The Hobart Magazine August 2022 by Propel Studio

THE HOBART MAGAZINE / AUGUST 2022: ISSUE 37

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INDEPENDENT + LOCAL

PETE MATTILA HOBART BLACKSMITH FORGES A CREATIVE CAREER

WWW.THEHOBARTMAGAZINE.COM.AU

NEWS FROM YOUR COMMUNITY TRAVEL: AN ADELAIDE WEEKEND HOW TO MAKE FRIENDS AS AN ADULT AUGUST EVENTS + MORE

TOM CHEESMAN: TASSIE MOUNTAIN BIKER TAKES ON THE WORLD CHAMPS IN FRANCE

Let’s be Frank.

You can’t beat local passion backed by global support.

For a confidential discussion contact:

Rorie M Auld 0413 887 009

roriemauld_knightfrank rorie.auld@au.knightfrank.com

5 Victoria Street, Hobart 7000 P: 03 6220 6999 knightfrank.com.au

Editorial Stephanie Williams editor@thehobartmagazine.com.au Advertising James Marten advertise@thehobartmagazine.com.au 0405 424 449 Contributors: Taylor Stevenson, Lily Whiting, Sarah Aitken, Lilian Koch, Annia Baron, Laura Cini. Cover image: Adam Gibson This page: Sandy Bay by Michelle Harris 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.

WELCOME TO

THE HOBART MAGAZINE Can winter be over please? After what has felt like the longest winter ever, we’re now almost coming out the other side. This month we feature the work of blacksmith Pete Mattila. Having emigrated from the USA, he has spent many years learning and developing his architectural and sculptural metal work practice. We also have a chat with actor Jane Longhurst ahead of her new stage show, mountain bike rider Tom Cheesman as he heads to France for the world championships, and in a first for us, we talk to ambassadog, Tater. As always, if you have something to share - a pic, a person or a story - don’t hesitate to get in touch at editor@thehobartmagazine.com.au. All the best, Steph, James and The Hobart Magazine team

INBOX licence back to me when I lost it cycling on Strickland Ave, South Hobart. Very kind of you. Ciaran More Leaf Thieves Just a note in response to your article Leaf Larceny, (THM, July, 2022). We live in Bellerive and we also lost a tree ‘Gleditsia Limegold’ approximately six months ago. The tree was about four years old and was situated in the front garden. It was removed during the night, not leaving a trace. We thought the hole left was done by a dog digging and did not notice it was taken for around a week later. It was around the time when there was the International cricket game being played at Blundstone arena.We just thought because of the big crowd walking past over the four day game - it could have been stolen then but sounds like we haven’t been the only ones affected. Recently the area around another ornamental tree looked a bit disturbed in our front garden (a magnolia specimen). We have since installed a security camera system. Bill, Bellerive

The Leaf Thief I arrived home one day to find my huge monsteria deliciousia plant (that wasn’t very healthy) had been dug up from its pot that was on the front veranda and this note was left in its place. It says, “A wild and mystical creature that’s come to save the dying monstera. You have been visited by the plant care police. Sorry you are a shitty plant parent, she is now in 25 degrees and 60% humudity. Don’t be sad :)” Helena Jacobs Thank you, thank you Big thank you to the person who found and posted my drivers

Map it out Hi there, thanks for another great edition! I am interested in whether Suzanne White’s Hobart Map print (THM, July, 2022) is available to purchase? Marianne, Hobart Eds note: Yes! Head to www.theilloco.com to buy the map. Suzanne also offers free Hobart delivery. Visual Feast Thanks for publishing one of my photos in your “Get featured” section. I love seeing all the local pics. Glenn Mitchell, via FB 4

Wear Classic Merino all year round. Holly wears the Nude Pink Rana Top and Drape Cardi with Rosewood Scarf.

Holly, Nicola and Carl Mason Superfine merino wool fashion. It’s cool to wear wool all year round. Tasmanian owned and Tasmanian made www.smittenmerino.com Phone: 03 6212 0197 | Free Shipping Australia Wide Flagship Boutique | 47 Sandy Bay Rd | Battery Point 5

LOCAL PEOPLE

ELYSE VILLANI Interview: Lily Whiting Picture: Cricket Tasmania Recently lured to Hobart by the Tasmanian Tigers, Elyse Villani is a talented new cricket local, bringing strong hope for a win this upcoming WBBL season. Where are you from and where do you live now? I’m from Melbourne but I now live in Hobart. Why Hobart? My partner was living in Hobart so one reason was to live in the same state, but it was also really important to move to continue to strive for my own work dreams and aspirations. I was really impressed with Cricket Tasmania and the opportunity to join the organisation as a player myself. Tell us a little about your work? I’m a cricketer for the Tasmanian Tigers and the Hobart Hurricanes and a casual Channel 7 cricket commentator. How has your approach to cricket changed since balancing life and cricket a little more? When I was dropped from the Australian team about three years ago, that’s when my biggest change in approach happened, rather than this move. That’s when I realised that I had to stop looking for security in high performance sport because it doesn’t exist. I had to stop relying on other people and their opinions to build my confidence in my game. Once I took control of who I wanted to be as a player, stopped comparing myself to others and stopped worrying about all the things I couldn’t control, I started enjoying the sport and the journey more and started playing my best cricket. Your partner Nicola Carey is playing in both the Hobart Hurricanes and Tasmanian Tigers teams with you. Is there a lot of cricket talk over the dining table? We are each other’s biggest supporter and cricket is a huge part of our lives so there can be a bit of chat about cricket. We do love chatting cricket but we also have plenty 6

of other things we like talking about too! Why do you think lots of cricket talent are heading to Tassie of late? The investment that the organisation has put into the women’s space over the last few years has been huge. When you have great people leading a program, and an organisation that values individuals as people first and as cricketers second, and who also have the passion, drive and skills to help bring the best out of athletes, word travels and people want to be a part of that. Being female in a male-dominated sport, how have you seen the game improving to be more inclusive and appealing to young women since your young gun days? Well for starters, we see women playing the game more and we’re visually providing the next generation with a clear pathway in the sport. When I was growing up, I played in my brother’s team and thought I was the only girl playing cricket. I didn’t even know there was an Australian Women’s Cricket Team, which is very sad because those women were incredibly talented and achieved amazing things as individuals and as a team, paving the way for generations under them. I used to feel embarrassed when I admitted to playing cricket on the weekend because I felt like such an outsider. I hope there is no young girl today who feels like that. I hope we are showcasing that cricket really is a sport for all! What do you love doing outside work? I enjoy taking our dog Nessa down to the beach, trying different restaurants and cafes and chilling on the couch watching the AFL. As a new Hobart local, what surprised you most? I learnt that it’s actually a pretty dry state! In the past, every time I travelled to Hobart to play against a Tasmanian team, it always seemed to rain. But I can confidently admit the weather

has surprised me in a positive way. Who do you admire? Anyone brave enough to go after their dreams and not let fear get in the way. Favourite podcast or tv show? The drama series on Netflix, The Blacklist. Secret vice? I actually really love McDonalds. I know I shouldn’t... but I do! What are you reading now? Sword of Truth Series. What gets your goat? People who push in or are pushy, especially when getting off a flight. What was your first job? Serving at Bakers Delight. What are your daily news/social media habits? I use the News app on my phone and Instagram, but I put a limit on that per day, you can get lost in it! Your favourite place for… Breakfast: Angie Sue, Lauderdale. Lunch: Kosaten or the sushi train at Rosny Park. Dinner: Syra, The Glasshouse. Favourite team? Is this a trick question? The Tigers and Hurricanes… Favourite Hobart secret? The water views from everywhere in Hobart never get old! Parting words? Be yourself, everyone else is taken.

LOCAL PEOPLE

TOM CHEESMAN Interview: Stephanie Williams Pictures: Right, Beardy McBeard, below, Piper Albrecht Mountain biker Tom Cheesman is set to compete in his first world championships this month in Les Gets, France, and gave us the lowdown on this awesome step in his career before he left. Where did you grow up and where do you live now? When I was younger, we moved around a bit, but I mainly grew up in Wagga Wagga and Canberra before moving to Hobart, where I’ve been since 2010. Tell us a little about your work? I currently work at MyRide Hobart, where I have been a bicycle mechanic for the past few years. Growing up learning to ride my bike I would often break it, so consequently I decided to learn how to fix it, which is how I got into it. I’m very lucky to work here as my boss is supportive of my riding goals and allows me to have flexible working hours around training and racing. I’m also currently working on a leadership and management course through work. My favourite jobs to do would have to be custom building a bike from the frame up or building the latest bike and learning about the new system designs. I’m working towards making riding a full time gig one day.

in the world. It should help prepare me for racing in the elite category as this is my last year in U23. It’s a big step up to race in the elite category but I’m looking forward to putting in the work to make it there. Where are your favourite trails? My favourite trail in Hobart is definitely Drops Track in South Hobart. In Tassie, my favourite is Shear Pin/23 Stitches in Derby. If we’re talking anywhere in the world, it would have to be the Race Circuit in Nova Mesto. All the features together make it challenging and a lot of fun to race on. What do you love doing outside work? Apart from riding, I have a passion for driving and working on cars, so I spend spare time working on projects. Catching up with friends and heading out for a meal or walk is also always nice. Who do you admire? I admire other cyclists who have achieved a lot in the sport, like Nathan Earle, Nicole Frain and Sam Fox. I admire the hard working habits they put in everyday to achieve their goals. They may not be the most famous cyclists (yet!) but having personally seen them work through the processes and achieve great results is admirable to me and motivates me to do the same. Favourite podcast or tv show? Favourite would probably fall to Rick and Morty, but I can always rely on Big Bang Theory to give me a chuckle if I need something to watch.

You’re about to compete in the World Championships. Is this your first time? Yes, I’m very excited to head over to Europe again with the Australian Cycling Team. What does this mean for your career? It gives me a great opportunity and experience to race against the best riders 8

Secret vice? Maybe not a secret to those who know me, but I don’t mind a coffee (or a few). Might not help myself having a café at work and now a new coffee machine at home. I have to remind myself not to have them too late in the day so I can get rest. What are you reading now? I don’t

often sit down to read, but when I do it it’s usually training articles shared by my coach or The Mountain Bikers Training Bible as I find a lot of the information relevant. What gets your goat? When someone eats the food I was saving! What was your first job? My first ever job was working at Anaconda where I mainly worked in the bike department when I was 15. What are your daily news/social media habits? I’m usually checking up on racing results. Lately the Tour De France has been taking up most of the space. Your favourite place (in Hobart) for… Breakfast: Audrey Coffee. Lunch: Kurukuru Ramen Shop. Dinner: Local Pizza. Favourite team? Jumbo Visma. I admire their sportsmanship, camaraderie and impressive athletes. Favourite Hobart secret? The Arm End near Opossum Bay is one of my favourite spots. It’s usually quiet, wide open and a nice walk around with a view of Hobart. Parting words? Success is peace of mind in knowing you’ve done your best.

TA S M A N I A N S Y M P H O N Y O R C H E S T R A

What’s on at the Concert Hall? Tchaikovsky’s Fourth with soloist Baiba Skride

Saturday 20 August, 7.30pm Passion and high drama with Dvořák’s Violin Concerto and Tchaikovsky’s electrifying Fourth Symphony.

Ravel, Stravinsky, Grieg with soloist Javier Perianes

Friday 26 August, 7.30pm Ravel’s sublime Piano Concerto, Stravinsky’s ravishing Firebird Suite and stunning miniatures by Grieg.

Chopin Piano Concerto with soloist Yeol Eum Son

Friday 02 September, 7.30pm Dazzling pianistic display with Chopin’s Second Piano Concerto and sun-drenched vistas with Mendelssohn’s ‘Italian’ Symphony.

Mozart Variations with soloist Andrea Lam

Friday 23 September, 7.30pm Celebrate the brilliance of Mozart’s A-major Piano Concerto and savour Smetana’s tuneful river journey, The Moldau.

Federation Concert Hall | book tickets at tso.com.au or 1800 001 190 9

LOCAL PEOPLE

JANE LONGHURST Interview: Stephanie Williams Picture: Amy Brown With a job description of “getting paid to talk” you may have heard Jane Longhurst’s voice on the stage, the airways, the screen and even on hold. Where did you grow up and where do you live now? nipaluna/Hobart born and bred. After 20 years away from the island, I returned in 2008 with my family. Tell us a little about your work? Only half jokingly I think I just get paid to talk! I am proud to be in my third decade as a professional actor. Since returning to Tasmania I have expanded my work to include broadcasting with ABC Radio Hobart, lots of voice over work (‘... if you want to speak to Reception, press 2...’) and MCing events big and small for corporate events, conferences, charity gigs and presenting concerts with our amazing TSO. Your new show, Request Programme, opens as part of Beaker Street Festival. Why did you choose this piece? I have always been struck by both Request Programme’s form and content. Its form is highly unusual: it is a play with no text. What I also love about the play is it audaciously shows daily, domestic ritual without the smoke and mirrors of ‘showbiz’. The action is unapologetically mundane but it’s action we all do, everyday, so in that way it’s very accessible. I love that you see stuff you don’t normally see on stage and screen. In that regard it’s still quite radical. Content wise, it’s a portrait of loneliness that I find devastating and I believe thematically, it’s even more relevant today than when it was written fifty years ago. Loneliness in Australia is only recently becoming identified, researched and understood. And it’s growing as a social phenomenon, even with our ubiquitous social and digital technology platforms. I think the more we can identify and remind ourselves that we all experience loneliness, at different times in our lives, the greater we can lean towards empathy 10

and not suspicion in our daily interactions. I hear a rumour you end up nearly naked on stage in this show. How does that make you feel? Oh my stars, absolutely terrified! Other than an innocent Blue Heelers episode back in the 90s I’ve never had to ‘get my kit off’ for stage or screen. As confronting as I’m finding it, it’s brief and it’s not gratuitous. Given our shiny and new, ‘perfection’ obsessed culture I’m actually kinda content to go, you know what? This is what a middle aged woman’s body looks like, deal with it. You do a few things in your working life - how do you juggle it? As all freelancers will tell you, you tend to say yes to EVERYTHING because you don’t know where your next pay-cheque will come from. And sometimes more often than not, gigs dovetail pretty tightly around each other or overlap on the same day. And that can create havoc but I’m always up for finding a way to make it work. It’s definitely true though, it doesn’t rain but it pours. Ultimately though, if it’s a great project, great ideas with great people then it’s irresistible. What do you love doing outside work? Watching footy, cricket and rugby union. Going for walks on beaches or in the bush with my family. Hosting friends and travelling near and far. But to be honest, if I’m not working, I worry! Favourite podcast or tv show? I LOVE a rollicking costume drama as much as the next person but recent shows I loved are both contemporary and from Denmark. This reveals my bias towards Scandinavia (I was an exchange student to Denmark back in the day and still speak conversational Danish): one was the latest Borgen series and The Investigation. Highly, highly recommended. Secret vice? Hiding chocolate from my family.

What are you reading now? The text for Request Programme and recently I had the pleasure of hosting a Q&A session with local author Kim Bambrook at her book launch for Undertow. It was an engrossing read. What gets your goat? Litter. Honestly, just pick your sh*t up people! Cigarette butt litter especially. Why should someone else pick up after you? It really grinds my gears. What was your first job? Selling the Saturday Evening Mercury (SEM) for something like 20 cents a copy! Yes, it was that long ago. What are your daily news/social media habits? Radio on from the moment I wake up to the moment I turn off the light. Twitter for news throughout the day, I’m a bit of a news junkie. New York Times for Wordle and then Worldle: Wordle for maps. Your favourite place in Hobart for… Breakfast: Cibo e Vino. Lunch: Dana Eating House. Dinner: Templo or Suminato and a post show whisky or gin at The Still, thank you very much. Favourite team? The Mighty Saints* (*terms and conditions apply). Favourite Hobart secret? The Flower Room. Parting words? Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

BITS AND PIECES

NEW OPENINGS Hibernation hasn’t stopped new places in Hobart from opening up this winter. Twister Sister (143 Collins Street, Hobart) is serving Thai and Vietnamese favourites for lunch (and soon to be dinner) in the CBD. If you’re hungry and heading out on the Midlands Higway, Robin’s Nest Restaurant (80 Midland Highway, Pontville) at the Pontville Football Club rooms has just opened with an extensive menu of schnittys, pizzas, burgers and everything in between. In the Northern suburbs, KH Kebab in Glenorchy is dishing up juicy traditional Afghani kebabs. Warm yourself from the inside out with a visit to No.79 Clay Pot Rice Noodle (79 Bathurst St, Hobart). Derwent Estate has opened their restaurant and event space, The Shed (329 Lyell Highway, Granton) recently, offering share plates to accompany some fabulous wine - parfait and pinot anyone? Dunalley Bay Distillery (3530 Arthur Hwy, Murdunna) have opened their beachfront tasting hut where gin tastings can be paired with cheese boards and pastries while overlooking the bay. Stop in for a brew and zen out at A Moment of Tea (Salamanca Arts Centre, Salamanca), and take home a little care package to see you through the rest of winter. Moo Brew have only released snippets of information about their new waterfront location but we’re promised an unconventional venue to match its unconventional beers with drinks, salty snacks and an atmosphere fit for Walshy, when it opens later this year. Devils Brewery is opening at the Domain Tennis Centre soon, perhaps 12

some liquid courage will help us release our inner Ash Barty? Pssst, there’s also going to be more pasta and fun wine to share with a second location of a local favourite haunt set to open in North Hobart. More to come soon! A new space for art, music and events to collide has arrived in Midtown with the opening of Bickerstaff Blizzard (246/248 Elizabeth Street North Hobart). Emerging Tassie talent will be showcased through group and solo exhibitions, grounded in a hybrid gallery and events space. “We instantly saw the potential to breathe life back into the historic block and create a unique home for artists and guests to enjoy and discover new works” say directors and Hobart locals, Shelley Bickerstaff and Jess Blizzard. Sandy Bay has a new local shop with Baxters IGA (644 Sandy Bay Road, Sandy Bay) opening recently and Porters Liquor (2 Augusta Rd, New Town) next to New Town Hill Street Grocer have the shelves stocked with old favourites, with plenty of drops from local makers and abroad. Nari Salon and Boutique (218 Liverpool Street Hobart) have expanded south from Launceston to Hobart and are welcoming anyone in need of a little beauty or clothing freshen up. Warm up those tootsies with a visit to Icon Footwear (117 Collins Street, Hobart) where staff will help you find that glass slipper European shoe. Slow down with a new book from Hobart City Mission’s new upstairs shop, The Book Nest (corner of

Barrack and Goulburn Street). Above the existing store lies a book shop filled with a novel and gateway to a mysterious land for everyone. BLUE CARBON CAPTURES A local organisation has won one of five Australian Government Blue Carbon Ecosystem Restoration Grants. Natural Resource Management South has been granted nearly $800,000 for a new saltmarsh restoration project at the Pitt Water-Orielton Lagoon, near Hobart. Blue carbon is the carbon stored in coastal and marine ecosystems and the funding will hopefully improve the lagoon’s capacity to store carbon, as well as benefit biodiversity, fishing and tourism and general resilience. TASMAN BRIDGE UPGRADES Plans for major upgrades to the Tasman Bridge have been revealed. The first major upgrades to the bridge in almost 50 years (when the bridge collapsed in 1975) will see wider cycling and footpaths added. There’ll also be heightened safety barriers, strengthening works and feature lighting added to the bridge, which carries approximately 70,000 vehicles a day. The upgrades are expected to cost $130 million, shared evenly by the state and federal governments. Works are anticipated to be completed sometime in 2023-24. For more information you can head to transport.tas.gov.au.

BITS AND PIECES over the next two years while this repair work is undertaken.”

SOGGY SPORTS GROUNDS SET TO CONTINUE WITH RAIN + NO BUDGET FOR WORKS ON THE HORIZON This winter many soccer loving kids who play as part of the Central Region Junior Football Association were displaced from the Soldiers Memorial Oval due to boggy ground, with play not returning to the oval this winter. Last season cricket games were pushed back at least five weeks as well, due to poor conditions. These games have been rescheduled at other ovals across Hobart, putting pressure on other competition fixtures. So why is it happening? A City of Hobart spokesperson shared with The Hobart Magazine, “Soldiers Memorial Oval is built on one of a number of former landfill sites around the City of Hobart. Management of these sites can be difficult due to the time it takes for the ground to settle and compact effectively. Due to these challenges, the site has some drainage issues which have been increasing in recent years. With the extreme amount of rain falling early this season, as well as consistent rainfall since, the oval has not been able to drain sufficiently.” Repairing the oval in its current state is reported to be difficult. The spokesperson shared, “The weight of machinery that would be required to open up the drainage would cause significant damage to the surface. Other avenues have been

trialled in this time without providing the improvement that would be required to reopen the ground.” According to the Bureau of Meteorology from August to October this year, Hobart has a 40-45% chance of exceeding the median rainfall, which will increase to 6065% chance in the September to November period. Weatherzone has reported that the Pacific Ocean has been in a La Niña phase during the last two Southern Hemisphere summers. This has contributed to the record breaking rainfall we’ve seen in parts of Australia. A seasonal forecast model operated by the U.S. National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Centre (CPC) has suggested that a La Niña-like signal could linger in the Pacific Ocean through the middle of the year and possibly re-emerge in the Southern Hemisphere’s spring. With the weather forecast not looking promising should the budget for remediation and drainage improvements need to be expedited? It looks as though game interruptions are set to continue into next soccer and cricket seasons and beyond, with funding for improvement works not allocated in the 22/23 financial year budget. “The City of Hobart does have funding earmarked for future financial years, and we are hoping to commence repair work in the latter half of next year, however it is possible that the ground will be out of action at times

DO GOOD, HAVE A COFFEE The Rwandan Coffee Club is looking to branch out to workplaces and markets after deciding to withdraw their coffee from being sold Woolworths stores due to ongoing tight margins. A not-for-profit, the club is run by the Rwandan-Australian Friendship Association (RAFA), whose members are mainly Tutsi survivors of the 1994 genocide who settled in Tasmania. They sell coffee to raise funds for survivors of the 1994 Rwandan genocide of Tutsi people. These funds assist in rebuilding lives despite significant trauma and dispossession. All ordering, packing and sales are done through the generosity of volunteers, allowing for the maximum amount of funds to be sent directly to Tutsi communities in Rwanda. These projects include food production, income earning capacity, and health initiatives. The Rwandan Coffee Club offers a variety of coffee beans for sale, including Rwandan Arabica, Intashyo, Ihumure, and Sumatra Arabica. To make a purchase or donation, visit www.rwandancoffeeclub.org.

HERE’S A THOUGHT What happens if the Tassie AFL team fails after ten years, when the funding guarantee expires....will we have a $750m+ stadium that hosts Sheffield Shield cricket as a permanent reminder of the AFL team that was? 13

BITS AND PIECES

DOUGHNUT BE ALARMED… Gone are the days of half a budget airline’s load capacity going to imported Krispy Kreme doughnuts, with the iconic baked treat now available at BP servos in Tassie. Sadly, in a very Tasmanian twist, on day one of the doughnuts being available police were called to attend an alleged theft of the goods from a Brighton BP. According to Tasmania Police, the boxes were taken from a delivery van parked outside the service station just after 1am on a Saturday morning in late July. Cops attended and were given CCTV footage of a man opening the van doors, and taking off with two large boxes. Later that morning Bridgewater Police searched a home in Brighton, arresting a Risdon Vale man and recovering what remained of the allegedly stolen goods. Glazed and confused? A 20 year old man was charged and bailed to appear in the Hobart Magistrates Court for stealing.

NATIONAL SCIENCE WEEK This National Science Week, 13 - 21 August, the focus is climate change. The Australian Marine Scientists Association (AMSA) and Australian Meteorological and Oceanographic Society (AMOS) are holding a competition and want to hear from people in Tasmania about how we might adapt to climate change at the local level, or ideas around climate change mitigation. Entrants need to construct a five minute video outlining a local impact climate change is having, or will have, and your idea(s) on how we can adapt to, or mitigate, this impact. You might like to build a model to describe, a poster to show and discuss, or perhaps just explain your ideas directly to the camera. More info at www.climatescienceinaction.com.

DOGGY DON’TS Note: Don’t read this paragraph whilst eating! In quite gross news, a new Australian-first study has shown a high contamination rate of intestinal worms in dog parks across Australia. In Hobart we have plenty of public parks and sports grounds where dogs and kids share the space - and we know canine intestinal worms can be passed on to humans - so we’ll leave the rest up to your own imagination. A Melbourne university study found almost half of the parks sampled in Australia were contaminated with some kind of canine LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION! intestinal worm. In slightly better news Screen Tasmania are after new locations for us here, it seems it’s worse in the to shoot their films, TV shows, commer- tropical north, with Hobart’s rate of cials and music videos. They’ve put the contamination sitting at 20%. Rebecca call out for home owning Hobartians Traub, Professor of Veterinary Parasito upload photos and details of their tology at The University of Melbourne, property for display in their Locations the primary investigator of the study, Gallery. Once approved and uploaded, said there were some simple things dog properties are made available for selec- owners could do to help get that number tion. There are some restrictions with down. “Preventative measures, such highways, flight paths and accessibility, as regular deworming, and responsible but if you own your own place and pet ownership, such as the immediate want to make a little extra money, head removal of dog poo in parks, should be to Screen Tasmania’s website at www. encouraged to minimise the health risks screen.tas.gov.au to find out more. associated with canine intestinal worms to both dogs and humans,” she said. 14

THUMBS UP Neil the Seal making a visit to Clifton. Check out the Instagram feed @neiltheseal22 but please don’t go to close - we’ve heard reports of people touching poor Neil.

The ban on former UK residents donating blood has been lifted which could see up to 58,000 additional donations each year.

The covid@home program.

Slightly longer days.

THUMBS DOWN The latest State of the Environment Report recently painted a dire picture for the ongoing survival of Australia’s threatened species under ever increasing pressure from feral animals and weeds.

Which Minister will be next to resign?

Victoria is trying to steal our kindergarten teachers via a slick tv campaign and $$$.

Just when we’re feeling like the mess of early this year was behind us, hello more covid.

Threat of foot and mouth disease to our farmers.

JOIN US AT HOBART’S ONLY ROOFTOP BAR & RESTAURANT, AURA Rise above the streetscape and take in the world from AURA, where you’ll see Hobart in a new light. From up here, you can share in the moment and soak up a sunset on the rooftop. Pair this backdrop with small plates of local harvest and raise your glass with a drop of Tasmania’s finest for ultimate effect! Call in on a whim or book ahead; there’s a place for you at AURA.

Crowne Plaza, Level 12, 110 Liverpool Street Hobart, Tasmania

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BITS AND PIECES SELF-DRIVE TOURISM PUSH WITH NEW WEST COAST ARTWORK A new push to promote Tassie as a worldclass self-drive touring destination is off and running, with a new video featuring public artworks being used to lure tourists to explore our regions. The artworks encourage visitors to take a break on their Western Wilds road trips to see the three stunning installations, each inspired by a story from the region, and feature in a new video by local filmmaker David Pyefinch. The first of the artworks was installed at the Franklin River Picnic Area in 2019, with Nadège PhilippeJanon’s Forest Specular reflecting on the Franklin Dam project, one of the region’s most well-known stories, with a nod to the iconic photograph by Peter Dombrovskis, Rock Island Bend. At the foot of the Sentinel Range in Southwest National Park, Alex Miles’ striking work, Bitumen Bones portrays the beautiful and often harsh environment of Southwest Tasmania. Lastly, The Extinction Story, by sculptor Matt Calvert at Whyte Hills Lookout outside Waratah, is a large-scale fabricated-steel and laminated-glass artwork that re-creates a historical photo of a thylacine. To learn more about the art of the Western Wilds, and see the videos, visit www.discovertasmania.com.au. SHOCKING STATISTICS AS SEXUAL ASSAULTS CONTINUE TO RISE New statistics from the Australian Bureau of Statistics show a significant increase in sexual assaults over the past year, with sexual assaults recorded by police up 13% from 2020 to an all-time high. Sexual assault was the only major crime category to increase. Full Stop Australia is a national service providing free, confidential, 24/7 trauma-specialist counselling to victims of sexual assault. Director of Counselling Services for Full Stop Australia and sexual assault frontline worker, Tara Hunter, is passionate about humanising the statistics: “31,118 people were recorded as victims of sexual assault in 2021. We need to talk about the human cost, these are not just numbers, these are people,” Ms Hunter said. Around three in 16

five victims were under 18 years of age at the date of incident. “As a trauma-specialist counsellor, we know that many young people who experience sexual assault will have interruptions to their schooling, tertiary studies, their ability to work and their overall wellbeing,” Ms Hunter said. With 87% of sexual assaults never reported to police, these reported sexual assaults are the tip of the iceberg. Call the National Violence and Abuse Trauma Counselling and Recovery Service on 1800 FULL STOP (1800 385 578) or chat online at www.fullstop.org.au for 24/7, free, confidential counselling. TASSIE GRANT FOR MARKETING AND SMALL BUSINESS SUPPORT Local businesses can now apply to receive financial and business advice through round two of the Small Business Advice and Financial Guidance program, with grants of between $750 and $1,500 to eligible small businesses. Grant funds can be used toward financial and business advice, counselling and strategy development from a suitably qualified specialist or consultant, including financial and business planning, cash flow management, marketing or assistance with a business website. Head to www.stategrowth. tas.gov.au for more info. CAN YOU HACK IT? GOVHACK RETURNS TO TASSIE For 46 hours, from 19 - 21 August, GovHack is on again. GovHack is the largest open government data hackathon in the

southern hemisphere. Over the competition weekend, participants work in teams to sort out innovative business models, working prototypes or business solutions of any kind for the challenges provided by the Australian government and our pioneering business sponsors and partners from various industries.While this year’s focus is on Social, Environment & Governance, GovHack participants will have the chance to talk to prospective employers involved in the event, using their skills and knowledge, making their own voice on these critical social problems. The teams will receive the challenges, spend 46 hours coming up with an innovative idea, creating a project page, proof of concept and a video that tells the story of how open government data can be reused. The idea can be presented in different forms such as apps, an informative visualisation, prototype electronic gadgets, through data driven design or an artistic display. In October, GovHack will also organise an award night to announce the winner for the state-based challenges. Find out more at www.govhack.org.

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BITS AND PIECES

WHY HOBART WOMEN ARE ANGRY AND SINGING IT OUT?

imaginations lately without my help, so maybe I’m subconsciously capitalising on that, hoping that the story will resonate more because of the setting. If that works, then thank you dear Hobart! The names in the book are wildly fun - how did the characterisation part of the process work? Have you ever met a person named Freycinet? A recent reviewer called the character names ‘bizarre’ which is probably true! I just lost sight of that early on in proceedings because they became so familiar so fast. I don’t know anyone called Freycinet and I blame her mother for the choice (she had a son before she had Frey so she must have gone a bit overboard on the point of difference). It might have been better to name my protagonist something that isn’t so easily mispronounced, but having spent many summers at Freycinet National Park, the name is part of my vernacular.

Interview: Stephanie Williams Local author Meg Bignall recently released her third novel, set in Tassie. This time around she has harnessed the energy of Hobart women who are fed up and angry, but who love nothing more than singing it out. How do you think the Hobart setting for your new book The Angry Women’s Choir will resonate with mainland readers? All three of my novels are set in Tasmania, with Hobart a major feature. This isn’t necessarily because I find the city creatively inspiring, rather because it’s simply the city I know best. So I hope that my familiarity with it and my inherent fondness for it might give the setting its resonance. Hobart and Tasmania seem to be capturing people’s 18

Creating characters is a complete joy, occasionally heart-wrenching and in the case of The Angry Women’s Choir, a bit rage-inducing. I took myself deep into real-life stories of women who have suffered injustices in the name of gender, religion, race, socio-economic background, age, misogyny, etc and from there I created characters that came to life and taught me a thing or two about how extremely lucky I am to be born in a place like Tasmania, to a secure, loving, accepting family and all the privilege that comes with that. Somewhere along the way, telling their stories felt urgent and important. This is your third novel. How did you become a writer? Is it your full time gig now? Being published still feels like a dream. A fragile, tenuous dream because publishing is so unpredictable, and hard to break through. There’s so much other

media making noise now, and attention spans are not what they used to be (said the very old lady!). I am determined to be a ‘career writer’, meaning I will stick at it and grow my brand and my audience, keep learning and working on my craft. That all sounds a bit wanky I know but there it is. Like any trade, I am coming out of an apprenticeship and maybe I can work my way up and hone my skills, but it will take time and patience and very hard work. I juggle three children, marketing and support for a family business, performing and writing, so I work full time and overtime at all that. Perhaps one day I will reach master craftswoman level as a writer and I can demand a bit more space for it. That’s my goal - that and getting on a bestseller list somewhere! What advice would you have for someone who is looking to crack into writing and getting published? Read books. Good books and bad ones. Get to know a few other writers. Most importantly though, write! Put your bottom on the seat and just start. What do you love about Hobart? What do you enjoy doing around town? The thing I love most about Hobart is that I just know it so well. Its streets have familiar people on them, buildings I’ve grown up with, memories around every corner. It has family in it, friends, a river, a mountain. It demands very little from me and I love it for that. I walk about eight kilometres most days, quite often around Hobart. That’s one of my favourite things to do. Also visiting the wonderful bookshops, going to the State Cinema, and eating at the Don Camillo.

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BITS AND PIECES back. Mission Australia’s State Director Mychelle Curran said sadly, the findings did not come as a surprise to Mission Australia’s practitioners. “It’s clear that for young people, homelessness can often be incredibly isolating, destabilising and traumatic. This can have a ripple effect on their lives without access to the right intervention. Shining a light on these young people’s experiences and the risk factors, including family conflict, poor mental health and discrimination, must lead to strong intervention and preventative action.” Ms Curran urged governments and others to take action to help young people avoid homeslessness, reach their full potential and thrive. ALL THINGS ANTARCTIC This month it’s all about Antarctica, with the Antarctic Festival taking place at the waterfront (see our What’s On page) and a new national exhibition on display in town too. Chilled: Antarctic life, inside and out, is a National Archives of Australia exhibition that shows the daily lives of ordinary yet extraordinary people stationed on the remote and sometimes treacherous land, on now at the Allport Library and Museum of Fine Arts. National Archives Director-General Simon Froude said there were some significant items on display. “Alongside clothing and objects on loan from the Australian Antarctic Program, the exhibition presents records from the national archival collection that reveal what life and work was like, and in some ways still is, for Antarctic expeditioners.” Some special items to look out for include 1950s ANARE winter clothing, mukluk boots, snow shoes, bespoke, labelled homebrew bottles, historic newspapers and even party plans. Chilled: Antarctic life, inside and out is free and on display until 29 October. MIRACLE OVERDOSE REVERSER NOW FREELY AVAILABLE They’re calling it a ‘miracle drug’ - a drug that can reverse opioid overdoses - and it’s now available in pharmacies around Australia now. Naloxone (sometimes called Narcan) can instantly reverse the 20

effects of an opioid overdose and is often used by first responders in an emergency. Previously only available with a prescription, and with a hefty price tag, it’s now available for free thanks to the very successful national Take Home Naloxone trial that began in 2020. Naloxone comes as a nasal spray or syringe. While overdoses tend to bring to mind illegal opioids, like heroin, about 75 per cent of opiate deaths and hospitalisations per day are caused by prescription opioids like painkillers. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you think you should add it to your first aid kit. THE PANDEMIC’S HOMELESS YOUTH A new report has found that more than one in 30 young Tasmanians became homeless for the first time during the pandemic. Mission Australia found 3.6% of young people aged 15-19 who responded to their Youth Survey 2021 were homeless for the first time during the pandemic. The report, called Without a home: First-time youth homelessness in the COVID-19 period, found that young Tasmanians in that situation experienced high levels of psychological distress, negative impacts on wellbeing, family conflict, discrimination and other pressures. Some were homeless with their families, others were alone. They were all either without an address, living in a refuge or transitional accommodation or spent time away from their home because they felt they couldn’t go

KNIT AND NATTER AT HOBART LIBRARY SUPPORTS HOMELESSNESS Hobart Library has started a new knitting group, Knit and Natter, on Mondays at 12-2pm. The group, open to anyone and everyone, will be knitting blankets for the Hobart Women’s Shelter but you’re also welcome to bring along your own project. Knitting needles and wool will be available on the library floor permanently, so if you miss a Monday session you can still take part any time. Libraries are an important space for people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. They’re warm, dry places to hang out and everyone is welcome. You don’t need a home address to have a library card, and the Hobart Library also delivers weekly outreach services to Bethlehem House and Hobart Women’s Shelter.

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BITS AND PIECES PET RENTAL WOES What’s harder than trying to find a rental in the Hobart property market? Trying to find a rental here when you have a pet. For years the RSPCA has lobbied the state government to make changes to the Residential Tenancy Act. Tenants currently require the landlord’s approval to have pets in their homes or gardens. Consumer Affairs Minister Elise Archer recently stated the government was now willing to review the laws and look at the issue of pet bonds too. We spoke with RSPCA Tasmania CEO Jan Davis about the current state of pet rental affairs. What’s the current situation for pet owners looking to rent? Tasmanians love their pets. In fact, we have the highest incidence of pet-ownership, with 44% us living with at least one dog, 34% living with at least one cat, and 16% living with at least one of each. Many Tasmanians rent and most want to have pets, yet our information shows that few property managers or landlords will even consider allowing pets. Unfortunately, there are still significant barriers for people with a companion animal who need or wish to rent and it is almost impossible to find ‘pet-friendly’ accommodation. A housing shortage paired with a skyrocketing cost of living has created the perfect storm. Are many animals surrendered to the RSPCA by owners who are renting? Every year, many pets are surrendered to the RSPCA and other animal welfare and rescue organisations by people who cannot find rental properties that will accept pets. Of the dogs and cats surrendered to shelters nationally, it has been reported that between 15% – 30% are from owners who could not take their pets when they moved to a new rental property. This is an important issue for both human well-being and for animal welfare. 22

How does Tasmania compare to interstate? We’re way behind other states. In Victoria, tenants must now request their landlord’s consent to bring a new pet into the property and landlords must not unreasonably refuse. It does not matter when the tenant’s lease started. A landlord can only refuse a pet request if the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) orders that it is reasonable to do so. Two years have passed since the laws came into effect and our counterparts at RSPCA Victoria report the changes are already delivering benefits. In 2020, RSPCA Victoria reported a 15% surrender rate due to renters being unable to find accommodation which accepted their pets. By the end of 2020, that figure had dropped to 10.7%, and in 2021 it was down to 9.5%. In Queensland, changes to tenancy laws will come into effect from 1 October this year. They’ll be able to apply to have pets, and property owners cannot unreasonably refuse a tenant’s request. Some of these reasons include a lack of fencing or appropriate space for the pet, health and safety risks, or if the pet is likely to cause damage beyond repair. What would you like to see the Tasmanian Government do? The RSPCA calls on the government to ensure that the importance of companion animals is recognised in all state legislation and policies. In particular, our tenancy laws need to be updated to ensure affordable and secure rental accommodation is accessible for families to stay together with their much-loved animals long-term.  If Tasmania introduced laws similar to those in Victoria or Queensland, we know it would result in a reduction in the very sad (and sometimes even traumatic) situations that we see everyday. What do you think? Share your experience or views on renting with pets at editor@thehobartmagazine.com.au.

HATCHING A SALMON PLAN The Tasmanian Government is developing a new 10-year Salmon Plan, a long-term strategic plan to support the salmon industry, and you can have your say. The plan will be enacted next year and has four guiding principles: • There will be no net increase in leased farming areas in Tasmanian waters (though a moratorium on this expires in September). • Innovation - future growth lies in land-based and offshore salmon farming. • World-best practice through continuous improvement. • Strict independent regulation. We’re all invited to have our say on the discussion paper Towards a 10-Year Salmon Plan until 24 August. Head to www.nre.tas.gov.au to share your thoughts.

IF WALLS COULD TALK How much do you know about your house? Who has lived there before you? Or perhaps you’d like to know more about a Tasmanian ancestor. From early August, the building history display, If Walls Could Talk, at the State Library and Tasmanian Archives Reading Room will show different ways to find out more about the history of your own home, or a place from the past that may have significance to your family heritage. You can view historic photographs and films, newspapers, census records, maps, house plans, deeds and land grants. Learn how to find out how a property may have changed over time, research past owners and occupiers, and discover the origins and significance of places and communities in the surrounding regions.

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WHAT’S ON IN HOBART MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

Lano & Woodley are in town with their Moby Dick show at the Theatre Royal, tonight and tomorrow.

More Antarctica today with the launch of David Knoff’s new book 537 Days of Winter, a memoir that details the experience of being stranded in the icy continent. 5:30pm at the Hobart Book Shop.

Beaker St Festival - where Art and Science collide - is in full swing at various venues. www.beakerstreet.com. au across Hobart.

It’s National Science Week and this year’s theme is glass. Get along to Glenorchy Library for a glass discovery session from 3:30pm.

New book ‘Hate Speech against Women Online’, by Louise Richardson-Self, is launching tonight at the Hedberg. Or pop along to one of the Tas Whisky Week events on this week.

Interested in joining the new Hobart Men’s Table? Head to the Entree event to find out more. From 6:30pm at the Hope & Anchor.

‘Finding the old family farm using archival records’ is the Tasmanian Archives and Heritage Office’s event for Family History Month, from 2-3pm.

Rosny Library hosts a digital Q&A every Monday for those wanting to learn more about how to use their devices, and download and use apps. 2-3pm.

Glenorchy Library hosts a Coffee, Cake and Computer session today. Learn how to manage passwords, install antivirus software and keep safe online. 9:30-11:30am.

Explore the tales of The BFG and The Twits along with games, interactive performances and play at Roald Dahl and the Imagination Seekers tonight. Theatre Royal, 5:30pm.

Catch The copy Experimentalists at Moonah Arts Centre from 7:30pm. Or groove along with local Jed Appleton @ Pablos Cocktails and Dreams 8pm.

Hear more about water[shed], a book about Lake Pedder and its future, 50 years after flooding. At Fullers, with Christine Milne, Kate Crowley, and Greg Lehman.

Get ready for your next adventure in the Tassie wild by doing a Wilderness First Aid course - there’s one today at the Lea Scout Centre.

Antarctica comes to the Hobart waterfront with the Antarctic Festival, back with a 5 day program of free events and exhibitions. www. mawsons-huts.org.au/ antarctic-festival/.

Dr Norman Swan is in conversation with Hannah Moloney today about his new book “So you want to live younger” from 5:30pm at the Hedberg.

The Guilford Young College Musical, Beauty and the Beast, is on tonight (until 20th) at the Don Bosco Theatre, Mill Lane, Glenorchy.

Catch Western Australian singer-songwriter Noah Dillon at Altar from 7pm tonight.

The quick-witted Barber of Seville comes to Theatre Royal in Rossini’s most famous ‘opera buffa’, faturing Opera Australia voices and a live orchestra. 7:30pm, book ahead.

The Winter Swing Festival is back after a bumpy few covid years. From 7pm tonight til Sunday at the Italian Club.

The Royal Czech Ballet is in Australia for the first time with Swan Lake, the most loved classical ballet of them all. See it from 7:30pm at the Theatre Royal.

i Details subject to

FURTHER AFIELD SATURDAY

Get the giggles at Bob Frog, an all-new stand-up comedy show from local comedian Rob Braslin, from 7pm at Rosny Farm Arts Centre.

Tas Wine Festival Winter Edition brings all the warmth (think wine + firepits) to the Goods Shed today and tomorrow. The Festival of Bright Ideas is also on at PW1 all day, book ahead.

Don your best white flares for the All White disco night - all night on a boat with Hobart Historic Cruises. www. tassielovesaturdays. com.au.

Homefest, the home and renovation show, is on at PW1 today and tomorrow. Rockwiz will jump outta your tv screen, live tonight 7:30pm.

SUNDAY

The second in the ongoing Four Tasmanian String Quartets #1 series is on today from 6pm at the Peacock Theatre in Salamanca.

Check out artist Jeremy Shaw’s Phase Shifting Index at MONA today from 8am-5pm.

Learn to make a needle felted gnome at a 3 hour workshop at Soho Arts today from 10am.

12 August Enjoy a three-course dark sky dinner by candlelight at Beaker Street’s first event at their NOCTURNA weekend at Spring Bay Mill, Triabunna. 6-10pm. 12-14 August The Tasmanian Storytelling Festival aims to change the way you think about storytelling. There’ll be live performances by seasoned raconteurs, workshops on crafting and delivering stories and more and it’s all free at the Tramsheds Function Centre in Launceston. 14-15 August The Heritage and Bullock Festival is on again in Oatlands see demonstrations of old skills, take a ride in a Clydesdale-drawn wagon, view the heritage crafts on display and more.

Singer/songwriter Bloom is in town for her popular Stevie Nicks, Carole King and Linda Ronstadt covers show. 2pm, The Longley.

www.thehobartmagazine.com.au/augustevents change. Check in with individual events for further details.

20 August Rug up and beat the winter chills with a toasty bonfire night at Art Farm Birchs Bay. Enjoy local food, live music featuring Ben Salter, dancing, fire twirling, art workshops, drinks, and more. Bringing your own cup along is recommended to reduce singleuse cup waste. 7-10pm, $20pp. 3 September Hamlet Downs is hosting a Long Table Lunch with Burmese French fusion cuisine, the first in a series of themed foodie events at the historic homestead in Fentonbury. Each event will use local produce, much of which will be from the farm. www. hamletdowns.com

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

program of works to represent the flow of emotions as a result of transportation to Port Arthur in the 19th Century. Enjoy a twocourse meal with moving choral performances within the walls of the haunting prison and asylum. 6-9pm.

20 August The Port Arthur Historic Site and Tasmanian ThylaSing present Love, Loss & Hope, a

4 September Race one of the 2022 TAS-XC Mountain Bike Series is on today in St Helens, hosted by the Pedal Heads MTB Club.

Got an event coming up in Tassie? Email us at editor@thehobartmagazine.com.au Background photo: Stu Gibson 25

COVER FEATURE

Interview: Stephanie Williams A passionate blacksmith, artist and sculptor by trade, Pete Mattila uses innovative methods to breathe new life into an age-old artform. His custom architectural and sculptural metal work is sought after for public and private commissions. How did you get into blacksmithing? After immigrating to Australia in 2001, I realised this was a great opportunity to acquire new skills. I studied boilermaking, welding and engineering at TAFE for about two years, and then I got an apprenticeship at an industrial blacksmith shop in Inveresk, in Launceston, called Tasmanian Blacksmiths and Engineering. It’s not open anymore but the guy who ran it, Geoff White, used to be a toolsmith at the Ipswich Railyards, in Queensland. He then moved to Tassie where he set up his shop. I pretty much begged him for a job - I’d been welding for ages and didn’t even know that a world of forging existed. For me, it was like a magical world and I fell in love with it right away. I worked with Geoff for a number of years and wanted to get fully certified as

an industrial blacksmith. The last place where I trained was in Ultimo, in Sydney. I learned all these amazing things that steel has to offer. Seeing all this forged metal work and learning to understand the material really well, I realised that it’s an art form. It’s a medium that’s still untapped, especially in the sculptural sense. So I decided to go to a contemporary art school in Launceston. During my honours year, I started to win awards for my work. While completing my master’s degree, I spent some time at a workshop in Pittsburgh in the US because I felt it was good research. Later I spent half of every year working on sculpture commissions in Tasmania, then the other half of the year at an architectural iron workshop in Northern California. Part of the deal was that I had access to the workshop after hours when I could work on my own projects and develop my own style. Over the years, I’ve been involved in some events with major performative actions. I once went to New Orleans with another blacksmith where we joined all these other artists. MONA, the one here in Hobart, was doing a gun buyback over there. I built a furnace, and we just fused all of these old guns together. Kirsha Kaechele had set it up because she had a lot of connections there. When I first started blacksmithing, I would have never thought that it could have such a powerful impact.

I’ve been back in Tasmania full-time now for about six years. I’ve set up my own shop in Battery Point, and I do commissions with my own designs. I also hold workshops where we do a bit of teaching. When you were a kid, is this something you were interested in, or was this career path completely unexpected? It was completely unexpected. It found me, and I just fell in love with it at the right time. I knew that I was really hungry for skills and I could see that having hand skills could have the potential to change my life. It was something I really wanted to do, and it led to self-empowerment in a way. It was transformative. Why do you think you’re so good at blacksmithing? I think it’s because I’m so passionate about it. Every time I talk about it and when I do it, I just light up. It’s such an old craft, but also such a new art form, if that makes sense? I feel like I’m always learning from the material. It translates into the modern world. I’m excited by the constant discoveries that happen. Maybe that’s the artist side of me. I’ve spent a lot of time pursuing the craft and meeting and learning from other people that are really good at it. Is there an established blacksmithing scene in Tassie? There is, but not as big as, for example, the woodworking guilds. There are a number of blacksmiths here,

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COVER FEATURE

Where can people see your work? I did the seating around the big, bronze playground at MONA. There’s also a large piece of work at Birchs Bay, at the sculpture park, but this is going to be moved to the Junction Arts Festival in Launceston in September. It’s linked with Tasdance, so there will be a dance choreographed that goes with my work, apparently a four-hour show with 26 dancers. My artwork might even get permanently installed up there. Most of my work though is in private collections or on private properties. My Battery Point studio is not open to the public, but when people wander down, I just show them the space and what we’re working on because we’re always working on interesting stuff. We are currently making massive gates for the arboretum in Chudleigh. like artist blacksmiths and knife makers. For a while, we formed a group because it helped with education and supporting each other and getting the word out about what we were doing. That was really successful for a while, but now there isn’t so much of a need for it anymore because people sort of know what we do. I get emails and phone calls from people all the time who are after forged work. I do mostly design work nowadays, or sculptural pieces. You also run workshops for kids. How do kids and fire and metal mix? How do you keep the children safe? When parents contact me, we first have a chat about the risks involved and the rules that need to be followed. I then meet the kids to check them out. Some can be fully trusted near a fire, others need to be supervised all the time to avoid accidents. I’ve known some of the kids for several years, and as they get older, they become more capable. When kids are eager to do the workshops, instead of the parents wanting them to do them, they’re amazingly safe in the workspace. And they’re so knowledgeable. They’ve done heaps of research beforehand. If a young person hasn’t done any work with me previously, it’s one-on-one tuition. If they have, then I can do two-on-one. The projects are always well planned and curated to make sure everything is really ultra-safe. I feel 28

it’s important for kids to have such opportunities because it provides them with real life skills and brings out their artistic side. I always tell them, knowing how to make stuff with your hands is more important than knowing how to write a good email! Do you have any favourite projects that you’ve worked on? I did a residency at the Inveresk Railyards in Launceston for about six months, where we made an enormous, fire-shooting sculpture. It was pretty magical. Just being inside this old railway museum, it gave it Industrial Revolution vibes. Another favourite project was in the US and involved designing a set of wings for the Burning Man Festival. They had ten international blacksmiths there. We built the wings in California and then brought them down to Nevada. Inside a tent, all of us blacksmiths and a group of participants of Burning Man forged the feathers together. That was the wildest demonstration I had ever done. There were thousands of people. I’d never got so many hugs in my life! It was a really special experience. A couple of years back, I made steel simply by collecting charcoal from an old-growth forest in Tasmania and some magnetite. That was really exciting too.

Any trends happening at the moment in the blacksmithing industry? This whole knife making thing at the moment is really going bonkers. I’m not wickedly passionate about knives myself, but it falls into that bucket of making things out of steel. A lot of the other major crafts like glass work and ceramics and textiles have had their big days, but blacksmithing is still just percolating under the surface with a lot of contemporary design and making. Steel work and blacksmithing work hasn’t fully emerged in Australia yet. I think that there’s an immense amount of potential for it. Have you ever seriously hurt yourself during blacksmithing? Do you still have all of your fingers? I burn myself occasionally, which I treat with cold water and aloe vera, but luckily, I’ve never had a major accident. What do you love to do in Hobart when not working? I usually try to get out when I’m not working, because I’m in town all the time. I’ve got a new puppy, a Blue Heeler, so I’ve been hitting a lot of the dog parks lately. Every other week I’ll go to Salamanca Market and do the rounds, buying my bits and pieces. I love going up kunanyi and seeing the Octopus Tree.

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FEATURE

CALL OUT: DONATE YOURSELF Interview: Lily Whiting Picture: DonateLife Tasmania

Every year in every country 13 August is dedicated to raising awareness about signing up as an organ donor. In 2021, 1,174 Aussie lives were saved through organ transplants from the generosity of 421 deceased organ donors and their families. We spoke to Medical Director for DonateLife Tasmania, Andrew Turner about the donation process locally for Tasmanians. There are currently 222,509 Tasmanians signed up to donate their organs, how does this compare to the rest of the country? Tasmanians are very supportive when it comes to registering as a donor, with about 50% of the population (16 and over) currently registered. This is the second highest rate in the country and well above the national average of 36%. It’s really important everyone in our community registers as a donor, because right now in Australia there are 13 million people aged 16 and over who are eligible to register as organ and tissue donors – but haven’t. How many of those people registered as donors will have the right circumstances to enable donation to happen? Sadly, less than 2% of people who die in hospital meet the clinical criteria where donation is able to proceed. The more people that are registered, the more 30

people are prepared for the unexpected and rare opportunity to donate their organs. We shouldn’t forget that discussing organ and tissue donation comes at an intensely emotional time for families – usually when faced with the unexpected death of their loved one. How does the transplant process differ for Tasmanians giving and receiving compared to other states? Organ and tissue donation is coordinated at any of Tasmania’s three major hospitals in Hobart, Launceston and Burnie. Tasmania does not have any transplant units, so transplantation of donated organs occurs at interstate transplant units, mainly because they are located in the larger population centers. If an organ donation retrieval is to happen in Tasmania, the transplant teams will travel here to assess viability, and then travel with the organs back to their transplant units interstate to coordinate the surgery. It’s a very complex process when you consider timing is critical, and logistics might require the organs from a single donor to be transplanted to multiple patients, sometimes in different cities or states. Our isolation as an island state is not a barrier when a Tasmanian is waiting for a transplant and an option for a transplant becomes available. It just requires carefully coordinated logistics to fly to an interstate transplant unit. What are the barriers to a successful transplant, and will the recipient go back on the list if it doesn’t work? Incredible planning and care is undertaken to ensure donated organs have the best opportunity to be successfully transplanted, from the moment the first tests to identify organ suitability, through to the final transplant surgery for waiting recipients. Receiving an organ transplant is the greatest gift anyone can receive, and for most people a transplant can be life changing, for some even lifesaving. Sadly for a small number of people, a transplant does not always guarantee success despite the best efforts of everyone involved.

The reasons for this vary from person to person, but can involve unexpected findings by the transplant team just prior to surgery, or changes in the stability of the patient during and after transplantation. Fortunately in Australia we have some of the best transplant outcomes in the world. What changes most when families don’t know if their loved one was a donor? When donation is possible, it helps families to know what their loved one wanted. Across Australia, 9 in 10 families say yes to donation when their loved one was a registered donor. This number is halved when a person is not registered and has not shared their wishes with their family. Do recipients and donors ever connect? Sometimes donor families like to contact the person who received their loved one’s organs or tissues, and sometimes transplant recipients would like to thank the family of their donor. Donor families and those who have received a transplant can write anonymous letters to each other, facilitated by the donation program. The decision to write is a very personal one. It may take some time before a donor family or recipient is ready to send and/or receive a letter, some people may choose not to write. How can Tasmanians sign up as an organ donor? Any Australian aged 16 and over can sign up online at donatelife. gov.au, regardless of medical history, lifestyle, country of birth or how healthy you are. It only takes a minute and only requires contact details and your medicare card number. Sign-up can also be done through the Express Plus Medicare app, via myGov or online at Service Australia, or go old school with a printed form from your Service Australia office. Anyone who did register via the phased out driver’s license register is still on the Australian Organ Donor Register but we always suggest people check their donation status.

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SIR TATER-TOT THE AMBASSADOG Interview: Lily Whiting In our first ever interview with a dog we chatted/barked with Ambassadog from the Dogs Home of Tasmania, Sir TaterTot. He shares all the wonderful things that have happened to him since being adopted from the shelter. Tater’s interview was help along by mum Michelle Jones, Behaviour Trainer/Vet Nurse at Dogs’ Homes of Tasmania ahead of International Dog Day on 26 August.

them all but there’s nothing like having your own warm bed and a family to call your own. I was lucky my mum works at the shelter and spotted me straight away. She was looking for the perfect dog to help with a very important job of teaching the greyhounds how to be well behaved around small dogs like me so they can attain their muzzle free status. I’m also learning how to be the perfect ambassadog from my big fur brother Norm.

Name: Sir Tater-Tot. Age: 18 month old male. Breed: My vet records say I’m a Jack Russell X terrier, but my mum tells me I am a Dogs Home special and 100% good boy. Favourite treat? I love a cow hoof stuffed and frozen. My favourite stuffings are steak, chicken and yoghurt. Favourite adventure with your new family: My mum and I work at the Dogs Home so everyday is an adventure! I love hanging out with staff, volunteers and the dogs, especially the greyhounds! How long were you at the shelter before being adopted? I was only at the shelter a week or two before my mum fell in love and fostered me. When did your new family adopt you, and who do you live with? My mum fostered me for a few months while she applied for a kennel licence and now I live with her, my two teenage human sisters and two fur brothers. We also have two cats, a cow, a sheep, a goat and a pony. I love them all! There are some pesky chickens here as well but mum says I’m not allowed to chase them away. How do you feel being in your new home after living in the shelter and going through the adoption process? The staff took great care of me and I love 32

For people with a certain breed in mind, what would you say to those looking to adopt a new furry friend from a shelter? I know lots of people have a specific breed in mind when looking for a dog but I would recommend taking the time to look at all the dogs available. We all have very different temperaments and personalities, you might be very surprised at who you end up falling in love with if only you’d spend the time meeting and learning about everyone. My mum loves big dogs so she never in a million years thought she would own a 6kg Jack Russell X and a 72kg Mastiff X, and now we are all joined at the hip. Did you need extra support to fit in with your new family? I needed a lot of help with toilet training as I wasn’t used to being indoors so much and car rides were pretty overwhelming at the start. I still have the occasional accident, but mum says that’s her fault for not paying attention. As for the car, it didn’t take me long to realise that car rides are the start of each new adventure! I do like to chase the chickens so mum keeps me on a very long lead when we are out in the paddocks working and rewards me with yummy treats for ignoring them. Not all dogs end up in shelters for the same reason, what situations have resulted in your friends looking for a new home? My first family surrendered me because they were worried their two very big dogs would hurt me. I’m glad

they cared enough about me to keep me safe. My greyhound friends are surrendered when they can no longer race and make money for their owners. I’m glad they get a chance at having a family just like me. Some other friends have never had a family that loves them and others have families that cared very much but are unable to keep them for various reasons. Some have had owners who are homeless, other owners have passed away. Some just were not allowed to live where their owners were staying. For humans looking to adopt, what is the best part about getting an animal from the shelter? You can give a second chance to one of my friends who have ended, drop and be good dogs which is great for people who don’t have time to train a puppy. Every dog that gets adopted from the shelter makes room for another dog to be helped. Supporting a not-forprofit whose priority is the best interest of all my four legged friends is a great feeling! If you have space in your heart and home for a furry friend, or some extra treats and toys up your sleeve, consider supporting a wonderful shelter around our state.

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PSYCHOLOGY

HOW TO MAKE AND NURTURE FRIENDSHIPS AS AN ADULT Words: Annia Baron

where we’re grouped together based on age and postcode, no one teaches us how to initiate and sustain transparent and rewarding friendships in adulthood. We’re just expected to know how to do that. And even if we’re happy with the friends we have, changes that life brings – new jobs, partners, projects or babies – mean we find ourselves questioning our friendship foundations. Perhaps we begin focusing on different values or want to explore new ways of living. Maybe sometimes we feel we’ve outgrown our companions. And with social media in the mix, friendships can feel messier. Despite the likes and comments that we may receive online, many of us can experience a sense of loneliness and increased isolation. So what can we do when we feel unsure about our friendships?

Five years ago, I walked from Hobart to Launceston. I was aching. My mum had been diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s and I felt compelled to do something to heal the years of witnessing her decline. My friend Lee thought I was crazy but I knew she believed in me. No matter the weather (and it sure was cold as it was the middle of winter!), she checked in on me daily, sending me messages to see if I was okay. One evening, perhaps sensing my exhaustion, she made the drive from Hobart to Ross and back just to have dinner with me . . . and bring a pair of fresh, dry socks. True friends are those that no matter what, show up for you – whether you’re hurting or celebrating. They ask how you are and don’t let distance or time be a factor in demonstrating their genuine care and interest in your life. These reciprocal connections, no matter how many or few we have, keep us feeling good about ourselves, providing significant benefits to our emotional and physical wellbeing. But making and keeping friends can be complicated. Unlike primary school, 34

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Remind yourself you’re not alone. It’s common to question our position in social circles and feel misaligned at times. Choose to see this as an opportunity to check in with your needs, and what you could start doing more (or less) of to create the friendships you deserve.

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Get to know your personal values and what you want to stand for. The clearer we are about what we hold most dear to us in friendships (e.g., being able to speak freely without judgment, trust, quality time together etc), the easier it becomes to seek and create situations with people who resonate with a similar mindset.

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Speak your truth. It’s okay to talk with your friends about how you may have drifted apart or acknowledge that the friendship has changed. By doing so, the pressure to keep it ‘looking’ a certain way may lift, freeing you to be more real with one another. Build your tribe by pursuing activities that delight and enliven you. Whether chess, crafts, and roller derby, or meditation, woodwork

and bushwalking, social events that satisfy diverse niches exist. And if you can’t find one, be courageous and consider starting your own! •

Check in. In a world where so much is going on, it’s almost become acceptable for weeks or months to pass before we reply. Let’s reverse this idea that we’re too busy. How about instead, we revolutionise what it means to be a connected community of people who care about one another. A simple text or a voice recorded message can take one minute of your time but be the very thing that turns someone’s whole week around.

And remember, it’s not about how many friends you have, it’s about the depth and breadth of the connections that matter. So whether you’ve got one Lee in your life or 10, whether you’re content with your friendships or seeking more like-minded kinfolk, take time to honour and celebrate all the good people you know. Send them that message, write them that letter, surprise them with an unexpected gift. A little bit of love and kindness can go a long way and much like a good pair of socks, the rewards of comfort and support in return will be with you every step of the way. Annia Baron is a Clinical Psychologist & Mindset Coach. Interested in elevating your mindset to live a life you desire and deserve? Get in touch on 0402 448 278, on Instagram @anniabaron or visit www. remindyourself.com.

Friendship is never defined by age, career status or upbringing. Did you know singer, comedian and author Bette Midler (76) and rapper, actor and businessman 50 Cent (47) are BFFs? After the unlikely pair connected at a Community Garden Project in New York in 2008, they continue to be close and celebrate their friendship.

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TRAVEL ON THE ISLAND NUTRITION

AVOID THOSE DIRTY LOOKS Words: Laura Cini

How many personal care products do you use? Do you know what’s in them? A long list of unpronounceable ingredients? What are they really doing to your skin, your health, and the environment? Readers, it really is time to come clean on the personal care product industry. It’s estimated the average Australian woman uses 12 different personal care products every day including cleanser, moisturiser, shampoo, conditioner, fragrances, and makeup, containing a total of about 168 chemicals. It’s estimated Australian men use around half the number of products, but this is increasing. My friend pointed out that she’s not eating the products she uses, so what’s the problem with putting them on her skin? Plenty, it seems. Skin has millions of pores; tiny openings on the surface through which these substances are absorbed into the body. The personal care product industry uses over 10,500 unique chemical ingredients which many consumers assume have been tested for long-term safety. What actually happens is many ingredients are tested individually for shortterm reactions like skin irritation, but not tested for long-term safety. What is also not tested is the cocktail effect of exposure to multiple chemicals within the one product; an effect which may be increased with the use of many products. Some of these ingredients (like formaldehyde and coal tar) are carcinogenic (cancer-causing) to humans. Others, like parabens and phthalates mess with our sensitive hormonal systems. Some are toxic to the nervous system and some (like fragrances and sodium lauryl sulfate) can irritate the skin and cause dermatitis. Like your gut, your skin has a microbiome. This is a busy community of trillions (yes, trillions!) of organisms like bacteria, viruses and fungi that live on its surface. These good guys work tirelessly to fight infection, heal wounds and help your immune system. Ingredients in personal care products can disrupt this community which can cause eczema, psoriasis, acne and rosacea. Have you heard of triclosan? Initially made as a pesticide, triclosan then started being added to products like toothpaste and soap to kill disease-causing bacteria, to aftershave and makeup as a preservative and to deodorants and body sprays to fight odour. Imagine the effects of triclosan on your skin’s microbiome. So, what to do? It’s time to instigate a clean regime. Use less products. Read product labels. If a product contains a list of unpronounceable ingredients, ditch it, especially if it’s going to be sitting on your skin all day like a moisturiser or covering a large part of your body like body lotion. 36

Find cleaner brands. Be aware that industry labelling regulations are lax and companies make all sorts of unsubstantiated claims their products are “all-natural” or “organic” or “eco”. Organisations like the non-profit Environmental Working Group (www.ewg.org) are a trustworthy resource for information about clean brands. If it’s a bit overwhelming, start with simple changes. Try using a shampoo bar instead of shampoo and conditioner. Better for your skin and far less packaging. Use soap and water to wash your hands or try the recipe on this page to make your own safe hand soap. Make positive changes, keep your looks clean and your skin (and the environment) will thank you. Laura Cini is an expert nutritionist, herbalist and naturopath with over 20 years’ experience. She sees clients, is a regular guest on radio, does podcasts and blogs. Visit lauraciniwellness. com or connect @lauraciniwellness.

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CULTURA ESPRESSO BAR AND RESTAURANT 123 Liverpool Street, Hobart Cultura is right near our office and conveniently close to pop in for their $10 lunchtime takeaway pasta special. The gorgonzola orecchiette is a team favourite! Chef’s kiss. But after saying many times, ‘let’s sit in here for lunch one day’, it was only recently that we finally did. Cultura is on busy Liverpool Street, just across from Myer and has been operating for 11 years. There’s a few tables outside for sunny days (which I can see are perfect for aperitivo and dinner in the warmer months), but we choose to head inside on the cold day we visited. The long bar stretches from the front area, and leads you down into the dining room and semi-open kitchen space. There’s a pizza oven behind the bar, busily in action over lunch. The menu reads as a classic Italian menu - antipasti, insalata, pizza, pasta, risotto, mains and desserts. There are a number of vegan dishes and gluten free options, including gnocchi, pizza and pasta. Knowing I had an afternoon of work ahead of me, I stayed away from sleep-inducing pizza and pasta, but did opt for a glass of Frogmore Creek riesling. Because, why not!? Our food arrived quickly. My pork and beef meatballs ($20) 38

were served with thinly sliced ciabatta and were completely delicious. The tomato sugo sauce was rich and perfect for mopping up with the bread. One dining companion ordered the bruschetta ($19) was a chopped salad of tomatoes, red onion and basil atop ciabatta bread - a classic combination. My other diner ordered the gamberi oglio e olio ($29) - spaghetti with prawns, oil, garlic and chilli. We also ordered a serve of polenta chips ($16) to share, which came with a creamy gorgonzola sauce. It’s one thing to serve decent food (which Cultura does!) but it’s hospitality that makes a first time diner into a regular. And Italian restaurants do it so well. Having been regulars for takeaway, I can safely say we’ve found a great option in the CBD for when there’s more time to linger, or to meet someone over lunch.

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TRAVEL

A RADELAIDE WEEKEND OFF THE ISLAND Words and pictures: Lily Whiting With a four-day gap in both mine and my good friend’s calendar, it seemed like a sign from above to shoot over to South Australia for a long weekend. While there was going to be no beach hopping in July, accommodation was instead aplenty and cheap, and without a snowy mountain in sight, it was mild and no extra thermals were required. It was to be a long weekend of enjoying ourselves, so we left Hobart with dinners booked, afternoon bars in mind and a hire car ready to take us beyond the city fringes. DAY ONE: Within hours of leaving Hobart, we had descended into Adelaide and swiftly made our way to lunch. A former bank

turned restaurant, Fishbank has a sense of old school glamour with its gold detailing, oyster and raw bar stations and a caviar cart making its way between tables. We settled into an old bank booth while devouring seafood plates and the first of many South Australian wines for the weekend. Our fried kingfish wings were dismantled and cleaned of any soft parcels of fish - my Dad would be proud that one of my very few talents has finally come in handy. While bar seats may not be for everyone, perched at Shobosho on Friday night was as entertaining as it was delicious. Observing chefs working seamlessly among the smoke, steam and fire had our eyes fixed. We bonded with the very chatty chef working near us over our NSW ex-pat status, while swiftly appreciating scallop wontons and slices of raw tuna dressed in bonito cream and grilled nori. Manoeuvring long tentacles of snake beans topped with fermented chilli and nuts with chopsticks were worth the fight, while the handpicked blue swimmer crab udon noodles with dashi butter was light, warming and packed a deliciously lemony, sea-water punch. We asked for their Spotify playlist upon departure, shamelessly, so be sure to search ‘Progressive Dinner Tunes’ if you’re hosting anytime soon.

Worth the visit: MOD museum to release the inner child. Think MONA but PG rated and an entertaining way to kill an hour or so. Leigh Street Wine Room and Pink Moon Saloon to pass time with a cocktail in hand.

DAY TWO: A search for a pastry and coffee led us to the Adelaide Central Market on Saturday morning for a warm Portuguese custard tart. Taking in all the sights and smells, we were fuelled up for the short windy drive to the Adelaide Hills. I’m fortunate to be surrounded by very wine-passionate people in Hobart, so I left town with a list of wineries/winemakers to visit. Sadly,

some were without cellar doors during winter so I would probably suggest doing a little more research than I, however, with vineyards around every corner, there were plenty of places to still visit. Lunch was spent at the Summertown Aristologist where vegetables grown in house are served on one-off ceramics and milk curds were finished with honey shaved black truffles. We plucked mussels from shells resembling squawking bird beaks, cleaned up all the pan juices with bread and sipped cloudy natural wine from hand-blown glasses. Yum. We may have underestimated how exhausting all this fun and games was going to be when we booked a late dinner at Africola and sadly our full bellies couldn’t keep up with all the punchy small plates. With McLaren Vale on our radar for Sunday and our tired eyes were begging for bed, we admitted defeat and toddled home. There’s a first for everything but perhaps a second trip back might be needed to fully absorb the funky, eclectic energy of this North African canteen. Worth the visit: CRFT wines was a beautiful spot for a tasting, and the cellar at Summertown Aristologist is also worth a visit after lunch. DAY THREE: We started our day at Glenelg Beach before making a beeline before the crowds to the d’Arenberg Cube. A walk through the very MONA-esque gallery left us with raised eyebrows and tilted heads before a wine tasting above the rolling hills. The Salopian Inn was continually suggested for lunch over the course of the weekend and fortunately we snagged a last-minute early lunch booking. Small plates of Hiramasa Kingfish sashimi dressed with ponzu, daikon and ginger was followed by a bigger share plate of uttapam, a dosa style pancake topped with cashew cream, spiced cauliflower and garden pickles. Like Tasmania, distilleries are aplenty so naturally a gin with lunch was a must. Winery seasoned, we decided less is more and narrowed our list of wineries to spending more time enjoying less. If it

wasn’t for the South Australian postcode, a venture to Down The Rabbit Hole Winery transported me to the Northern Rivers Hinterland. Wine tastings were held in a pastel blue double-decker bus, while groups laid on floral throw blankets across the lawn of a white weatherboard house serving share plates, wine and amaretto sours. Just to stretch our belt buckles a little further, we ended our trip with dinner at Fugazzi Bar and Dining room with an array of Italian New York style share plates. By now, you might have figured out we were eating pescatarian for the weekend, and by no means did we miss out at all. Anchovy toasts, fried artichokes with pancetta (an exception to the rule) and whipped ricotta with fried bread were savoured and could have been consumed twice over. I’m always a big fan of places that can make anyone love vegetables like

cabbage and Brussel sprouts, regardless of how scarred they were by their childhood and this sugarloaf cabbage was no exception. I seem to be salivating over the blue-swimmer crab casarecce as I write this, and the crème caramel was almost as yummy as my mum’s. Worth the visit: Hugh Hamilton to pat a sheep and drink wine. Hellbound wine bar for Cacio e Pepe chips before dinner and Maybe Mae for a hidden cocktail but you have to trust the aloof doors. With our belt buckles busting, and some wine carefully stashed in our suitcases, we said goodbye to Adelaide after a quick croque monsieur at Hello Jupiter. Whilst we may have gone down the boujee boulevard, there were many moments where the city felt just like Hobart and perhaps a second trip is on the cards sooner rather than later. 41

HISTORY

WHAT BECAME OF THE CHILDREN OF CONVICTS? THE HISTORY OF HOBART’S ORPHAN SCHOOLS

Words: Lilian Koch Picture: Tasmanian Archives You may be well acquainted with stories of prisoners being shipped to Van Diemen’s Land to carry out their sentences as convicts. But what is perhaps often overlooked in our colonial history is the story of what became of the direct descendants of convicts. Many women who arrived in Van Diemen’s Land were accompanied by their children. Upon arrival, however, these children were usually sent to one of the Orphan Schools in New Town. Established in 1828, these Orphan Schools were an early form of public education, but also an unsurprisingly cruel and harsh one. The majority of these children were not true orphans – they simply had convict parents who were not permitted to keep them in their care. This, in part, was an attempt to rid the penal colony of its vices, as the colonial government thought that the best way for children to avoid inheriting the ‘stain’ of 42

their parents was to remove and reform them. There were also a number of Aboriginal children, including ones who had been living with white families. Other children were also admitted due to the death, illness, desertion, or illegitimacy of their parents. Discipline, punishment, control, and religion was used in an attempt to shape these children into respectable adults. The schools were cold, with no fires, poor sanitation, and disease all contributing to high mortality rates. As an 1839 article by the Colonial Times put it: “Everyone knows how pleasing an appearance the exterior of the building exhibits; we wish we could say as much of the interior; but this we cannot do, as the majority of the apartments allotted to the use of the children, are cold, comfortless, and ill-arranged upon a most mistaken system of parsimonious economy. In one room we saw five little fellows blue and shivering with cold. There was, it is true, a fireplace in the room, but no fire. We have seen many

assemblages of children in our time, both at home and abroad but never did we see two hundred human beings that exhibited so squalid an appearance, as did the majority of the Queens Orphans.” If a convict woman fell pregnant while serving time, she could be admitted to one of the nurseries that were established in the female factories. Not surprisingly, these were overcrowded, and infant mortality was rampant. Many children born in factories died from malnutrition, diarrhoea, and other preventable illnesses, as well as unhygienic and cold living conditions. Pregnant women usually remained in these nurseries to await the birth of her child, remaining for another six to nine months until her infant was weaned. She would then be sent to the factory yard to serve six months hard labour as punishment for giving birth to an illegitimate child. The infants would usually remain in the nursery until two or three years of age, before being transferred to the Orphan Schools. Reverend Thomas Ewing, master of the Queen’s Orphan Schools, firmly believed that convict mothers should not have been allowed to associate with their children because they would be contaminated by their vices. He argued that in no case “is it advisable to admit the mothers to associate with their children; in every case I think it is a disadvantage. If the illegitimate children were kept wholly from their parents, there would be much greater chances of their turning out well” (Depraved and Disorderly, 1997). In this way, convict women were, by definition, bad mothers who were polluted and diseased and had the capacity to contaminate their children. In 1879 the Orphan Schools closed its doors. The buildings still remain to this day and have most recently been used as an aged care facility. A sculpture by Rowan Gillespie now lies on the Hobart Waterfront in front of MACq 01, in remembrance of the plight of convict women and children who were transported to Van Diemen’s Land.

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GET YOUR FIX AT THE REPAIR CAFE Interview: Lilian Koch Since its inception in 2018, Aaron Benham has been a co-convenor and general volunteer at the Repair Café in New Town. Visitors can bring broken items from their home and with the assistance of volunteers, learn how to repair items that would have otherwise been discarded. What is your role at the Repair Café? I am a co-convenor at the Repair Café as well as one of the general volunteers. I’ve been involved with Repair Café Hobart since its inception in 2018. Why is there a need for Repair Cafés? Repair Cafes act to counter the ideals of consumerist culture and reduce waste. Waste is a serious issue that needs addressing, and by offering to help people fix things for free, we hope to reduce waste by extending the lives of products and preventing them from going to landfill. Providing the service for free is important to ensure cost isn’t a barrier for people getting help to fix their things. What kind of things can one fix at a repair café? It depends on the expertise of the repairers available on the day! We’re very lucky at Repair Café

Hobart because we have a pool of highly skilled repairers, many of whom can repair all sorts of different things. At a typical session, we will have repairers for clothing, bicycles, jewellery, electronics, furniture, and knife and tool sharpening. For items that don’t fit neatly into those categories, we have a general repairs station staffed by folks who can turn their hand to fixing practically anything! Because of this, we say that if you can fit it through the door (which is quite a wide, double-door!), you can get help to fix it. Do you think newer generations have lost the skills of knowing how to repair things? I do. Because newer generations (of which I am a part) have grown up in rampant consumerist culture, we’ve been conditioned to believe that it’s easier and/ or cheaper to replace something than it is to repair it. One of the best recent examples is modern printers. It’s often cheaper to buy a new one than to replace an ink cartridge. We need to make sure that, when we can, we consider not just the financial costs of our actions, but the environmental costs. Internet repair tutorials go some way to filling the knowledge gap, but they’re no substitute for being able to talk to someone about your specific problem who can answer your questions and provide targeted advice. The transfer of these skills through things like repair cafes is therefore of great personal and community benefit. Where can readers find the Repair Café in Hobart? Repair Café Hobart

operates out of Kickstart Arts at 12 St Johns Avenue, New Town. Sessions are held on the third Saturday of each month from 1-3pm. Readers can also find us on Facebook and Instagram. We’re also very excited about the new, Eastside Repair Café which operates out of the Warrane Mornington Neighbourhood Centre at 150A Bligh Street, Warrane. Their sessions are on the fourth Saturday of each month from 2-4pm. What do you do outside the Repair Café? Outside Repair Café, I’m a primary school teacher. In my spare time I like to play guitar, Dungeons & Dragons, ultimate frisbee, and video games. I like to sing and read and I would really like to improve my drawing. Do you have any tips for our readers for reducing waste at home? Aside from repairing things, cut down on food waste by shopping smart and putting scraps in a compost bin if you can accommodate one and buy products with minimal packaging (particularly plastic). Buying second hand things wherever possible also helps to reduce the cycle of waste. There’s lots of information on waste reduction out there including plenty of social media groups. The most important thing is to approach waste reduction with realistic goals. Creating a zero-waste household doesn’t happen overnight. Your best bet is to try a few waste reduction techniques at a time, practise them until they’re familiar, then pick another set to try when you’re ready. Don’t let perfect be the enemy of good.

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