TEENAGE ANTIQUARIAN JOSHUA PAPERA OPENS NEW NORFOLK STORE AT 18
54 COLVILLE STREET, BATTERY POINT
- whether you’re seeking a spacious home, a business location, or a creative studio. Positioned just moments from Hobart’s CBD, Salamanca Place, and local attraction, it’s an opportunity unlike any other. For Sale
A landmark property in the heart of historic Battery Point, this unique residence seamlessly blends heritage charm with modern versatility. Offering a rare comination of residential and commercial space, it presents endless possibilities
LUMI
(here)
preserving traditional knowledge, forging bonds between communities & inviting the wider public to experience traditional cultural practices
Moonah Arts Centre
WELCOME TO THE HOBART/LAUNCESTON MAGAZINE
Change is in the air. As summer makes way for autumn, the leaves are turning golden, there’s a chill in the breeze, and it’s time to swap iced lattes for hot coffee. But don’t retreat into hibernation just yet, because there’s plenty to keep you busy this month.
It was a pleasure to chat to AFL player Alex Pearce, the captain of Fremantle Football Club and Ulverstone man, for our cover story this month. After a rollercoaster 2024, Alex is eager to lead his team to new heights in 2025.
We also find out how the teenaged Josh Papera became the owner of his own antique store in New Norfolk and hear from science communicator Zoe Kean, who shares some mind-blowing facts about evolution.
As we usher in a new season, we’d love to hear from you. Email editor@thehobartmagazine.com.au and let us know what you’d like to see more of in the magazine, or get in touch with any hot local tips.
Steph, James and The Hobart/ Launceston Magazine team
Publisher Stephanie Williams editor@thehobartmagazine.com.au
Publisher Information: While all care has been taken, some information may have changed since publication. The Hobart/Launceston 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, or drop us a line at PO Box 315, South Hobart, TAS, 7004.
The Hobart/Launceston Magazine acknowledges the Tasmanian Aboriginal People as the Traditional Owners and ongoing custodians of Lutruwita/Tasmania. We pay our respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and to their Elders past, present and emerging. www.thehobartmagazine.com.au
Local is the New Luxe
Smitten Merino, a Tasmanian merino clothing brand co-founded by Nicola and Carl Mason in 2007, began as an online venture but quickly evolved into a storefront after customer demand for tactile experiences became evident. The brand is known for its luxurious, soft superfine wool clothing made from Australian sheep, hand sewn in Tasmania. Nic, who designs all the pieces, draws inspiration from her past, her grandmother’s style, and current fashion trends. Her daughter, Holly, also contributes creatively, while Carl handles marketing and operations.
Smitten Merino emphasises family involvement, and a small retail and customer care team, fostering a close-knit business culture. The Masons prioritise ethical practices, choosing a Victorian factory to knit their lightweight merino fabric that aligns with their environmental values. Smitten is then carefully hand cut and sewn in a northern Tasmanian factory.
Despite its growing presence, the Masons aim to enhance Tasmania’s wool processing capabilities, intending to keep manufacturing local. Ultimately, Smitten Merino embodies a deep passion for merino wool, resonating with customers who appreciate quality and personal connection.
Superfine Merino Clothing Made in Tasmania
Phone: 03 6212 0197
Free Shipping Australia Wide
Flagship Boutique
47 Sandy Bay Rd | Battery Point www.smittenmerino.com
Holly wears oatmeal sleeveless wrap and ivory scoop top
ZOE KEAN
An award-winning science writer and frequent radio guest, Zoe Kean recently published a book that covers her passions in evolution, ecology, and the environment - the idea of which came from the Tasmanian devil.
Where did you grow up and where do you live now? I was born in Adelaide, grew up in the western suburbs of Melbourne, moved to Tassie at 19 and have been here for over 13 years.
How did your interest in science first develop? I can’t remember not being interested in science. As a very little kid I couldn’t decide whether I wanted to be a marine biologist, volcanologist, palaeontologist, or a zoologist. Science writing means I can learn about it all.
What inspired you to write your book, Why Are We Like This? I’ve always been obsessed with evolution. But the seed was planted when I found out that research into cancer evolution in Tasmanian devils was being used to better understand human cancer. I started pondering a whole raft of questions common to most people. These are questions like: Why do we love? Sleep? Drink? Age? Have conscious experience? Taking an evolutionary perspective on these things was very liberating for me. There are a lot of people tackling these questions and coming up with exciting and novel answers that can empower us to lead kind and connected lives. Plus, there are some great ideas in there for medicine. So, it was really the Tassie devil that started it all.
Was there a moment during your research that blew your mind? I spent the entire research process in a continuous state of mind-blown-ness. The story of life is infinitely fascinating and compelling. But getting to see a 3.4-billion-year-old fossil was high up there.
I also had a sea snake swim through my hair while researching in Shark Bay, WA. That was pretty mind blowing.
What’s one thing you wish people knew about your job? Most Aussie writers cannot afford to write full time, and that means Aussie readers are not getting the books we deserve. Oh, and we get financial compensation when you borrow our books from the library, so if you can’t buy: borrow.
Why do you think Tassie attracts so many scientists? We are the gateway to Antarctica, you can live by nature and still live close to a research facility, and there are funded jobs.
Who do you admire? My friends.
Favourite podcast or TV show? I’m currently obsessed with the podcasts of Jamie Loftus.
Secret vice? Fantasy novels.
What are you reading now? Deep Water by James Bradley
Do you have any pets? I have a perfect little dog.
What was your first job? I worked the checkout at a greengrocer.
What are your daily news/social media habits? My day job is in journalism, so I’m pretty surrounded by news a lot of the time. I wake up and listen to ABC RN Breakfast. I listen to political analysis and science podcasts. I often scan the local papers. I get a lot of media releases to my inbox, speak to colleagues, go to events, and try to make sure I am getting a diverse media diet.
But sometimes it is all too much. If I’m not working I take a break…then freak out when I reconnect. When it comes to social media, I spend far too much time on TikTok. But I do love the community of education content creators there, as well as the fan edits of Matildas players on the pitch.
Your favourite place for… Breakfast: Bed.
Lunch: Mountain top.
Dinner: Sitting in the car boot, watching the water with my partner and my dog.
Dream holiday destination? Many places. I’m pretty keen on doing an extended trip to Flores, Indonesia. I went there over a decade ago for a week and it was amazing. But I didn’t get to see the site where the ancient human species Homo Floresiensis was found. I would love to check that out and maybe write about it (whoops, I am good at bringing work into holidays). I’d also like to say g’day to those Komodo dragons and reef sharks again.
Favourite Tasmanian secret? The true beauty of Kunanyi is found by wandering its trails, not just driving to the top.
Parting words? Caring, kindness and community is strength and is also part of the deep evolutionary history of this world. Do not let people convince you the history of our species is solely one of individual dominance.
GOLDFISH
THEATRE ROYAL, STUDIO THEATRE, NIPALUNA/HOBART
THU 27 MAR at 5:30PM
FRI 28 MAR at 5:30PM
SAT 29 MAR at 11AM, 2PM and 5:30PM
HISTORY OF HOUSE
TIME REBEL
THEATRE ROYAL, NIPALUNA/HOBART
SAT 22 MAR at 7:30PM
THE ARK, LAUNCESTON THU 27 MAR at 6PM
BURNIE ARTS, TOWN HALL, PATAWAY/BURNIE
SAT 29 MAR at 7PM
SIRENS
THEATRE ROYAL - STUDIO THEATRE NIPALUNA/HOBART
SUN 23 MAR at 3PM SUN 23 MAR at 7PM
BURNIE ARTS, PATAWAY/BURNIE
FRI 28 MAR at 6PM
TANIWHA TIME MACHINE
ODEON THEATRE, NIPALUNA/HOBART FRI 28 MAR at 8PM
BELLERIVE BOARDWALK FRI 21 to 9AM to 8PM 21–30 MARCH 2025
JACOB MILLER
Jacob Miller is prominent in the Op Shop world, known for their role in the success of Vinnies North Hobart. As 2025 marks the centenary of Op Shops in Australia, we spoke to Jacob before they embark on a global journey to bring valuable Op Shop insights back to Australia.
Where did you grow up and where do you live now? I grew up all over southern Tasmania, moving often as my parents never stayed put for long.
As a seventh-generation Tasmanian with family scattered across the island, I got to explore just about every corner. These days, I call Brunswick, Melbourne home but make regular pilgrimages back to Tassie.
Tell us a bit about what you do. I’ve spent most of my life immersed in the world of Op Shops. It started with welcoming customers, sorting treasures, and working alongside amazing volunteers. Most recently, I wrapped up my time at Uniting Op Shops, where I launched a whole new brand for the sector.
How did your passion for Op Shops develop? It all began with a love of uncovering treasures. Garage sales, second-hand stores, Gumtree, or Marketplace - these are storytelling havens where the thrill of discovery reigns supreme. Op Shops take that joy to the next level. They fund amazing charities, create vibrant communities, and process mountains of items for reuse and recycling. Op Shops are more than shops, they’re hubs of charity, homes for stories, treasure troves, and spaces where people reinvent themselves daily.
You were recently awarded the Elvie Munday Churchill Fellowship. What does this entail? Churchill Fellows are a community of changemakers - celebrating curiosity, encouraging inquisitive thinking, promoting innovation, and
generating positive impacts. The Trust provides Australians with the opportunity to travel overseas conducting research, to individuals with the passion and commitment to make a difference in Australian society. My trip will take me to the United States, Canada, Ireland, Sweden and the United Kingdom. I’ll explore second-hand retail spaces, dive into their volunteer and youth engagement strategies, and visit unique shops.
How are you feeling about this upcoming trip? I’m buzzing with excitement! I can’t wait to visit places like Two Big Blondes in Seattlea plus-size gem - and City Opera in New York, known for its curated designer pieces. I’m slightly nervous about cramming all my finds into my luggage (and all the knowledge into my brain!), but it’s a challenge I’m ready for.
What holes in the Aussie system do you hope your global findings will fill? Australia can be hesitant to embrace innovation. In Sweden, I’ll explore the world’s first entirely second-hand shopping mall. In Scotland, I’ll visit a charity shop in the metaverse! Consignment models, co-ops, and youth-led initiatives are thriving overseas but remain underutilised here. My fear is that as the for-profit second-hand market grows, charities may lose access to high-quality donations and younger generations of shoppers.
Who do you admire? Iris Apfelmaximalism, style, who smashed it to 102! Mary Portas (Queen of Charity Shops) is another powerhouse I look up to.
Favourite podcast or TV show? Out in the Open, a Tasmanian podcast by my mates Matt and Bevan, and Help I Sexted My Boss
Secret vice? Op Shops! Even on leave, I can’t resist bric-a-brac and art, it’s my happy place.
What are you reading now? Nothing to Hide, a stunning collection of stories from Trans and Gender Diverse Australia.
What was your first job? At 14 I worked at McDonald’s in Rosny. It didn’t last long.
What are your daily news/social media habits? I’m a doom scroller, soaking up stories of travel, food, and style. Find me on Instagram @TheJacobMillerShow.
Your favourite place for… Breakfast: Room for Pony or Criterion. Lunch: Cyclo for a quick working bite. Dinner: Templo or my friends at Capitol.
Dream holiday destination? Europe, always! Portugal (again) or Italy is next on my list.
Favourite Tasmanian secret?
Stanley! I visit yearly for its cosy pub, wine bar, stunning beaches, and the Tarkine rainforest.
Parting words? Challenge yourself to shop at an Op Shop - try Uniting in North Hobart!
Jacob is leaving Uniting Op Shops to embark on a new chapter in social enterprise consulting and group facilitation. They’ll also be traveling the world with their Churchill Fellowship. Follow Jacob’s journey on their socials.
NEW NEW NEW
In what was once the New Town Post and Telegraph Office, The Parcel Cafe (176 New Town Road, New Town) has opened, being created by Lansdowne Cafe’s Minh Tran and Ozus Cafe’s Carl Nguyen. It’s a cosy space with walls adorned with vintage finds, artwork and plenty of plants. Another new cafe has opened in New Town, in the space opposite the netball courts. Bam Cafe (251 New Town Road, New Town) is serving
ABORIGINAL PLACE
NAMES CAPITALISED
Some Tasmanian Aboriginal place names have had their first letter capitalised as the reconstructed palawa kani language evolves. Thirteen gazetted names will be altered. Late in 2024 the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre requested that the government change the official names to begin with upper-case letters and the TAC website now states that initial capital letters for place names are now standard practice. Dual name signs - such as those for kunanyi/Mt Wellingtonwill be updated when they are due for general maintenance. Keep an eye out for Kunanyi/Mt Wellington, Takayna/ Tarkine and Yingina/Great Lake in the near future.
breakfast, burgers, pizza, and sweet stuff, and their menu items are movie themed, with items like the Happy Gilmore burger and the Point Break pizza. Timan Café (60a Liverpool Street, Hobart) is bringing the taste of the Philippines to Hobart. You can try Filipino classics like Halo-Halo and Banana Crema de Leche. The devil is in the details at Devil’s Brewery (192 Macquarie Street, Hobart), who have taken over the Duke of Wellington pub. This local brewery has been serving for a while at various markets, and now they have a spot to call their own. Watch this space for an upcoming opening date. Tasmanian fashion label Vivi al Ago (27 Murray Street, Hobart) is coming soon, blending minimalism and modern classics in its range of clothing and jewellery. Jackson Motor Company recently opened Jackson Kia (275 - 279 Wellington Street, South Launceston), a new showroom to show off their Kia range of cars.
SERVE FOR LAUNCESTON
The refurbished Launceston Tennis Centre has opened and is ready to serve the local sports scene year-round. It officially launched just before hosting the return of the Launceston International in late February. The Launceston Tennis Centre will be used by local tennis players and clubs, host major tennis events, and also be a multipurpose sport and community space.
THUMBS UP
Street libraries. Take a book, leave a book, and feel good about it.
Non-alc beers are improving out of sight.
Trying a new fruit you’ve never had before. Helloa, feijoa.
Getting your wood delivery organised nice and early this year. Spam calls.
THUMBS DOWN
Driving for an errand and realising you forgot something. Time to drive back! Bushfires.
The omission of the annual A-League soccer fixture in Hobart this year. Soccer fans (particularly kids) across Tassie have missed out on watching the highest level women and men play.
Where has the time gone?
The T&G clock in the city stuck at 2:42pm.
NO WAY AROUND THIS
One of Tasmania’s worst roundabouts is finally going to see some upgrades. The Mornington roundabout in Hobart will be replaced with traffic lights to improve road safety and traffic flow. Before this, new ramps connecting the Tasman Highway with Gordons Hill Road will be constructed, giving drivers better access to Rosny from the highway. Community consultation and design work for the ramps will start this year, with construction planned for late 2026. Once finished, more improvements near the Mornington roundabout will begin, including replacing the roundabout with traffic lights, moving the off ramp from the Tasman Highway to South Arm Highway onto Cambridge Road, moving and changing the Mornington Road intersection with South Arm Highway, and safer access to bus stops by improving crossing points for people who walk, wheel or ride in the area. “This set of projects will improve safety and traffic flow for all those who travel through the Mornington area and beyond,” said Tasmanian Infrastructure Minister Kerry Vincent. “Through our consultation process we heard access to and from Mornington Road can be difficult.”
PUT YOUR FOOT DOWN AND WALK
The 12th annual Hobart Put Your Foot Down walk is taking place on Sunday 9 March at Simmons Park, Lindisfarne. Organised by Pancreatic Cancer Walks Australia (PanKind), this fundraising walk is family friendly, and well behaved dogs are welcome as long as they’re on a lead. With five year survival rates at 13%, the walk aims to raise awareness of pancreatic cancer and highlight the need for more research. Register at www.putyourfootdown.org.au/hobart
ODD SOCKS FOR WORLD DOWN SYNDROME DAY
With World Down Syndrome Day coming up on 21 March, we spoke with Collette Bell, president of Down Syndrome Tasmania and mother to a son with Down syndrome, to learn more.
How did you become involved with Down Syndrome Tasmania? Receiving a pre- or post-natal diagnosis of Down syndrome for your child can be quite a shock, and it’s normal to take some time to process the information. When I first found out my youngest child Oscar would be born with Down syndrome I started scrolling on my phone for information and groups I could join to learn more. Down Syndrome Tasmania was one of those groups, and the one that best met my needs for connecting with others in my local community. Two years on and I’m now the President of the board for Down Syndrome Tasmania (DST). We have a vibrant and diverse community of members ranging across all ages and geographical locations around the state, and I love the opportunity to be involved.
World Down Syndrome Day is coming up - what is this day about? Trisomy 21 (commonly known as Down syndrome) is celebrated on this day, 21/3, as the
PETITION FOR QUAD BIKE SAFETY
An e-petition calling on the Tasmanian government to better regulate quad bikes and save lives has been launched. More than 20 people have been killed in quad bike or ATV accidents in Tasmania since the year 2000. Coroner Simon Cooper, who reported on his inquest into seven quad bike deaths between 2012-2015, found these deaths could have been prevented. He recommended government legislation to require mandatory training and licensing of all quad bike users, and the use of helmets. He also recommended children under 16
genetics for a person with Down syndrome include three copies of their twenty-first chromosome. Worldwide everyone is encouraged to show their support by wearing colourful or odd socks (socks being close in shape to a chromosome) and help raise awareness.
What is one thing you’d love our readers to know about Down syndrome? People with Down syndrome have a diverse range of needs but also so much potential and willingness to contribute. Spending time with them opens up your world in the most beautiful ways.
How can our readers get involved? Down Syndrome Tasmania would love your help to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day by wearing your colourful socks and if you are able, make a donation to DST, information on how to donate can be found on our facebook page or at www.downsyndrome.org.au/tas If you would prefer to volunteer some time, or become involved with our organisation in another way feel free to reach out via email info@downsyndrometasmania.org.au.
be prohibited from operating adult-sized quad bikes; that children under 16 not be allowed to operate ‘youth-sized’ quad bikes other than in accordance with manufacturer specifications; and that children under six years be prohibited from operating any quad bike in any circumstance. Currently, there is no requirement under Tasmanian law for people to be trained to ride a quad bike or ATV outside of the workplace, or be licensed. The petition can be found online at www.lcepetitions.parliament. tas.gov.au
HOBART SAYS YES TO NEW BATTERY POINT WALKWAY
According to an independent survey of 400 Hobart residents, nine out of ten people in Hobart support a waterfront walkway linking Hobart and Sandy Bay. “The river belongs to everyone and an attractive, low-impact walkway will open public access to the river and the foreshore,” spokesperson David Hook said. “This project ticks all the boxes. It’s attractive, low impact, affordable, wildly popular and stacks up financially.” The proposed walkway will provide views
down the estuary towards Storm Bay, a safe cycling and walking route from the city to Sandy Bay, and access to the waterfront parks and history of Battery Point. For more information, go to www. friendsofbatterypointwalkway.com
HERB YOUR ENTHUSIASM
Tasmania might start commercially growing traditional Chinese herbs after some promising trial results. Researchers at the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA) are testing seven different Chinese medicine crops, including the Chinese Bellflower and Mongolian Milkvetch, to see if they can grow here. The Mongolian Milkvetch, in particular, has shown great potential. The trial is now being expanded into a bigger test at TIA’s Vegetable Research Facility at Forthside in Tasmania’s north west. The traditional Chinese herb industry is currently worth an estimated $130 billion a year. “There are estimates that the industry will almost double in the next 10 years so there’s great potential for Tasmania to play a role in the expansion of what is already a very large industry,” TIA Professor Dugald Close said. The next stage of the trial will help figure out if Tasmania can become a top supplier of high-quality Chinese medicinal herbs and products.
ONE MAN BUILDS HOUSE FOR ALL … AGAIN
You might remember last year we caught up with Tasmanian architect Jiri Lev. He’s back with another affordable and easy-to-make house design that people can request for free, called the Tasmanian House 3. This one is 60sqm, with three metre ceilings, two bedrooms, almost all natural Tassie materials, health-promoting design, all costing under $90,000 all up, excluding labour. This time Jiri is sharing the construction online teaching people how to do it all, through the Instagram page, @one_man_builds_house. Once again the architectural plans are free for anyone to use via request at his website, www.lev.au. “The Tasmanian House 3, currently under construction, is not another innovative, original-at-all-cost, architectural masterpiece, nor an attempt to find one more new answer to the questions we face. Instead, tracing back our footsteps to where the way was lost, the project seeks to return the accountability, agency and ability to influence one’s own lot back to the common man. It is not trying to reinvent the wheel but rather remember what the wheel was,” said Jiri. Open source plans for his previous project have been downloaded over 8000 times and many are now under construction.
NATURE CALLS FOR TASMANIAN FILMMAKERS
Tasmanian filmmakers and storytellers are invited to showcase their talent at the 2025 Weindorfer Short Film Festival, celebrating Tasmania’s natural wilderness, conservation efforts, and the impact of individuals in creating positive change. Finalists will receive recognition, mentorship, and the opportunity to have their films featured at the premiere event on 4 May, during Weindorfer Day in Wilmot. The festival highlights films that explore the value of Tasmania’s wilderness, Cradle Mountain World Heritage Area, and conservation pioneers. Short films should be five minutes long, with two categories: Under 19 and Open. Entry fees are $25 (Open), $15 (concession), and $5 (Under 19). Winners will receive cash prizes, accommodation at Cradle Mountain, recognition, and mentorship. The submission deadline is Sunday 13 April 2025. For submission details visit www.weindorferfilmfestival.com.au.
GOLF GALS GET SUPPORTED
The AGF Junior Girls Scholarship Program provides scholarships to girls aged nine to 16, enabling them to receive coaching and junior membership for one year. Recently, scholarships were presented to 12 girls at Riverside Golf Club, near Launceston. While female participation in golf is increasing, women and girls remain under-represented at just 20% of total participation.
TASSIE DISTILLER WINS AGAIN AT WHISKY ‘OLYMPICS’
The World Whiskies Awards is one of the most prestigious whisky competitions in the world. Based in the United Kingdom, the recent 2025 awards shined a global spotlight on Tasmania. Numerous Tasmanian distilleries were awarded Category Gold for their whiskies in the Rest of the World category. Tasmania took home 11 out of 21 Australian awards in this category. “This is the Olympics of awards in whisky, so to win a Category Award is huge for our little Tasmanian distillery, especially to back it up two years in a row!” said Tim Polmear, Co-Founder of Waubs Harbour Whisky, who won the Gold Category in Small Batch Single Malt - 12 Years & Under. Among the winners was Hellyers Road, based in the North West, which took home three golds, as did Transportation Whisky, while Hobart Whisky, LARK, Sullivans Cove, and Launceston Distillery won one each. Awarded Distillery Manager of the Year, Tom Ambroz from Furneaux Distillery said, “This is such wonderful recognition for our staff. Running a distillery on Flinders Island is no mean feat.” The Rest of the World Category winners of the World Whiskies Awards will compete against other winners from France, Scotland, the USA, and Ireland in March 2025 for a chance to become the World’s Best in their category.
A BEAU-TIFUL HOMECOMING
After their historic, first-ever title win during the 2024-25 Big Bash League season (BBL|14), the Hobart Hurricanes have continued their victory lap by signing on Beau Webster until BBL|17. This marks the Tasmanian’s return to his hometown after making his test debut for Australia against India at the start of the year. “I am pumped to return to Hobart next summer for the BBL and get the opportunity to play on a packed Ninja Stadium in front of our fans, my friends and family,” said Webster. Coming off one of the best cricket seasons in recent history for the Tasmanian Tigers, Webster will be looking to continue that form in the Big Bash for the Hurricanes after playing for the Melbourne Renegades and Melbourne Stars over the past eight seasons.
TASMANIAN THEATRE ICON WINS LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
This year, the Tasmanian Theatre Awards were held for the first time at the Princess Theatre in Launceston. During the event, the Theatre Council of Tasmania honoured Iain Lang with the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award. Iain has dedicated decades to his career as a professional actor in Tasmania, and if you’ve attended local theatre productions, it’s likely you’ve seen him perform. Over the past forty years, he has been involved with nearly every major professional theatre company in Tasmania. Iain was an ensemble member of Salamanca Theatre Company for seven years and a founding member of Zootango Theatre. He also served as both a performer and Production Manager for Theatre Alfresco, which later evolved into Big Monkey Theatre. He then joined the Tasmanian Theatre Company, where he spent several years managing Second Echo Ensemble. In 1982, Iain founded his own production company and spent 40 years performing his version of Punch and Judy in Tasmania and on interstate tours, with over 500 shows to his name. In addition to theatre, Iain has worked in film, television, radio, and festival events, sustaining his impressive career across multiple media platforms.
FREE HAZARDOUS WASTE DISPOSAL ON THE WAY
Throughout March, Circular North is holding free household hazardous waste collections in some towns in northern Tasmania. If you’ve got old batteries, half-used pesticides, ammonia cleaners, pool chemicals, or similar things you need to chuck out, this is the time to do so. Keeping them at home isn’t safe, and they should never go in your regular bin. The collection date for Scottsdale and George Town is on 8 March, Longford and St Helens on 15 March, Launceston on 22 March, and Flinders Island on 3-31 March. Find your nearest drop-off location and more details at www.circularnorth.org.au
TASMANIAN LABOR LEADER REBECCA WHITE RESIGNS AFTER THREE ELECTION LOSSES
Just when you think the school holidays are long, you hear that the Tasmanian Parliament’s first sitting day of the year is 4 March - that’s a three month break from their sitting schedule. But as the refreshed Tasmanian politicians return, one person will be missing after threetime election-losing former Tasmanian Labor leader Rebecca White announced her resignation from state politics. She is looking to the future with her campaign to run as the Labor candidate for Lyons in this year’s federal election - replacing the incumbent Brian Mitchell, who held the seat since 2016, and narrowly won by 1300 votes in the last federal election. Ms White, who led Tasmanian Labor from 2017 to 2024, was preselected for the federal seat last November, so it will be interesting to see how she performs federally.
BALLS UP FOR A GREEN FUTURE
Tasmania has its very first golf ball recycling program called Reuse Repurpose Recycle. It was launched ahead of the recent Tasmanian Senior Open at Kingston Beach Golf Club by Golf Ball Recycling (GBR) and Golf Australia. “GBR is tackling the environmental impact of discarded golf balls, many of which often end up in landfills or local waterways,” John Harrington, managing director of Golf Ball Recycling, said. “There were no recycling solutions for end-of-life golf balls in Australia, so we decided to do something about it.” Local golfers and residents can now recycle their old and damaged golf balls at Kingston Beach Golf Club. The collected balls are then given a new lease on life and transformed into various products. Kingston Beach PGA Professional Christian Rainey explained why golf recycling is important. “The carbon footprint of one golf ball is 6,080 times its size, that’s 0.79kg of CO2 emissions,” he said. “It’s estimated that in Tasmania alone, 810,000 golf balls are lost every year.”
NEW SAUNA TO HIT TAROONA
A mobile sauna will soon be seen on the chilly shores of Taroona Beach. The cute and portable Elsewhere Sauna, which has been running at Drip Beach south of Cygnet, and at private events and festivals, will be permitted to operate from 9am to as late as 4pm on Fridays and up to two additional weekdays during autumn, winter and spring. Each session will generally go for 15 minutes, with sweaty participants encouraged to follow up with an invigorating swim. At a recent meeting Kingborough Council approved the sauna for a 12-month trial period under specific conditions, including measures to prevent smoke nuisance and requirements to situate the sauna away from the playground and exercise areas.
Dr Martyn Sweet (Principal Dentist)
Dr Emma Grubb
Dr Gavin Quek
Dr Justin Huang
Dr Ian Gurner
Hannah Colantoni (Oral Health Therapist) Abbi Mulholland (Oral Health Therapist)
ALONE IN TASMANIA AGAIN
Alone Australia returned to Tasmania for its third season, after setting its second season in New Zealand. In the show, ten Australians are dropped off in the west coast ranges of the Tasmanian wilderness, totally isolated, and try to last long enough to secure a prize of $250,000. With no camera crew, each participant must document their own survival through a brutal winter as they fight to stay warm, dry, fed and alive for as long as they can. Sounds fun. Alone Australia will air on SBS and SBS On Demand starting 26 March.
AMBULANCE FOR OATLANDS
Works on the Oatlands Ambulance Station are now complete, bringing more lifesaving ambulance services to the town and the wider Southern Midlands community. The station now has two ambulance bays that can fit four ambulance vehicles, better infection control, training room facilities, and a two-bedroom residence. The Oatlands station is one of 13 new ambulance stations being delivered across Tasmania, with the next ones on the way in Bicheno, Legana, Snug, King Island and Cygnet.
MAKING WAY FOR MORE NETBALL
The popular New Town Sports Precinct is finally receiving upgrades to allow for greater capacity. “The New Town Sports Precinct is the home of several sports clubs, including the Hobart Netball and Sports Centre and New Town District Cricket Club, and there is currently very limited capacity for most sports to accommodate growth in participation numbers,” Minister for Sports and Events, Nick Duigan said. A disused bowling green will be converted into two additional floodlit netball courts, which will allow for more people to take part in the sport. Also, shade infrastructure and synthetic grass will be added to an in-use bowling green, which will make that activity a more pleasant experience for all. Construction commenced in February and is expected to be completed mid-year.
WAIT, IS ‘BEACH EXPERT’ A JOB?
In a well-deserved win for Tassie, the Bay of Fires in the northeast has been named the Best Australian Beach for 2025 by Tourism Australia. The Best Australian Beaches list is compiled annually by beach expert Brad Farmer, after a thorough study of Australia’s coastline and islands. For this year’s list, 12,000 beaches were surveyed. How does one become a beach expert, by the way? Does it come with parental leave? In the words of Ryan Gosling’s Ken from Barbie, “My job... it’s just beach.”
RIDE FOR A CAUSE RIDES AGAIN
The Tasmanian Bike Collective Cycle Challenge is back for its second year in 2025. It’s taking place on 5 April at Baskerville Raceway in Old Beach, with entries closing on 23 March. For just $20 per person, riders can challenge themselves to do as many laps as they can. You can ride on tarmac, off-road, on an e-bike, or a regular pedal bike, and you can do it solo or as part of a team. Last year, lots of families and friends showed up to ride and raise funds, bringing in over $14,000. The event is designed to be fun and open to all skill levels and fitness. There’s also the Fairbrother kids’ challenges for younger ones who aren’t quite ready for the full event. The Tasmanian Bike Collective runs hands-on bike workshops to mentor and support young people, helping them build skills, confidence, and resilience for life. This year, they’re aiming for $25,000 to help launch a mobile workshop program to help more students.
NET POSITIVE UPGRADES FOR DEVONPORT SOCCER CLUB
Big improvements are on the way for the car park and fencing at the Devonport City Soccer Club, home of the Devonport Strikers. These upgrades will make things easier for players and visitors. The new northern entrance will improve access for emergency vehicles to get to the fields if needed. The southern entrance will give people another safe way in, helping to reduce traffic at the main entrance. The southern fence will be moved back to create space for an extra 55 parking spots. The work is expected to be finished before the 2025 Tasmanian National Premier League and Women’s Super League seasons kick off in mid-March.
WHAT SHALL WE DO WITH A DRUNKEN SAILOR?
If you happen to pass by the Kingston Beach Community Centre on a Friday night between 6:30pm and 8:45pm, you’ll likely hear a chorus of men’s voices. This is the TasMen Sea Shanty Group, where a group of men gather to connect and sing sea shanties. TasMen President Michael Sharman got the idea off the ground in late 2024. “TasMen is about men coming together and opening up a little bit, so instead of just saying, ‘G’day Bob, how are you, how’s the footy?’, it actually matters to us how each other is going. The shanties are a way of getting blokes to hopefully form good friendships,” Michael says.
Why sea shanties? “It’s good because you can just belt out a noise,” he says. “There’s no need to sing well, although when you get a bunch of blokes standing in a circle belting out noise sometimes I think we sound pretty cool.” Traditionally, sea shanties were sung on ships during work, whether hauling up the anchor or hoisting the sails, to make the work more enjoyable. One man, known as the shanty man, would lead with a line, and the others would join in on the chorus, with the shanty man improvising verses depending on the length of the task. “You don’t have to sound great or remember much. A shanty man takes responsibility for the verse and you just sing the choruses full throttle. It’s fun,” Michael shares.
Sea shanty nights are held every second Friday night, with a break halfway through. Most new members are hesitant to lead a shanty, preferring to join in the chorus, but the group encourages everyone to step out of their comfort zone and give it a go. The group has an online songbook with about 30-35 shanties.
While the TasMen Sea Shanty Group isn’t a performance group, they recently performed for the public for the first time at the Australian Wooden Boat Festival, which the men found to be an enjoyable experience. Michael teases that there might be more performances on the horizon.
Participation in the group is $10 a session to cover the hall fee, but first-timers are welcome to join without paying. Tea and biscuits are provided, and anyone over 18 can join. For more information head to www.tasmen.org/seashanty-group
PENGUIN LIBRARY OPEN FOR SELF-ACCESS
Open Library Access is now available at Penguin Library, a first for the state. With this new service, Penguin Library can be self-accessed between 7am and 9pm, including on weekends and public holidays, without a staff member needing to be present. Basically, people can visit the library at a time that suits them to explore the shelves, find a quiet space to study, or borrow a book at their convenience. Libraries Tasmania members can use Open Library Access after completing an induction.
RELAY FOR CANCER COUNCIL
Celebrate 25 years of Relay For Life in Tasmania this year by joining one of the many events happening across the island. Relay For Life is the world’s largest fundraising event for cancer, and every dollar raised in Tasmania stays in Tasmania. The Derwent Valley Relay For Life kicked things off in February. Next is the Penguin Athletics Track on 22-23 March, followed by the Hobart event on 29-30 March at the Domain Athletics Centre. Launceston’s Relay For Life takes place on 5 April at St Leonards Athletics Track, and Triabunna hosts one on 12 April. Relay For Life is a great opportunity for the community to acknowledge and celebrate local cancer survivors, those going through a cancer experience and their caregivers, as well as pay tribute to loved ones lost. Find out more information at www.relayforlife.org.au
LAUNNIE MCNUGGETS
Launceston City Council has not grimaced at the idea of a new 24-hour McDonald’s restaurant with a drive-thru. In fact, they’ve given their Big Mac approval for a new one on Invermay Road. The new McDonald’s will be built on the site of the former James Nelson textile mill and will be the fifth McDonald’s in the greater Launceston area. Though there is some worry it will add a McFlurry to local traffic.
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WHAT’S ON IN HOBART
MONDAY
Enjoy the public holiday for Eight Hours Day!
WEDNESDAY TUESDAY
The hilarious Sarah Millican is performing at Wrest Point tonight, doors open from 8pm.
It’s trivia with some extra bling: Drag Trivia is on at the historic Telegraph Hotel every Wednesday from 7pm.
THURSDAY FRIDAY
The Hobart Comedy Festival serves up lots of funny options, like Nazeem Hussain’s You Paid For This, In The Hanging Garden tonight from 7pm. 6
See behind the scenes with a South Hobart Tip Shop tour, and get a sense of the current scale of our waste problem and efforts to reduce landfill. 10am11am, book at humanitix.
Tonight head along to Fox Friday in the CBD for their weekly trivia night - beer, burgers, brainpower! From 6pm.
Roxette perform live at MyState Bank Arena. Singer Marie Fredriksson died in 2019, but frontman Per Gessle will be there. Also tonight, Dance Macabre from the TSO is on at 6pm.
7
The annual Dahlia Show starts today, 1pm-5pm, at the Town Hall Ballroom, and continues tomorrow 10am-4pm. Tonight, Hobart Twilight Market is on at Sandy Bay.
14
Get the heebie-jeebies on a two-hour paranormal investigation inside Hobart’s Anglesea Barracks, with Tasmania’s Most Haunted. Bookings essential for this 18+ tour.
17
21 20 12 13 11 10 5 4
Head to Mona to see Theo Mercier’s immense sand sculpture, MIRRORSCAPE, which depicts various bits of junk he found around Tasmania.
24
Step through two giant mythical water creatures on the Bellerive Boardwalk as part of Taniwha Time Machine for the Ten Days on the Island festival. 9am-8pm until 30 March.
31
It’s the monthly quiz night at The Longley International Hotel. Grab a pint and parmi to fire up your brain cells.
25
Dr Rebecca Chabot presents a workshop teaching how to hardwire happiness and cultivate a positive mindset. St.Lukes Hobart, 10am.
19
Why is ageing treated like a problem? Associate Professor Peta Cook unpacks this question in The Age Illusion and Myth, at the Sir Stanley Burbury Theatre, 6pm-7:30pm.
1
Celebrate the turning of the seasons with the Tasmanian Autumn Festival across the Derwent Valley and Central Highland with food and wine trails, trivia and a twilight tour of Willow Court.
Author and broadcaster Robert Dessaix launches his new book Chameleon, a memoir of art, travel, ideas and love, at Fullers tonight, 5:30pm.
27
The boys (ok, middle aged men) from Human Nature are back! Playing at MyState Bank Arena from 7:30pm.
See traditional Samoan tattoo demonstrations today at Moonah Arts Centre, 11am-5pm. Part of LUMI - fostering cultural collab between First Nations and Pasifika peoples.
28
Krafty Kuts, the English electronic producer/DJ, hits the Uni Bar from 7:30pm. Jane Longhurst opens LIFE/CYCLE, a surrealist vision, on until 30th in the Old Mercury Print Hall.
3
Tassie circus troupe ROOKE are touring their show Wilds, bringing it to the Theatre Royal for a few days this week. Also check out Mia Wray at the Republic from 7pm.
4
It’s the opening night of LIMBO, a genre-defying mix of cabaret, circus and acrobatics for ages 15+ at The Spiegeltent, Macquarie Point.
FURTHER AFIELD
8-23 March
SATURDAY SUNDAY
Flamin’ Franko, the BBQ version of Street Eats, is on from midday until 8pm at Franklin Square. See Australian pianist Josh Cohen’s live show of Radiohead covers at Theatre Royal, 7:30pm.
To be sure!
Celebrate
St Patrick’s Day all weekend at Irish Murphy’s, with live music from 4:30pm, Saturday to Monday.
Sustainable Living Tasmania’s Big Day of Circular Living Ideas is on at C3 Convention Centre in South Hobart. Featuring Craig Reucassel, industry leaders, community groups and more.
29
Krafty Kuts, the English electronic and breakbeat producer/DJ, hits the Uni Bar at Sandy Bay from 7:30pm until 11:30pm. The Kunanyi Mountain Run is back over three days, with everything from kids runs up to 66km solo or relay options. HQ is Wellesley Park on Wentworth Street, South Hobart.
Try line dancing for free with Healthy Hobart and Boots and All Line Dancing (a Bucaan Community House program). City Hall, 10am-11am. 5
Walk and dress purple to support those affected by pancreatic cancer with PanKind’s Put Your Foot Down Walk 9:30am, Simmons Park, Lindisfarne.
The Holi Colour Festival is a Hindu celebration of new life and the triumph of good over evil. Food, music, rides, colour throws and fireworks. Queens Walk Oval, New Town, 11am-9:30pm.
Join Good Life Permaculture for a free home compositing workshop to learn how to compost with small bins, large bins, worms, chickens and more. 10am-11am, Mathers House. 30 23 22 8 9 15 16
Melanoma March Hobart raises awareness and funds to fight melanoma. Bellerive Beach Park, 9:45am. Warrane Community Garden hosts a Harvest Festival: plants and produce for sale, BBQ, live music. 9:30am-12:30pm.
The Kunanyi Mountain Run is back over three days, with everything from kids runs up to 66km solo or relay options. HQ is Wellesley Park on Wentworth Street.
The Hobart Airport Marathon Festival sees runners enjoy heritage, scenery and culture along Constitution Dock, with a 2km walk, a marathon and options in between. 6
The Huon Art Awards is an annual competition and exhibition open to artists of all ages and skill levels. Featuring works in oil, acrylic, watercolour, printmaking, drawing, 3D, photography, mixed media, woodwork, and ceramics. You can see, and potentially buy, some of the best on display at 14 Mary Street, Cygnet.
9 March
The Hydro Tasmania King Island Imperial 20 will be held on King Island this month. The main feature is a challenging 32km handicapped footrace (said to be the only coast to coast race in Australia!). It can be run solo or as a relay, and there are shorter run/walk races plus a kids relay
9 March
The Tasmanian Garlic & Tomato Festival is back at a new venue. Established in 2014, it celebrates local and seasonal produce and the culture of food and includes cooking demonstrations, workshops, stalls, food, a children’s area, competitions, and more. Quamby Estate, Hagley.
9-10 March
A Taste of the Huon, a celebration of fine food, wine, entertainment, arts and crafts from the Huon Valley and Channel region, is now in its 33rd year. Held at Ranelagh’s showgrounds, expect apple products (duh!), ciders, beers and wines plus mushrooms, curries, oysters and more. There’s live entertainment plus heaps of kids activities. Sunday 10am-5pm, Monday 10am-4pm.
Until 23 March
Three Echoes - Western Desert Art showcases 81 paintings, prints and batiks by 57 acclaimed artists from Ikuntji (Haasts Bluff), Papunya and Utopia Aboriginal communities in the western desert regions of the Northern Territory. At QVMAG’s Art Gallery at Royal Park, Launceston.
Got an event coming up in Tassie?
Email
Background photo: Tourism Tasmania and Rob Burnett
AROUND THE ISLAND
3
Spice up your Monday night with free spicy trivia at Tandy’s Alehouse Starts at 6:30pm and features an array of hosts, from drag artists to comedians.
10
Follow artist John Glover’s footsteps from his recently restored house and garden to some of the locations where he painted, with the Glover Country House & Garden Tour in Deddington.
17
Join the Crochet Group at George Town Library for two hours of socialising and creating. Whether you’re new to crochet or working on your own creation, it’s open to all. Every Monday, 10am.
24
The Lake Barrington International Rowing Course in northern Tasmania hosts the Australian Rowing Championships all week.
4
There are two free events at Ulverstone Library today. Storytime is a session of stories and songs for kids aged 2-5, 10am. For ages 7+, Lego Club is a Lego playtime program, 3:30pm.
11
Join the free Music & Songwriting Sessions at The Watershed in Wynyard, held every Tuesday, 12pm-3pm. Learn songwriting hacks from guitarist Aaron Hopper.
18
This afternoon join a Community Walk inside the final and largest new building at Inveresk campus, The Shed. Meet at the main Cimitiere Street entrance at 4:30pm.
25
Story
Dogs at Ravenswood Library is a reading session aimed to help children relax, open up and have fun while reading to a calm and friendly dog. It’s free but bookings are essential.
1
Nutopia is a weekend harvest festival on a small hazelnut farm in Lilydale channeling the 70s. Dress retro and book yourself a camping spot.
19
In the mood for classics?
The Sweet Caroline Tour: A Tribute to Neil Diamond is bringing all Neil’s beloved songs to the stage at Devonport Town Hall Theatre, 7pm start.
26
Du Cane Brewing
hosts Reel Rock 19 tonight, a selection of the best climbing films from around the world. Tickets are being sold in lots of six. 7pm start.
6
Head to QVMAG for a special In Conversation discussion with members of the Antarctic Women’s Network, 5pm-7pm.
13
With music by Elton John, the famous Billy Elliot the Musical will be performed at Princess Theatre, Launceston from tonight until 29 March.
7
End the work week with good food and drinks at Launceston’s free Friday Night Eats, in Civic Square.
20
For four days, the Launnie’s CBD transforms into the Launceston Ukulele Jamboree, with local and international acts, mass play-alongs, workshops, music market, and more.
3
For one night only, the Van Diemen’s Band plays their new show, Sirens, at Princess Theatre in Launceston, bringing a new approach to the ancient stories of Sirens. 6pm start.
14
The Devonport Triathlon returns for its 40th year. Today is the World Triathlon Para Series, followed by the Oceana Championships and the Age Group Triathlon. Sign up at their website.
21
Join the Harmony Week Celebration at Haines Waterfront Park, Devonport, from 5:30pm. Enjoy an evening filled with cultural performances and food trucks. Free entry.
28
Untamed Essence, a solo art exhibition from artist Faye Dixon, opens today at Harmony on High Street in Campbell Town. Meet the artist for a Q&A on the 30th.
4
Wheelchair users can try the free, weekly Wheelchair Basketball, a great way to keep fit, develop new skills and meet new friends. Starts 5pm at UniGym Newnham Campus.
MARCH
SATURDAY SUNDAY
8
It’s VW Day at Turners Beach Berry Patch, in which VW owners gather to showcase their range of vehicles. There’ll be live music and car chats. 12pm-4pm.
15
Under the arches of Launceston’s St John’s Church, the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra Chorus accompanied by organist Calvin Bowman, will perform a selection of vocal works. 5pm start.
22
Admire and buy beautiful pieces at the Jewellery, Gem & Mineral Fair in the East Devonport Primary School gym, held all weekend.
9
Celebrate local produce at the Tasmanian Garlic & Tomato Festival, which has cooking demos, workshops, stalls, kids area, competitions, and more. Held at Quamby Estate, Hagley.
16
The Penguin Undercover Market is on today at Arnold Street, 9am-3pm, with over 70 stalls under cover. Also, ride the Ulverstone Miniature Railway, $3 per ride.
And Then There Were More
SummerSalt (8 March)
Gather your friends and family to make memories at Country Club Lawns in Launceston for this one-day music festival. Some of the incredible talent lined up for the festival include Missy Higgins, John Butler, Fanning Dempsey National Park, The Waifs, The Whitlams, and Josh Pyke. Gates open at 12:30pm and music until 9:30pm. SummerSalt is family-friendly and the event is all ages.
23
This is the second day of Race Tasmania, an exhilarating racing weekend at Symmons Plains Raceway. Free entry for kids 12 and under.
ECHO Festival (14-16 March)
The East Coast Harvest Odyssey, known as ECHO Festival, is an 18+ event celebrating harvest traditions, both old and new. Explore and enjoy everything with all the senses. Set in the beautiful wine country near Swansea, the 2025 festival brings together chefs, winemakers, farmers, artists, musicians, storytellers, and experts from all sorts of fields to share their knowledge and creativity. On the 14th, the Native Bounty Feast will be prepared by Simon Ford of Marefold.
29
Tonight, the Deloraine Dramatic Society presents Shakespeare By Night, with original performances of selected Shakespearean soliloquies at the Meander Valley Performing Arts Centre.
5
Have clothes that need mending? Bring them to the ReDress RePair Café, and also learn valuable advice. At Quadrant Plaza, Launceston, 10am-1pm.
30
Sunday’s market day. The Don Market in the northwest is held 9am-2pm, and the Evandale Market south of Launceston, 8am-1:30pm.
6
Classic car enthusiasts may want to head to George Town for Don Mario’s Classic Cars & Coffee show, to admire or show off old cars while enjoying a nice cup of coffee.
Scottsdale Spud Fest (16 March)
This is a fun celebration all about potatoes. Get ready to see and taste spuds in every possible way, you may be surprised by how much can be done with it. There will be stalls with food, drinks, crafts, local produce, and info on the area’s history. While you’re in Scottsdale, make sure to check out the free aquatic centre or hit a few balls at Scottsdale Golf. It’s going to be a mashing good time.
Got an event coming up in Tassie?
Email us at editor@thehobartmagazine.com.au
Background photo: Tourism Tasmania and Rob Burnett
IS SEVEN BEDS IN TASMANIA ENOUGH FOR STRUGGLING MOTHERS?
Following the closure of Healthscope’s St Helen’s Private Hospital in 2023, which housed a dedicated Mother-Baby unit offering services for families facing perinatal exhaustion, feeding and settling challenges, and postnatal depression or anxiety, Tasmania has yet to see another comparable service. In response, the state government established three beds for a mother-baby unit at the Royal Hobart Hospital (RHH). Then during the 2024 state election, pledged $14.25 million over four years to build a four-bed Mother-Baby Centre in Launceston, expected to be completed by May this year. This pledge also supports the three beds at RHH, and delivered a satellite Tresillian Family Care service in Burnie plus a statewide Tresillian phone and telehealth service for parents in Tasmania.
When asked about the adequacy of this current arrangement, the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) Tasmania Deputy Chair, Dr Tim Jones shared, “Around one in five Tasmanian mothers experience perinatal depression and anxiety. The interim Royal Hobart Hospital and coming Launceston service are positive to see, but as a GP it is clear to me that we are not providing enough to meet community demand.” Dr Jones went on to share, “The Royal Hobart Hospital is difficult to access and is limited to those with severe mental health concerns. With 50% of our births in the south of the state, we need a southern community-based hub to deliver proactive family support, with the option for a short residential stay if ‘round the clock support is needed.” Dr Jones emphasised that the early parenting period is an extremely vulnerable time and knowing that support is limited can leave parents feeling overwhelmed. “We know that some families do it very tough in the first year of their baby’s life and that proactive and nurturing support leads to families who are physically and mentally well,” he said.
HOBART PRIVATE HOSPITAL MATERNITY WARD SET TO CLOSE
Still in the maternity space, it was recently announced that the Hobart Private Hospital maternity ward, where around 600 babies are born each year, will close. Operator Healthscope announced services at the Hobart Private Hospital will close on 20 August, with the last maternity admissions on 13 August, citing a lack of staff to service the ward. Healthscope is owned by North American private equity giant Brookfield. Minister for Health, Jacquie Petrusma, said the Tasmanian Government was disappointed that Healthscope had made this commercial decision and called on the Federal Government to step up. “With support from the Federal Government, we believe, alongside Calvary, that an increase of maternity service capacity at the Royal Hobart Hospital and Calvary Lenah Valley can be managed,” she said. Independent Member for Clark, Andrew Wilkie, the federal member for the hospital’s electorate, said the closure of is a ‘dreadful turn of events’, with the service having given mums choice and reducing the pressure on the Royal Hobart Hospital. “While I seriously doubt whether the State Government genuinely tried to engineer some kind of rescue plan, the Federal Government’s concern with the viability of the hospital is very ominous,” Mr Wilkie said. “It’s well-known that Healthscope is in dire financial strife nationally and Hobart faces the very real prospect of the Private being shut down entirely.” He believes the Tasmanian Government should see this as a wakeup call. “All of this is an extraordinary wake-up call for the Tasmanian Government to stop relying so much on the private hospitals and start prioritising funding for the Royal.” Wilkie went on to say, “That the Government clearly has so many other ridiculous priorities is all the evidence we need that it is completely and utterly useless and not fit to govern.” Watch this space.
CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACTING KIDS SPORT
A bunch of Australian elite sports people have signed a letter in support of former professional rugby league player turned independent Senator David Pocock’s Duty of Care bill, which recently stalled in the Senate. The focus of the sports players’ letter is the impact that climate change will have on our sporting scene at all levels in the future. The letter states: “In the past few years, we’ve seen bushfire smoke stop play in the Big Bash League, and players struck down with heat exhaustion at the Australian Open. Then there’s the grassroots impacts: Nippers seasons washed out up and down the coast. Training moved indoors because of heat, and telling our kids yet another game is cancelled because of a soggy pitch or a day too hot to spend standing in the sun on the court.” Will this new angle appeal to more voters and get more support for the bill? Read the letter and list of signatories at www.dutyofcare.org.au
CARTIN’ THE CARTELA TO BATTERY POINT
The historic Cartela ferry, which had been taking on water in the Huon River at Franklin, will finally be transported to Battery Point slipyards for repairs. The works were restricted by rules around not being able to conduct heritage works in Franklin as she was berthed in a Marine Conservation Area, and the Cartela potentially being longer than the permitted length allowed to be worked upon at the Battery Point slipyards. It looks like the boat taking on water has spurred action for the restoration work approvals, with the Hobart City Council Planning Authority Committee recently approving a development application for slipyard works at Napoleon Street in Battery Point. The proposal involves slipping the Cartela at Hunter’s Slipyard for hull maintenance and repairs, including replacing deteriorated planking and bolts. The hull will be covered to protect the timbers and contain dust. Work will take place Monday to Friday, 8am-4:30pm, and is expected to take approximately two years to carry out.
ALEX PEARCE: ULVERSTONE BOY TO FREO CAPTAIN
Born and raised in Ulverstone, Alex Pearce is a Palawa man who has been captain of the Fremantle Football Club in the AFL since 2023. With the AFL season starting this month, we spoke to Alex about the Club’s hunger for victory, what he does when he returns home, and his thoughts on the Tassie Devils Football Club.
How did your childhood shape you? My upbringing had a huge influence on my life. It was all in Ulverstone. My family was all there for most of my life - cousins, uncles, aunties. I went to Ulverstone Primary and then Ulverstone High School. In grade 11 and 12 I went to Don College. All through that a big part of my life was playing sports. Pretty much as soon as I could walk I was at the footy and cricket clubs in Ulverstone. My life revolved around that. I think that’s where I gained a bit of my competitiveness and sense of community from - belonging to a club and a place. Not only hanging out with kids my age, but mates’ parents and older guys and girls around the clubs. I feel very lucky to grow up having so many different people influence who I am and be able to learn how to live.
Sportspeople from Tassie talk about having a competitive edge compared to mainlanders. Do you agree? Yeah, definitely! We have a chip on our shoulder because we’re the smaller island with not many people. Other states can sh!t on us pretty easily, but we are very proud of our sporting history. I was lucky enough to play State football in my late teenage years and it means a lot to put on a jumper with the massive Tassie on it. It was spoken about that we have an obligation to be tough and to compete like Tasmanians should.
I was lucky enough to play state football in my late teenage years and it means a lot to put on a jumper with the massive Tassie on it.
How did it feel to be voted captain again by your teammates for the 2025 season? It’s great! It’s been the biggest honour of my football career to be able to captain the Club. When I got drafted Matthew Pavlich was captain, he was an idol of mine. All the leaders that I had early in my career had such a huge influence on me as a person and my career. To have that honour but also responsibility to lead a bunch of young men, and try to make this club as successful as we can. Ideally win a premiership but also to set an example for the young guys who I play with to allow them to be the best versions of themselves they can be. Growing up, I had great leaders around me at my Ulverstone clubs, and not everyone grew up in those environments. Now that I’m at the Freo Football Club, we’re trying to make it a club where everyone feels welcome, a place everyone loves coming to work. It can be a pretty stressful environment sometimes. As much as we
can, we try to make it feel like an escape from some of the pressure. I think my upbringing and the people that influenced me earlier in my career are helping me be the leader I want to be.
The club’s 2024 season didn’t go as hoped. How does that fuel you and the team for 2025? We finished the season in a really disappointing fashion. We really thought we had a team capable of going deep in finals and winning a premiership. So to finish really early, it has meant that our guys have got a real hunger to make sure we’ll be better next time around. I’ve definitely seen that in the way we’ve trained and approached things and it’s been great to have another year of experience under some of our young players. We’re really excited but also driven to make sure this year we’re better than last year and we can give things a crack.
What did you learn about your team while you were out of action for much of 2024? Despite having a few injuries and being under pressure, we played some really good footy. It makes me proud to be able to come back again this year knowing we’ve got a bunch of guys who can perform when things get tough.
The Tasmanian Football Club is on the way. Will you playing WITH the Devils or AGAINST the Devils? Haha. Unfortunately, I’ll probably be playing against the Devils, but like all Tasmanians, I’m very excited for the team to come in. I think it’ll be an amazing thing for Tasmania. Growing up, if this team was formed while I was in school, it would’ve been the greatest thing in the world. I can’t wait to be a supporter of the Devils, even though there’s a good chance I’ll be playing against them.
What’s one thing about being an AFL player you wish more people knew? How hard it is to get through a season. The amount of stress and pain we go through to get through a season and play 23 games, it’s quite a lot. I feel sorry for not only some AFL players, but professional athletes who cop a lot of criticism
that are sometimes enduring a lot of pain to get out there and play and do their best. It’s a ruthless industry because it doesn’t really matter how we feel if we don’t perform, we get held to account.
Is there a favourite memory from your career? In 2022 we played a home final against the Bulldogs and were eight goals down during the first quarter and came back and won. That was a special moment because the home crowd really got behind us. Nearly 60,000 people at Optus Stadium. It was really special and something I’ll never forget. Also, we played a game in Launceston against Hawthorn, which we won. We hadn’t beaten Hawthorn in Tassie for a really long time. I think I might’ve had 50 tickets to give out that day and had heaps of family there. So it was special to play in Tassie in front of my friends and family and get a win.
If you weren’t a professional footy player, what would you be doing? I feel like I’d be travelling in Europe, maybe playing cricket in England. I’m studying psychology and politics at the moment, so I’d finish that!
What music are you listening to?
I’m loving Royel Otis at the moment, and Old Mervs, a band from WA. I’m always listening to Luca Brasi, my favourite Tassie band.
What’s the last great book that you’ve read? I read Papillon, the story of a French guy who escaped the penal colonies in the early 1900s. It’s quite good.
What do you like to do when you come home to Tassie? I’m down at least a couple of times a year, always back home in Ulverstone, close to my family. These days I like to get out and explore if I can. Last time I was there I spent a day at Cradle Mountain by myself, just doing a few walks, and I also spent time on the east coast. I think I didn’t appreciate the beautiful environment and wilderness I grew up in. Now when I get back I find it really special to tap into that and explore some of the amazing places that we have in Tassie.
JOSHUA PAPERA:
THE TEENAGED ANTIQUARIAN
There’s something about the charming little antique shop at 4 Charles Street, New Norfolk that makes it different from any other. Its owner, Joshua Papera, is a teenager.
The enthusiastic 18-year-old not only owns The Finer Things Antiques & Jeweller’s, he is the antiquarian and jeweller. It’s an all-round passion. Josh grew up in the Derwent Valley and never left, starting in Bushy Park before moving to the heart of New Norfolk. “I absolutely love New Norfolk,” he says. “The trees, parks, people, the shops, regular classic car shows and the weekly market on high-street!”
His passion sparked when he was eight years old, on trips to Gowans Auctions in Moonah with his grandfather, where he’d be allowed to bid on smaller items. “Then when I started high-school at New Town High (now Hobart City High), I realised Gowans was just down the road, so I would sneak out of school, make a few bids, then sneak back,” Josh says with a grin. “I realised that my collection was starting to build, but my bank account certainly wasn’t. I decided to take my things, with my dad and his trailer, to the New Norfolk Market, where I had a blast and would always sell tons of items.”
After a few weekends at the New Norfolk Market, Josh realised that this adventure felt right. “I seemed to just have a natural eye for exquisite things,” he says. “I would see a room full of pieces, but I’d
be able to pick-out the most magnificent things straight away!” And while books and the internet have been helpful in refining his taste, Josh found that the best knowledge came from person-to-person interactions, like with owners of other antique shops.
With all this knowledge and a good eye, he decided to follow this path and began searching for a place to call his business home. Unfortunately, due to his age, there were many failed attempts. After hearing ‘no’ many times, Josh gave up for now and kept at it with his market stall.
“Then one day I was approached by a man named Dave, who at the time I didn’t know very well. He was the owner of the artHouse in New Norfolk, a comfortable cafe in the centre of High Street. He said he was about to acquire a new building and wondered if I would be interested in becoming his tenant. I was thrilled!”
“Start small, you don’t need to have an empire before you’re 20!”
The building in question became the home of The Finer Things Antiques & Jeweller’s, but it’s seen many businesses over the decades, including a candy store. “When I moved in I wanted to bring back a bit of its history, so I started uncovering hidden windows, removing paint off green-tiled walls, and restoring some original lighting,” he says. He also planted a purple wisteria so that in summer the beautiful purple flowers would droop down overhead as customers walked into the store.
Josh likes to fill his store with one-off and unique pieces. He’s always on the lookout for things that catch his eye, such as Sally the Seahorse, a magnificent yellow seahorse that Josh pounced on, and is now a permanent display at his store. “We never stick to just one style, we love to curate pieces from around the world, and take pride in truly having ‘something for everyone from anywhere’.”
A new endeavour he’s taken on in jewellery. He tries to craft pieces that tell a story or have a personality. “Jewellery has always interested me because it attracts beautiful people, starts meaningful conversations and can tell so much about a person,” he says. He self-taught making and mending jewellery from YouTube, and now it’s a part of his shop’s offerings. “Now it’s me and two other jewellers here.”
Josh’s grandfather would be proud of him. After all, it was their time together that sparked Josh’s interests. His grandfather was always buying and selling great pieces, from original films to entire bars. Sadly, he passed away before Josh started high school, so much of this journey has been lonely, as few in his life understood his passion, but his love for antiques and the hunt for stunning things was so strong that nothing could deter him.
For any other young people who want to start their own business, Josh understands that it can be daunting, hard, and isolating. “Start small,” he says to them. “You don’t need to have an empire before you’re 20! Just ease into it, don’t cut out your social life to be in the big game. Having a place and people to retreat to each week is so important. You can get tied up in your own world, because when things go a little south (which they do sometimes, and that’s okay!) you have friends and/or family who can give you the time to listen to you, comfort you, and take your mind off things.”
Coming up at the TSO...
DANCE MACABRE
Thurs 13 March, 6pm Federation Concert Hall
Rattle them bones with an hour of eerie music, plus a world premiere from Tasmanian Jabra Latham. Hosted by Will Newbery.
For bookings and more information: TSO.COM.AU | 1800 001 190
BRASS IN ST DAVID’S
Fri 21 March, 7.30pm St David’s Cathedral
Feel the boom of brass and the beat of percussion resonate through you, then enjoy a drink with the musos at Hadley’s Orient after!
Level Correction & Ground Improvement
WINTER’S COMING: HOW TO TAKE CARE OF INDOOR PLANTS
Having a few indoor plants around the house is never a bad idea. Not only do they improve your mood, but they also look great, add personality to your space, and give you something to care for. Lauren Chandler is the director at Chandlers Nursery in Sandy Bay, and she shared some pro tips with us on how to keep your indoor plants happy.
If you’re new to the world of indoor plants, the first question is: what types are best for beginners? Plants that thrive in pots, are easy to care for, and fit homes with a temperature of around 20°c are ideal. Lauren has some recommendations. “Old fashioned favourites such as Peace Lillies, Rex Begonias, Rubber Plants and Prayer Plants,” she says, “and classic foliage plants like Monsteras, Fiddle Leaf Figs, Banana Palms, Alocasias, and many varieties of Philodendrons.”
For smaller apartments, air purifier plants can improve the air quality, such as Spider Plants, Snake Plants, and Boston Ferns. Lauren also points out Cyclamens, that add a splash of colour to a cool space. For low light areas Cast Iron Plants, Dragon Tail Plants and Ferns get a mention. And if you don’t mind the horrifying idea of a meat-eating plant, Carnivorous Plants are a good shout.
33 Orana Place, Riverside
Indicative price: $1.6m-$1.78m
Agent: Josh Hart and Tiffany Henricks, McGrath
If Lauren were to have just one indoor plant, the answer is easy. “My favourite indoor plant is a Ctenanthe, the foliage is striking, the undersides of the leaves are purple, and they’re hardy!”
Caring for the plant is important. It’s probably obvious, but like any living thing, if left unattended they will not survive. Newbies, did you know that plants need food? “Feeding indoor plants once a month with a liquid fertiliser will help them flourish and maintain their dark green leaves,” Lauren says. “Maintain their feeding regime from spring to autumn.”
But what about pests and diseases? One misstep and suddenly your plant could be covered. The best way, according to Lauren, is to simply keep the plant happy and healthy. “Sufficient water, light, good quality potting mix and fertiliser will help keep them at their finest,” she says. She also suggests applying a seaweed solution to your indoor plants monthly.
Now that autumn is here and winter is on the horizon, the temperature and amount of sunlight in Tasmania can change dramatically, so plants will need a bit of extra care. “As we head into the cooler months, ensure plants aren’t overwatered, and don’t get too cold overnight. Be mindful of heat pumps drying out plants if they are close by,” Lauren says.
189 Old Forcett Road, Forcett
Indicative price: $590,000
Agent: Chloe Wright and Holly Johnson, Kate Storey Realty
43 Shearwater Esplanade, Shearwater
Indicative price: Offers over $1.35m
Agent: Elise Chisholm, Harcourts
for sale
Beracah Park, Relbia Price on request Contact agent
Set on magnificent grounds with a private, tree-lined driveway, this exceptional family home o ers a peaceful retreat just 10 minutes from the city and schools. Built in 2019, the residence blends luxury with practicality, featuring multiple living spaces, study (or fifth bedroom). Each bedroom has double doors to the veranda and equally appealing views of the rolling hills and mountains beyond or the beautiful garden.
Designed for e ortless indoor-outdoor living, the homes wrap-around veranda provides year-round shelter or sun depending on the season. Multiple outdoor entertaining areas suit any time of day, and a master-crafted fountain enhances the tranquil ambiance. Featuring a well-appointed kitchen, complete with a butler’s pantry, perfect for entertaining, while a self-contained guest area ensures privacy for visitors.
With a carport for daily parking and a separate workshop with mezzanine, wood heating and a reverse cycle heat pump, o ce space and a kitchenette, a fully integrated watering system, veggie patch safe from local critters and parking for a fleet, this highly sought-after Relbia property o ers the perfect balance of comfort, convenience, and countryside charm.
Professor Councillor George Razay is a physician, geriatrician, and the Director of the Memory Disorders Clinic and Dementia Research at Launceston General Hospital. He recently released a book, Dementia: A New Hope.
Where did you grow up and where do you live now? I grew up in Syria, trained in England to become a specialist in general and geriatric medicine before moving to Sydney and later settling in Launceston to practice medicine in 1997.
Tell us a bit about what you do. I am professor, physician, and geriatrician and director of the Memory Disorders Clinic and Dementia Research Centre at the Launceston General Hospital. I am also a councillor at the Launceston City Council and was 2021 Tasmanian Australian of the Year nominee. My other interests include being a saxophonist, tap and jazz dancer and amateur viticulturist. These hobbies are not just a way of spending downtime, but an active attempt at practising what I preach: “The older you get, the harder you should work, but more importantly it is about taking on a new challenge”. I have extensive research experience in the field of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease (AD), especially in the role of vascular risk factors.
Why are you personally interested in studying and talking about dementia? The prevalence of dementia and AD is increasing rapidly with the ageing population worldwide, and it has become the second leading cause of death in Australia. Although there is still no available treatment that halts or reverses AD, our understanding of the pathology, risk factors, genetics, diagnosis, and social and medical care have increased enormously. Over the last 28 years, I have been privileged to be involved
in the clinical management of patients with memory disorders and dementia in the Memory Disorders Clinic, and in an acute setting at the Launceston General Hospital through my role as a full-time physician and geriatrician. This gave me great insight into the problems related to dementia disorders and helped in focusing my research interests on the prevention and treatment of dementia disorders. My new book is based on my life journey through research by identifying risk and protective factors in AD, as well as looking at the impact of exercise on cognition and physical wellbeing in people with AD.
Tell us about the book, Dementia:
A New Hope. Most of the book’s teachings are based on what I have learned in my personal search for risk factors, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of dementia disorders, AD, and normal pressure hydrocephalus. I have tried to write this book in language and thought forms that are accessible to everyday readers. I therefore hope that this book will help change the stigma toward dementia, particularly AD, and give people hope that some forms of dementia disorders can be prevented and treated. I also wanted to share some of the practical steps I am taking in pursuit of healthy ageing. I very much hope that this book will be helpful to the public, patients, carers, and those practically involved in the care of dementia.
What are some of the most common misconceptions around dementia you’ve encountered? Unfortunately, there is still a lack of public understanding of dementia, with widespread misconceptions that dementia is an inevitable consequence of ageing and the false view that nothing can be done to help people with dementia. All of these make patients, carers, and health professionals feel that there is not much that can be done to help, and therefore, there is no urgency in seeking early assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. It’s no wonder the stigma
around dementia has not changed much. Although the risk of dementia increases with old age, dementia is not a natural part of ageing. In my public presentations, I often ask the question, “What are the causes of dementia?” and get the answer, “old age”. I respond by saying, “Old age is not a disease and dementia is not an inevitable consequence of old age”. People can reach old age without symptoms of dementia and the majority of people are well, healthy, and enjoy an active life.
Parting words? Although ageing is inevitable, a great deal can be done to slow cognitive and physical decline by taking care of your body and mind. Moreover, adopting healthy lifestyle habits throughout life like physical activities, social engagements, mentally challenging occupations, creative hobbies and a high education level can create a “cognitive reserve” and protect against cognitive decline and dementia in old age. I often meet people in their nineties, and they still look physically and mentally very well. They often live a very active and enjoyable life. We should remain active throughout life and should not look at old age as a time to slow down and take it easy. It is important to do jobs that you enjoy and take on new challenges, things that you have never done before.
Jane Longhurst in association with Mudlark Theatre presents
LIFE / CYCLE
By Jane Longhurst
4:30pm - 9:00pm BROOKE STREET PIER Mar 21, 28
THE GREAT ASCENT
Words: Annia Baron
Eight students are participating in a weekly beginner’s Italian class. The astute Professoress asks everyone to introduce themselves and share their intentions for a new language, which she adds, “Takes 600 hours to master.” Matt, a geologist who travels the world, has fallen in love with his Italian girlfriend. Courtney and John, a couple in their 50s dream of retirement roaming the Italian countryside. 39-year-old Megan envisions being amongst the vines of a family-owned vineyard, soaking up the landscape while under the Tuscan sun. Then there’s Cathy, a woman who looks to be in her late 60s. She says, “I am doing this to keep my brain in good spirits. Whether 600 hours or 10 years to master, I’ll do it one step at a time.” The class learns that only five years ago, Cathy thought she was going to die and underwent brain surgery to remove a tumour.
Rachel’s mother was five years old when she first caught a glimpse of the Statue of Liberty. The ship her mother was on sailed into the harbour from Russia. Her mum had lived most of her life in New York, and now at almost 80 years old, she suffered a severe heart condition. Rachel asked her mum how she wanted to spend her upcoming birthday. Lady Liberty was beckoning. “I want to climb to the top,” her mum replied. Rachel asked, “Isn’t there an elevator?” To which her mum affirmed, “I want to climb the stairs.” With 342 stairs to the top, Rachel figured they could do it three or four steps at a time, resting in between. She took her mother’s nitroglycerin and during the six-hour ascent, many moments of doubt arose.
“How had I gotten into this crazy thing, climbing the Statue of Liberty with an eighty-year-old woman with severe heart disease? I think half of New York must have passed us on those stairs”, Rachel recalls. She adds, “My mother may have had angina, but she also had an iron will.” Finally, and almost unbelievably, they were close to the top. Rachel’s mother looked at those last steps with resentment, “Why couldn’t we have done these first?” she said.
They say baby steps will get you to the top of Mt Everest. And they did for Nepalese born Budha Magar, who developed an affinity for the world’s tallest mountain when he was young. In adulthood he enlisted with the British army. While serving in Afghanistan, Budha stepped on a bomb that blew off his leg and left the other one barely hanging on.
Doctors tried to save his remaining limb but without success. For the first few years following this horrific event, Budha didn’t want to live. He was angry at the world and felt he was letting his family down. During this time of healing and uncertainty, Mt Everest was quietly calling to him. Budha knew that his dream to climb the world’s highest peak without any legs seemed preposterous, but he didn’t care. It took him six years of intense training, and against all odds, Budha became the first double, above the knee amputee to ascend Mt Everest.
The willingness to commit to things most meaningful to us is a lifelong pursuit. When we have a dream, we start off with effervescent tingles of anticipation. But inevitably, the accumulation of life’s challenges, be it fatigue, illness, disappointment, rejection, or loss, leave us disheartened. How many times do we stop the practices needed to reach our goals? How often have we veered from our path because things were taking too long or because on the outside, it seemed as though little progress was being made? On the ascent, we start comparing ourselves too - physically, financially, or with career and relationships. Weary and low, we seek the nearest elevator.
Whether it’s 10 years of Italian classes following brain surgery, getting to the top of 342 stairs at snail pace on your 80th birthday, or scaling the highest mountain without legs - every dream, no matter what it looks like, is your calling, your vision. And even if your current circumstances or conditions make it seem that success is impossible, remember, every dream can be achieved, literally one step at a time. Will your climb be easy? Absolutely not. Will resentment flood your veins when you’re tired or faced with obstacles? Without question. But in those very moments that you decide to keep going, to take another baby step, you ignite an unshakable recognition that will enliven you for the rest of your life. A deep understanding that you are powerful beyond measure.
Never underestimate the life force within you to achieve your greatest ascent. Take another step.
Annia Baron is a Clinical Psychologist & Mindset Coach. Want to learn more about mindset tools to create a life you desire and deserve? Get in touch on Instagram @anniabaron or visit www.remindyourself.com.
DON CAMILLO GAMAY
Exploring one wine variety, with a local bottle and one from afar.
5 Magnet Court, Sandy Bay
As the oldest restaurant in Hobart, Don Camillo knows who they are and exactly what they’re offering - good quality Italian food in a comfortable setting. We decided to take the kids for a ‘nice’ Sunday night dinner recently, a little more elevated than our usual haunts. Sensing an occasion, the boys got changed into their best soccer kits, ready to enjoy a night out.
The Magnet Court shopfront hides the dimly-lit room that lies beyond it. Filled with tables covered in traditional red and white checkered tablecloths, it’s adorned with Italian iconography at every turn. Our fellow diners were a mix of couples, families like us, and one larger group. The menu reads as a classic Italian menu. Starters such as arancini, bruschetta, garlic bread, olives, followed by pastas, meats and salads.
We started with the arancini al ragu ($21), fried risotto balls with beef and pork ragu, peas and scamorza (smoked cheese, we discover), served with aioli, rocket and parmesan, with some garlic bread. The serving was generous and delicious, a wonderful start. My eldest and I chose the spaghetti alla capesante ($31) - he’s an adventurous eater and hadn’t tried scallops, so ordered this dish to find out. Luckily when his big steaming bowl of scallop-laden spaghetti arrived, he liked them. The serving of spaghetti with Tasmanian scallops, cherry tomatoes, garlic, white wine and butter sauce was large and utterly satisfying. My youngest enjoyed a kids serve of plain pasta ($15), while our other tablemates both ordered the penne con pollo ($29) with chicken thighs, mushrooms, caramelised onion, red capsicum, garlic, cream, white wine, parmesan and a touch of chilli. I’m one to go for an entree over a dessert and by the time we’d enjoyed our pastas there was no room for something sweet, but next time I have my eye on the tiramisu ($15), of course, and the pan dolce ($15) a sticky fig pudding with hot butterscotch sauce. Don Camillo is like a big Italian hug in restaurant form, from their family to yours.
HOME
Sinapius 2023
Esmè ($42):
Located in the heart of the Pipers Brook wine region in northern Tasmania, Sinapius makes quality wines with as little intervention as possible. Their Gamay opens with an intense smell that screams, “Red!” We’re talking strawberries and redcurrants, which carries over into its taste which is bursting with more red fruits. It’s the kind of drink you keep pouring because the conversation’s too good to stop, even though you know you probably should. But who’s stopping? Not you, not this wine.
Set the vibe:
Music: Ancient Water by Future Islands
Food: Roast duck
AWAY
Eldridge 2023
Gamay Noir ($60)
The Mornington Peninsula, with its sunny coastline and salty air, is the birthplace of this limited-edition Gamay with plum, raspberry, and earthy undertones. This is a wine with an attitude, with gravelly tannins on the tongue, and a scent like rain-soaked pavement. It would be a surprise to anyone not familiar with Gamay’s game, because this is a classically French Gamay, with a bit more grit than its kin. This ain’t no beach bum, it’s a chainsmoking 1920s Paris detective.
Aries (21 Mar – 19 Apr): March is a month of transformation, starting with a focus on your daily routines as the Lunar Eclipse in Virgo on the 14th reveals habits that need releasing. Mid-month, Mercury and Venus retrograde into Pisces, urging you to reflect on past relationships. By the Solar Eclipse in your sign on the 29th, you’re ready for a powerful personal reset.
Taurus (20 Apr - 20 May): This month invites reflection and renewal. The Lunar Eclipse in Virgo on the 14th highlights your creative projects or romantic life, urging you to release outdated ideas. Mercury and Venus retrograde into Pisces mid-month, stirring up old friendships. The Solar Eclipse in Aries on the 29th offers a chance to reconnect with your intuition.
Gemini (21 May - 20 Jun): March brings shifts in your home life and social circles. The Lunar Eclipse in Virgo on the 14th illuminates family dynamics. As Mercury and Venus retrograde into Pisces midmonth, career plans may feel foggy, so double-check details. By the Solar Eclipse in Aries on the 29th, new friendships or exciting collaborations emerge.
Cancer (21 Jun - 22 Jul): Communication takes centre stage in March. The Lunar Eclipse in Virgo on the 14th reveals outdated ways of thinking or expressing yourself. Mercury and Venus retrograde into Pisces mid-month, bringing old travel plans or educational goals back into focus. Be flexible as things shift. The Solar Eclipse in Aries on the 29th lights up your career.
Leo (23 Jul - 22 Aug): March invites you to reassess your values. The Lunar Eclipse in Virgo on the 14th highlights financial habits. Mid-month, Mercury and Venus retrograde into Pisces, stirring emotional reflection around shared resources.
Old agreements might resurface. By the Solar Eclipse in Aries on the 29th, you’ll feel a surge of adventurous energy.
Virgo (23 Aug - 22 Sep): March is a transformative month for you. The Lunar Eclipse in your sign on the 14th highlights personal growth. Mid-month, Mercury and Venus retrograde into Pisces, bringing relationship reflections to the forefront. Old partnerships might resurface. The Solar Eclipse in Aries on the 29th shifts focus to intimacy, opening doors to deeper trust.
Libra (23 Sep - 22 Oct): March brings a mix of endings and beginnings. The Lunar Eclipse in Virgo on the 14th illuminates hidden patterns or emotional baggage. Mercury and Venus retrograde into Pisces mid-month, asking you to rethink your daily routines and wellness habits. By the Solar Eclipse in Aries on the 29th, fresh energy arrives in your relationships.
Scorpio (23 Oct - 21 Nov): This month highlights your social and personal spheres. The Lunar Eclipse in Virgo on the 14th brings clarity to friendships and community connections. Mid-month, Mercury and Venus retrograde into Pisces, stirring up creative inspiration. By the Solar Eclipse in Aries on the 29th, you’ll feel ready to reset your work routines.
Sagittarius 22 Nov - 21 Dec): March focuses on balancing your professional life with personal joy. The Lunar Eclipse in Virgo on the 14th highlights your career. Mid-month, Mercury and Venus retrograde into Pisces, bringing family matters into focus. Be patient with emotional conversations. The Solar Eclipse in Aries on the 29th reignites your creative spark.
Capricorn (22 Dec - 19 Jan): March invites exploration and reflection. The Lunar Eclipse in Virgo on the 14th highlights learning, travel, or personal beliefs. Mid-month, Mercury and Venus retrograde into Pisces, bringing back old conversations or revisiting past communication challenges. By the Solar Eclipse in Aries on the 29th, fresh energy flows into your home life, offering opportunities for new beginnings.
Aquarius (20 Jan - 18 Feb): March is all about resources and communication. The Lunar Eclipse in Virgo on the 14th highlights shared finances or emotional bonds. Mid-month, Mercury and Venus retrograde into Pisces, asking you to reconsider personal spending. Be cautious with financial decisions. By the Solar Eclipse in Aries on the 29th, fresh ideas and conversations spark, offering new ways to connect.
Pisces (19 Feb - 20 Mar): March brings powerful shifts in relationships and personal growth. The Lunar Eclipse in Virgo on the 14th highlights partnerships. Mid-month, Mercury and Venus retrograde into your sign, prompting deep reflection on your values. Use this time to revisit past choices. By the Solar Eclipse in Aries on the 29th, fresh opportunities arise in finances.
Sara is a Hobart based astrologer with over 30 years professional experience. If you would like a private psychic or astrology reading with Sara either face to face or by zoom, phone or email, please go to www.stargold.com.au for more information and to book.
Authorised by Vica Bayley & Helen Burnet, Parliament House Hobart, TAS, 7000. Photo: Karen Brown.
AN ADVENTURE IN TWO PARTS: WALKING THE MONT TO MONTE
Words: Kaye Gilhooly (@hikingwiththegilhoolys)
Age is no barrier to adventure.
This phrase is a mantra Paul and I live by. At ages 63 and 66 we’ve hiked 7,500 kms over the past five and a half years completing five epic long-distance hikes in Europe and Australia. However, when we started, we hadn’t walked more than 20 kilometres in a day! Our first hike, the Via Francigena from Canterbury to Rome, was a daunting task at 2,200 kilometres. Just the two of us, our life in our backpacks, one pair of boots and four countries to cross. What could go wrong?
Day-to-day life was exciting and exhilarating as we quickly learnt how to manage the many mental and physical challenges. By the time we walked into Rome, we were exhausted yet completely hooked. We already had another hiking adventure in mind. Bigger and more challenging. A dream to create a hiking trail from Mont St Michel in Northern France to Monte S’Angelo on the Gargano Plateau in Puglia, Italy would take a lot of planning. We named it the ‘Mont to Monte.’
Recently, we returned from fulfilling this dream, an almost 3000 kilometre life-changing journey that to our knowledge only a few people have done. However, in the end, it had to be accomplished in two parts. Back in 2022, plagued by several months of extreme heat, we came to a grinding halt in the small Italian village of Cittaducale about 120 kilometres outside Rome. After almost five months and 2250 kilometres we could walk no further. Extremely disappointed, we vowed to return to Italy and finish it.
Almost two years later, we finally walked out of Rome in stifling 37 degree heat for the final 630 kilometres. Although each day was new and thrilling, it wasn’t always easy. Daily tasks of finding food and water, accommodation, negotiating language barriers, extreme weather, aggressive dogs, variable walking surfaces plus navigating on what at times, was a non-existent track, made it very challenging. And that’s on top of walking between 20 and 30 kilometres a day!
Still, we loved it and on the final day of our journey, 24 September 2024 we couldn’t contain our bubbling excitement. But, for a moment, high on a ridge with only 6 kilometres to go to Monte S’Angelo we were worried we may not actually make it. Two aggressive dogs charged from a distant property, with no intention of backing down. I was bitten a couple of years ago and was understandably anxious. With frothing mouths and baring teeth, they backed us towards a road. Thankfully, as a car appeared we frantically scurried across the road using it as a buffer.
Luckily the sweeping views over the Adriatic Sea to Albania soothed our trembling hearts as we hiked the last few kilometers. The feeling of elation was palpable as we entered the white hilltop village of Monte S’Angelo and made our way to the Santuario di S. Michele, our final destination. By the simple act of putting one foot in front of the other we’d finally made it. We felt extremely proud.
But we weren’t done yet. After a wellearned rest by the sea, we flew to Spain for the stunning ‘Andalucian Coast to Coast’, a 420 kilometre hike through the incredibly scenic Baetic mountains. It was tough but what an adventure! In case you’re wondering? We’re not retired. We choose to “seize the day” as they say. Our hikes require a great deal of planning, staying fit, making decisions and managing the consequences however the rewards are enormous and everlasting. So, what’s next?
WOULD YOU ADOPT A TASMANIAN MOCK WALRUS?
While Australia’s wildlife might seem normal to us, they really are quite unusual when compared to the rest of the world. Think about it. We’ve got egg-laying mammals, desert-dwelling frogs, and spiky, frilly lizards, to name a few! The oddest of them all is the platypus. With a duck-like bill, beaver-like tail, and otter-like feet, the platypus baffled Europeans. In 1799, when scientists examined a preserved platypus for the first time, they initially judged it as a hoax made up of several animal parts sewn together.
With all these strange animals, folks would probably believe any odd new “discovery”. Enter the Tasmanian mock walrus. This little-known creature is very rare, but if you plan to see one in the wild, your best bet is to head to Tasmania’s lake region, where they like to live in little burrows they dig with their teeth. The Tasmanian mock walrus is a whiskered, four-inch long creature that purrs like a cat, has the temperament of a hamster, and resembles a miniature walrus, though some people say that’s a roundabout way of saying it looks like a naked mole rat.
One of the most amazing things about these animals is that they make a perfect pet, not that you’re allowed to due to its rarity. They never need to be walked or bathed, can be trained to use a litter box, and eat cockroaches. A single mock walrus can rid a house of roaches!
It’s doubtful you believed any of that. You’re in Tasmania, after all. If there were miniature walrus creatures native to Tassie’s lakes region that purred and ate cockroaches, you’d probably know about it. It would be a mascot like the
Tasmanian devil or the handfish! But for some residents of Orlando, Florida in 1984, it seemed very, very real.
Given April Fool’s Day is fast approaching we thought we’d take a look back on one of the more unusual pranks in history. Indeed, in the 1 April edition of local Florida paper Orlando Sentinel in 1984, a prank story was run about the Tasmania mock walrus. Get it… Mock? A bit on the nose in retrospect.
The article described all the creature’s traits mentioned above, then reported that some walruses were smuggled to Florida from Tasmania for breeding purposes. The United States has a thing about exotic pets, so it wouldn’t have been out of the ordinary to hear about a weird, overseas creature being bred. Especially in the streets of Florida.
Because of the animal’s knack for eating cockroaches, the article reported that local pest-control companies were pressuring the government to ban Tasmanian mock walruses in the country, for fear of losing business. Accompanying photos in the
paper showed protestors picketing outside the offices of the Orlando government, with signs saying “Save the Tasmanian Mock Walrus” and “Freedom to Breed”.
As a result of this hoax, dozens of people called the paper trying to find out where they could obtain their own Tasmanian mock walrus as a pet. They purr, don’t need to be bathed or walked, and can clear a house of roaches? Amazing. They’re not exactly the cutest critter, but if naked mole rats have their fans, so would the walrus. Needless to say, these folks must have been pretty disappointed to find out the whole thing was a prank.
One question is, why Tasmania? The writers may have just thrown a dart on a world map and picked where it landed. Or was it a link to the Taz, the Looney Tunes fave? To the rest of the world (especially halfway around the world), Tasmania feels like an exotic land at the edge of the world. It conjures up thoughts of dark forests, untouched wilderness, and screeching devils. So why wouldn’t there be a little walrus thing here?
