The Hobart Magazine December 2022

Editorial Stephanie Williams editor@thehobartmagazine.com.au

Advertising James Marten advertise@thehobartmagazine.com.au 0405 424 449 www.thehobartmagazine.com.au

Contributors: Taylor Stevenson, Lily Whiting, Sarah Aitken, Bonnie Tuttle, Peter Carey, Elizabeth Osborne, Digby Ross.

Cover image: Stephanie Williams

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 adver tisements are not endorsed by the editor or publishers. We welcome any questions, feedback or submissions, email editor@thehobartmagazine.com.au.

WELCOME TO THE HOBART MAGAZINE

It’s December and we’re here for it! In what feels like a sprint of a year (wasn’t it just January?) it’s time to ready yourself for the festive season then slide into summer holidays.

Our very cute cover person this month is ushering in Christmas. Taken at the fabulous Myer City of Hobart Christmas Pageant, it’s a reminder of the joy and wonderment that this time of year can bring. We also chat with one of our Tasmanian Australian of the Year nominees, Dr Frances Donaldson, who has been working in health for over 60 years, and talk summer of cricket with Hurricanes coach Jeff Vaughan. Plus we have your social calendar sorted with events galore, community news and a few more surprises. As always, get in touch with us via editor@thehobartmagazine.com.au.

Have a fantastic Christmas and we look forward to seeing you in 2023!

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

Carl, Nicola and Holly Mason

FRANCES DONALDSON

Interview: Lily Whiting

Dr Frances Donaldson is the Tasmanian Senior Australian of the Year for 2023, after a rewarding 64 years of working in the Tasmanian healthcare system. From a junior nurse to studying medicine, 12 years in prison health and now leading the COVID@home service, those scrubs aren’t getting hung up anytime soon.

Where are you from and where do you live now? I’m from Cygnet and I now live in Hobart.

Why Hobart? Hobart is where I work and where most of my loved ones live.

Tell us a little about your work? I have spent some 20 years as a nurse, rising to Director of Nursing before finishing my medicine study in 1982 and working as a GP since. I worked for 12 years as a Correction Health Practitioner in Tasmania’s prison system, and at the moment work/lead as a virtual COVID doctor in the state wide COVID@HOME PLUS programme treating people in the comfort and safety of their homes.

Since mid December 2021, we have treated more than 27,000 adults and children. This programme is an excellent Tasmanian nurse-led programme and I’ve very much enjoyed working in it for the past three years.

Congratulations on being Tasmania’s Senior Australian of the Year for 2023. Was being nominated a pleasant surprise? Being nominated and then chosen to be the 2023 Senior Tasmanian Australian of the Year was a great honor! I look forward to continuing to advocate for better health outcomes for the elderly and those who are in the prison system.

As the first female nurse accepted into medicine in Tasmania, what drives you? Yes it was such a privilege to be the first Tasmanian female nurse selected to study Medicine at UTAS and I will never stop working hard to improve the health of Tasmanians.

What are the biggest changes you’ve witnessed in healthcare? There have been so many changes in the 64 years since I first started nursing but a few developments stand out to me. Advances in antibiotic therapy, vaccinations and pharmaceutical therapies have been particularly outstanding to witness while radiology techniques like ultrasound, CT and MRI and treatments like endoscopy, laparoscopy, transplantation and antivirals have made our work as a nurse far easier and much more enjoyable for the patients we think!

What do you love doing outside work? Gardening, patchwork, reading and crosswords.

Who do you admire? Medical profes sionals such as Victor Chan and Richard “Harry” Harris.

Favourite podcast or tv show? British Crime Drama Vera

Secret vice? Salted caramel ice-cream.

What are you reading now? Not Dark Yet by Peter Robinson.

What gets your goat? People who are rude on the telephone.

What are your daily news/social media habits? ABC News, Facebook and Twitter.

Your favourite place for...

Breakfast: A breakfast at home - can’t beat it.

Lunch: The Den. Dinner: Peppina.

Favourite team? West Coast Eagles.

Parting words? Be vigilant about your health, stay COVID safe and vaccinate.

JEFF VAUGHAN

Interview: Lily Whiting

Jeff Vaughan has bounced between state and national level cricket coaching in the past couple of years but as of April, his stumps were firmly in Tasmanian soil for the foreseeable future.

Where in Hobart do you live? Acton Park.

Why Hobart? I moved from Adelaide about five years ago to take up an assis tant coaching role with Cricket Tasmania.

Life has gone full circle recently, how are you settling back into the Tassie groove? We love living in Hobart; the close proximity to everything, the ease and relaxed nature of life, and the friendly atmosphere shared by all. Whilst the climate may be a little cooler than the mainland, I certainly believe the winters are far better here with the beautiful calm blue sky days abundant throughout the winter.

Tell us a little about your work? I’m currently head coach of the men’s Tasmania Tigers team as well as the Hobart Hurricanes in the BBL. We are currently about a third of the way through the season – we’ve been playing Sheffield Shield (four day) and One-Day cricket with the Tigers so far, and we are about to embark on the BBL competition with the Hobart Hurricanes.

What new-found knowledge from your time coaching at national level and being part of the team to win Australia’s first ever men’s ICC T20 World Cup are you bringing to the Tigers this season? As cliched as it may sound, the importance of teamwork, committing to fundamentals which gives a chance for success and sticking together – even when it seems like it’s not working, have faith

that you have done the work, put in the preparation, and that if you hold strong, the rewards will come.

How does your approach to coaching at a state level differ from National? The main difference between coaching at international and domestic level is the preparation time between playing performances. The Australian team has a heavier playing schedule across 11 months of the year as opposed to domestic cricket which is a six-month season. There is minimal time between each match, each series and even between each format across T20, one-day and Test match cricket. Therefore, players at inter national level are always in preparation to perform mode as opposed to domestic level cricketers who often have pre-sea son periods of three to four months which gives them a capability to reconstruct certain components or deficiencies in their games. International players’ downtime can often be as short as a few days or a week or two therefore minimising the time for major overhauls of their games.

How will a five-year tenure affect your approach to coaching? It won’t affect the way I coach whatsoever, but it is nice to know that I get to be a part of this group of players and the journey we are on as a team for an extended period of time.

What do you love doing outside work? My favourite pastimes are fishing,

gardening, growing some herbs and veggies, as well as spending time with family and friends.

Who do you admire? My number one would be my mother, who is a strong, compassionate, consistent and loving person. From a professional sense, I admire anyone who is curious, has a hunger to develop and improve, and is seeking ways for better outcomes and potentially breaking traditions.

Favourite podcast or TV show? Most sports on TV and River Cottage. I’m constantly being shared podcasts about many different people and their stories, challenges, successes, and so on.

Secret vice? A cold beer and a bag of salt and vinegar chips.

What gets your goat? Tardiness - don’t be late!

What are your daily news/social media habits? I don’t do social media, but I follow mainstream news outlets. I enjoy reading the Weekend Australian newspaper.

Favourite team? North Broken Hill Bulldogs (AFL), Hawthorn Hawks (AFL) and West Tigers (NRL).

Favourite Hobart secret? So many fishing opportunities on your doorstep!

BITS AND PIECES

SKATING ON ICE IMPACTS

NEW NEW NEW

Shop, eat and sip your way into summer with plenty of new things happening around Hobart. The Cat & Fiddle Arcade is playing musical shops with Lorna Jane opening upstairs while Dejcuba is moving to the old Witchery site. We say goodbye to The Living Room, but welcome Freedom Furniture (174 Eliza beth St Hobart) back to midtown instead. Saigon Express is opening their fourth restaurant, with their latest expansion at Glebe Hill Village on the Eastern Shore. You can get your Banjo’s Bakery (98 Augusta Rd, Lenah Valley) fix at Lenah Valley now at their brand new location. There has been more expansion for Pep Pizza (201 Main Street, Huonville), down into the Huon Valley recently. Keep your eyes on more pasta and salad pop-ups by Hobart chef Jamie Yates at Rosie In My Midnight Dreams (Brooke Street Pier). Those with an eye for detail will welcome Becker Minty (91a Salamanca Place, Ho bart) to Hobart - an outpost of their high end Sydney retail space. They’ve nabbed a storefront on Salamanca, combining swanky art, home and dining. La Sardina Loca (100 Elizabeth Street, Hobart) recently opened their Hayloft space above their restaurant for private dining groups - think of a cozy pitched roof with lots of terracotta accents.

VINNIES CHRISTMAS APPEAL

Vinnies has recently announced their 2022 Christmas Appeal, with a goal of raising $250,000. Between the rising cost of living, Christmas, New Year and back to school expenses, some Tasmanians need help to tackle this expensive time of year. Head to www.vinniestas.org.au or instore to donate.

In April, Tasmania lost its only ice rink when the Glenorchy Ice Rink property sold to a private investor. Subsequent impact analysis has found that around 200 athletes have been affected, including some who have suffered negative physical and mental health impacts. The Tasma nian Government is now funding a full feasibility study to establish the viability of a new ice rink for Tasmania. $95,000 will go towards the study, which will identify potential site location options, cost estimates and potential funding models for a multi-use facility. Watch this space.

LOAVES AND FISHES AND TRUCKS

Loaves and Fishes Tasmania have re ceived two new trucks with refrigeration - one in the north of the state and one in Hobart - to help them continue to provide food relief to thousands of Tasmanians in need. Through generous support from its many sponsors and supporters, Loaves and Fishes raised $90,000 in donations and the Tasmanian Government has pro vided the additional $190,000 to complete the purchase. These trucks will enable Loaves and Fishes to expand its emergen cy food relief reach to more Tasmanians in need.

$2M GRANT TO SAVE THE GREAT SOUTHERN REEF

Last month we spoke with Great Southern Designs about the effects of climate change on the Great Southern Reef that

surrounds more than half of Australia’s coastline, a reef often overshadowed by its northern relatives. The IMAS Coastal Ecosystem Team have been recording the human and environmental impacts across its 6000km span and have recently received a $2m grant from The Ian Potter Foundation to create one giant collabo rative project to coordinate research and communicate scientific findings to help protect the reef from further damage.

The team will coordinate all the re search and existing collaborations across Australia’s universities and management authorities for the next five years. “Our vision is to create a shared understand ing of the threats and management options needed to protect and restore the reef’s temperate marine life, and we are exceptionally grateful for The Ian Potter Foundation’s support to make this vision a reality,” said IMAS marine ecologist, Professor Graham Edgar, who will lead the initiative. “They [all collaborators] know firsthand the scale of the problems affecting the Great Southern Reef and saw the project’s critical role in protecting this essential environment for our chil dren.” The Great Southern Reef is home to the leafy sea dragon, blue groper, black cowry and many other iconic species that only call this stretch of reef home. The Ian Potter Foundation is one of Australia’s major philanthropic foundations that aims to support the community and promote a fair, healthy, sustainable and vibrant Australia.

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COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS CHEER

Sometimes you need a little extra Christ mas cheer assistance. We’ve compiled a bunch of community Christmas celebra tions across Hobart so that everyone can enjoy the day. Colony 47 host their tradi tional community Christmas Lunch at the Hellenic Hall (67 Federal Street, North Hobart) on Christmas Day. You can reg ister online to attend or to volunteer. On the Eastern Shore, the Salvation Army has combined forces with Clarence City Council, community and local service providers for a free community Clarence Christmas brunch in Howrah, (11 Howrah Road, Howrah). Transport is available and seats must be reserved. You can give Sarah a call on 0491477623 or email clarencechristmasbrunch@outlook. com. Hobart City Mission are operat ing their toy and food drive again this silly season. Toys and/or non perishable goods can be dropped off at 50 Barrack Street. Make sure you mention it’s for Christmas! Unable to get into town or toy stores not your jam? Hobart City Mission have also started an fantastic online store where you can buy a toy or two that will be delivered to a family in need. Head to www.hobartcitymission.org.au.

HOBART’S SUPERSTAR OF STEM

Congrats to local science legend Mars Buttfield-Addison who has been named a Superstar of STEM in a national program with Science & Technology Australia that trains STEM experts to become sought-after media commentators as ex perts in their fields. Mars, a University of

Tasmania PhD Candidate, is a computer scientist and software engineer working on adapting astronomical radio telescopes to track space junk. Her work was also recently showcased at the Falling Walls conference in Berlin. Mars said she was thrilled to have been chosen from a highly competitive national field. “I am honoured to be selected and very excited to take part in the program. Especially in the age of ubiquitous technology, it is so important for there to be effective, diverse, and expert communicators around computer science and technology impacts.” she said.

WOMEN’S DAY GRANTS UP FOR GRABS! GOT AN IDEA FOR CELEBRATING WOMEN? Applications are open now for grants for International Women’s Day, held on 8 March, 2023. It’s a day of global celebration of the econom ic, political and social achievements of women. Tasmanian organisations, schools and community groups can apply for up to $2000 each. Applications close on 23 December. For more info call 1800 204 224 or email grants@dpac.tas.gov.au.

TEEN TO TEEN ABUSE SKYROCKETS

In research undertaken by Anglicare, led by researcher Dr Carmel Hobbs, it was revealed that among Tasmania’s teen pop ulation a disturbing 40% of 18-19 year olds may have experienced violence in their relationships in the past 12 months. This is higher than the national rate of 28.5%. “Up till now, very little research has been done in Australia, and particu larly in Tasmania, into domestic violence and abuse by partners of teens,” the Commissioner for Children and Young People Leanne McLean said. “It’s hard to tackle a problem if you don’t know it exists or you don’t know the extent or nature of it. Ms McLean said it was also imperative, as recommended in the report, that governments review and, if neces sary, reform legislation to ensure children and young people are protected from violence and abuse in their intimate part ner relationships. “I commend the young people who so generously and bravely

shared their stories with the research team to bring about this understanding and help bring about change. The commissioner is fully supporting recommendations by Dr Hobbs to include mandatory education on respectful relations and trauma-informed specialist teen domestic violence services to better support those experiencing vio lence and abuse.

CASH FOR FERRY EXPANSION

The Derwent Ferry Service is set to expand thanks to $20 million in federal funding. The Mayors of Greater Hobart have welcomed the news of the extra cash, which will add on-water terminals at new locations. The sites are yet to be confirmed but Sandy Bay, Lindisfarne and Wilkinsons Point are all in the running. Brendan Blomeley, Mayor of Clar ence, said “The initial service between Bellerive and Hobart has been a great success. With over 140,000 passengers using the service since the trial began in August 2021, the community has clearly embraced ferry travel. Helen Burnet, Deputy Lord Mayor of Hobart, added: “It’s been terrific to see the public respond so enthusiastically to the current ferry service, including the Summer Saturday service which carried over 6000 passen gers last summer, and is now a permanent addition to the service.” There will also be upgrades to the Bellerive Pier. The Tasmanian Government also pledged a $19 million investment in the Derwent Ferry service in the 2022-23 State Budget.

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HAVE YOUR SAY ON SALMON

If you have opinions about Tasmania’s salmon industry you might like to view the draft Tasmanian Salmon Industry Plan 2023 and have your say. Feedback from the previous Towards a 10-Year Salmon Plan Discussion Paper has informed this new draft plan. The final plan will end up being an enduring long-term plan providing strategic direction for the industry and the com munity. Keep an eye out for community briefing sessions, which will be held around the State to provide more infor mation. Feedback can also be provided online. Public consultation on the draft plan will close on 20 January. For more information, visit www.nre.tas.gov.au/ salmonplan.

LONG COVID WORRIES

New modelling from Tasmanian researchers suggests at least 160,000 Australians will be experiencing long COVID in early December, over 35,000 of whom will find their daily lives significantly impacted by illness. Unfortunately it’s very likely that over 500,000 people will have Long COVID symptoms, and that more than 110,000 of them will suffer significant impacts from their symptoms. Researchers from the University of Tasmania’s Menzies Institute for Medical Research and Deakin University’s Institute for Health Transformation put together a report based on their findings. The report’s lead author, Professor Martin Hensh er, said it was time for the Australian Government to listen to health profes sionals and act on the recommendations

given. “It is likely that several tens of thousands of Australian adults will be unable to work in December due to Long COVID,” he said. “This will not only have a detrimental impact on the health and wellbeing of our country, but many flow-on effects to the economy. Professor Henscher said Australia had failed to prepare for this. “Australia is an outlier among similar countries in not having instituted large-scale na tional surveys and surveillance of Long COVID,” he said. “As a result, Austra lia lacks strong data on which to base its Long COVID policy response; this information deficit risks becoming an increasingly significant policy failure.”

SLOW DOWN FOR DEVILS

We’re in the thick of the roadkill season - November to March - and motorists are asked to slow down and take extra care as juvenile Tasmanian devils begin dispersing from their dens. It’s also road-trip season, with Tasmanians and visitors criss-crossing the state for Christmas and summer holidays. Devils are often hard to see, especially at dusk and dawn. Slowing down from 100km/h to 80km/h can reduce the number of an imals killed on our roads by 50 percent. This is especially important in identified devil roadkill hotspot areas, including:

• The Channel Highway, especially between Huonville and Cygnet,

• Nichols Rivulet Road,

• Woolnorth,

• The Forestier and Tasman Penin sulas,

• The West Tamar Highway between Legana and Exeter.

THUMBS UP

All the live festivals, events and concerts on their way this summer.

The lush growth in the gardens and parks - our public spaces are looking mighty fine for hanging out in over summer.

Beach days.

The Christmas Parade. What a beautiful way to bring everyone together and kick start the season.

Local charities and the people who support them, big and small, at this time of year.

Spirit of Tasmania recently added more sailings to their schedule, with double sailings until April. Until then, it was almost impossible to get a ticket!

THUMBS DOWN

Covid. If you’re sick, stay home.

The potato shortage. Christmas trimmings might be dire.

RedCycle’s collapse. Soft plastics are destined for landfill until a solution is found.

The death of the South Hobart platypus

A celebration of People, Place and Performance.

Musica Viva Tasmania brings you some of the finest musicians from Australia and around the world, playing wonderful music from the past four centuries, in the intimate surroundings of our glorious Hobart Town Hall. Join us in 2023 to experience our rich and diverse programme and be part of a community that shares a universal love of music.

The best chamber music in the world right at your doorstep.

GOVERNMENT PRESENTED IN MAJOR BRAND SPONSOR ASSOCIATION WITH SPONSORS PARTNER

NEW FIRE DANGER RATING SYSTEM

Despite the wet lead-up, we’re officially in the bushfire season and we’ve got a new fire danger rating to pay attention to. The Tasmanian Fire Service (TFS) has implemented a new, nationally consistent Australian Fire Danger Rating System to provide clear and accurate info about bushfire risk.The AFDRS has four rating levels: Moderate, High, Extreme and Catastrophic, with simple actions for the community to take at each level: • Moderate (Green) – Plan and prepare • High (Yellow) – Be ready to act • Extreme (Orange) – Take action now to protect life and property and • Catastrophic (Red) – For your sur vival, leave bushfire risk areas. This is the most significant change to the fire danger rating system in more than 50 years and was a recommendation from the Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements Report. Head to www.fire.tas.gov.au for further informa tion and to keep up-to-date.

PRONGED COLLARS OUT

Pronged collars for dogs are on the way out with the recent passing of the Animal Welfare Amendment Bill 2022 through the Legislative Council without amend ment. Key changes introduced by the Bill include banning the use of pronged collars (which have spikes facing inwards and can push into an animal’s neck when they pull away), expanding the powers of authorised officers, and strengthening pro visions for the enforcement and prosecu tion of offences. The Bill was developed following advice from the Animal Welfare

Advisory Committee, and has also been informed by feedback from stakeholders and the community through the public consultation process.

AFL MUSEUM TO COME

Not only is Tassie working on getting a state AFL team but we’re also getting a state Australian Rules History and Heritage Museum to house and preserve Tassie football memorabilia. Whilst the finer details of the museum - such as where it might be located - are being worked out, pop up displays are begin ning to emerge. The first pop-up display is now on show to the public at the State Library in Hobart and features a 1960 Tasmanian State Blazer worn by Max Kelleher; a 1947 Tasmanian Football Guide written by Jack Donnelly; a T W Sherrin Football signed by Tasmania Cap tains and AFL TAS Hall Of Fame Leg ends Graham “Gypsy” Lee, Bob Withers, Trevor Leo and Peter Hudson and more. AFL Tasmania has recommended possible sites to house more permanent museum displays, including York Park in Launces ton and the proposed new arts, cultural and sporting precinct in Hobart, and these options are being explored. There will be other pop-up displays in libraries in Laun ceston, Huonville, Queenstown, St Helens and Burnie in 2023.

POSTIE POSTS PHONE

If you’ve ever mislaid a vital everyday item and wondered where on earth you’d popped it down (perhaps you’ve put your keys in the freezer whilst putting grocer ies away?), you will sympathise with a

West Hobart postie who recently lost his phone on a mail run. Believing the phone had possibly been posted into a letterbox by mistake, the call went out on the won derful West Hobart Good Karma Network on Facebook for locals to check their letterboxes for an unexpected delivery. Lo and behold, the phone was found and delivered back to its owner. How great is the Hobart community!

OPINIONS PLEASE! SOUTH HOBART OVAL AND PARK MASTERPLAN

The City of Hobart is currently preparing a masterplan to shape the future of the South Hobart Oval and Park, bounded by Darcy, Wentworth and Washington Streets. The oval is used by local football clubs and the South Hobart Primary School for games and training, and also operates as a dog park outside the times the oval is booked. Over the past few years there has been much debate over the space (even played out via letters in our INBOX pages in past editions!) - should it be for sport, should it be for dogs, or can both exist in the same space? From what we’ve been told there’s a high level of angst and aggression up there right now between dog owners and people who use the park without dogs - and it’s building. We wonder if the council is fully aware of the situation? You can get involved and have your say - City of Hobart have opened a survey at www.yoursay.hobart city.com.au/south-hobart-oval, which is open for comment until 11 December, 2022.

If you have been exposed you may have financial compensation.

BITS AND PIECES

and FermenTasmania will bring skills sharing and accreditation to the next level. Kim Seagram AM, the chair and co-founder of FermenTasmania said the partnership would build knowledge and scientific understanding. “Much like our wine industry, with its rich history of excellence in education and training - from un derstanding the science behind fermentation to the actual handson making skills - we want to provide a platform to help build this for the Australian brewing sector,” Ms Seagram said. The first big step in the partnership was a short course in the science of brewing operations in November, with further industry-rele vant learning opportunities available in 2023.

SUSAN LESTER’S BIRDS OF TASMANIA

In 1987, talented Tasmanian artist Susan Lester was commis sioned to paint 200 of the state’s birds for a book. Her beautiful and intricate paintings were created over four years in water colour but the book was never published and the paintings went missing. In 1999, 199 of the 200 watercolours were discovered in a safe at Hobart’s WIN Television studio and donated to TMAG. The 200th painting, of a swift parrot, remains missing. Susan passed away at the beginning of this year, and to honour her memory her family have produced a bespoke publication, Birds of Tasmania. TMAG will display a selection of Susan’s watercolour birds in the Salon Gallery until February.

TASSIE BREW NEWS

Tasmania’s brewing and distilling industry continues to bubble away, with locals now able to acquire internationally recognised learning and accreditation. A new partnership between the Uni versity of Tasmania, the Institute of Brewing & Distilling (IBD)

Benny Bintruck is a messy, noisy garbage truck just trying to do his job.

A fun new children's book by Hobart author, Stephanie Williams.Available at selected book stores locally and online (includes shipping).

Enquire about our Making Tracks programs for NDIS participants today.

Explore your artistic side in our art classes. Perhaps you would enjoy jamming out some tunes in our music classes. Or maybe expanding your cooking skills in our cooking classes. Or all three! Get in touch today.

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HOBART LOOKING YOUNGER, MORE DIVERSE

Hobart City Council has recently launched two new reports looking at the future of the city: the State of the City and the Invest Hobart reports. City of Hobart CEO Kelly Grigsby said the State of the City reporting would play an important role in helping Hobart navigate challenges and grab onto opportunities in the future. “It is critical that our future planning is informed by complete, accurate, and timely data,” Ms Grigsby said. “In our current set of data, for example, we can see that Hobart’s population with a bachelor or higher degree qualification has grown by 10 per cent in the past five years, which highlights the importance of our knowledge economy and attracting more jobs focused on science, research, innovation and sustainability.”

The report also noted a continued increase in Hobart’s diversity, with 28 percent of our residents born overseas and 21 percent speaking a language other than English at home, and that the city is getting younger - the 25-34-year age group rose from 15 per cent in 2016 to nearly 20 per cent in 2021, and Hobart’s median age reducing from 39 in 2016 to 37 in 2021. The Invest Hobart report provides potential investors with an understanding of Ho bart’s strengths and identifies opportunities to partner with and leverage Hobart’s position as a vibrant, liveable and connected global city. More info can be found at www.hobartcity.com.au.

PHARMACISTS TO HELP GP LOAD

The Tasmanian Government is considering extending the role of pharmacists in an attempt to ease the pressure on our overloaded GPs and hospitals. This includes expanding the list of medica tions that can be dispensed by pharmacists for a month after a patient’s prescription runs out if they’ve been unable to access a GP. This is already in place for medications for high blood pres sure and high cholesterol and could include a broader group of medicines like oral contraceptives, medications for the treatment of migraine, eczema, asthma and emphysema, as well as patients who are stabilised on antidepressant medications. It won’t mean pharmacists could initiate or prescribe these medications. A Pharmacy Scope of Practice Review is underway to consider what other services and supports pharmacists could provide to Tasmanians.

ELECTRIC VEHICLE REPORT OUT

Following on from our story last month about local electric vehicle company The Good Car Co securing a $10 million in vestment from philanthropic and investment venture Boundless, the latest Electric Vehicle Council’s State of the Market report is out and has noted a 65% increase in year on year EV sales and a 23% increase on public charging this year compared to last year. The report also found that demand for EVs is not being met due to a lack of supply of new EV models to the Australian market and that this was in large part due to the absence of a fuel efficiency standard.

LOCAL FOODIE AWARDS

The Royal Agricultural Society of Tasmania’s annual Royal Tasmanian Fine Food Awards have been handed out to some de serving (and delicious) Tassie food producers. Congratulations to local winners, including Daly Potato Co who won the Minister’s Encouragement Award for their Potato and Gravy; Hazelbrae, whose hazelnut oil won a trophy for Best Exhibit; and Mark Brew for winning the Tasmania Award for an individual who has given outstanding service to the Tasmanian wine industry.

UNI WITHDRAWS PLANS

The University of Tasmania has withdrawn their current plan ning scheme amendment for the Sandy Bay campus after the recent Hobart elector poll result. Vice-Chancellor Professor Rufus Black said they were listening to the public. “We have clearly heard the perspective of those who voted in the Hobart City Council elector poll, and we recognise that councillors have been elected in part to address the issue of the University’s plans for the CBD and Sandy Bay,” he said. “A clear message is that the future of the Sandy Bay campus is important for Hobart as well as the University, so we will work with the City of Hobart as the planning authority on the best way forward. To allow for this, we are withdrawing our current planning scheme amend ment for Sandy Bay.”

STUDENTS SPRING TO ACTION AFTER RIVULET PLATYPUS DEATH

4.3 kilograms of rubbish is a lot to pick up in the space of only 200 metres! Nat urally we wanted to talk to these three awesome wildlife advocates about their motivation for the clean up and plans for the future. Here is our conversation.

Why does cleaning up the rivulet matter to you? This matters to us because we love animals. Because the wildlife of our beautiful rivulet does not deserve to be injured or even killed from litter that’s not in the bin. Things people drop in the street can get washed into the rivulet and cause all kinds of harm to fish, ducks and even sometimes to platypus! If the litter that we collected flowed down to the ocean the conse quences could be catastrophic to the animals down there as well.

During your clean up, what sort of rubbish did you find? We mainly found soft plastics, styrofoam and a few bottles and cans as well. We found a whole roll of dog bags under a bridge that hadn’t even begun to compost. We also found some shards of glass, which made us really sad. There are many things that can hurt the wildlife in the

rivulet. Things which have loops are particularly dangerous - we found masks and elastic bands and the rings from the top of milk bottles. What hurt the platypus was actually just a small loop of twine! Something as tiny as that killed a platypus!

Do you have any ideas of extra things the City of Hobart could do to help other platypus and animals in the rivulet in the future? They probably could try a little harder to reduce the amount of plastic people use and make. The rubbish from the tip can also blow into the rivulet so the council could try to keep most, or even all, the rubbish in the tip where it’s meant to be. They can also encourage people to not put their bins out on the very windy weather days so it does not blow over, that way the litter can stay out of the rivulet.

Are you planning on doing more clean ups or activities to help the local wildlife? We are most probably going to do more of these litter runs. We have also been doing them at school most days. Often when we are doing it at school, people ask us, ‘Why are you doing that?

‘At playtime?’

‘But surely that’s not fun?’

But actually it can be fun to work to gether, and make a difference to wildlife. It felt like a great success when we got 4.3kg of rubbish out of the rivulet. We really enjoyed it and we will probably do the next one in another part of the rivulet.

What can our readers do to help local wildlife? To help our local wildlife you can put your rubbish in the bin and if you find some on the ground, just pick it up. You should also make sure you cut any loops so they can’t trap wildlife. If you see a hurt animal, report it to an organisation like Bonorong Wildlife Rescue Service, on 0447 264 625 (0447 Animal).

Interview: Stephanie Williams

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Students at the Inveresk campus library, Launceston.

WHAT’S ON IN HOBART

MONDAY WEDNESDAY TUESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

Get the belly laughs at the last Dimple at Simple (Cider) comedy night for the year. From 7:30pm.

Glenorchy Library hosts a Christmas party edition of Coffee, Cake and Computers with info on fun holiday apps, from 9:30am.

Tasmania play NSW in the Women’s National Crick et League, Bellerive Oval, 10am.

Enjoy some down time for Boxing Day. The Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race kicks off today. Salty sea dogs incoming.

Aussie DJ God lands takes to Ho bart City Hall from 7pm, supported by Kinder and OPIUO.

Grab a musical snack at the Lunchbox Concert perfor mance of Django’s Tiger: Paris Gypsy Jazz. Hobart Town Hall Ballroom, 1:05pm-2pm.

Christmas Evening with the Merediths is on tonight at Narryna House, Battery Point. Curator-led tours, jazz, sparkling wine on arrival and canapes. $40, book ahead.

Artist Susan Lester’s posthumous exhibition, Birds of Tasmania, is on at TMAG until Feb.

Fern Tree Tavern hosts the Tassie Christmas stand up comedy tour from 8pm.

Comedian He Huang, who just went viral for her Australia’s Got Talent audition, and Jez Watts from Victoria perform at The Grand Poobah from 7:30pm tonight. Hop on your MTB for the Twilight Gravity Enduro Race and Christmas cel ebration in South Hobart, from 5:30pm.

copy Alex Lloyd will surely be amazing at The Republic tonight from 8pm. The Hobart Twilight Market is on at Brooke Street Pier from 4:30pm with food, drinks and Xmas pressies.

14 13 16 15

The Van Diemen’s Band Christmas concert will fill the lofty St David’s Cathedral from 6pm. Franko Street Eats is on tonight, Franklin Square, 4:30 - 9pm.

Summer Nights sees live music, a food van, drinks and shopping from 5:30pm - 10pm at Reba Sear in Huonville. Later, Swifties unite for the Midnights release party from 10pm, High Altar.

Enjoy delicious local produce and en tertainment as the Taste of Summer begins at Princes Wharf 1.

Enjoy a ride on one of the many bike paths around Hobart. Try the Eastern Shore waterfront, Rivulet track or Intercity Cycleway.

Brittany Elise brings her Feel the Fire tour to the Republic Bar stage from 7pm.

Be the last one standing at the Devil’s Lair Frontyard Ultra. Runners do a 6.71km loop at the Domain Athletics Centre on the hour every hour until they tap out or time out.

The Big Monkey Theatre’s Robin Hood season begins today, Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens.

SATURDAY

Salamanca Market

Celebrates 50 Years today, with music and fun. Tonight the TSO perform Christmas with the TSO at Federation Concert Hall, 7:30pm.

SUNDAY

The 4 Seasons Market is holding their annual Christmas twilight market and car show, 4pm at the Kingborough Sen Citizens Club.

FURTHER AFIELD

portraiture at her own personal studio. Be guided through the stages of painting a great pastel portrait from a live model and from photo references. Book online with Eventbrite.

15-23 December

Head along to Variety Club’s Carols by Candlelight tonight at the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens. Book ahead. Adults $10, kids under 12 free.

Grab a bargain at the Hobart Showground Sunday Market, 8am-2pm in Glenorchy.

9-10 December

The Bridge Hotel in Forth is turning 150 years young, and to celebrate they’re closing the roads, setting up the campsite, building a giant stage next to the river and bringing The Cat Empire, Peking Duk, Boy & Bear, Kasey Chambers, Holy Holy, Luca Brasi, Montaigne and more. Grab tickets at Oztix.

10 December

The Launceston Musical Society presents Elf, The Musical this festive season, at the Princess Theatre. Book via theatrenorth. com.au

23 December

Christmas classic Home Alone screens at Rewind Cinema as part of their month of Christmas films, 5pm in New Town, rewindcinema.net.

Merry Christmas! Wishing you and your loved ones a wonderful day.

Get some perspective at this crazy time of year and celebrate the beauty of the cosmos at Dark Sky Dinner, Stars and Spirits. Hosted by astronomer Dr Martin Georgie at the cliff-top Table House Farm in Table Cape, over looking Bass Strait. 8pm, book on Humanitix.

Penguin’s sort-of-famous undercover market gets its Christmas bling on tonight from 4pm. There’ll be pressie options including handmade gifts, cooked Christmas dinner and Santa will be wandering around, of course.

Annus Finis Secundus aka MONA does New Years with Kat Edwards, Lasca Dry, and more, from 6:30pm, or see Daryl Braithwaite and fireworks at the Taste NYE bash from 6pm, PW1.

Boogie the hang over away with the Bad Dad Orchestra at Longley International Hotel from 2:30pm.

31 December

Beer fans should gather in Launceston for a New Years

13 December

Tassie artist Leoni Duff is running a three-day immer sive masterclass program on

www.thehobartmagazine.com.au/decemberevents

Eve Beerfest event, with added fireworks, cocktails, wines, local street eats and of course, small batch craft beers. From 4pm at Royal Park, Launceston.

Got an event coming up in Tassie?

Email us at editor@thehobartmagazine.com.au

Background photo: Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service. change. Check in with individual events for further details.

For even more events in Hobart and further afield this month head to

THREE C’S: CLAIRE CROCHETS CACTI

Claire is a self taught crochet artist, creating super cute cacti that she sells around Hobart.

You must be getting pretty quick, how many cacti can you make a week? Each one is different to make, taking a different amount of time to make plus also the demands of my day to day job. At a guess, I think in a week I can make roughly 20 to 30 pieces!

How did you get into crocheting? A friend of mine taught me to crochet and I loved it straight away. She taught me the basics and I then learnt more from YouTube and online patterns. I started out making stuffed animals for my friends who had babies or kids; and was always told “you should sell these.”

Why do you enjoy it? I find it super relaxing and plus I can multi-task very well while enjoying a new Netflix series… I mean, is there anything better than that? My designs are always my own, and I like to keep them fun while looking fairly natural - although some designs have eyes for some cheeky fun!

Where is the farthest afield (or unexpected!) location your work has ended up? The beautiful ladies at the Tassie Makers Market have mentioned a few of my products have been purchased in store and will be heading to a few different countries in Europe. I’m half Slovenian so I’ve mailed a few cacti to my family over there. It’s cool to think these people legitimately have a one-of-a-kind product in their entire country.

Aside from crocheting, how is your other day job? When I’m not crocheting, I enjoy my other job working remotely as a disability travel consultant for a company in Western Australia. I really enjoy the job, even though I am not there in person to enjoy my colleague’s company. I love it because there are always different holidays to plan and everyone wants something different which works well with my dislike for repetitiveness!

What does your role within disability tourism entail? My job is to plan an itinerary for a client. They may want a seven day tour from Perth to Albany for example, or we may have a client from another state wanting to travel to Perth. My job means I must know what our disabled clients’ needs are and accommo date for that in activities and accommoda tion on their holiday. Finding wheelchair accessible accommodation isn’t easy and is rarely easily advertised online or I might need to find a nature walk, a zoo or wildlife park that is flat and accessible. Not all our clients are in wheelchairs, but

we like to make sure our tours accom modate and are inclusive to everyone as much as we can.

What do able-bodied Hobartians take for granted here? I would say most things taken for granted surround access. Hobart is very hilly with lots of heritage listed buildings which are not allowed to be changed. Public transport, although not even perfect in Hobart for the able-bodied either, is incredibly unreliable and unsafe for disabled people of Hobart. Buses are unsafe because they don’t use tie down straps which prevent people from falling out of their wheelchairs on buses; Maxi Taxis I have personally found to be very unreliable and there are no accessible Ubers in Hobart. I think just getting from point A to point B at your leisure is always taken for granted. That certainty isn’t the world I live in, yet hopefully a car next year will help.

How can readers get their hands on a crochet piece? Most of my stock is at the Tassie Makers Market in Centrepoint. Products can be found at the Little Lotus Café, some exclusive keychains at Lily and Dot and a small amount of stock at the Chemist on Bathurst Street. My online website is www.threecs.com.au with free click and collect!

Any new collections in the works? I just launched some plants to my collection. I now have sunflowers and daisies which are selling really well. Keep up to date on Facebook and Instagram, just search Three C’s…. I’m there somewhere.

Interview: Lily Whiting

DEMENTIA IN TASMANIA: THE ISLAND RESILIENCE INITIATIVE

Interview: Lily Whiting Pictures: Supplied by Menzies Institute for Medical Research

While physical trauma presents a tangible effect on the body, mental trauma is a harder to observe. In a worldwide first the effect of trauma on the brain is being tracked by seven Tasmanian researchers from the Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre in a statewide population study. With a focus on which trauma exposures (such as bushfires and lockdowns) may lead to increased risk of a dementia diagnosis, The Island Study Linking Ageing and Neurodegenerative Disease (ISLAND) Project is hoping to unearth how Tasmanians and the world can build a resilience to a dementia diag nosis. We spoke to PHD candidate James Brady about the work.

When did the study commence? The ISLAND Resilience Initiative had its first intake late 2020. We’re hoping to keep it running for as long as possible in order to detect any changes – however subtle – in people’s mental and physical wellbeing over time, or after a disaster event.

How many Tasmanians have signed up to the study? We were very fortunate to have about 1300 people from across Tasmania sign up to the Resilience Initiative in its first year, just under half of these people also donated their hair for research into stress hormones. We would love for as many people as possible to participate in the study, it is crucial to have strong enrolments in order to do good research.

What do we know about dementia already? Fortunately, dementia has received a lot of scientific attention in the past few years and we mostly know quite a lot about its direct impact on brain health and associated deficits in cognitive function around memory and attention, and changes in behaviour and mood. These are obvious to us, we can see which parts of the brain are shrinking and how people are behaving or scoring on psy chological tests. What is far more difficult to understand about dementia is what causes it and when it begins. It’s believed that dementia may begin decades before any cognitive changes can be observed.

What happens in our brain when undergoing a trauma event? The most impor tant factors of brain health are how many cells (neurons) we have and how effec tively they communicate with each other. Psychological and physical trauma can threaten our cognitive function by killing brain cells and/or damaging the connec tions between them. The key difference is that physical trauma can occur quite suddenly, whereas psychological or emo tional trauma tends to be more insidious and build over time. Preferably trauma of either instance would be avoided in the first place, but if it is to occur then early intervention is essential – particularly in relation to head injuries. Our study looks at emotional and psychological trauma, which is often accompanied by a change to our stress hormone systems. These changes, if left unattended over time, can begin to damage areas which are involved in dementia.

What is the short-term solution? There are a range of approaches which can be used for young trauma, like talking to a psychologist and/or finding the right med ication. There is exciting new research that uses psychedelic substances in highly controlled and supervised environments to try and assist those who have been

unresponsive to other treatments. This research is still in its infancy, and these methods should absolutely not be tried at home!

Does the body just heal differently to the brain? Neurons (brain cells) are different to other cells in our body, they’re more sensitive and don’t readily repair themselves. If you graze your arm, your skin will heal itself in days or weeks by repairing or making new cells. This can happen anywhere in your body. The brain is very different, there are only (as far as we know!) a couple of places where new neurons can be created to replace those that have been lost. Even when new neurons have been created, there is no guarantee they will develop in a way that replaces the ones that have been lost. New neurons need to be “trained” to commu nicate as a team with other neurons, this can be a slow process. This is why we need to put in lots of practice to perfect new skills.

Why does Tasmania work well for a research project of this kind? Tasmania is quite unique as a study area because its population has been relatively stable over time. Many older Tasmanians have been born and raised here and, in general, tend to remain in the state. This provides quite a contained sample to study, which is important when considering the many factors which can influence people’s health outcomes. This is changing quite quickly, though, as our population becomes increasingly diverse.

Are you anticipating an effect of COVID related stress to our population? We have some data which will tell us how older adults fared when Tasmanian borders opened, we expect to publish some research on that next year! Other research tells us that although older

adults may be more susceptible to experi encing feelings of loneliness – which may be a dementia risk – overall, they have been less psychologically impacted by COVID than their younger counterparts. We published a paper in 2020 which found that older adults were quite resilient against the psychological impacts of lockdown.

With such a wet summer ahead, does this affect how your research progresses without trauma events like bushfires or lockdowns? Natural disas ters are a hard one to study, particularly if you want to get an accurate measurement of change. I’m quite relieved about the prediction of a wet summer, hopefully it will mean that people are safe and will have more time to prepare. In terms of research, it can be challenging. Our job is to try to retain our participants and keep them engaged so that if a disaster does occur, we will be able to follow up with them. We can then compare how people were before and after the event – there are very few research projects that have achieved this. This kind of data is vital if we want to understand what makes some people so successful when it comes to coping and even growing after traumatic events.

HOW SMOKE AFFECTS THE BRAIN

Dr Sharon Campbell is one of the researchers of the ISLAND Project with an area of interest being the effect of smoke on the brain.

With a focus on the smoke inhalation aspect of your research, how does the geographical environment of Tasmania lend itself to a population study like this? Generally, people in Tasmania breathe very good quality air – some of the best in the world. However there are two big threats to our air quality – smoke from wood heaters over winter and smoke

from bushfires and planned burns over summer. These sources are obviously very different. Smoke from wood heaters is generally most severe in more rural loca tions (where more houses rely on wood for heating) and especially in valleys where colder overnight temperatures make the smoke settle towards the ground and then it gets trapped. Launceston is quite well known for this, although the wood heater buyback scheme has substan tially reduced this hazard in the city over time. On the other hand, bushfire smoke can travel a very long way, so when we see and smell smoke from a bushfire, it could be close by or from the mainland.

Are there populations living in certain areas of Tasmania that might be more valuable to your research when assessing constant exposure to smoke inha lation? Places that are close to bushland are at higher risk of being affected by smoke from bushfires, although smoke travels a long way and can affect popula tions far away from the fire. Some rural towns have poor air quality over winter from wood heater smoke. But probably most important is that some people are more vulnerable to the effect of smoke exposure than others – the very old, the very young, people who have existing chronic illnesses like lung disease, heart

disease and diabetes, and people who are pregnant. These people need to take extra precautions to reduce their risk of being exposed to smoke, especially when it is at high levels.

How are you addressing exposure to other types of smoke such as cigarettes, household fires or camping fires in your research? Exposure to tobacco smoke is not included in our research as such – it’s a very different and very fascinating area. We’ve known for many years that exposure to cigarette smoke has specific and detrimental impacts to the health of smokers and the health of those surrounded by second-hand smoke. Other types of fires like house fires or camp fires are usually short lived, and generally well-contained to an area, so don’t have the population-wide effects that we see from bushfire and wood heater smoke.

What’s next for the team? In collabo ration with the University of Melbourne, we will be launching a new version of our air quality app AirRater in 2023. The new version will include pollen counts from more areas of Australia, as well as other new features. We are really excited to work with UoM to make the app even better.

THE HISTORY OF WOMEN IN POLICING

Words: Peter Carey Pictures: Tas Police

The recent appointment of Donna Adams as Tasmania’s first female police com missioner is testimony to our progressive maturity towards gender equality in high levels of governance.

In the local ABC TV program of the early seventies Status Men, then Deputy Commissioner Eric Knowles was asked of the possibility of a future female commissioner and the audience erupted into laughter. Mr Knowles, ahead of his time, reacting as if seemingly perceiving the audience reaction as condescend ing towards female officers, graciously refused to rule it out.

integration of women to police duties. The first woman promoted to Inspector in 1978, Beth Ashlin, was cited as having paved the way for women. Joining in 1956, she first succeeded Vera Webberley as Sergeant in 1976. Passing away in 2016, many of her colleagues remem bered her fondly with the greatest respect for her strong advocacy for stamping out discrimination, for pay parity and equal training and promotion opportunities for female officers.

Initially female roles focused on areas such as those affecting women and children. The uniforms included skirts, court shoes and handbags, even into the 1980’s. Gender neutral, more practical operational attire is now normal, reserv ing the dress uniform for more formal occasions such as VIP visits and court appearances.

the audience that female officers do the same job as males. This would extend to all specialised areas such as foren sics, accident investigation, criminal investigation, communications and lay prosecution.

While Christine Nixon in Victoria was the first female to hold a Commissioner’s role in any Australian jurisdiction, the 125 year old Tasmanian Police Service welcomed its first in Donna Adams, embracing the role in what she describes as her ‘’passion for lifelong learning.”

The Tasmanian Police Museum has cited that Kate Campbell, aged 32, was the first female to be sworn in as a Tasmanian police officer in 1917. Groundbreaking for the time, and then acting Commissioner EP Andrewartha (a man) was reported as having been advocating for more women in the service. Shortly after, Maud Hughes and Maud Cross were sworn in.

Vera Webberley, after 17 years of service in 1960 with then only 10 female officers statewide, was the first woman promoted to Sergeant. She retired 1971 unfortunately before equal pay and full

Early fictional depiction of female police officers exemplified this. Crawfords tele vision police procedural drama Homicide introduced Derani Scarr as Police Woman Helen Hopwood (note the title; not ‘Constable’) and later Patricia Smith, a regular as Police Woman Margaret Stewart in Division 4; both complete with the stereotypical attire and function and rarely seen cuffing a burly male villain.

Conversely, at a public open day at the local police academy during an all female trainee demonstration of the apprehen sion procedure of a resisting offender, the instructor emphatically stressed to

The service now has a large female contingent. The Tasmanian Police Annual report cites that as at June 30, 2022, women made up 515 or 35% of the service’s personnel of 1445, with female incumbents in the following leadership positions: 1 Deputy Commissioner, 2 Commanders, 11 Inspectors and 51 Sergeants.

THE TAXI DRIVER’S ADVICE

Words: Annia Baron

worry about appearing greedy or unde serving, especially when we know about the ongoing suffering of others. The truth is, by asking the Universe (or whatever strengthens your life force) for more of what you desire, you create a vibra tional frequency that emits a powerful signal. This force field is like a muscle. It strengthens every time your good inten tion is honestly enacted.

This doesn’t mean you’ll be immune to disappointment or hardship. “Happy, thank you, more please” acknowledges that these are a part of the human con dition that connects us. It also reminds us that we can choose where to shift our attention. And where attention goes, energy flows. With practice, we make room for the difficulties we face and simultaneously nurture our blessings.

place, or an experience. Tune into the sen sations and emotions that arise when you bring that to mind. Does it make you feel warm? Are you feeling lighter? Do you notice any softening in your body?

At the same time, I want you to look around and see everyone as equal to you – similarly deserving of love, kindness, prosperity, and peace. Allow yourself to really see that. Now ask, what would make me happier? What do I desire more of? What would make me my best self for others and the world? More patience? More acceptance? More rest?

With that in mind, I invite you to make your declaration. Have the bravery to say it right here, right now (and extra points if you do it out loud).

“Happy. Thank you. More please.”

There’s a scene from a movie in which a woman is crying in the back of a taxi. The character has just realised that she means nothing to the man she thought she loved. The driver notices her tears and begins telling her about his life in India. He encourages her to try a helpful practice. Not in the mood to engage, she reluctantly asks what it is. He answers,

“Happy. Thank you. More please.”

The driver goes on to say that happiness is our birthright and through this decla ration, we shift our attention to what we have and trust that the intention to grow and be better for the world will be heard. However, many of us find it difficult to ask for what we want. We feel guilty and

When lower vibrational frequencies, such as the feeling of resentment, is pulling our attention, it blocks the transmission of receiving what we seek. You may say you want more love, health, wealth, or joy, but if you haven’t released this negative energy, the incorrect frequencies will pick up on it and bypass your request. This doesn’t mean you need to fix everything in your life before you can ask for what you want. The taxi driver’s advice simply asks us to tune inwards, acknowledge all that is there, and enhance our awareness of what we are trying to create. We can practise this no matter what we are going through or the place we’re at on our healing journey. The more we apply it, the greater we honour the magnetic muscle within us. We start feeling heard. We start building trust and a deeper connection to ourselves and others. Instead of feeling as though we’re pushing through hard times, we begin to feel as though we’re moving with them – like floating in the ocean, moving up and down with the waves instead of feeling as though they’re crashing over us.

Let’s try it together.

Wherever you are, take a moment to think about something you treasure - a person,

No matter what you’re going through, remember…Happiness is your birthright. Have the courage to choose it.

Annia Baron is a Clinical Psychologist & 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.remindyour self.com

BLUE MOUNTAINS WEEKENDER

On a recent trip to Sydney we decided to tack a few extra days on and explore the Blue Mountains. It had been a while between visits and we were surprised to find a whole host of new, creative busi nesses and experiences to enjoy.

Eat and Drink

Tempus Katoomba is run by front of house star Baden Evans and chef Jason Cole, and is an expression of modern Australian food focused on here and now. It’s exciting and excellent - charred veg etables, classic flavours but with modern influences and a cracking wine list focused on NSW. It’s open as a cafe (with great coffee), then rejigged for dinner service, Friday to Monday.

Experience

To start our time in the mountains we stopped at the National Parks & Wildlife Service Heritage Centre. We picked up maps and ideas, then popped on some Oculus Rift VR Goggles to enjoy a virtual trip in Claustral Canyon, one of the area’s most remote and spectacular canyons.

The Blue Mountains Cultural Centre is in the heart of Katoomba. There’s a cafe and a beautiful gift shop, but we went for the Into the Blue permanent World Heritage exhibition. In a darkened room we were immersed in giant projections, maps and films to learn more about the significance of this ancient landscape. There’s also visiting exhibitions and an excellent library.

You have to experience Scenic World at least once in your life. This was my first time there with kids, and boarding the Scenic Railway (at a very, very steep 52 degrees), I didn’t realise I’d have to hold onto our youngest so tight! The descent was super steep and then after a fun boardwalk we hopped on the steepest aerial cable car in the southern hemi sphere to come back up.

Blackheath is a cute little village at the far end of the Blue Mountains. Blaq Restaurant, at Kyah Boutique Hotel, takes village life to the next, cool, level with a huge pink marble bar, leather chairs, black wood heaters and soaring white ceilings. The food showcases hyper-local produce plucked straight from the Blaq garden under executive chef Mate Herceg.

Mountain Culture Brewery in Katoomba have their beer on every list we see (and in some shops back in Hobart) so it’s interesting to pop into their Brewpub. While most of the beer is brewed at their Emu Plains facility, there’s the obligatory fermenters on display, as well as street art, timber furniture and warehouse vibes.

For a quick pitstop or to pack a picnic, grab a sandwich made fresh to order at Altitude sandwich shop in Blackheath. Or linger over a cuppa with high tea among 11,000 tea pots at Bygone Beautys. It’s quirky and probably best for adults and older children.

Stay Kyah Boutique Hotel is what happens when fresh Blue Mountains air collides with Palm Springs-inspired design. It exudes warmth and cool at the same time. Our suite included an extra room with bunks and an activity table for the kids. There’s also a tennis court, honesty shop, beautifully landscaped grounds and of course Blaq restaurant and bar.

The Hotel Mountain Heritage is in the midst of change (renovations are set to commence in 2023) but this charming hotel has spectacular views over Katoomba and the Jamison Valley. Our room was the perfect family set up, with separate rooms, kitchen, views and a spa bath. Dinner and breakfast can be enjoyed inhouse at Jamison Views restaurant.

The writer was a guest of Blue Mountains Tourism.

Words and pictures: Stephanie Williams

FICO

151

Macquarie St, Hobart

Words: Lily Whiting Food pictures: Fico

Fine dining is an experience, not just an outing. A dance between professionals to deliver a theatre show of food, wine and service.

For me, timing feels like the make or break detail in the art of presenting rounds of plates and paired wines. Not rushed and not lengthy, just enough time to relax, unwind and savour the moment. Fico does this effortlessly while still bringing a little individuality and edge.

The space is an explosion of colour, vibrancy, and personality. Mustard, maroon and forest green hues cover the walls with an electric mix of art (many by Tasmanian artist Tom Samek), plants and ornaments. Front of house staff appear in (what I can imagine is accidentally-on-purpose) perfectly tonal shades of the walls surrounding them. Although Macquarie Street is only metres away, Fico couldn’t feel further detached from life outside on this long Sunday lunch.

Executed as described, less fine and more fun dining, the first few courses are smaller snack size pieces arriving on an array of tableware. A morsel of soy glazed kingfish, a two-bite sized piece of arancino (singular arancini) where puffed crispy rice acted as a shell to a gooey cheese filling and a pork belly piadina - an Italian style rye flat bread. A pouring of Made by Monks Gewurztraminer is an eclectic, orangey and welcoming start. After a delicate bowl of scallop gnocchetti, coiled ribbons of saffron pappardelle resemble the grooves of a snail-shell, topped with a diced mussel and horseradish sauce. A snowy white Tongola goat’s curd risotto follows with a blazing dusting

of Weston Farm paprika. Teeny tiny legs of quail are crisp and golden, almost scarily small to gnaw on while the final savoury course of hare totellone with a beetroot and lovage dressing was a gamier finish. By now, we had tried a few more whites and reds, including a Bubb + Pooley Pinot Noir because after all, we may be eating Napoli, but we are still in Tasmania.

A well executed set menu shouldn’t give you that busted belt buckle full feeling, and while I was luckily not wearing anything with a buckle, belt, strap or zip, I had two spaces left for a sweet ending. A play on a classic strawberry tart was followed by an airy chocolate mousse encased in a crisp sugar round and topped with quenelle of brown butter gelato. Both adequately filling but balanced. A Pedro Ximenez with an additional espresso helped fight the urge for a Sunday sleep and capped our detailed fourhour lunch.

Attention to detail can be both a blessing and a curse. When handing over the reins this time, it was a beautiful dance to observe. A tango of professionals interweaving delicious, delicately assembled plates with splashes of wine, Fico is a com plimentary mix of fine whilst being very fun. Fico operates a set menu of eight or so courses, and we opted for the wine pairing. For someone not in a position to make Fico a regular Sunday lunch jaunt, it seemed fitting to make the most of being at their liberty.

www.ficofico.net

CLARENCE COASTAL TRAIL, ROCHES BEACH TO SEVEN MILE BEACH

Words and pictures by: Elizabeth Osborne

One of my favorite walks is the Clarence Coastal Trail from Roches Beach to Seven Mile Beach. This gentle walk, just a little over three kilometres each way, follows the coastline at the base of undulating hills. The views of distant coastlines, sea and sky uplift the spirits. The sky seems bigger, the colours more intense as we walk by the sea.

On a sunny Spring morning, our group of friends decided to start our walk along the beach. I was in a meditative mood, grieving the death of a friend. The waves rolling in seemed like the ebb and flow of life, the shells like small moments of memory that washed into my thoughts.

At the end of Roches Beach we clambered over some rocks into a sheltered cove, a haven of peace. Gum trees lined the steps that took us up from the beach to join the trail. The steps are designed for an easy climb, following the contours of the hill.

At the top, we sat on weathered logs to share a companionable morning tea. We tried to identify the beaches and promontories across the water. Next time we’ll take a map!

Birds were everywhere in the many trees that lined the track, busy with all the jobs birds do in springtime. Willy wag tails danced along branches. Blink and you’d miss them. A green rosella parrot landed high in a blue gum, then edged into its nest in the hollow at the base of a branch.

Two Eastern rosella parrots flew to the top of the flowering eucalypt, dangling from a branch. Magpies chortled, the most beautiful of bird songs. A native mynah was startled by white

galahs screeching as they flashed past. A native duck sat on a branch observing the world. The busy bird life continues its timeless seasonal rhythm.

Seven Mile Beach stretched forever at the end of the walk. A young fisherman had his fishing rod firmly planted in the sand, “If I’m lucky I’ll get flathead, probably two in two hours.” Maybe that’s like life, a long time waiting for a result.

Walking back along the track to Roches Beach we continued to be entertained by the birds and enchanted by the views. Revived and invigorated by the coastal walk and convivial company, I thought, “Life’s good, it doesn’t get much better than this.”

CAN’T STICK TO A NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION? HERE’S WHAT TO

DO INSTEAD…

For some people, the idea of a ‘do-over’ on January 1 is useful. But for the rest of us, New Year’s Resolutions are just another way to set ourselves up for disappointment.

The good news is that there are many ways to create change! Let’s look at some examples:

Words: Bonnie

Tuttle

Because I identify as a non-drinker, my default is to not drink alcohol. I now have to make the decision to drink – not to abstain. As a bike rider, I don’t wonder what I’m going to do with my spare time on a weekend...I ride my bike, because that’s something cyclists do! Deciding to embody who you want to be, is a fun and impactful way to make big changes. This is different to faking it, because you are actually being it.

Who will you be in 2023?

Try this:

Think about the type of person you want to be. Embody that character. Refer to yourself as that type of person, and behave like that type of person. Voila! You are that type of person!

Try this:

Set aside some time with a stack of images and a big piece of cardboard. Create a collage which feels motivating in your body. Reflect on this often.

Word of the Year

Is there a word that you can focus on to upgrade your life?

My word for 2022 was ‘Professional’. I used that word to keep me focused, and now have a new website, account ing software, online bookings, and e-commerce.

What might your word for 2023 be?

Try this:

Choose your word - write it down. Place it somewhere you’ll see it. Reflect on how your actions align with this word through out the year.

Identity shift

How we identify is a powerful driver of how we behave. Take the examples of ‘a coffee snob’, or ‘a dog person’. You can imagine how those people make choices that bolster that identity, right?

This year, I became: A non-drinker, and a cyclist.

Vision Board

Visualisation has been used through out history to enhance performance by activating neurotransmitters in our brains.

By using cues like a vision board, you can remind your brain of how it can seek things in life that confirm what you desire.

For example, if you want to spend more time outdoors, you are more likely to notice and engage with nature if you regularly remind your brain of that desire through words and images.

What do you want 2023 to look like?

Make a plan

Investment into a conscious design of all areas of your life will move you from a throw-away promise made over a glass of bubbly, to a life you choose for yourself every day.

How are you planning for your whole life, in 2023 and beyond?

Try this:

Start by creating statements about how you want different areas of your life to be. Ask yourself “How might I make this more true?” Record the actions you come up with. If you need help, engage a coach, attend a workshop, or get Googling!

And lastly – you always have the option to choose not to change! Being grateful for where we are and what we already have is a wonderful thing to do as we step forward into a new year.

I wish you a safe, happy and fulfilling 2023!

Bonnie Tuttle is a Business and Lifestyle Coach living on the Eastern Shore. She specialises in better work and more authentic living; and believes that sup porting local communities will save the world. www.bonnietuttle.com.au, @bonnietuttleconsultant.

SALAMANCA MARKET CELEBRATES 50 YEARS

Words: Lily Whiting

Pictures: City of Hobart

In rain, hail and sunshine, for fifty years Salamanca Market has been an beacon for visitors and locals every Saturday.

From morning till early afternoon, Salamanca Place transforms from a road into a bustling strip of market stalls, where most often the makers, artisans, designers and producers are hand selling their fresh produce, freshly made treats and goods - it’s the ultimate expression of Tasmanian creativity and quality.

Salamanca Market has witnessed a fair amount of social and community change, a pivotal one being the arrest of LGBTIQA+ activist Rodney Croome in October 1988. The Tasmanian LGBTIQA+ community began leasing a stall at Salamanca Market to collect signatures and support from the public. Their aim was to overturn the law that criminalised homosexuality, with punishment of up to 21 years imprisonment in Tasmania. A now iconic image was captured of the moment Croome was arrested by Commander Tim Dooley. Only recently, a reunion was held between the pair under very different circumstances. More recently, the Tassie Nannas have held stalls to knit a better future for refugees, particularly child refugees, showcasing their work to the thousands that stroll past coffee in hand and new stallholders BeHers make and sell products that aim to change lives and end slavery.

2022 marks 50 years of buying, selling and trading. Salamanca was home to one of the busiest whaling ports in the 1800’s - the decline of the whaling industry made way for different Tasmanian goods to be transported from Hobart’s port area. In 1972, the birth of Salamanca Market with 33 stalls would transform a normally very quiet Saturday morning in Hobart and put us on the map as one of the most visited tourist attractions in Tasmania.

Today, Salamanca Market attracts more tourists than anything else in Tasmania with over 300 market stalls each week and thousands of visitors walking the length of the market each weekend. Traveller itineraries are planned around picking up an empanada or pottery piece in the morning, and for some crea tives, it’s their only opportunity to sell and talk directly with the buyer. Now spanning 50 years, some stalls have seen generations pass through as salespeople.

From Small Beginnings…

One of the current longest serving stallholders is Jill Saunders. Her business Beauty and the Bees has grown from a card table into world domination, with origins at Salamanca!

“Having arrived from the UK shortly before and hoping to launch my small enterprise from my kitchen, it was wonderful to meet a sisterhood of women who kindly shared their casual stalls with me. These ladies gave me a start: Wendy with fudge, Lindy with plants, Angela the tarot reader, Vicki made canvas bags and of course Vilma, who is pictured with me. Such lovely people. At one point we shared a traffic-island-cum-stall opposite Retro Cafe.

I used to come to the market on my motorbike, laden on every part of the bike with boxes and bags: backpack, front pack, tank saddlebags and even more strapped on, like one of those rice cracker sellers you see in Asia. It’s amazing how much I could fit on! I don’t think people have any idea how much incredibly hard work it is for stallholders. I used to label and make products, often till midnight on a Friday night, then get up at 5am to go down and set up at 6am, often in lashing rain and sub zero tem peratures, hanging on to the stall tent structure will all my body weight to stop it blowing away! But I was young then and could handle it all. A highlight for me was having a fantastic 1956 FJ

The market has not changed much other than being less ram shackle, with second hand stalls always adding interest, you never knew what you would find. I miss that.”

There’s lots of different things at the Salamanca Market, but there is one thing in common. It’s all Tasmanian at heart. There is a celebration for Salamanca Market’s 50th Anniversary on Saturday 10 December, during market hours. Get along for music, performances and fun.

Holden ute made into a market vehicle which always gathered a crowd of vintage enthusiasts.