck and back pain, urinary tract infections, sexually transmitted infections, stitches and glue for minor cuts, insect bites and rashes, minor eye and ear problems, respiratory illness such as asthma, croup and exacerbation of COPD, gastroenteritis and mild burns Medicare’s Hobart Urgent Care Clinic is open from 4pm to 10pm, 7 days a week. You can also phone 1800 25 24 36 or walk in and be triaged for suitability to access the service. Alternatively, you can call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222 or visit healthdirect.gov.au for more information on the Hobart Medicare Urgent Care Clinic. Launceston also now has an Urgent Care Clinic at 247 Wellington Street.

Located in the heritage double shopfront nestled between The Odeon and Hanging Garden precinct

@Boutique Brows Hobart

BITS AND PIECES

CONGRATS COAL RIVER FARM

Coal River Farm’s cheese is officially the best in the land, after the Cambridgebased cheese makers were awarded the ‘Best Cheese’ award at the recent Royal Melbourne Food Awards. We think we’d better keep taste-testing…just to be sure.

BEN & JERRY’S BRING ICE CREAM AND ACTIVISM TO HOBART

Surfrider Foundation Australia – the notfor-profit agency dedicated to the protection of Australia’s oceans – has launched a series of film events across Australia’s east coast to raise support for their campaign to Save The Southern Sea from fossil fuel exploration. Their first stop will be Hobart on Sunday 8 October with the Tour D’Ice Cream team, complete with their retrofitted vegetable powered vintage fire truck, onsite at a screening of a new surf film Southern Blast by award-winning director Matty Hannon and featuring Australian free-surfer, Torren Martyn. There will also be interviews

TASMANIANMADE HORROR FILM GRIPS US CINEMAS

Interview: Peta Hen

Tasmania is quickly becoming a prime movie-making location. With Tassiemade low budget horror film, Beaten To Death making its debut in US cinemas, we caught up with director, Sam Curtain, to chat about why Tassie is the perfect place to shoot gripping thrillers.

Tasmanian-born Sam has been making films from a young age. He has filmed a number of horror films in his home state with his latest shot on location in the Derwent Valley and Central Midlands.

Tell us about the current horror film scene in Tasmania. Despite having

with environmental marine consultants, including Annie Ford, a performance by local singer songwriter Emily Wurramara, and an original soundtrack including Australian musicians Kim Churchill and Manyuung.

The film was shot in the Southern Ocean – the area which Surfrider is seeking to protect through this campaign. The campaign aims to put pressure on the government to cancel a proposed seismic blasting permit searching for gas across the coastlines of South Australia, Victoria and Tasmania. Seismic blasting is the first step in drilling for offshore oil and gas. Surfrider has shared that the seismic blasting proposal will release blasts into the ocean every 10 seconds for up to 400 days. “Seismic surveys have significant impacts to both ecologically and commercially valuable species, including whales, crayfish and plankton,” says Marine Scientist, Annie Ford, “But research is limited. The more

quite a small film industry here, Tassie has always had a strong interest in horror. Most of the television shows, feature films and a large number of shorts shot down here have had a dark sensibility. I think the state lends itself to the horror genre - people often mention our dark history, but also the unforgiving landscape which creates a palpable sense of isolation and dread, enhancing the horror experience.

How have you found working in Tassie as an independent filmmaker? It certainly has its challenges and benefits. The benefits being the fantastic untapped locations; we’ve got so many creepy old farmhouses and buildings and usually owners and locals are quite interested in having their properties featured in a film. The challenges come from being such a small population that it can be hard to find a foothold in the industry. That isolation I touched on creatively also has an impact profes-

we learn, the worse the impact appears to be.” Surfrider Campaign Director and film producer Drew Mchperson explains “The film was shot over several months in coastal communities across Tasmania, Victoria and South Australia. It highlights the unique and special connection each and everyone of us has with the Ocean, how we rely upon it and the threats that it’s facing from the expansion of the fossil fuel industry.” The event start at 5:30pm, more info at www.surfrider.org.au.

ZEEHAN POOL FUNDING SECURED

In good news for Zeehan, West Coast Council has approved a capital works budget of $600,000 to repair the Zeehan swimming pool. Hydrilla, a specialist swimming pool design company, has been engaged by West Coast Council to prepare repair and upgrade the facilities transforming the pool into a modern facility for the community and extend the life of the pool for at least another 20 years.

sionally as we don’t have the networks of our larger cities.

Are there plans for another Tassie-made film? Absolutely! At the moment, we are trying to ride the momentum of our current film and its release, but as things begin to settle down we’ll start developing a new twisted Tassie tale.

WHETHER IT BE AN AFTER WORK DRINK WITH COLLEAGUES, TOASTING A FRIEND’S PERSONAL CELEBRATION OR A PROFESSIONAL GATHERING, THE DECK PROVIDES A VIBRANT ATMOSPHERE, BOASTING STUNNING VIEWS ACROSS THE CITY ROOFTOPS AND KUNANYI, A GREAT BAR MENU AND ALL YEAR-ROUND WEATHER PROTECTION.

JOIN US FOR HAPPY HOUR 4-6 PM MONDAY TO FRIDAY.

WHAT’S ON IN HOBART

TMAG’s Festival for Children and Young People kicks off today, with activities and a new augmented reality trail.

The Paper Escaper, Terrapin Puppet Theatre’s new show, is on at the Theatre Royal from today til the 8th. The Threatened Species Project launches at Wild Island tonight at 5:30pm.

copy Adalita from Magic Dirt is in town on her Inland tour, catch her at The Republic tonight from 9:30pm. Bad Dad Orchestra play Simple Cider from 7pm too.

Libraries Tasmania’s 2023 Mental Health Week Mini Art Exhibition starts today at midday at the city branch, finishing on the 16th.

Bored kids?

They might want to try Exit Left’s Film a Fairytale school holiday workshops over the next three days, check trybooking for details.

Mountainfilm on Tour brings a bunch of short films from the namesake festival in Telluride, Colorado to Salamanca Arts Centre tonight from 7pm. The Poochibald Art Prize is on at Rosny Farm until the 22nd.

Two thirds of Silverchair are in town: Ben Gillies and Chris Joannou launch their book Love & Pain at a Fullers event at the Odeon Theatre, 6:30pm.

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Squeeze into your flares for a silent disco at Moonah Arts Centre tonight, 7pm. Perreo Latin Party brings Reggaeton, Dancehall, and Afrolatin to The Grand Poobah tonight, 10pm-late.

Families Tasmania are running a free two hour first aid information session for parents and carers of babies and young children at Midway Point Hall, 9:30am.

Richard Flanagan will be in conversation with Richard Fidler about his new novel tonight at the Theatre Royal. The chat will be recorded for the ABC’s Conversations program. 6:30pm.

The Hedberg Writer in Residence for 2023, Michelle Cahill, presents a public lecture, ‘Spectral presences: a historiography of lascars’, at the Hedberg, 6pm.

Celebrate Seniors Week with a special guided history walk in Richmond. Start in the Richmond Gaol carpark, end with morning tea. Book at Trybooking.com.

Make friends at the Young Hobart Social Club’s trivia night at Shambles Brewery, 6:30pm. For those in their 20s and 30s.

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The Tasmanian Chamber Music Festival is this weekend at various venues around Hobart and New Norfolk. www.taschamberfestival. com.au.

Celebrate Children’s Week with a Multicultural Music and Play playgroup at the Multicultural Council Of Tasmania Hub from 10am, featuring Charlie McCarthy and his band. Free.

Happy Halloween! Also, reigning netball world champs Origin Australia Diamonds play the final match of the South Africa Series from 7:30pm at MyState Bank Arena.

The Shannon Barnett Quartet play at Rosny Barn tonight from 6pm and OXIMETRIC - It’s Just Not The Right Time brings jazz to The Hedberg from 7pm.

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Neridah Stockley’s new exhibition Farms and Other Places has just opened at Bett Gallery. Catch it before it closes on the 18th.

Have a great Show Day! Up for some after show fun? Theatre Sports is on tonight at Simple Cider, as Hobart’s finest improvisers battle it out for the ‘As Yet Unnamed Perpetual Trophy’. From 8pm.

Celebrate the Day Of The Dead at In The Hanging Garden with vibrant live performances and stacks of awesome Mexican food. Starts 8pm.

Our mighty JackJumpers take on Melbourne United tonight at the MyState Bank Arena, 7:30pm.

Details subject to

SATURDAY SUNDAY

Dress for Success

fundraising Fashion Frenzy sees pre-loved fashion and accessories from as little as $1, Wrest Point, 10am-12pm and 12:15pm-1pm. Dave Wells headlines kunanyi Folk Club at the Fern Tree Tavern from 7:30pm.

It’s referendum voting day. Head to Salamanca Market today or Farmgate Market tomorrow for Hello Stranger! A conversational and listening experience for Mental Health Week.

Bushcare is running a walk and talk session about City of Hobart fire season preparations in Mount Nelson’s Rialannah Road from 10-12. Next Saturday they’ll do the same at Knocklofty.

FURTHER AFIELD

5-7 October

The Mental Health Comedy Roadshow brings the laughs to Franklin, Brighton and Scottsdale. These are free events but you need to register at humantix.

7-29 October

14 October

Time to celebrate our best country musos at the Tasmanian Independent Country Music Awards, held at The Tramsheds in Invermay, Launceston, tonight from 6pm.

14-15 October

In the 400th anniversary year of the death of English Renaissance composer William Byrd, The Song Company brings his legacy to St David’s Cathedral tonight, 8pm as part of the Tasmanian Chamber Music Festival.

Runnymede’s Spring Garden Fair is back from 8:30am-1pm today. Proceeds from the biannual plant fair go directly to keeping the house and grounds in tip-top shape. Free entry.

A Children’s Latin Movement Workshop for little ones aged 2-8 is on today at the South Hobart Community Centre from 10am.

In March this year thirteen Hunter Island Press members took part in an overnight residency at the Tahune Airwalk to respond to the site as it regenerates after the 2019 bushfires. The result is Footprints in the Southern Forest, an exhibition on display at the Airwalk on two weekends in October (8-9 and 14-15) then continuing daily from 10am-4pm at the Geeveston Town Hall Visitor Centre.

11- 25 October

Run to the southernmost point of the country in the Compass Club’s southern edition - a 42km and 21km out and back run along the South Coast Track.

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The Longley International Hotel hosts a Halloween Party tonight from 6pm, with prizes for the best costumes. The Huon Valley Studio Art Trail is on all weekend, at various locations.

For even more events in Hobart and further afield this month head to www.thehobartmagazine.com.au/octoberevents change. Check in with individual events for further details.

Over two weeks, NORTH Festival celebrates all the deliciousness of the North of Tasmania in various venues across Launceston with food, drink, experiences, workshops, live music, meet the maker events and more. Go to www. northfestival.com.au for all the intel.

26-29 October

Tasmania’s International Crime and Mystery Festival is back in the Huon Valley this weekend, featuring Ann Cleeves (Vera, Shetland), Vanda Symon, Garry Disher, David Owen, Sarah Barrie and others. The theme of this year’s festival is Tassie Vice. For more info on the events, panel discussions and masterclasses, head to www. terroraustralisfestival.com.

OCTOBER

AROUND THE ISLAND

WHAT’S ON IN TASSIE

Spring fever has struck! Head out and smell the tulips at the Tesselaar Tulip Festival with events, activities, music and more. On until 15 October.

Get out and about at the 2023 Show & Agri-Expo, formerly the Burnie Show. In Devonport? The Twilight Market is on from 4pm-8pm at the Market Square Pavilion.

The 2023 Tassie Mental Health Comedy Roadshow is on in Scottsdale tonight. Have a laugh and raise awareness for Mental Health. East Coasters can check out A Festival Called George on at St Helens foreshore.

Bay of Fires Art Market, the largest market on the East Coast, is on today. Check out over 60 artisan exhibitors from across Tasmania.

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The talented creatives at Terrapin perform The Paper Escaper on stage at NORTH Festival in Launnie. Shows 2pm and 6pm.

NORTH Festival is back with a host of bite size events around Launceston. Celebrate good produce and good times. On until 25 October.

Roll up, roll up! The Royal Launceston Show has come to town. Head out for a family day packed with fun, entertainment, and of course, show bags.

Celebrate country music artists at the Tasmanian Independent Country Music Awards, on tonight at the The Tramsheds Function Centre in Launceston. Book via eventbrite.

The Unconformity Festival kicks off today in Queenstown with a host of unique events all weekend. Celebrate Seniors Week with GRiT Short Film Festival, showing today at Banksia Centre, Port Sorell. From 11am-1pm.

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Grab your popcorn and do the time warp! The 3rd Annual The Rocky Horror Picture Show Interactive Screening showing at Metro Cinemas in Burnie tonight. It’s just a jump to the left!

Enjoy live music and support a great cause while doing it at Z Fest, on today at Apricus Launceston. Z Fest is a tribute to the life of Zander Chugg, and all profits go toward Ronald McDonald House Charities in Tassie and Victoria. From 2pm-11pm.

Wheelie Wellness is on in Devonport today. The free workshop by the ParaQuad Association of Tasmania encourages people with spinal cord injury and physical disability. From 10:30am-1:30pm.

The Boy from Oz is showing at the Princess Theatre, Launceston. From 7:30pm.

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What do you call a spider with 20 eyes? A spiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiider! Trick or Treat! It’s halloween.

Get ready to sweat it out in the Burnie 10. Runners can tackle either the full 10km or 5km events on the day. Get up to speed at www. burnieten.com.au.

Have an event coming up? Let us know!

editor@thehobartmagazine.com.au

Background photo: Tourism Tasmania, Scott Sporleder, Matador

GELLIBRAND POINT NATURE RESERVE RECREATION AREA, SOUTH ARM

Have you been to the Gellibrand Point Nature Reserve, at South Arm, 45 kilometres south of Hobart?

The reserve is at the end of Spitfarm Road. There is a small parking bay next to the reserve. We walked through the boom gate, turning right to walk along the eastern side of the peninsula to Gellibrand Point at the northern tip.

We felt we were in a magical place. Blue hills framed kunanyi/Mount Wellington on the horizon. On the beach, pied oystercatchers and red-capped plovers scurried across the white sand. Everywhere we looked, there were spectacular vistas. It is a relaxing walk; the track follows the coastline over gently undulating hills. At Gellibrand Point, looking upriver we could see Hobart, the Tasman Bridge, even the smoke from Nyrstar Zinc Works. We rounded the point to walk along the western coast, to soak in views of the western shore as far as Bruny Island.

A Wedge-tailed eagle hovered high above, riding thermal currents. There is a wide variety of birdlife to observe, but don’t walk on the spit on the eastern side of the point, as it is a sensitive bird breeding habitat.

On the western side of the peninsula, at the bottom of a steep cliff, is an interesting historic structure. It is the Gellibrand Vault, built by William Gellibrand to be his final resting place. William died in 1840 and is buried in his vault, along with his two sons.

We ate lunch in a sandy cove, under ancient conifers, directly across from the Shot Tower and the cliffs of Taroona. As we stretched out in the sun, watching the waves ripple over the white sand, we felt we were on holiday from our daily cares. South Arm’s beauty is restorative, a place of tranquillity in a busy world.

Words and pictures: Elizabeth Osborne

HAMISH MICHAEL

Interview: Stephanie Williams

Pictures: Supplied

After a childhood full of small town freedoms, Hamish Michael has crafted a career on the stage. From the Uni Revue to appearing in some of Australia’s most-loved dramas, he is now set to spread his wings even further.

S: You grew up in Latrobe, on the northwest coast. Did you enjoy small town living?

H: We moved down here from Melbourne when I was young, my dad worked on the Empress at the time, the ship before the Spirit of Tasmania. Tassie felt like growing up in your own personal bio-dome isolation. I was doing a paper round where I’d get up at 4:30am in the morning and my parents would just let me ride around the streets to the newsagency in Latrobe, to roll my own papers and deliver them.

S: What did you do post-high school?

H: Mum didn’t want me to go to university because she didn’t think I was a great student. My sister was an amazing student so I think the bar was set so high! After school I moved from Latrobe to Hobart and took a job with the Retirement Benefits Fund Board. In that first year I was living with a bunch of guys from school in Mount Nelson. We were paying $28.10 a week in rent each, I remember that very specifically! I moved out on my own the year after that and started making new friends through work and getting into theatre, like the Uni Revue. That led to doing one act plays at the Drama Festival and then I got a musical.

S: You’re into music as well, aren’t you?

H: Yeah. The director of the musical was doing a professional show at the start of 2000 and I got that role. It was strange because there were all these actual serious actors down here who went to Rosny, which had an actual arts feeder course. The Salamanca Arts Centre had a call out for emerging theatre artists, so myself and a bunch of people applied for different projects - mine was to try and get into drama school. I didn’t get into drama school, but I was successful with the grant and I got to work in Melbourne.

S: Did you ever go to drama school?

H: No, I tried. They wouldn’t let me!

S: So you went through the amateur ranks?

H: I never craved attention or anything, but I remember watching

shows and thinking, ‘That’s something I think I’d really like to do,’ and I don’t know why. Being on the northwest coast of Tasmania, it just felt completely unattainable. I loved shows like You Can’t Do That On Television

S: I loved that show.

H: I wanted to be like those kids. I met a guy, Andrew Casey, who’s still down here, he runs one of the best drama schools, React. He’d always done theatre and was in the Old Nick crowd so he got me into that too. Getting the arts grant led me to a director in Melbourne who I shadowed for a show - I was meant to just sit and watch the production being made. But we got along quite well and I became his assistant for the show.

I ended up meeting an agent in Melbourne. She took me on without any professional credits.

S: Was it hard in that first stage?

H: Yeah, I was literally learning on the job and still doing independent theatre. The idea at that stage of breaking into TV was daunting. My first thing was a Panadol commercial in 2002 or ‘03 and then I got a guest role on Stingers. The episode-of-theweek shows don’t really exist anymore. All these different actors would get opportunities every week to do a role on the show and that was really fun.

S: Did it feel surreal as Tassie boy on set?

H: It’s a badge of honor now because Tassie got cool. But at the time I was kind of ashamed. I was the country boy and because I wasn’t born here in Tassie, (I came down here when I was three and a half years old), I’m not from there either. I spent my entire formative years here from three to 20. The years I spent between

high school and going back to Melbourne were such a concentrated, incredibly developmental period of time that I feel like Hobart’s more home than Devonport sometimes. I tried to hide it because people would go like, “Where did you train?”

S: On the mean streets of Latrobe!

H: Ha! And every now and then someone else didn’t train either would take me aside and be like, “That’s great. Good on you man. You made it in as well.” Like slipping through the system.

S: Do you think that could happen now?

H: Yeah, absolutely, maybe even moreso. Casting is so different now because everything is taped. It used to be that you had to go into the room, but now it’s all tapes. It means you can be from anywhere and still be in the running if you have access to the brief.

S: And you’ve built a business around that.

H: Yes. I started it in 2014. I used to hate doing self-tapes because I was self-critical - I’d rather go in and get feedback from the director. But every now and then there’d be the opportunity to go for a job in the States. I’d have to set up this whole thing in my kitchen, and it would take a whole afternoon. Then I had a bunch of friends start using my setup. So I set up a little place that did self tapes. I just opened one in Melbourne as well. It’s been a great thing to have when I’m not working and there’s been a lot of time not working in amongst that.

S: Is working as an actor a combination of hectic time and then retreat time. How does that play out in your day-to-day life?

H: It can be incredibly frustrating. You can only do so much professional training. You need to step away and have a life.

But you need to also be resourced and have the income and be comfortable enough to feel like it’s okay to take a few weeks off. At the moment I haven’t worked in 18 months. I did a big job end of 2021 that went through until April 2022 - The Twelve on Foxtel which went really well.

I had done a show called Crownies that became Janet King. That was really good for my first big lead. But then it was so hard to break out of the mold - everyone thought I was conservative and the guy in a suit. So The Twelve and Frayed were the first big things where I managed to do something completely different.

S: Your wife Kate Mulvany is also a very accomplished actor and writer. How is a double actor household?

H: We got married in 2015. We eloped in New York. It’s incredible being with someone who intrinsically understands the industry and what you have to go through. The hours you pull, especially when you’re doing theatre and rehearsing all day and then your brain’s wired and performing at night - I think you can only understand if you’re in an acting household. She’s a writer as well. A lot of her success early on has been from the incredible plays that she’s written. She writes a lot of television now and she got a big role on an Amazon show in the States. That has allowed us to travel and apply for green cards.

S: Are you hoping to work in the US as well?

H: I’d love to. I was on a companion visa so I could never work, which was frustrating, like standing outside the candy store with your face on the glass. We’ve got such good friends and family over there that it feels like a natural evolution. It’s certainly not to turn our back on what’s happening here in Australia though. Kate’s really plugged in, her work has been quite consistent over the past few years and mine has been a little bit patchier.

S: Where are you based in Australia?

H: We were in Sydney the last 13 years. But in Sydney I found myself seeking out the more Melbourne parts of Sydney - I’d never go to the beaches or any of that kind of stuff. We just

bought a place in Melbourne. We just got our green cards so we’re coming and going from the states a lot now. We just wanted to have something that was ours, so we’re not paying rent in two places. Melbourne always made more sense to me. I like Sydney, but I still never knew the street names.

S: Does your agent feed you work or is it now your connections creating work?

H: It’s a combination. I’ve been with my current agent, Lisa for eight years and she’s amazing. You feel like you’re working with someone towards a certain goal. I’m a bit of a hard sell sometimes in terms of not fitting into a certain mold - it’s harder in America, especially as someone in their forties with no US credits to sell a straight white man!

S: There’s lots happening in the screen industry in Tassie right now. Have you been connected to that?

H: A few years ago I did a character arc on Rosehaven. And that was really fun. It’s gratifying to come back and work here, because I hadn’t. That role came up and it was really fun to just be this deadpan jerk.

S: The Twelve picked up a Logie this year. Is it weird to attend?

H: Yeah, it is. I’ve only ever done a few of them. I got nominated for the Graham

Kennedy Award for best newcomer when I was 33, for Crownies. So that was very strange to go. I got this phone call from my agent congratulating me on my nomination. I’m like, “I’m not a newcomer. I’ve been doing it for 13 years!”

S: Tell us about your band life. H: During filming of season two of Janet King, I needed something to take my mind off things. I wanted to find a specific thing for my guitar and I got into a YouTube video spiral of music effects. I’ve been playing in bands for years and had never really used any effects. Now it’s the opposite. I’m not playing as much, but I have so much gear now. I did a film called Heartworm and Art of Fighting did the music. And I was a huge fan. I played a musician in that who was a bit of a jerk. I had to record a song that I jerkishly

sang at a party. So I went into the studio with Art of Fighting and did this track and became friends with those guys. And years later, one member, Ollie and I lived together for a number of years. We started doing gigs together and then his friend joined us as a drummer and we became a band for a little while. We even supported Paul Dempsey from Something For Kate on his national tour.

S: When you’re in Hobart, what do you like to do?

H: I catch up with a few friends who are here. I looked up today whether Rektango still happens. And I see it’s celebrating 22 years! I must’ve been there at the beginning. It was my favourite thing to do on a Friday afternoon because you’d just turn up, you’d have a mulled wine, it was cold and the band’s playing.

THE VAGENIUS’ REVOLUTIONISING PELVIC HEALTH EDUCATION

A newly launched Tasmanian online health training program created by pelvic physiotherapist, Rachel Andrew and education specialist, Colette Mckiernan is revolutionising the way GP’s learn more about pelvic health.

What is pelvic health physiotherapy and what can it help with? Well it’s definitely more than just kegels! Pelvic floor physios are normal physios with extra training. I first worked in rehabilitation with people with brain injuries, strokes, and other neurological conditions. I especially loved treating pain and empowering women to self-treat and recover. That led me to my Clinical Masters in Pelvic Health.

Pelvic health physios treat the muscles, nerves and organs of the pelvis. From prolapse to incontinence and pelvic pain, we treat women and men throughout their life stages. I became a pelvic physio because I realised that small things can become a big deal! Women dropping out of sports because of leaking urine, or not gardening due to a prolapse, or painful periods stopping girls going to school.

Everything is linked to the pelvic floor but we know very little about this area of our bodies. If you have a sprained ankle, you know what to do, and you feel better if you can talk about it. Lack of knowledge, taboo and shame all make these issues worse. No-one goes to work and says ‘my vulva is sore’. My mission is for women to talk about these issues more. To have a conversation.

What inspired you to create Vagenius Training? Women’s health has some shocking stats. One in four women have pain with sex. One in three leak urine after having a baby and one in 10 have bowel incontinence. Seven out of

10 talk about ‘peeing themselves’ but don’t know they can fix it. They often think it’s normal and get on with it. It is common, but it is not normal. 40-50% of women who have had a baby have a mild prolapse. It takes nine years on average to be diagnosed with endometriosis, yet about 14% of the female population have endometriosis. 56.7% of visits to a GP are for women’s health issues, and some women have to see multiple GPs to get on the right track.

That’s why we set up Vagenius. We know GPs are the key. As there is a chronic shortage of GPs in Tasmania, it can be a long wait. GPs are under the pump. When you do see your GP, we want it to be as effective as possible for you as a patient, and satisfying for your GP, as they help you on the road to recovery.

The online program was a result of visiting GP practices where I learnt what GPs wanted to know about pelvic physiotherapy - what we treat, and how we treat it. They were curious and had so many questions, and I learned a lot from them. I work at TasWomen with doctors and gynaecologists and we exchange so much knowledge between us. My partner, Colette Mckiernan, is an education and learning specialist and together we thought we could bring this deeper understanding of women’s health to Tasmania (and the world!!!).

Why is training GPs and health professionals in women’s pelvic health important? Women’s health has been seriously neglected for decades, with most medical research being carried out only on men until 1995. Unfortunately, there is evidence that this has led to women’s health conditions being downplayed, undertreated or dismissed. For example, women can be told they have a “mild prolapse” and it might be physically mild, but really impacts negatively on women’s lives. Girls can be told heavy, painful periods are normal, and a certain part of

our anatomy (clitoris) was only properly researched and started being included in anatomy textbooks in 2005!

GPs keep up with their learning by undertaking Continuing Professional Development (CPD). The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has an extensive curriculum. GPs cover this during their registration, and then continuously review areas of it and new learning, throughout their careers. Vagenius Training is an approved provider, and we are so proud of that.

How will readers benefit from Vagenius Training? We are all patients. 57% of GP consultations are with women. We all need and value our GPs. We have had feedback from experienced GPs, that our first course on prolapse has impacted already on how they treat. We want to rock up, sort out what is going on, and get on with our lives.

This is evolving fast, which also demonstrates the need. We are currently working on the persistent pelvic pain course and planning to release the prolapse course soon for nurses, midwives and other allied health – sports physios, osteos etc. 80% of back pain is related to pelvic floor, so we really want other health professionals to be aware that if your back, hip or tailbone pain is not getting better, it may be pelvic floor.

We will have information for the public such as easy tips for managing a prolapse, tips for new mums and for pelvic pain flares and more, available on the website at www.vageniustraining.com. Everyone can be a Vagenius!

Interview: Stephanie Williams

Picture: Moss, Inside The Frame

Photography

LIVE(R) YOUR BEST LIFE

Words: Annia Baron

Can you relate to this? After a busy period of go-go-go, you finally have the chance to rest, be it at home or away on holiday but as soon as you’re able to switch off and relax, you feel it coming on - scratchy throat, a subtle headache, and a noticeably flat mood. “Oh great,” you grunt to yourself, “I’m getting sick.”

The immune system plays a significant role in our wellbeing. But certain other organs are incredibly powerful in terms of how we fight off physical and psychological conditions.

“Hello liver, nice to meet you.” Most of us know that the liver processes fats, stores sugars, and filters our blood. But unless there’s a medical problem or we hear about a celebrity contracting some kind of liver disease, we don’t really think much about the liver. After all, high school biology never went beyond the basics of liver anatomy, so we’ve missed out on the intelligence and sheer magnificence of this organ. Moreover, we may not realise just how important the liver is in terms of our mood, vitality, and general self-confidence.

Your liver is like a third brain (it’s said that our second one is the enteric nervous system that regulates our gut). Just as the brain can adapt its abilities in certain circumstances (i.e., neuroplasticity), our liver can do the same. In fact, it’s said our liver is the only organ that is truly adaptogenic because no matter what thoughts you have or emotional challenges you’re going through, if taken care of, your liver will acclimatise to every situation presented, and do all the hard work behind the scenes with only one agenda – to defend and to serve you. For example, if you breathe in cigarette smoke, your liver will absorb the chemicals from your bloodstream so that your heart doesn’t asphyxiate from poisonous substances. If you overindulge in a greasy burger, your

liver will break down trans fatty acids to protect your pancreas and prevent you from developing diabetes. The liver never rests, engaging in over 2000 responsibilities 24/7. It cleanses and detoxifies. It disarms and detains bacteria, viruses, toxins, pollutants, and excess adrenaline, to name a few. Your liver is the ultimate warrior, fearless and brave, ready to fight for you until the end.

Sluggish liver = lower psychological vibrancy

A healthy liver is critical to enable the seamless work it carries out. However, because we didn’t learn about our liver from a young age, decades of being overworked and underappreciated means this selfless organ begins losing its efficiency to identify, absorb, catalogue, and deliver critical biochemical compounds to where they’re needed. When our powerhouse of protection and purification is overburdened, our ability to regulate emotions, shift negative thought patterns, and make life-enhancing decisions also suffers. The growing body of research is finding links between affective disorders such as anxiety and depression with liver disease (Shea, et al 2021) and meta-analyses show links between liver dysfunction and psychological distress (e.g., Russ, et al 2015).

An appreciated liver = Your best self

What if we started to see our livers as close companions? What if we celebrated them more often? And just like the pleasure we experience from witnessing our loved ones happy, we could begin to see that it’s an honour to care for our livers. Perhaps we could relax into the

wisdom of knowing that symptoms of illness are not the body’s way of punishing you (or robbing you of opportunities to enjoy your holiday!), but they are invitations to offer our liver a helping hand. This doesn’t mean having to make major lifestyle changes or miss out on what you like to do. Simply talking to your liver can be a great start. See what it feels like when you place an open palm on your liver (located on the right-hand side of your upper abdominal cavity, beneath the lower part of your rib cage) and say, “Hello liver. Thanks for being so awesome.” Think of your liver as more than just an organ. See your liver like a dear friend who wants nothing more than to see you shine.

Give your liver a little more love and empower yourself to live(r) your best life.

Annia Baron is a mum, a Clinical Psychologist and Mindset Coach. Want to learn more about mindset tools to create a life you desire and deserve? Get in touch on Instagram @anniabaron or visit www. remindyourself.com

Did you know the liver of birds contains 10,000 lobules. Within them are star-shaped Kupffer cells, which ingest damaged red and white blood cells. A type of lipoprotein called vitellogenin is synthesised in the liver of laying birds and under the influence of oestrogen, is exported to the ovaries where it contributes to the formation of egg yolk.

Hobart author Margaret Brand shares how she found the will to live again after finding her son’s lifeless body in his bed. There was no known cause for his untimely death at the age of twenty-two, and she seeks answers to heal. Her quest leads her to mediumship.

The messages she received about the afterlife in the spirit realms are remarkable and enlightening, revealing that death is not the end, but a new beginning.

Hearing Matters require 25 people to trial the latest SoundLens Synergy iQ –the world’s first 100% invisible†, custom, digital hearing aid.

Austin Macauley Publishers Amazon and eBay

SUGAR AND SPICE AND ALL THINGS… STRESS?

Words: Serena Hodge

You swear by the staff room Cadbury stash as your daily afternoon pickme-up...but would you consider cutting back on sugar if you knew that it could assist in managing anxiety?

Excessive sugar intake can have detrimental impacts on your health; point blank. It’s a public health message we have been inundated with for years. Often framed in the light of chronic disease prevention, we’re told that cutting out the sweet goodness of refined sugar will help to reduce our risk of diabetes, heart disease, obesity and maybe even some cancers. We all know we should be eating less of it, yet the knowledge that its regular consumption could potentially be shaving years off our lives still doesn’t seem to stop us from turning to soft drinks for refreshment, or a chocolate bar at the self-serve checkout.

I’m a dietitian, and even I’ll admit that I’m partial to finishing my evening on a sweet note. But it wasn’t until recently, after a particularly indulgent week, that I began to ponder the implications that my sweet-tooth might be having on my mental health. I journal, meditate, exercise, spend a healthy amount of time away from screens and am well acquainted with breathing techniques. But I wonder if my efforts to manage my high-functioning anxiety are negated by the sugar contents of my diet.

How much is too much?

The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends adults and children should limit their intake of added sugar to 5% of daily energy intake (six teaspoons). This includes all added sugars, in addition to the sugars found in honey, fruit juice, syrups and fruit juice concentrate. It

sounds easy enough in theory, but how does this compare to common supermarket products? For reference, a single 375ml can of Coke contains 10 teaspoons of sugar. A serving of flavoured fat-free yoghurt, six teaspoons. With seemingly ‘healthy’ products containing stacks of the stuff, it’s no wonder Australia’s sugar intake is off the charts. In 2011-12, it was estimated that on average, Australians consume half a kilogram of added sugar per week. And this doesn’t include naturally occurring sugar found in whole foods such as fresh fruit, vegetables, grains, or the lactose in milk.

Sugar on the mind and body

It’s worth distinguishing that sugar doesn’t cause anxiety. Rather, the physiological effects it has within the body can exacerbate anxious feelings among sufferers. An excessive intake of refined sugar throughout the day results in (sometimes turbulent) fluctuations in blood sugar levels. During a sugar rush, blood sugar levels spike. This can make you feel nauseous, tense and overstimulated. When blood sugar levels drop, it can induce feelings of fatigue, blurred vision and shakiness. Think of it like this: people with anxiety are often hypersensitive to minor changes in body sensations that signal panic. Therefore, the similarities in symptoms that arise post-sugar consumption can mimic the early stages of an anxiety attack. If you know anxiety, then you know that a mere heart palpitation or wave of nausea can be enough to send you into a downward spiral quick-fast.

A diet high in sugar also feeds the ‘bad’ bacteria in your gut. This can increase

sugar cravings, which only further perpetuates an overgrowth of the nasties. An imbalance in gut bacteria is linked to systemic inflammation; a potential risk factor for anxiety and panic disorders.

Hold up! Before you go cold turkey… Abruptly ceasing sugar in your diet has the potential to temporarily worsen anxiety. Sugar withdrawals are a real thing. It is thought that a sudden halt in consumption can send your body into a physiological state similar to the withdrawal symptoms of addictive substances (think: anxiety, irritability, confusion and fatigue). In the context of an anxious-prone person, these feelings can be heightened and mimic a panic attack.

So rather than starting a crazy, sugar-free (please-cleanse-me-of-my-anxiety) detox. Why not set the intention to become a little more mindful of how much sugar exists in your diet? Consider sugar added to cooking, sweetened beverages you regularly drink, or take a peek at the nutrition label next time you visit the supermarket (Hint: aim for products that contain 15g or less added sugar per 100g). Your mind, and sugar-fuelled anxiety jitters, will thank you for it.

Always consult your doctor or relevant health professional before starting any major dietary or lifestyle change. This article is not intended to provide medical or individualised dietary advice.

Follow Serena on Instagram @coconut_ mason or at www.coconutmason.blogspot. com.

THE TASSIE BOOK CLUB

The Woman Booker Prize Club is a local Hobart book club. Here they share their thoughts on books by Tasmanian authors, set in Tasmania, or about Tassie topics. Over to the club!

This month we review two novels about boys growing up in Tasmania; young men coming of age and working out their place in the world. The first is a brave new release by a fresh voice; the second is by one of our most acclaimed local authors, who recently won his second Age Book of the Year award for this novel released late last year.

a working-class family struggling with periods of unemployment, mental health issues, and living with racial discrimination in regional Tasmania.

Andrew yearns to be back in Tasmania but even more, he longs to go back to the loving and supportive family he once had. Lacking that support, Andrew is easily led by anyone willing to offer him any acknowledgement. Nothing he does seems to improve his circumstances. He just wants something he can control, but then it gets out of hand…Andrew grapples with his sense of self - is he a bad person? Is he a pyromaniac ‘firebug’, or is he just guilty of playing with fire? This is a morally complex novel, but easy to read despite the heavy subjects. It’s largely a sad story, but never a hopeless one. It highlights failings in youth justice, but ultimately delivers a hopeful image of how our systems could work better for young and especially First Nations people.

Melanie Saward is a Bigambul/Wakka Wakka woman from Queensland who spent part of her childhood in Tasmania. In Burn, the main character Andrew’s story unfolds on a dual timeline: his earlier childhood in Tasmania, juxtaposed with his later teens in Brisbane. Saward shows a real affection for Tasmania, especially the natural environment of Port Sorell, in this grounded portrayal of

In this timely novel, Saward shows the impact of intergenerational trauma and demonstrates the importance of connection not only to country, but also to culture and community. There is plenty here for book clubs to discuss, especially ahead of the Voice referendum - and in fact, it is our book club’s next read!

Ned hunts rabbits for their pelts and dreams of buying himself a boat; he accidentally captures and rehabilitates a quoll; he follows his intuition even when he’s not sure why; he falls in love. We see Ned live a whole life, much of which is shaped by this summer. There is so much feeling in this book, largely due to Robbie’s beautiful writing - it’s perfectly descriptive and paints an equally moving picture of Ned, Tasmania and the course of a life. If you’ve been wondering why this book is so popular, read it and you’ll find out. Fun story - the day I finished this book, I ran into Robbie while walking my dog. Just another reason to love Tassie!

Maybe you’ve seen this floating around…? I’m kidding, of course you have. The list of awards this book has won is almost longer than the book itself, and rightly so because it is a total gem. Traipsing through the family orchard, Limberlost, we meet Ned. A quiet, thoughtful lad on the cusp of real life, Ned is living through a seemingly limbo-like and deeply important summer. With brothers away at war, whereabouts and safety unknown, a pragmatic but scared sister, and a man-of-the-age father trying to keep the family business afloat, Ned is trying to figure out who he is and what he feels.

Book Chatter: The Tasmanian literary community is thriving, and non-Tasmanians are trying to get in on it too, with a seemingly non-stop parade of recent and upcoming releases with a Tassie connection. Last year’s Miles Franklin winner Amanda Lohrey has a new literary novel out this month, while the Flanagan brothers (Martin and Richard) release memoirs within three months of each other. Local Lenny Bartulin and wellknown crime writer James Dunbar have added to the selection of crime/thrillers set in rural Tasmania, while Eva Scott has published a small-town romance.

Keen to chat books with us? Find us on Instagram @thewomanbookerprizeclub or email thewbpc@gmail.com.

SEASONAL EATING DURING THE HUNGRY GAP

Words: Ollie Benson

Phil O’Donnell and Jimmy Zerella run Gardners Bay Farm, a market garden and orchard 10 minutes out of Cygnet. Originally established to supply the restaurant at Port Cygnet Cannery, the pair are now leasing the farm and selling their produce through vegetable box subscriptions and to restaurants.

This time of year is known as the hungry gap by market gardeners. The winter crops are coming to an end or starting to run to flower, and the new season’s plantings aren’t yet ready to harvest. But at Gardners Bay Farm, Phil and Jimmy are finding creative ways to have produce available for their customers.

Included in their veggie boxes this month will be elephant garlic. Part of the allium family, it is technically more of a leek than a garlic. The white parts can still be treated like garlic, and it has a similar heat or spice to regular garlic when eaten raw, however the flavour is milder and sweeter once cooked. Like a leek, the whole plant is tender and can be eaten; it can be halved lengthways and char-grilled, or sliced and used as a base to dishes like you would an onion. Elephant garlic is rarely available in shops, however more small-scale growers are now selling green garlic, essentially garlic that is fresh, uncured, and harvested before the bulbs develop, and this too can be used like elephant garlic or the more traditional leek.

An added benefit to growing elephant garlic is its perennial nature. Last year, after harvesting, Phil and Jimmy left the roots of the plant in the ground, and they also allowed nodules that grew off the stem to fall on the ground. Over winter a crop of carrots was then sown in the same bed, and now in between the carrots Jimmy and Phil have another crop of the elephant garlic.

It’s this knowledge that Phil brings to the business. He has been farming in the Huon for over 20 years and helped establish the garden at Fat Pig Farm. He enjoyed the process of setting up the garden there, so when the opportunity to do something similar at Gardners Bay came along, it was too good to refuse. “Phil has forgotten more about farming than I know,” laughs Jimmy. Although it’s fair to say he’s not joking. Phil has always loved the science behind farming, and is passionate about soil biology, utilising several influences, from permaculture principles to Korean Natural Farming methods, that help build healthy soils and nutrient-dense produce.

Jimmy, a chef by trade, moved to Tassie three years ago, landing work at the

EGGS FLORENTINE

Phil enjoys having a chef working alongside him – lunch breaks have never been so good! Jimmy’s recipe for Eggs Florentine makes the perfect seasonal meal.

For the pastry:

4 large eggs

1 cup broad bean leaves

Olive oil

1 Elephant garlic leek, sliced keeping the sliced green tops separate (for oil)

2 tablespoons butter

3 large egg yolks

Cannery. Staying at the property adjacent to the farm he started helping with the growing and harvesting, and before long he was hooked. He has now fully transitioned from chef to farmer, and between them, Phil and Jimmy are hoping that this year the farm will be financially viable for them both. The combination of a farmer with experience and a passion for science, and a farmer who is a chef is clearly working wonders.

Juice of 1 lemon

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted. 1/2 bunch chopped chives.

Method: First prepare the oil. Place equal amounts of oil to the sliced Elephant Garlic tops by weight into a saucepan. Heat on low heat until sliced tops stop bubbling, then blend in a with a stick blender until smooth and strain. Next prepare the hollandaise sauce. In a bowl, whisk egg yolks and lemon juice until frothy then place the bowl over a saucepan with simmering water, making sure the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water. Whisk the egg mixture while slowly pouring in the melted butter until the sauce thickens and remove from heat. Stir in the chopped chives and season to taste. Heat a tablespoon of butter in a pan over medium heat, add the sliced elephant garlic leeks, and sauté for 5-7 minutes. Season, remove from heat and set aside. Poach the eggs for about 3-4 minutes and toast some sourdough bread. Assemble the dish by spreading the sautéed leeks on the toast, arrange broad bean leaves over the leeks and then the eggs on top. Drizzle hollandaise sauce generously over the eggs and garnish with chives and the oil.

EXHIBITIONS AT ROSNY FARM

Until 15 October

Clarence Prize for Excellence in Furniture Design 2023

Until 22 October

Poochibald™ Art Prize

Showcasing the work of local ‘pawtrait’ artists inspired by the dogs in their lives. Features painting, drawing, prints & small sculpture works.

From 27 October

Minds Do Matter

Presented by RANT Arts

11am–5pm Wednesday - Sunday

Schoolhouse Gallery & Rosny Barn

Rosny Farm, Rosny Hill Road, Rosny Park Ph: 6217 9607

www.clarenceartsandevents.net

TASTE OF THE NORTH HOBART STREETS

Words: Stephanie Williams, Peta Hen

Side-step the famous North Hobart restaurant strip and explore the back streets to find some cracking good eats.

TROPHY ROOM

342 Argyle St, North Hobart

This diner has gotten off to a blistering start. After sharing their yummy donuts with Hobart at the Farm Gate Market each Sunday, James and Rose have branched out into a bricks-and-morter venue, with more than just baked goods. Almost everything is made in house with beautiful pastries, pasta, brioche, pizetta, bacon, everything you could want in a neighbourhood bistro/ cafe. The mortadella cruller - peppery pastry filled with sliced mortadella - alone is worth heading here for. They’ve just started opening on Friday nights (book ahead), so now you can enjoy more of chef James’ menu, with a drink or two.

With Matt Breen cooking, it’s a sure bet it’s going to be delicious. Having been open for a year now, this neighbourhood bar is exactly what you’d want to have within walking distance - interesting wines, share plates, good bread and my favourite dish, brioche icecream. The room is cosy with a perfect bar for perching at. The menu responds to what is in season and available - gildas are always a tasty way to get started, the raw beef is a menu standard and perfectly simple, pasta is handmade and the fish and dressed leaves is always a good idea.

THE WINSTON

381 Elizabeth St, North Hobart

While technically on the North Hobart strip, The Winston sits at the top for both location and great food. This place is Americana all the way with some of the best wings, tacos, mac and cheese sticks and burgers in Hobart. The buffalo wings with blue cheese sauce are juicy, spicy and super morish, especially when paired with the massive selection of craft beers and ciders on tap. Vegans are in for a treat too. The broccoli ‘buffalo wings’ are just as delicious.

1/3 from the sale of all artworks is donated to threatened species support- buy great art, support a great cause!

A ROAD MOST TRAVELLED: STORIES OF THE MIDLAND HIGHWAY

Words: Peta Hen

When travelling from Hobart to Launceston and back again, one stretch of long, hilly, winding road generally comes to mind. Synonymous with roadworks and slow-moving caravans, the Midland Highway, or Midlands Highway, as it’s often referred to, never struck me as anything more than the road to the north of Tasmania - one with a compulsory coffee stop in Campbell Town, as is tradition.

That got me thinking. The Midland Highway has some incredible history dotted along its length with towns like Oatlands and Ross. Epping Forest is an interesting, not to mention spooky, place, and then there’s the sculpture trail between Tunbridge and Kempton. With my interest piqued, I decided to find out more about Tasmania’s road most travelled.

The Midland Highway began its life when surveyor Charles Grimes first pioneered the route from Hobart to Launceston in 1807. In 1811, Governor Macquarie followed the same route which took him over five days to complete. Talk about a trek! Known locally as ‘Hobart Road’ or ‘Main Road’, the predecessor to the Midland Highway was nothing more than a winding dirt track worn down by horses and carts. There were many detours travellers could take, one being via the Coal River instead of the Jordan Valley to avoid the trudge up Spring Hill. In 1821, construction on an official road between Hobart Town and St Peter’s Pass near Oatlands began under the charge of Major Thomas Bell of the 48th Regiment. While this original portion of the road, known as ‘Bell’s Line of Road’ (not to be confused

with the road by the same name in the Blue Mountains!) is no longer part of the present-day Midland Highway route, parts of it can still be seen around the hilly terrain of the Southern Midlands. By 1850, fourteen years after the Bridgewater causeway was opened and the road finally sealed and macadamised with crushed stone, the road was revered by travellers as the preferred route for commuting through the middle of the state. By the 1930s, the 25-foot wide, two-lane highway was sealed, officially becoming known as ‘The Midland Highway’.

While work has continued on the Midland Highway until the present day, a history spanning over 200 years is impressive for a single stretch of road. During the 2000s, The Midland Highway was dubbed ‘The Heritage Highway’ with much of this heritage depicted in the shadowy entities that rise up out of the hills along the southern stretch of the highway. Two local artists, Folko Kooper and Maureen Craig initiated the Shadows of the Past project where sixteen silhouetted sculptures tell colonial stories of the region. When I saw these for the first time, I thought they were quite eerie. This is fitting as there are a number of spooky places along the Midland Highway.

Oatlands and Ross always come to mind. Stop in either town late at night during winter after the fog has set in and I bet your spine will be tingling. Rumours say ghostly apparitions have been spotted in many of the old Georgian windows in both towns. For me though, Epping Forest has the most spook factor. I was

told once to never stop in Epping Forest. There is an old urban legend of a colonial headless horseman who was seen riding through the trees. The area was renowned for being a rife bushranger hideout which witnessed a lot of foul play in its day. For me, a much spookier urban legend from that part of the Midlands is ‘The Disappearing House’. Located just south of Epping Forrest at a junction in Conara called The Corners, Conara Inn became infamously known as ‘The Disappearing House’ due to it appearing and reappearing as travellers approached it along the original stretch of Midland Highway. This, of course, turned out to be an optical illusion caused by the hills of the landscape. Still, the idea is very creepy and the Conara Inn itself was said to be haunted.

Vanishing houses aside, the Midland Highway is a lot more than a two-hour stretch of bitumen between Hobart and Launceston. It’s a trail back in time that tells stories and legends about all who have travelled along its length. At least, that’s what I’ll be thinking the next time I bite into a pie at Banjo’s in Campbell Town.

A different perspective @j.I.a.photo.graphy

Market days @seaurchindesign

Bridewater bridge @kelvin196517

Waterfalls @deni_cupit

Coastal frolic @seaurchindesign

Snowless Jacob’s Ladder by Gaye French

Life in

lanes by Peta Hen

The Brunnie ruins in the morning light by Peta Hen

Spring at Kingston Beach by Stefanus Titaheluw

Supermoon rising by Minji Hur

Cute kangas by Peta Hen

Cornelian Bay @ryankincade

Photo: Claudio Raschella