HOW THE JACKIE’S FANS AND TASSIE COFFEE SPUR THIS OLYMPIAN ON WILL MAGNAY
GEOSCIENTIST ROXANE BANDINI-MAEDER IS USING AI DATA TO ASSESS DISASTER RISKS GLOBALLY
7 BROADBY DRIVE, LENAH VALLEY
Positioned on a spacious 690sqm block, this property offers a comfortable, character-filled home just 10 mins from Hobart CBD. This low-maintenance property features level access, high ceilings, polished timber floors, and energy-efficient double-glazed windows throughout. The open-plan living and dining areas lead to a stunning mountain-view deck, while the well-equipped kitchen invites entertaining.
Local is the New Luxe
Superfine Merino Clothing Made in Tasmania
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.
The brand’s best-selling item, the Mary dress, was inspired by Princess Mary and reflects their community ties. Looking ahead, Smitten Merino plans to introduce tailored pieces and has gained international recognition, recently featured in publications like *Harper’s Bazaar* and *Elle*. 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.
Holly wears the best selling Mary dress in burnt orange.
Phone: 03 6212 0197 | Free Shipping Australia Wide
Flagship Boutique | 47 Sandy Bay Rd | Battery Point www.smittenmerino.com
WELCOME TO
THE HOBART MAGAZINE
It’s that time of year when the weather starts to improve and we properly shake off the cold.
It’s also the time when the Tasmania JackJumpers return to the basketball court - so it’s timely we had a chat with freshly-minted Olympian and JackJumper, Will Magnay, this month. To celebrate the spooky season, we spoke with paranormal investigator Sharmaine Mansfield, about all things ghosts in Tasmania.
We love connecting with you, so don’t hesitate to drop us a line at editor@thehobartmagazine. com.au or tag us on social media while you’re out and about. Enjoy the read!
All the best,
Steph, James and The Hobart Magazine team
Publisher Stephanie Williams editor@thehobartmagazine.com.au
Advertising advertise@thehobartmagazine.com.au
03 6295 3742
Cover main image: Tasmania JackJumpers
Cover inset image: Jess Oakenfull
This page: Matty Eaton
Publisher Information: While all care has been taken, some information may have changed since publication. The Hobart Magazine regrets it can’t accept liabilities from errors or omissions contained in this magazine. The publisher reserves the right to refuse, withdraw or amend all advertisements without explanation. Reproduction in whole or part without permission is prohibited. The views expressed in articles and advertisements are not endorsed by the editor or publishers. We welcome any questions, feedback or submissions, email editor@thehobartmagazine. com.au, or drop us a line at PO Box 315, South Hobart, TAS, 7004.
The Hobart Magazine acknowledges the Tasmanian Aboriginal People as the Traditional Owners and ongoing custodians of lutruwita/Tasmania. We pay our respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and to their Elders past, present and emerging. www.thehobartmagazine.com.au
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JAY BRASLIN
Meet Jay, the rockstar barber. He and his partner, Kimberley, proudly own the new Kingston barbershop, That’s What’s Up Barber. Beyond being a hair expert, Jay is also a talented drummer who played with rock band The Lazys.
Where did you grow up? And where do you live now? I grew up in Claremont and Moonah and now I proudly live in Kingston.
You’ve just opened That’s What’s Up Barber there - how is business owner life? This is my second go at it. In 2016 I opened Bob’s Your Uncle Barbershop in Lutana. I started that with one chair and within three years I had four chairs running and booked out two to three weeks in advance. I ended that shop in 2019 when my daughter was born, to concentrate on my family life. My beautiful partner Kimberley and I opened That’s What’s Up about a month ago. Our crazy little idea to open a barbershop hidden in an industrial estate in front of a boxing gym in Kingston was always about complementing our family life, pumping out wicked haircuts and listening to great tunes in a fun and relaxed space. So far it’s doing everything we could have hoped for and more.
You’ve teamed up with Brewlab to make a custom hot sauce. Why have hot sauce in a barbershop? Lesley from Brewlab is Kimberley’s sister. In the lead up to us opening the shop Lesley and Dave were super excited and wanted to make us a hot sauce as a celebration. We are so stoked that they were happy to do one for us - appropriately named That’s What’s Hot. Community, family, fun, whilst being bold and mysterious were core reasons why we decided to open That’s What’s Up, and I think having a hot sauce in the shop goes well with that.
You're also a drummer, tell us about that. Mum bought me my first drum kit for my 14th birthday after I threatened to
leave home if she didn’t (what an entitled brat!). I started playing in pub bands when I was 16. In 2009 a band from Sydney called The Lazys played a show down here. My band at the time were their support band and we ended up having a million beers together that night and automatically becoming best friends. A month later they rang me out of the blue and said their drummer had left the band and did I want to fly up to Sydney that weekend to fill in. I said yes and within a few months I was The Lazys full time drummer and living in Sydney. We spent a few years touring the east coast of Australia and in 2012 we were lucky enough to spend six weeks in New York recording an album. After that we signed to a Canadian record label, management and agency. We then started touring Canada two months at a time. In 2015 I decided I’d had enough of the rock and roll lifestyle and left the band, moving back to Hobart in 2016 to start my first barbershop.
What’s one thing you wish everyone knew about your job? Hair splinters. Ouch. One of the hazards of the job. After a big day cutting some of the little short sharp hairs can nestle in the skin. They can be really quite painful!
Who do you admire? My Mum. Strongest, nicest person in the world.
Favourite podcast or tv show? The Simpsons. I’ve generally found that any joke I’ve told and got a laugh from I’ve stolen it from The Simpsons.
Secret vice? The song Need You Now by
Lady A. After spending 30 years playing rock and roll I really shouldn’t like this song but I really, really do.
What are you reading now? My time for reading has significantly reduced, so I listen to audiobooks in the car. Currently listening to Marching Powder by Rusty Young.
Do you have any pets? Sadly not anymore. I had a bulldog named Pancakes that passed away last year. She was always by my side in every shop I worked in and if you have ever had a haircut by me there’s a fair chance Pancakes was next to us. Irreplaceable.
What was your first job? A dishy at Pizza Haven, Derwent Park. I worked there for about six months before I started my hairdressing apprenticeship.
What are your daily news/social media habits? Just a fair bit of mindless scrolling.
Your favourite place for… Breakfast: Rice paper rolls, Ja & Jon. Lunch: Bahn mi, Ja & Jon.
Favourite Tasmanian secret? Corinna. We went there last year. Stunning and so peaceful.
Parting words? GO CATS!!!
ROXANE BANDINI-MAEDER
Picture: Jess Oakenfull
Roxane Bandini-Maeder is a geoscientist originally from Switzerland. With her husband Alex, she runs Geoneon, a company using geospatial data to assess disaster risk.
Where did you grow up and where do you live now? I grew up in a little village in Switzerland and I now live in Hobart.
How was the move from Switzerland to Tasmania? We first moved from Switzerland to Perth and spent seven years there before heading to Tassie. Moving from Perth with two kids under three, while pregnant with the third, and starting a business—that was rock and roll!
What inspired you and Alex to start Geoneon? Alex and I had been thinking for several years about how we could better leverage geospatial data to assess risk quicker, more reliably, and with more frequent updates. That drive to improve how we understand and manage risks led us to start Geoneon.
Briefly explain what Geoneon does. Geoneon uses satellite data, artificial intelligence, and data fusion to map climate risk and monitor vegetation. We have been supporting government agencies, utilities, and international organisations across Australia, Asia, and Europe.
How can AI technologies and geospatial data help predict climate risks? Our approach focuses on susceptibility mapping, which means mapping where pre-existing conditions make a disaster more likely or severe. These conditions are often landscape-based, so we train our AI models to map them accurately. By combining this with advanced geospatial algorithms, we can assess exposure and risk to communities and infrastructure. This approach allows us to update our models quickly, at large scale, high
resolution and consistently, providing critical insights for long-term preparedness. We also validate our models with past events to ensure reliability.
How does your new Wildfire Severity Index work? Geoneon’s Wildfire Severity Index uses AI and satellite imagery to predict where wildfires will be most severe. Our AI model can now even predict the height of trees from satellite data, which is a very advanced capability globally. First, we map high and low vegetation accurately, then combine data on vegetation density, type, topography, and climate to assess fire severity. We can do this at a large scale with 10-metre resolution, like we did for the entire country of Bhutan, or at a finer scale with 50-centimetre resolution like we did in Greater Hobart. Our model has shown high reliability when validated against past fires, and it’s designed to support long-term preparedness, rather than early warning or immediate response.
garden centre when I was a student.
What are your daily news/social media habits? I usually start my day with The Guardian and some Swiss news, and I probably check LinkedIn way too often during the day.
Your favourite place for… Breakfast: Machine Laundry with my buddy Nikki.
Lunch: Pigeon Whole Bakers for a quick sandwich between meetings.
Who do you admire? I admire women leaders who balance strength and empathy like Christine Lagarde, Jacinda Ardern, or Angela Merkel. They all exemplify firm yet compassionate, striving for fairness, competence and calm.
Favourite podcast or tv show? Ally McBeal and Parks and Recreation will never fail to make me laugh out loud! They always brighten my day with their quirky humour.
Secret vice? A cup of monk tea from a shop in Lausanne that my lovely mother-in-law sends me regularly, while snuggling with a book and my boys on the couch.
What are you reading now? The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah.
Do you have any pets? We don’t have any pets, but the boys made a bee hospital, so we occasionally have some rescue bees they have found around!
What was your first job? Cashier in a
Dinner: La Sardina Loca on Elizabeth Street without a doubt!
Favourite team? As my five-year-old son would say, I always go with all the teams—so I’m sure I win!
Dream holiday destination? Right now, I would love a family week in Thailand with amazing food to unwind and escape Tasmanian winter, but I have to admit, I am also missing the Swiss Alps—and of course, a good cheese fondue.
Favourite Tasmanian secret? Crescent Bay. It is probably not much of a secret, but I love the beach there. We go every year with friends, and the kids (and parents) have so much fun! The walk is worth it—unless Alex suggests the ‘shortcut,’ which doesn’t exist!
Parting words? Having a business is hard work, and success doesn’t come overnight. Be consistent, surround yourself with the right people, believe in what you do, and don’t overlook what you don’t know. Growth comes from persistence and learning along the way.
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SUN’S OUT, SUNSCREEN ON
Cancer Council Tasmania (CCT) is raising alarms about sun safety, revealing that many Tasmanians still aren't using enough sun protection. According to a recent survey by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Tasmanians are more likely to spend more than 15 minutes outdoors during peak UV times (75.9%) compared to the national average (60.6%). The survey, which looked at over 8,500 Australians from November 2023 to February 2024, also found that Tasmanians are more likely to suffer sunburn after just 30 minutes of exposure. CCT CEO Alison Lai stressed that UV radiation is a major risk factor for skin cancer, and repeated unprotected exposure increases this risk over time.
While it's promising that about 52% of Tasmanians used three or more forms of sun protection, that’s still a significant number neglecting sun safety. CCT emphasises the importance of integrating all five sun protection measures - wearing protective clothing, applying SPF 50+ sunscreen, donning a broad-brimmed hat, seeking shade, and wearing sunglassesinto daily routines, especially during high UV periods.
CHANGES TO COLLINS STREET
The Hobart City Council has endorsed a trial of changes to Collins Street (from Molle to Murray Streets), set to begin in early 2025, and will last for 24 months. This plan includes adding more greenery, creating spots for outdoor dining and seating, and introducing separated bike lanes. After three months of engaging with local businesses and residents, the council made some tweaks to the original plan to incorporate this feedback. They’ll be adding 10 parking spaces back into the plan, keeping Victoria Street one-way to save seven parking spots, and extending the Centrepoint carpark opening hours to help local businesses during the trial. Plus, there’ll be a new app to show where 1,000+ parking spots are available in real time. The trial will also include a proposed lowering the speed limit on Collins Street to 30 km/h.
NEW OPENINGS ON THE ISLAND
Sylvie (9/11 Murray Street, Hobart) is a small eatery and cocktail bar focused on sea-to-plate dining and working with local producers. It’s tucked underneath Jackman and McRoss, in the ex-Lowerhouse space. Vineyard Caledon Estate (300 Prossers Road, Richmond) was planted out in 2019 and they are now set to open their new cellar door and wine bar at the end of October. Catering to the wine curious, they grow six grape varieties, with nine different wines. Franklin Wharf Restaurant and Bar (Murray Street Pier, 28 Morrison Street, Hobart) has had a little glow up - walk in and you’ll find a refreshed layout with new casual dining options and more waterfront views. Specialty coffee and sandwich spot Lobby Eatery (134 Macquarie Street, Hobart, Tasmania) have added weekend openings, sorting out your new weekend brunch spot. Open 8am-2pm, Saturday-Sunday. Feel the heat of Sri Lankan street cuisine at Salt & Chilli (14 Quadrant Mall, Launceston), where you can try authentic dishes such as kottu - stir-fried chopped roti with a mix of veggies, spices, and meat - and eggplant moju. Rum lovers rejoice - 1808 Lounge Bar (186-188 Charles Street, Launces-
ton) has opened, serving rum, cocktails and tapas. For the first time in the history of The Royal Oak Hotel (14 Brisbane Street, Launceston), upstairs is open to the public. It's been storage, offices, private accommodation and, allegedly, the haunt of an old ghost, but now it's home to relaxed-yet-glam dining rooms. Kingston residents, you’ve got a new barbershop in That’s What’s Up Barber (12a Mertonvale Circuit, Kingston). Barber Jay has owned multiple barber shops around Hobart and is keen to serve Kingston’s growing community of young families. Major sports apparel and equipment retailer Rebel Sport (124/126 York Street, Launceston) has opened a new two-level store in Launceston that also includes a Basketball Experience Zone, where you can get active and shoot some hoops while you shop.
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SURF’S UP FOR SUMMER
Registration for the Disabled Surfers Association Tasmania's Let’s Go Surfing events are now open via Humantix, valid for both surfers and volunteers. The events will take place at Carlton Park Surf Lifesaving Club on 2 February and 2 March 2025. Approximately 150 volunteers are needed to make for a fun, smooth experience for surfers with higher needs.
OLD WEST COAST MINING TOWN ACCESSIBLE AGAIN
Locals and tourists can reach the historic town of Balfour again thanks to a brand-new bridge in the Arthur-Pieman Conservation Area. The Cassiterite Creek Bridge, built by Hazell Bros and made in Ulverstone, is set to last 100 years and can handle more weight, meeting modern standards. Road repairs, including new culverts and gravel, have also been completed. Balfour is a former mining town that once thrived, but is now a fascinating spot of local history and precious nature.
GLENORCHY POOL LIVES AGAIN
After being closed for more than a year, the Glenorchy Memorial Pool is finally on track for revival. The pool, which was 60 years old and shut down due to safety issues, will be replaced with new and improved facilities. The closure of the
pool led to outcry from the community. Glenorchy Mayor Sue Hickey and the Glenorchy City Council said they took a lot of feedback into account before making a decision. They’ve settled on a plan for a new indoor aquatic centre that will have everything from a 50-metre pool to a café and gym. The new facility will have both indoor and semi-open-air options. This is still early days as the council needs to finalise funding, so don’t get your bathers out just yet.
TASMANIA IS THIRD WORST STATE AT PROTECTING TREES
It appears Tasmania isn't doing so great when it comes to protecting and restoring trees - it’s ranked as the third worst Australian state or territory. Last year, the World Wide Fund for Nature reported that New South Wales was the worst of all nine states and territories for tree protection and restoration, getting a ‘very poor’ rating. Queensland wasn’t far behind coming in eighth and Tasmania was just a step better, ranked seventh with a ‘poor’ rating. No state did better than average, with South Australia being the highest-ranked at an ‘average’ level. Australia has already lost more than half of its forests. There’s still a lot of forest left, but unlike other wealthy countries that have stopped further clearing and are working to protect their forests, it appears Australia isn’t quite there yet.
THUMBS UP
Buying heaps of chocolate and lollies for Halloween. Because if kids don’t take it all, there’s leftovers to enjoy.
Deadloch has been nominated for Best Comedy at the International Emmys.
As much Milo in a glass of milk as possible.
90s television. Buffy the Vampire Slayer, The X-Files, Twin Peaks, Seinfeld
White pepper.
THUMBS DOWN
Your kid listening to bad rap means you have to listen to bad rap.
It’s spring but it’s still cold. We were promised tulips and sunshine.
People riding scooters in the dark with no lights on.
BUSES BACK IN GAGEBROOK
Bus services have returned to the Gagebrook and Herdsmans Cove areas. Metro Tasmania pulled their services from the area earlier this year amid safety concerns following rock throwing incidents. Metro says they will continue to work alongside Tasmania Police to monitor and respond to any incidents in the area.
The Winflo Curtains you know and love today, you may not be aware, started out as a tyre retailer. The missing link between tyres and home furnishings? Dunlop rubber underlay for carpets, of course.
It was Barry Walsh’s father who started the business, in 1940s Launceston, before Barry took over. The original shop was located on Saint John Street, positioned next door to Deans Phoenix Bakery (where Saint John Craft Beer can now be found). Eventually, the Walsh-owned business bought what had been the bakery’s quarters, expanding out across the two shopfronts.
Lucille, who now owns Winflo Curtains with her husband Mark, began her career in home furnishings as Sales Assistant under Barry Walsh.
“Barry was retiring, and when I left work, I was doing bits and pieces at home for them still. I’d had my son Zachary, and our daughter Alana was due in the February of 1994.”
In December, Barry told Lucille that he planned to retire by Christmas.
“I’m not interested,” were the words that came, unsurprisingly, from Lucille who was settling into her third trimester.
But, as life would have it, Lucille and her husband Mark had a change of heart that saw them not only taking over the Winflo business, but Mark’s father’s farm – all at once. To some, such an ambitious undertaking might’ve sounded foolish, but it made the day of their official acquisition of the business – April 1, 1994 – beautifully symbolic.
The business rapidly outgrew the original space on Saint John Street, and with the need for a dedicated workroom becoming more and more apparent, the business was shifted up the road, closer to Elizabeth Street, where it stayed for several years before Lucille and
Mark relocated again to their current address on Cimitiere Street.
Over her 30 years in business, Lucille has grown accustomed to noticing the curious idiosyncrasies of her clients, especially when it comes to their decision-making: the choices people make could be connected to something subconscious, she concedes.
“I notice that customers will often be wearing a piece of the colour that they’re actually looking for. I don’t know whether people consciously do it or not, but it’s very bizarre. I remember an older lady – I went to her one day – and she was wearing this gorgeous knit, a mohair cardigan that she’d made. And every colour she picked – it was a house lot, this job – she picked every colour in the combination of the cardigan. She wasn’t actually matching it to her cardigan, but that has happened to me so many times.”
When people are deciding on something for their home, their internal associations of comfort come into play. There are clients that come to Lucille with the conviction that they will rebel from the styling choices of their parent, but so often the selections they land on are eerily similar to those they were adamant they’d reject.
If you’d like to read the rest of this interview, visit our website at launcestoncentral.com.au
While you’re there, take a look at the rest of our ‘In good company’ blog series for a peek behind the counter of your favourite Launnie businesses.
Image from Romo’s Gardenia collection, stocked at Winflo
NEW HIGH SCHOOL COMPLETED
The new Brighton High School has completed construction. The school will open in 2025 to Year 7 and Year 11 students in the catchment area to start with, before adding Years 8, 9, 10, and 12 as the inaugural students progress. Brighton and surrounding suburbs are some of the fastest-growing areas in the state, so this new high school, built to accommodate up to 600 students, is welcomed. Features include a multi-purpose hall, performing arts space, gymnasium, commercial kitchen and café, outdoor learning street and a technologies space. The feeder schools for Brighton High School will be Brighton Primary School, Kempton Primary School, and Bagdad Primary School.
ONLINE SAFETY CODE FOR CHILDREN ANNOUNCED
New legislation has been introduced to improve online privacy for all Australians, including the inaugural Children's Online Privacy Code. “This code will ensure children’s data is only collected and used in a way that serves their best interests and will provide them with the protections they are entitled to,” said Katie Maskiell, Head of Policy and Advocacy at UNICEF Australia. Sarah Davies AM, CEO of the Alannah & Madeline Foundation, called the announcement a significant step towards protecting children online. “At present, when children go online they enter a ‘data economy’, where their personal informa-
tion is collected, analysed and monetized – and in some cases exploited – on a vast scale,” Davies said. The drive for data has led to digital products and services featuring elements designed to increase user engagement and data collection, such as low-default privacy settings, location tracking, frequent notifications, endless scrolling, weak age restrictions on adult content, and algorithms that promote interaction with strangers and extreme content. “This situation exposes children to many risks, including harms to their concentration, mood and sleep; contact with strangers; viewing of age-inappropriate content; and serious breaches of their privacy,” Davies said. A well-designed Children’s Online Privacy Code could help protect children from these dangers. The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner will lead the development of this Code, supported by $3 million in funding over three years.
KICK BAD HABITS TO THE CURB
CSIRO has introduced a tool to help Aussies break unhealthy eating habits and improve weight management. The Healthy Habits Quiz uses psychology and behavioural science to give users personalised advice on how to start and maintain healthier habits. The quiz is based on recent research by CSIRO, involving nearly 2,000 Australians, that showed that moods heavily influence eating patterns. Three-quarters of participants admitted to eating more when bored, and over
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half when feeling down. On the flip side, positive emotions generally led to reduced food intake, with nearly half of the respondents eating less when they were happy. Chocolate is the top temptation for many, followed by cheese and bread rolls. Men were more likely to be tempted by beer and processed meats, while women reported a higher temptation for savoury crackers, cakes and muffins. You can take the Healthy Habits Quiz at www. totalwellbeingdiet.com/au.
HOW TO HAVE A SAFE HALLOWEEN
The spooky season has arrived. As ghoulish goblins, spooky spirits, and wicked witches start to come out, children are scouring stores for the creepiest costumes, while parents stock up on sugary sweets. All this excitement builds up to 31 October - Halloween.
While some argue that Australians shouldn’t celebrate Halloween due to its American commercialism, Halloween actually has a long history in Australia, having been introduced here by Irish and Scottish immigrants in the 1800s.
More Australians are discovering the fun in Halloween. According to a 2023 Roy Morgan survey, just over 1 in 5 Australians now celebrate Halloween, and this number is growing each year. It’s an opportunity to enjoy time with friends and family, and a chance to connect with neighbours.
Safety tips for Halloween:
• Equip children with glow sticks or flashlights, use reflective tape or stickers on costumes and bags, and opt for light-coloured clothing to enhance visibility for drivers.
• Ensure there’s parental supervision for kids who are trick-or-treating.
• Choose costumes that are the right size to avoid trips and falls. Choose masks carefully, as masks can obstruct vision.
• Keep an eye on the lollies and loot the kids are picking up. If you’re sharing loot, aim for wrapped treats.
LITTLE BLUE BOAT SAVED
For almost 50 years the iconic Little Blue Boat, officially named Sea Breeze, has been moored on the River Derwent at Montrose Bay. Having been extensively damaged in the recent wild weather in September, the boat will be restored to her former glory. Now, she sits in a little blue shed in the Huon Valley awaiting repairs by the Wooden Boat Centre. To help pay for the costly repairs, the Wooden Boat Centre is launching a go-fund me campaign. Until then, if you wish to help, fully tax deductible donations can be made at their website here www.woodenboatcentre.com/little-blue-boat.
NEW VINNIES BASE FOR GLENORCHY
The St Vincent de Paul Society (Vinnies) has announced the construction of a new facility at Mill Lane in Glenorchy. “The Mill Lane Precinct will provide a central and accessible location for our staff, volunteers, and supported workers, enabling us to enhance the support we offer to vulnerable individuals and families across the state, but particularly across the northern suburbs of greater Hobart,” said Vinnies Tasmania president Corey McGrath. The development will occur in two stages. The first will create workspaces for St Vincent Industries, Tas Textiles, the Southern Regional Office, and a new emergency relief hub, which will include a food pantry and a permanent Loui’s Van kitchen. Stage two will refurbish the existing Tas Textiles factory into a new Vinnies Retail Store, with improved parking and customer facilities. The precinct will also offer shared spaces for training and administrative functions, alongside a larger dining area. Completion is expected in about nine months.
STRONGER LAWS SET FOR GAMBLING IN VIDEO GAMES
The Australian Classification Board has made some changes to video game ratings that are both positive and a bit confusing. New laws mean that games with any simulated gambling will now get a mandatory R18+ rating, restricting sales to those over the age of 18. However, games that include actual gambling elements, like paid loot boxes, will only get an M (Mature) rating. This means they're not recommended for kids under 15, but kids
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can still buy them. So, while it’s a step in the right direction, is it far enough? The goal of these changes is to reduce kids' exposure to gambling behaviours. Moving forward, all new games released in Australia will need to follow these updated rules. However, the laws won’t apply retroactively to alreadyreleased games.
AND HE WILL WALK 330 KILOMETRES MORE
Former Tasmanian premier Peter Gutwein has geared up for another epic charity walk, this time from Launceston to Canberra (with a flight from Launceston to Sydney in between). It's over 330 kilometres long and called The Walk, Better Together. He kicked off on 1 October and expects to wrap it up by 9 October. Back in June, Peter took a 350 kilometre trek across Tasmania to address rising concerns of racism and promote the benefits of cultural diversity. He was joined by Tasmanians from migrant and refugee backgrounds, who shared their stories and showed how they contribute to the community. This first effort, called The Walk, Step Up Together, raised over $60,000 for cultural awareness training. Now, The Walk, Better Together aims to showcase how migrants strengthen Australian industry and promote inclusion, with hopes of securing federal funding to keep the conversation going.
FROM GO FISH TO BIG FISH
Into card games, fishing, and marine life? Well, you’re in luck, because there’s a new card game on the way that combines all these things, and it’s called Big Fish Developed by a team at the Institute of Marine and Antarctic Sciences, the game’s aiming to be as fun as it is educational. To win the game you must find the best fishing strategy to collect points from catching fish, while keeping your fishing spot healthy and protected from natural disasters and other players. The team launched a Kickstarter campaign in September to help get the game out, and that’s how you can secure yourself a copy. Learn more and contribute to the crowdfunding campaign at www.bigfishcardgame.com.
DEVONPORT THE BEST IN TOWN
Devonport has been named Australia’s Top Tourism Town for 2024 at the National Top Tourism Awards. The town took the prize by being an ideal launchpad to explore many of the other beautiful places in Tasmania, including to the Cradle Mountain region, while still being a great place to visit in its own right. They weren’t the only Tassie winners at the show. Richmond took bronze in the Small Town category and Stanley won silver in the Tiny Town category. Hosted by the Australia Tourism Industry Council in Canberra, the national awards are determined by a judging panel and incorporate consumer review scores for tourism
products within each town. Our tourism industry just keeps winning.
GRAND SAVIO COLLEGE REUNION
The Grand Savio College Reunion will be held over the weekend of 18 – 20 October 2024, with events for exiting Savio students between 1947 – 1972 inclusive. For those wondering where and what the Grand Savio College is, the school is now Dominic College, at the
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top of Tolosa Street in Glenorchy. To be placed on the email contact list and for more information, contact Tony Webb at tonywebb2001@gmail.com.
SIMON AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY
Did you know Hobart might be getting its very own chocolate experience soon? Think of it like Willy Wonka's factory, but without the weird stuff like child mutations or Oompa Loompas. It’s called the Hobart Chocolate Experience, and it’s getting closer to becoming a reality. The recent state budget revealed the government has committed $4 million to the project, which is now fast-tracked, but needs additional funding from private investment. Founder and Managing Director Simon Currant is hoping to submit the development plans in the next six months. He’s been working on this for nearly 20 years. The plan includes a factory control room, a chocolate lab, a playground for kids, and a café. Cadbury is heavily involved in the project, and they’re hoping it will draw about 500,000 visitors each year.
THYLACINE SIGHTING IN SANDY BAY
“I took this in my front garden in Sandy Bay. The light from car headlights cast shadows from the fence on my greyhound, Lenny, making him look…well, what do you think he
looks like? The weird grey wispy thing is my other dog. The iPhone automatically did a long exposure and she was moving so she ended up a wispy ghost.” - Helen from Sandy Bay.
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MONDAY LUNCHES
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HISTORIC TASMANIAN ART NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE
The Royal Society of Tasmania has released an online catalogue of its historic art collection, making over 900 images available to the public. “The collection is a very important part of Tasmania’s cultural heritage,” said RST President Dr Julie Rimes. “We want to share the collection with the Tasmanian community, and making the artworks publicly available through this online catalogue is a really accessible way of doing that.” Many of the artworks capture how various areas in Tasmania looked nearly 200 years ago. The majority of the collection was assembled around 1900 in an effort to preserve artworks and other documents related to Tasmanian history.
TEACHERS RECOGNISED FOR WORK
Congratulations to three Tasmanian teachers making a real difference in their schools who were recently recognised in the 2024 Commonwealth Bank Teaching Awards. Georgia Park from Cosgrove High School and Josh Salter from Burnie High School were among 12 teachers recognised across the country with 2024 Teaching Fellowships. Rebecca Johnson from John Paul II Catholic School in Rokeby was awarded a 2024 Early Career Teaching Scholarship. Thanks to all our fab teachers!
NO MORE BLUNDSTONE ARENA
Blundstone Arena will no longer be called Blundstone Arena, as Blundstone
Australia announced the end of their 13year sponsorship with Cricket Tasmania recently. Bellerive Oval first rebranded as Blundstone Arena in October 2011, when a deal made it the first Australian international cricket ground to offer naming rights for its venue. The original naming rights agreement between Blundstone and Cricket Tasmania was for five years before being extended for a further five and then another subsequent three years up until 1 October this year. Cricket Tasmania will have an announcement about their new naming rights partner in the coming months.
THREE TASSIE TIGER ANCESTORS DISCOVERED ON THE MAINLAND
88 years ago the last known thylacine died in Hobart’s Beaumaris Zoo. Now, three more species have been added to the thylacine’s evolutionary tree. Scientists from UNSW Sydney have discovered these new species of thylacines in fossils unearthed from the Riversleigh World Heritage Area in north-western Queensland. In a recently-published research journal, scientists say the new species are now the oldest members of the thylacine family to date, estimated to be 23-25 million years old. The largest of these new species, Badjcinus timfaulkneri, weighed between seven and 11 kilograms – about the same size as a large Tasmanian devil. The second new member being added to the thylacine family, Nimbacinus peterbridgei, was slightly larger than a tiger quoll, weighing around 3.7 kilograms.
BITS AND PIECES
The third new species is Ngamalacinus nigelmarveni. It weighed around 5.1 kilograms, about the size of a red fox. “These new species exhibit very different dental adaptations, suggesting there were several unique carnivorous forest niches available during this period,” said study lead author and PhD student Tim Churchill. Co-author Professor Mike Archer said the once suggested idea that Australia was dominated by reptilian carnivores during this time is steadily being dismantled as the fossil record of marsupial carnivores increases with each new discovery.
TASSIE ARCHI-TRIO WIN BIG
Three architecture students from the University of Tasmania have won the National Super Studio Design Competition with their disaster relief housing project called Jingana Epicormic Resilient Community Housing Strategy. Students Mia Larsen, Luke Pendergast, and Lachlan Sutton came up with a flexible housing design inspired by the Jingana plant, that should be customisable and relocatable in the face of weather disaster. The competition, run by the Australian Institute of Architects, had over 80 teams showing off their creative ideas for tackling extreme weather. The winning trio got a cash prize, and will also score some mentorship from top architects.
SOUP-ER WIN FOR SAIGON
Launnie’s Saigon Kitchen has done it again. The reigning champs have been crowned Launceston’s favourite Soupalicious venue for 2024. Their beef pho beat out five other contenders in a city-wide taste test throughout August. Soupalicious is part of Launceston Central’s foodie competitions, including Mugalicious and Toastalicious, to boost local businesses during the colder months. The last Soupalicious competition was in 2019, which Saigon Kitchen won. Other competitors this year included Country Women’s Association with their vegetable soup, Earthy Eats serving up Thai pumpkin soup, Great Scot! with pea and ham soup, Malaycious with laksa soup, and Neil Pitt’s chicken and corn soup.
ORIENT BAR & RESTAURANT
MARY’S MULBERRY SOUR
Mary HadleyHadley’s first female licensee
WHAT’S ON IN HOBART
MONDAY WEDNESDAY TUESDAY
Royal Hobart Golf Club hosts a silent disco tonight for 6-12 year olds to get their boogie on, 6-8pm. There’ll be dancing games, and tickets include a soft drink and kids meal. Bookings essential.
Palliative Care
Tasmania launch their children’s book, What Is Grief?, today at St.Lukes in Elizabeth St, 10:30am12pm. Every book sold helps them donate 10 more copies to Tasmanian communities.
Forage Flowers are running a four-week flower arranging course for kids 6+ after school on Mondays, starting today.
There’s a kids school holiday Make Your Own Pizza community day at Legacy Park, at the Domain from 11am-2pm. Adults need to accompany kids. There'll be someone on hand running the pizza oven.
Discover the history of Richmond with a guided walk through the village followed by a homebaked morning tea.
Meet in the Richmond Gaol carpark. Book via TryBooking.
Learn to use a Cricut machine to design and create personalised shopping bags to take home and use, in a free session at Bridgewater Library this morning from 10am.
Girls who skate - or want to learn - will love the Jimmys Skate x She Shreds school holiday skate camps. There’s one today at the She Shreds Shed in Melville St from 9am-1pm. Find them on Facebook.
Radical Reels by the Banff Mountain Film Festival will show at Village Cinemas tonight, 6:30pm.
THURSDAY FRIDAY
Treat your other senses and eat while blindfolded at Dining in the Dark at T42, from 6:30pm. Dinner is a Halloween-themed secret threecourse menu.
Ensemble
Liaison, described as a ‘national treasure’ by Limelight magazine, perform at Hobart Town Hall at 7:30pm with Musica Viva.
It’s a hard knock life! The local production of Annie is on at the Theatre Royal tonight from 7pm and runs until the 26th.
Enjoy the dry wit of comedian Bronwyn Kuss at The Clubhouse at the Hobart Brewing Co. from 7pm-9pm.
It's Show Day! Enjoy a day off with a Nerikiri workshop at Sakura Japanese Culture Centre. Create cute designs and savour these traditional Japanese sweets. Book via Eventbrite.
Comedian Kitty Flanagan is live at the Theatre Royal tonight at 8pm, whilst Pub Choir is on from 6pm. Head to the The Schoolhouse Gallery at Rosny Farm for Between building as between stars, until 17 Nov.
It’s Halloween! Also, look on the bright side of life with original Monty Python member Eric Idle on stage at Wrest Point tonight, from 8pm.
Hear Abbie Chatfield tell it how it is in her Trauma Dump Tour show at The Odeon, doors open 7pm.
In The Hanging Garden are hosting their first Oktoberfest. Tonight it runs from 5pm-9pm, with a German beer tap takeover, bratwurst and schnitzel and a stein you can keep. 21 29 28 30 31 7 5 6 1 23 25 24 16 17 15 14 10 9 8 7 11 18 i
From 12pm-4pm today, celebrate at a Melbourne Cup cocktail party at Frogmore Creek Wine Bar. Hobart Dodgeball hosts weekly drop-in dodgeball at Hobart PCYC, 7:30pm-8:30pm, for 16+.
Award-winning singer and songwriter Dean Lewis brings his vulnerable and vibrant music to MyState Bank Arena in Glenorchy tonight.
Exitleft presents Zombie Prom at The Playhouse Theatre from today until 9 November. It’s a 50's rock and roll musical, but with zombies!
Lovers of gin, get yourselves to Princes Wharf No. 1 from 5:30pm for the start of the weekend’s Hobart Gin Festival
Spring in the Vines festival returns for its fourth year with over 30 of the best wine producers opening their doors across the area. Head to winesouth.com.au for all the venues.
Details subject to
SATURDAY SUNDAY
BRAIIIINS! The horde approaches! Join the Hobart Zombie March today starting at Princes Park, 1pm, to admire your fellow undead. Tonight, enjoy a zombie movie marathon at Rewind Cinema
Experience the culture, music, food and traditions of Colombia at the Tour of Colombia Fest at Rosny Farm, Clarence. This is a pet-friendly, free event. 11am-6pm.
Musician Dan Sultan plays the Longley Hotel today. The Kingston Beach Handmade Market is on today from 10am.
FURTHER AFIELD
9-23 October
It’s day two of the gorgeous Miniature Enthusiasts of Tasmania Dollhouse and Miniature Show at Claremont War Memorial Hall. 10am-4pm today.
UpVibe is a new social dance experience that helps people be confident in social dance settings, with a little Bridgerton vibe. At Industrie Performing Arts, Bellerive. 6:30pm.
It must be spring - it’s the Narryna Garden Fair! From 10am-2pm at Narryna, The Merchant’s House, Battery Point.
The Tiny Giant Magic Show blends classic and modern magic for all ages at Moonah Arts Centre tonight, 7:30pm.
The wholesome Tarremah School Spring Fair is on today, 10am-3pm in Huntingfield. A Taste of the South East hosts a car and bike show and more. South East Sports Complex, Sorell, 10am-3pm.
NORTH is a festival celebrating the northern region’s incredible produce, food culture and community. A series of bite-sized events will take place over two weeks in Launceston and locals and visitors alike are invited to eat them up. Check www.northfestival.com.au for all the yummy details.
11-14 October
The Tamar Valley Writers Festival takes over the University of Tasmania’s Inveresk campus for a weekend of insightful panels, workshops and special appearances by Tassie and Australian authors. Find tickets on Humanitix.
12 October
The annual Tulip Festival in Wynyard is on today, with live
music all day, roving artists, a street full of food vans, kids entertainment and fireworks at the end. 11am-9pm, on the banks of the Inglis River at Gutteridge Gardens, Wynyard.
20 October
Get ready to puff! The St Giles Burn, previously called the Balfour Burn, is a fundraising hill climb run in Launceston. The course features almost 40 metres of vertical climbing, or thirteen flights of stairs, over the 400 metre length, with the focus of the event to bring fun run inclusion to Tasmanians of all abilities and raise awareness of each person's unique abilities.
25 October - 24 November
See a huge range of Tassie art along the fifth Arts Trails Tasmania Art Exhibition. The trail showcases local artworks in five locations from the mountains to the sea: Poatina Tree Art Gallery, Sheffield Art Gallery, Jane Seychell Gallery in St Helens, Makers @ the Courthouse in Lilydale, and Westbury’s The Kitchen Collective. See paintings, sculpture, textiles, photography, woodwork, ceramics, and more and enjoy the excuse for a road trip.
Got an event coming up in Tassie?
Email us at editor@thehobartmagazine.com.au
AROUND THE ISLAND
MONDAY
Devonport Bridge Club is offering free bridge lessons, 10am-12pm, also on 21 October. Then at Tatler Lane, Launceston, take part in The Gourmet Games, a culinary-themed trivia night, 6pm.
Get your brain and belly ready for Spicy Trivia at Tandy's Alehouse in Launceston. Hosted by drag artists and comedians, you play for free and can order spicy curry.
WEDNESDAY TUESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY
Out of school holiday ideas? Bring the kids to QVMAG today from 10:30am so they can make their own accordion-style artist book to take home.
For two weeks, Launceston hosts the NORTH Festival, with delectable foods, world-class gin, and top Tassie wine in a series of bite-sized events celebrating the state’s north.
QVMAG's Seniors
Week, running until 20 October, offers free planetarium shows for Seniors Card holders, sculpture-making, art workshops for grandparents and grandchildren, and more.
Get your green thumb ready for the Heritage Forest Tasmanian Native Plant Garden working bee on Carswell Street, Mowbray, 9:30am-11:30am. Bring your own tools, morning tea provided.
Seniors can come and try
virtual reality at Launceston Library today for free, as part of the Seniors Week celebrations. 4:30-5:30pm.
Princess Theatre, Launceston, hosts a production of Kinky Boots - the world-famous musical - until 26 October. Their run starts tonight at 7:30pm.
Dive into the Social Swim Club at Splash Devonport Aquatic Centre. It’s a free program where people with disabilities can swim, meet friends, and get training.
Cloak & Dagger at Stanley Town Hall features Van Diemen's Band exploring 17th century English and Scottish music. 6pm7:15pm.
Enjoy family-friendly frights at The Creepy Carnival, 49 Camira Street, Newnham, from tonight to 2 November. Expect popcorn, cotton candy, games, a haunted tour, and raffle prizes.
Dare to enter the Don River Railway's Haunted House & Ghost Train on this Halloween night. The whole family can dress up and enjoy spooky treats and face painting.
Terrapin Puppet Theatre’s new show, The Riddle of Washpool Gully, comes to Earl Arts Centre in Launceston today and tomorrow.
The Art Trails Tasmania Art Exhibition, running to 24 November, spans five venues across the state this year, from St Helens to Lilydale.
Kerrigan LaBrooy performs live at Tramsheds Function Centre in Launceston tonight - a fundraiser concert with 50s-70s hits.
DoMaur Productions presents Pirates of Penzance at West Park Playhouse in Burnie, until 26 October. A family-friendly play about Frederic, a young pirate navigating swashbuckling antics. 22 28 5 7 6 8 1 31 30 23 24 25 14 16 15 9 8 11 10 18
Cirque Africa comes to Launceston’s Princess Theatre tonight, where you can be immersed in African culture while witnessing a troupe of acrobats and dancers.
Prospect High School presents Moana Jr. - a stage adaptation of the Disney film - at Earl Arts Centre in Launceston tonight.
The monthly Geeveston Twilight Feast is on tonight from 5pm at the Forestry and Heritage Centre, a free family friendly event featuring local food and drinks.
The Effervescence Tasmania Sparkling Festival starts today until 10 November, with events and wine tastings across Launceston and the surrounding wine regions.
SATURDAY
The Wynyard Tulip Festival is today, celebrating spring with vibrant tulip displays, live music, food vans, and children's entertainment at Gutteridge Gardens. Concludes with a fireworks show.
Help repair your damaged household item at Launceston Repair Cafe, a free event aimed at diverting items from landfill, 1pm-4pm at Pilgrim Church Hall.
The Tas Petroleum Motorama returns this weekend at Symmons Plains Raceway, showcasing historical vehicles and motorcycles. Enjoy live music, food and drink vans, and train rides.
Head to Ulverstone Show Ground for the Central Coast Tasmania Thank You Day Show. Games, rides, and food await. Entry by donation, supporting Beyond Blue and New Mornings.
SUNDAY
Catch a film at Easy Tiger Cinema then chill out to the tunes of Tom Booth, performing live there at 2pm and 5pm today.
WANT TO EXPLORE MORE?
Discover Devonport
Visit the place that was just named Australia’s Top Tourism Town. Learn about its rich maritime history at the Bass Strait Maritime Centre, grab a coffee at one of the CBD’s specialty coffee shops and walk to the iconic Mersey Bluff Lighthouse. It's an ideal gateway to Tassie’s northwest.
Catch The Big Snooze live on Coast FM, Wynyard. SQUID INC Theatre presents a funny radio thriller with Private Eye Dick Shamus solving the mystery of who pushed Humpty Dumpty. 2pm-3pm.
Sheffield, the Town of Murals, kicks off Mural Fest 2024 today through to 9 November. Enjoy an art competition, festival activities, and explore the town’s vibrant outdoor gallery.
Embrace a (hopefully) sunny day at Bicheno Community Market. It takes place at Lions Park overlooking Waubs Bay, featuring a variety of stallholders from nearby and afar. From 9am. 10 2 3 26 27 13 12 19 20
Score a peng-win at Penguin Undercover Market on Arnold Street, Penguin. With over 70 stalls, you’ll find Tasmanian woodwork, jewellery, fashion, crafts, and fresh produce. 9am3pm.
Zoinks Zeehan
Zeehan is rich with history, once Tassie’s third-largest settlement during the mining days. The Gaiety Theatre, which opened in 1898, is one of the state’s most haunted buildings. There, you can join a two-hour paranormal tour. Try not to get too spooked by theate’s long term residents.
Tulip Time
Table Cape Tulip Farm is open until late October. Take a walk in their hectares of multi coloured tulips that only flower for one month. Take photos and check out the impressive indoor display featuring floral arrangements, souvenirs, an art gallery, and information on growing bulbs.
Got an event coming up in Tassie?
Email us at editor@thehobartmagazine.com.au
Background photo: Tourism Tasmania & Rob Burnett
Details subject to change. Check the finer points with individual events.
WHOOPING COUGH RISING
Tasmanians are being urged to get vaccinated for whooping cough as case numbers rise across the state, particularly in the south. From zero cases in 2022, to 5 in 2023, we’re now up to 300 documented cases this year, with numbers expected to continue to rise over summer. Whooping cough, also called pertussis, is a very infectious disease caused by bacteria that spreads easily and causes a coughing illness. It affects people of all ages, but infants under six months are at greatest risk of severe disease.
Acting Director of Public Health, Dr Scott McKeown, said that this increase has been expected and is in line with trends currently seen in other Australian States and Territories. “Every three to five years we see increases in whooping cough cases caused by reduced community immunity,” Dr McKeown said. “The most important message is for pregnant women to get a whooping cough vaccination during each pregnancy to protect their baby before it can receive its own vaccine from six weeks of age. Infants and young children should receive their routine childhood whooping cough vaccines from six weeks, four months, six months, 18 months and four years of age for protection from severe illness,” he said. “Immunity from the whooping cough vaccine reduces over time, so it is also important for other adults and older children who live with, or plan to be in contact with, a young baby to get a booster vaccine,”
Symptoms of whooping cough often start like other respiratory illnesses, including runny nose, mild fever and
BITS AND PIECES
SHOULD YOU BE WORRIED ABOUT TFA IN WATER?
A recent article in The Sydney Morning Herald (SMH) by journalist Carrie Fellner explored the rise of a chemical called trifluoroacetic acid (TFA).
The article described TFA as “the most rampant forever chemical on the planet, with air-conditioning and refrigeration believed to be propelling its rapid accumulation in human blood, drinking water, household dust, plant-based food, rain and the oceans.”
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) categorises TFA as a forever chemical, part of a broader group of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that are nearly indestructible in the environment. The rise in TFA can be traced back to the gases used in air-conditioning and refrigeration introduced in the 1990s, which were developed after earlier alternatives contributed to the hole in the ozone.
The article had a local connection, featuring comment from Professor
cough. The cough can then get worse with severe bouts of coughing fits, sometimes followed by vomiting or a gasping breath that causes a “whoop” sound. Adults may present with a persistent cough. If you have any respiratory illness symptoms please stay home, and contact your doctor if you’re worried.
CBD CCTV NOW IN COPS HANDS
In a possible Australian first, over 300 council CCTV cameras will now beam live and recorded footage to Tasmania Police officers in real time so they can monitor and track down criminals. Southern District Commander Jason Elmer said the system was working well already. “On the very first day of the portal being installed, officers used the system to
Brett Paull from the University of Tasmania. To gain a better understanding of TFA and if Tasmanians should be worried, we reached out to Professor Paull.
"TFA is everywhere, and is both natural and made-man, with the latter resulting in its steady increase, but not really a health risk which we can identify,” Paull said. He added that it’s premature for the public to be overly concerned about TFA at this time. However, he noted TFA’s growing prevalence and the need for more thorough health assessments. He also said that local councils have limited ability to address this global issue. “It’s a national rather than local concern, and currently it’s a concern with a small ‘c’. In ten years time, I think it may be higher up the concern list, as it's increasing and gaining the attention of environmental scientists due to its mobility and persistence,” Paull shared.
help guide their colleagues on the beat to locate a suspect who had committed an offence in the CBD,” he said. Another example given was that police could monitor the welfare of people stuck at the visitor centre on the top of kunanyi/Mt Wellington during the recent storm. City of Hobart recently invested $1.8 million to expand the security camera network in what Lord Mayor Anna Reynold called an ‘insurance policy'. “The city is a relatively safe place to be compared to many other cities around the country. It’s a vibrant and welcoming place,” she said. “But these are an insurance policy to ensure that people know that we can follow crimes and if a criminal act is undertaken in the city, people will be seen through these kinds of cameras.”
WILL MAGNAY
Interview: Stephanie Williams
After winning the NBL championship with the JackJumpers, basketballer Will Magnay competed at the Paris Olympics with the Australian Boomers, playing against the best in the world.
SW: Was it always basketball? What were your junior sport years like?
WM: Basketball is the last sport I ever tried. We were encouraged to play every sport – I did track and field and swimming - but my family was big on rugby. Mum and Dad were from Sydney, so I was a rugby player growing up. Then, my brother and I went to Nudgee College, which is a rugby union school. It was rugby, rugby, rugby! I was 15 when I totally gave up rugby. I had nothing to do in term three at school so I thought I’d try basketball. I was messing around at training and the coach, who was one of my friend's dads, suggested I try out for the rep team. I just loved it. You get to play defence, offence, you get to pass, to shoot, you get to do everything. My rugby background helped me with physicality. I remember Mum said to me, "Oh, Will, that looks rough out there." I said, "Yeah, Mum, but no one's standing on my head." I got to that age where they make you choose, and I chose basketball.
SW: I loved the video of you and Jack McVeigh being told you'd made the Boomers team. Your reaction was, "Did Jack get in?" Did you always have a strong bond as teammates, or was that forged at camp? WM: Jack has such an energy about him that you just want to be around it. It's so positive and happy all the time. It's really infectious. We had this thing going last season where every game we would check in about how we were doing and if we thought it was enough. It was an amazing year for the Jackies, and Jack was incredible through the final series and that was a really special time. When we made the camp, I remember
calling him being like, "All right. Let's go make it." We stuck together at camp because we were both the newbies and didn't really know anyone.
SW: I imagine it's daunting.
WM: Yeah. I went to LA and had a mini camp with a few of the boys, so I met everyone and scrimmaged a little bit. I felt good - I belonged at that level. Jack was nervous going in. I was just trying to reaffirm him, he’s going to be okay. After day one, we were both like, "Yeah, we belong here, and let's swing for it and give it a crack." When they told me that I'd made it, we'd been on this journey together for so long and constantly talking about it. That comment was the first thing that sprung into my mind. I couldn't imagine getting through that experience and Jack not being there.
SW: And did you give him a ribbing for not asking about you? WM: Ha, not really. We went to dinner the night before and we were talking about what we would say if we made it. And I was like, "I'll just be happy, and I'll probably ask if you
made it." He was laughing, and said, "Oh, I'm going to look at them stone cold in the face and say, 'You made the right choice.'" And then if you watch the video, he just starts crying! Then, you could hear him say, "You made the right choice." One of my favorite moments for that whole trip was that he came over to my room afterward, and we popped a bottle of champagne. I was so happy I got to do it with him.
SW: What was it like playing on the big names like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Steph Curry and LeBron James? WM: You step on the court and you have to do your job. But they're amazing players and incredible athletes. I never felt like I had to stop them, but I just had to do my job right, as well as I could. I was trying to execute the game plan, which is that everyone has to help you guard him because they're good players. Someone said to me, "If you could guard them, you'd be getting paid more than them." That was my approach - I had to go out there be physical, don't be a pushover, and do my best for my country.
SW: And your family was there as well. WM: It was really special. I didn't realise how impactful it was to everyone else. I guess my friends and family felt like I was representing them.
SW: I think Tasmania felt like you were representing us. WM: Yeah, for sure. For me, it was a goal. It was amazing, and it was special. But once I realised the impact on kids, friends and family, and people I haven't heard from in years messaging me and saying they were so proud, it made me realise, "Oh, wow. It's incredible."
SW: Who did you learn from most in the Boomers? WM: You pick up different things from different players, I think Delly's (Matthew Dellavedova) professionalism and how well he stays on top of his body was amazing to see in person. Also how locked in he was for practice and the minor details. He just ticked them all off every time. Joe Ingles, he’s a bit more of a freer spirit, but has a very unique approach to the game and he's always conversing with you. The other two ‘bigs’, Duop Reath and Jock Landale - we spoke a lot about how to help each other, what we're looking for. I was trying to just be a sponge and absorb it all.
SW: What does a typical JackJumpers and Hobart day look like for you now?
WM: We're at practice most of the day. A standard day is weights at 7:30am for an hour followed by video at 9am. After video, we do a 45-minute block where half the team will be working out then swap. We call them Vitamins - something you want to work on through the week, whether it's a specific move or just some touch or shots, some extra dribbling. After Vitamins, practice is about two hours,
depending on a heavy day or light day, then recovery, lunch, physio, massage or whatever you need for your body. We're usually done around 1pm.
SW: You played in the US after getting the most improved player in the NBL in 2020. Is a return back to the US on the cards after your Boomers journey?
WM: I mean, I hope so. But ultimately, that decision is not up to me. And all I can do is just try and play my best basketball. If that opportunity comes, I'll attack it. If it doesn't, then I'm very happy and content with where I'm at in Tasmania. I love it here. I love the team and the culture. I'm in a good spot in my career, just happy.
SW: I've heard that the Jackies fans are the best in the business. How does it help you during a game? WM: They are the best in the business. It helps us in a couple of ways. Fans can be somewhat intimidating, and they're definitely loud, so I know it's rattled a few opponents in the past and that's helped us get over the line. Fans also instill a lot of confidence in us to play the right way. It doesn't necessarily always mean win, but they're always proud of us for playing hard and trying to do it the right way. That's what I really love about them - they understand, they're just giving it a crack too. We're never going to win every game, and the support is unwavering.
SW: It’s great how you guys are there signing stuff after each game, particularly for the kids. WM: Yeah, it’s funny. I see some kids ask, "Can you sign this?" I'm like...I signed it twice already! Then they say “Can you sign my shoe now then?” It's very wholesome. Sometimes you sign stuff and the parents are like, "Don't sign that!" The kids being there gives you a bit of a perspective.
SW: What happens for you pre-game? What’s on your playlist? WM: I always have a nap, and then I try and keep my playlist as light and playful as I can. Anything too hardcore can get me thinking too much about the game! I just try and relax as much as I can and plant my feet and realise, "It's just a basketball
game. You're just out there playing with your mates."
SW: What do you like to do while you're in Hobart? WM: I like exploring different food options. My favourite cafe is Bear With Me in South Hobart. They're so sweet - they let me practice my latte art. They're legends and the food's awesome. When the weather is up to it, I love being in the water or by the water, reading my book. Honestly, not a lot!
SW: Any advice for juniors? WM: My advice would be play every sport. You never know what you're going to love. Just because you like basketball, doesn't mean you're going to do it, but you might stumble across something you absolutely love. So, try everything, play everything. Run your own race. Everyone gets to be at my level via a different path. There's no right or wrong way, but there's some kids who are the best when they're 16, who aren't the best when they're 19. So, just keep growing, keep attacking each day, and just enjoy it. Don't get too caught up in comparing yourself to people. As long as you're enjoying it, you're having a good time.
SW: I think there's also now the business of getting kids to be high performing very early. WM: Yeah. Social media is the issue. You don’t need a YouTube channel, kids. If you're good, they'll find you. Comparison is the thief of joy.
SW: Anything else you’d like to add? WM: Just that I love my Mum and Dad.
TRUE LIES.
Words: Annia Baron
How would you respond if you were taking medication, feeling that it was helping, to then learn that when clinical trials were undertaken to gain its approval, the effects of the drug didn’t outperform that of a sugar pill? What if you also knew that during the testing period, the sugar pill produced better results than the actual drug. Would you continue taking your medication?
One of the most fascinating placebo studies was conducted in 2002 with 180 patients who were diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the knee1. They were randomly assigned into three groups, all unaware of which treatment they would be receiving. The first group underwent surgery to remove cartilage, the second didn’t have bone removed but their joint area was cleaned with saline solution, and the third were given a placebo procedure, whereby small incisions were made into the patient’s skin to make it seem that surgery was performed. Compared to those who had operations, people in the placebo group reported significantly lower levels of pain following their ‘surgery’. Even after two years, the participants in the placebo group maintained the same effects (and some, better) compared to those who were operated on.
It’s one thing to be involved in a medical trial, where you give consent to the possibility of being deceived but in the real world, it’s not so simple. When Professor Kaptchuk from Harvard Medical School wanted to explore what would happen if we were upfront about placebos – in other words, telling people they are taking a sugar pill or receiving an inert treatment – his colleagues thought he was nuts. After all, the premise of a placebo effect rested on the assumption that it needs to be concealed in order to work. However, he repeatedly found that even when people were told they would be given an inactive treatment (referred to as open-label placebo), it still helped
them feel better. In his study of participants with irritable bowel syndrome2, the effects for those who were informed they were taking a placebo were equally successful compared to those who weren’t told upfront.
Why do we get better even if we know the treatment isn’t real? There are two theories for why open-label placebo can be effective:
1. Expectations: simply believing that something is going to work creates hope. This shapes the way you pay attention to bodily signals. So, when you have an expectation for something to work, you focus on sensations that align with your belief of “I’m feeling better” versus scanning for indicators that suggest “I’m in pain.” This is backed by neuroscience too because we know that our perception of things is just our brain taking a ‘best guess’ interpretation of information from our sensory organs. But what’s interesting is that by the time someone signs up to be part of a clinical trial, they’ve probably got low expectations for things to work, given that they’ve likely tried and exhausted all other options. This is where conditioning comes in.
2. Conditioning: think of Pavlov’s famous experiment with dogs. They learned to associate the sound of the ringing bell with food arriving and therefore being fed. It didn’t take long for them to salivate simply at the sound of the bell. For us humans, it’s the same thing. We can associate taking a pill with feeling better, and over time, we’ve learned that the act of taking something leads to positive improvements – even if the active ingredient in the treatment pill is removed.
Could it be that open-label placebos are generating positive results because patients are just telling researchers what they want to hear? Perhaps. But studies show physically measurable changes too, including reduced neural markers of pain and stress and associated brain waves3
The American Medical Association states placebos are ethical to use in enhancing healing on their own or with standard medical treatment, only if agreed to by the patient. In clinical settings physicians might use placebos in more subtle ways, such as expressing a strong belief of the likelihood that a particular treatment is helpful. A survey of physicians in the UK found 97% acknowledged using some form of placebo4 and in Australia, approximately 80% of GPs believe that openly providing placebos with the patient’s knowledge is ethical5. Doctors who use placebos report they do so because they believe placebos could provide genuine benefit and viewed themselves as having a strong role in shaping patients’ expectations.
Placebo effects demonstrate the power of the mind and give us insight into our ability to harness it. Although open-label placebos can bypass the deceptive nature, there’s more research to be done. By learning about how our brain and body make sense of these processes, and how expectations can influence our reality and treatment outcomes, we can continue making decisions that feel right for our individual needs and honour our unique personal health desires.
Did you know that studies have shown that the size and colour of a pill can influence its effects?6 A big orange pill can reduce pain better than a small, red one. Blue coloured pills tend to have more of a sedative, relaxing effect.
Full references are available at www. thehobartmagazine.com.au.
EXPLORING THE PARANORMAL
Pictures: Joe Chelkowski
A self-proclaimed paranormal investigator, Sharmaine Mansfield is owner and director of Tasmania’s Most Haunted, known for their spooky tours of Tasmanian historic sites.
You're a paranormal investigator. How did your fascination with the paranormal begin? My fascination with the paranormal began as a child. Growing up, I was always drawn to spooky stories and local legends. It wasn't until I had my own unexplainable experience that I decided to dig deeper into the world of the supernatural. That experience sparked a lifelong passion for investigating and understanding what lies beyond the everyday. This also led me to become the owner of Tasmania’s Most Haunted, hosting ghost and paranormal tours for the public.
What are some of the most haunted places you've been to in Tasmania, and why are they so? Tasmania has a rich and dark history, making it a prime location for haunted sites. Willow Court Asylum in New Norfolk and the Port Arthur Historic Site are commonly known to be some of the most haunted places in Tasmania. Hobart’s Anglesea Barracks, the oldest operational barracks in Australia, has also seen its fair share of paranormal activity, especially in the old military gaol. The belief that sites become haunted often stems from the idea that places or even objects associated with intense emotions, trauma or significant events can retain energy from those experiences. People may have experienced pain or suffering and some believe spirits remain to resolve unfinished business, while others believe that intense emotions create imprints of the environment, leading to paranormal activity.
Do you ever still get scared? Absolutely! No matter how experienced you are, the paranormal world is unpredictable. It's not always fear of the unknown, but sometimes it's the sheer intensity of a
moment—when something happens that defies explanation. That sudden chill or sound you can’t place will always stir something primal inside.
What’s the most convincing paranormal event you’ve witnessed? One of the most convincing events happened during 2018 when I was sitting alone in one of the old Wards at Willow Court during the day, sitting on the steps of a beautiful old Blackwood staircase, scrolling through my phone, checking my emails and messages for the day. Something out of the corner of my eye caught my attention when I looked up and witnessed an apparition of a nurse in period uniform slowly “glide” right in front of me and disappeared into a room on my right. The vision of this nurse still lives with me today.
Tell us about the equipment you bring with you on paranormal investigations. We use a range of tools to capture evidence. Electromagnetic field (EMF) detectors help us pick up on electromagnetic fields, which can indicate the presence of spirits. Voice recorders are crucial for capturing electronic voice phenomena (EVP), and night-vision cameras allow us to film in complete darkness. We also bring temperature sensors to detect cold and hot spots and motion sensors to alert us to unseen movements. Each piece helps us document the unexplainable.
What’s one thing you wish everyone knew about your job? I wish people knew how much patience is involved. Paranormal investigations require hours of waiting and listening for just one small piece of evidence. It's not always like what you see on TV—it's a methodical and often slow process. But when you do experience something, it makes all the hours of preparation and waiting worth it.
Does Tasmania’s Most Haunted have anything planned for Halloween? Yes! We’ve got an exciting Halloween event lined up at the historical Fitzpatrick’s Inn in Westbury this year, featuring Victorian spiritual parlour games like table tipping, pendulum dowsing and glass divination. It’s going to be a night filled with eerie fun, perfect for anyone wanting to experience the supernatural up close! We always try to plan a different Halloween event every year and we are excited to be bringing Halloween to the North West of Tasmania this year.
THE TASSIE BOOK CLUB
The Woman Booker Prize Club is a local Hobart book club. Here they share their thoughts on books by Tasmanian authors, set in Tasmania, or about Tassie topics. Over to the club!
Where do we belong? How do we deal with love and loss? This month we review two novels about people finding themselves; building their communities, and moving on with lives amidst grief. Both books use elements of myth and fairytales - perfect for adults wanting something heartfelt with a dose of escapism.
The End and Everything Before It by Finegan Kruckemeyer (Text Publishing, July 2024) Review by Megan Tighe
Finegan Kruckemeyer was born in Ireland and lives in Adelaide, but he spent some of his formative years in Hobart - which provided a ‘hometown’ reception for the author, with plenty of friends in the audience at Fullers Bookshop, on one of the first stops of his book tour in July.
An acclaimed playwright, The End and Everything Before It is Kruckemeyer’s first novel - and hopefully not the last. It’s very good. I enjoyed it. I don’t quite know what else to say about this book!
It’s set somewhere (a place that is increasingly open to interpretation). There are families, friends, acquaintances, and community (the connections between people gradually more apparent across time and space). It’s a bit tragic, but unfailingly warm, with an optimistic view of humanity. It’s insightful and wise, and quite amusing at times.
It’s hard to categorise or explain this novel, but I think you should probably try reading it yourself and see what you think. Even better, the language lends itself to being spoken and it would be lovely to have someone read it aloud to you (maybe try the audiobook?).
The Seven Skins of Esther Wilding by Holly Ringland (HarperCollins, September 2022) Review by Melanie Ross
Titular Esther Wildling is lost in life after the disappearance and presumed drowning of her older sister, Aura. Isolated from her family and friends, in self-exile on the West Coast of Tasmania, Esther reluctantly reconnects after a memorial for Aura in her hometown of fictional Salt Bay - based on our very own Binalong Bay. She then agrees to travel to Denmark, where Aura had built a life for herself (before Aurora returned, changed, to Tasmania).
Like The End and Everything Before It, this novel is also difficult to categoriseit’s a story of personal growth for Esther, a family drama, a mystery, and an ode to travel. It draws upon mythology and folk tales, and the descriptions of Copenhagen and the Faroe Islands are particularly evocative. Ringland has done a huge amount of research and this is especially evident in the detail of several Palawa characters who play an important role in the Tasmania-based portions of the narrative.
I admit that it took me a while to really connect and become invested in Esther’s (and Aura’s) story, but once I was ‘in’, it was very easy to pick up this book and become immersed in the vivid depictions and finely-drawn characters. A lovely choice for a meaty, adventurous story with lots of character growth and a familiar Tassie setting!
Book Chatter: This month brings one of our favourite days of every year! 12 October is Love Your Bookshop Day (up there with Library Lovers Day and the Booker Prize ceremony in our hearts). Make sure to show your local some love by popping in-store or on their website for a browse, and hopefully make a purchase (or jump on libro.fm to send audiobook profits to your local independent bookstore).
If you’re looking for some more reading suggestions and inspiration, it’s time to join the lowest-commitment book club in town. Each month, the Ten Days on the Island festival team and artists pick a book and you can participate in the discussion across their social media (or not, it’s very relaxed). The ‘club’ has been going for a year and the diverse choices have been fantastic so far. Subscribe to their newsletter (www.tendays.org.au/ subscribe) and there’s a chance to win a copy of the book each month.
Keen to chat books with us? Find us on Instagram @thewomanbookerprizeclub or email thewbpc@gmail.com.
HERBAL REMEDIES
Words: Ollie Benson
Nestled among the grounds of Government House in Hobart, lies a thriving food production garden that serves as a herbal tapestry of diversity and culinary inspiration.
Elicia Casey-Winter is the grower at Government House Tasmania, growing food for the School Food Matters Program, in conjunction with Eat Well Tasmania and Loaves and Fishes. Elicia currently looks after a 2500sqm area including a market garden, citrus and nut orchards, berry enclosure, heirloom French garden and a community garden space.
Within the market garden she grows a colourful array of diverse and fragrant herbs, destined for the Government House kitchen, to add depth and vibrancy to every dish served. From classics like sage, dill and tarragon to more exotic varieties such as lemongrass, curry leaves and Vietnamese mint, the garden is a treasure trove of aromatic delights waiting to be plucked and savoured.
At this time of year, the so-called hungry gap that straddles the last of the winter crops and the promised abundance of warmer weather, soft herbs like parsley
are much more than a garnish. As Paulette Whitney writes in her recently published book, Broccoli & other love stories, “pile a whole bunch, or even two, in your tabouleh. Pile gremolata on your braises by the spoonful”. Paulette suggests that parsley should be viewed as more than a herb and should be treated as a salad green. It seems as this view is approved of at Government House, as the kitchen can’t get enough.
Elicia grew up in southern Tasmania, left home to study in London and Melbourne during her early 20s before returning home. She ran a small business for five years before realising her dream of becoming a food grower. In 2021 she studied a Diploma of Sustainable Living at UTAS, specialising in plant science and food production systems, before beginning work at Government House in early 2022.
She uses an ecological approach to growing food, valuing soil health and biodiversity. Permaculture techniques and principles are used throughout the food gardens and heavily influence the overall management of the space. Herbs are therefore an important part of the garden, providing colour and heady scents, attracting pollinators, and adding variety to the kitchen. Grown in tall raised concrete beds that help trap heat, and situated close to the kitchen, at this time of year Elicia is harvesting up to 20 different herbs. Oregano, chives, sweet marjoram and chervil are all now in season, as are bronze fennel, salad burnet, lemon balm, and those mentioned above.
Native kunzea is available year-round, as are woody herbs such as rosemary.
Part of Elicia’s role at Government House involves hosting tours and school groups. To help promote healthy eating and demonstrate the enjoyment in growing food she tends to a vegetable clock, a series of beds in the shape of a timepiece. Of course, with the pun very much intended, the clock is surrounded by a border of thyme.
So, folks, as we continue to navigate the hungry gap, and grow increasingly impatient for summer crops, it really is ‘thyme’ to go heavy with herbs.
ELICIA’S CURRIED PUMPKIN SOUP
1 onion
2 cloves of garlic
Knob of butter
Large handful of herbs like chives, thyme, rosemary, parsley & oregano
1-2 tsp curry powder
1.2kg peeled and cubed pumpkin like Kent or Butternut
3 cups vegetable stock
1 cup water
Caramelise the onion and garlic in butter. Add herbs, salt, pepper and curry powder, cook for a few minutes. Add pumpkin, stock and water. Bring to the boil and then simmer for around 20 minutes or until the pumpkin is soft. Blend. Serve with sour cream and more chives.
SAIGON ART
GALLERY + CAFE
CAFE OPENING HOURS
WEEKDAYS: 7:30AM - 3:30PM
WEEKEND: 8AM - 3PM
Visit two beautiful businesses under one roof. Enter through the doors and enjoy the specialty coffee shop, Saigon Art Café, and continue to explore through to the Saigon Art Gallery. Come by and enjoy the perfect blend of art and coffee. You can’t buy
GALLERY OPENING HOURS
WEEKDAYS: 8AM - 3:30PM
WEEKEND: 8:30AM - 3:00PM
but you can buy coffee, and that’s pretty close.
DINE: SUZIE LUCK’S
2 Salamanca Square, Battery Point.
If you've strolled through Salamanca Square, you’ve likely spotted Suzie Luck’s. Its large windows allow a glimpse into a cool-lit interior and vibrant decor in reds, browns, yellows, and greens.
At the entrance, the image of the maneki-neko (beckoning cat) - a Japanese figure thought to bring good luck to business owners - greets you. Don’t be misled by the Japaneseinspired mascot, this is an Asian fusion restaurant and cocktail bar that draws inspiration from across the continent.
This is a jack-of-all-venues - perfect for a date night, but also accommodating for families and groups. The atmosphere is fun and bright with a little cool edge. The staff are friendly and attentive, ready for a chat if you have questions. If you’re feeling festive, start the night right with one of their creative cocktails, such as the Pink Panther, made with pomegranate
liqueur, prosecco, citrus, and pink peppercorns. As electrifying as it sounds.
The menu is like a greatest hits of classics and mostly done with a twist and done well - think kingfish sashimi, chicken and coriander dumplings, pork and prawn pad thai. The massaman curry is rich, creamy and aromatic, and the wagyu beef shin falls apart. The Mandarin braised duck pancakes are beautifully presented and a hit with all parties and Vietnamese cabbage slaw is a light touch on the plate.
Book online at www.suzielucks.com. au. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten free are well catered for.
RECIPE: SIMPLE TOMATO RIGATONI
This quick and satisfying pasta is perfect for a simple midweek comfort dinner. Serves 2
Ingredients:
1 brown onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp tomato paste
Splash of white wine (optional)
400 gram tin chopped tomatoes
400 grams of rigatoni pasta
¼ cup cream
Salt and pepper to taste
Chilli flakes (optional)
Method: In a large fry pan saute the onion and garlic in the olive oil over a medium heat until they are soft. Add the tomato paste and a splash of white wine (but it’s not essential). Fry the paste for a minute then add the chopped tomatoes. Stir through then lower heat to a simmer. Meanwhile, start cooking your pasta while the sauce simmers. Drain the pasta once it’s cooked al dente. Add the cream to the fry pan (if you prefer a stronger tomato flavour, use less cream), stir through, add the pasta to the fry pan and season to taste with salt, pepper and chill flakes. Serve topped with parmesan cheese and parsley.
WINE: RIESLING
Exploring one wine variety, with a local bottle and one from afar.
HOME
2023 Haddow + Dineen 'Sensucht' Riesling ($45): This beautifully textured Tasmanian riesling is made from grapes sourced from a tiny vineyard in the Coal River Valley. It’s managed by Nick Haddow, of Bruny Island Cheese, and Jeremy Dineen, who has led the winemaking team at Josef Chromy since 2005, who partner under this label. Everything is handpicked and harnesses wild yeast to do lots of the hard work - it’s unfined and unfiltered, with a little bit of skin contact.
‘Sensucht’ is German for longing or yearning, which is exactly what was felt once the bottle was finished.
Set the vibe:
Music: Losing You by Solange
Food: Thai green curry
When: Friday night
AWAY
Pikes 2023 'Traditionale' Riesling ($28): While pike is a handsome choice for a fish mascot, this wine isn't named after the fish; rather the Pike family, who founded and run the winery. Located in the Clare Valley of South Australia, they are best known for their riesling. I’m happy to report that this elegant riesling - their flagship bottle - is far from fishy. Instead it carries crisp acidity and a vibrant splash of lime and other citrus fruits. Unlike a fish, this wine is dry, and sure to be a delightful companion to a seafood dish.
Set the vibe:
Music: Ocean Man by Ween
Food: Fresh Tasmanian oysters
When: After a good day of fishing
ZODIAC CHECK-IN: YOUR MONTHLY ASTRO UPDATE
Words:
Sara Hewitt
Aries (21 Mar - 19 Apr): The Full Moon in your sign on the 17th puts you in the spotlight, highlighting personal goals. This is your time to let go of what no longer serves you. The New Moon and eclipse on the 2nd bring changes in relationships—some may deepen while others might need letting go. With Venus entering Sagittarius on the 18th, you'll feel open to new experiences.
Taurus (20 Apr - 20 May): This month focuses on your work-life balance, with the New Moon and eclipse on the 2nd encouraging new habits around daily routines and health. The Full Moon in your subconscious zone on the 17th may stir up deep-seated emotions. Venus moves into Sagittarius on the 18th, sparking excitement in your intimate life and shared resources.
Gemini (21 May - 20 Jun): The New Moon and eclipse on the 2nd open up opportunities in love, creativity, or anything that brings you joy. It’s a great time to start a new hobby or creative project. The Full Moon on the 17th brings closure or reflection with a friendship. Venus entering Sagittarius on the 18th highlights relationships, bringing harmony into your life.
Cancer (21 Jun - 22 Jul): Your home and family life are highlighted with the New Moon and eclipse on the 2nd, making this an ideal time to initiate changes at home or connect with loved ones. The Full Moon in your career zone on the 17th shines a light on your professional or public image, bringing potential breakthroughs or endings in this area.
Leo (23 Jul - 22 Aug): The New Moon and eclipse on the 2nd encourage you to think deeply. This could be through reading or talking about new ideas.
The Full Moon on the 17th highlights learning and exploration, making it a great time to finalise travel plans. Venus enters your fun and romance zone on the 18th, boosting your creativity and romantic life.
Virgo (23 Aug - 22 Sep): Financial matters take centre stage this month, with the New Moon and eclipse on the 2nd urging you to make a fresh start in how you manage your resources. The Full Moon on the 17th emphasises intimacy and shared finances. Venus brings a focus on family, while Mercury, your ruler, entering Scorpio on the 14th sharpens your focus on communication.
Libra (23 Sep - 22 Oct): The New Moon and eclipse on the 2nd happen in your sign, giving you the chance to reinvent yourself and focus on your personal goals. It's a very powerful time for self-growth and new beginnings. The Full Moon on the 17th shines a light on your relationships—some may come to a crisis. Venus brings exciting new connections after the 18th.
Scorpio (23 Oct - 21 Nov): The New Moon and eclipse on the 2nd lands in your zone of intuition and the subconscious, highlighting your inner world. Mercury enters Scorpio on the 14th, sharpening your mind and communication skills. The Sun moves into your sign on the 23rd, marking the start of your birthday season and a time to focus on your personal power.
Sagittarius (22 Nov - 21 Dec): The New Moon and eclipse on the 2nd bring new energy to your social life. The Full Moon on the 17th highlights romance and creativity, offering closure or breakthroughs in these areas. Venus enters your sign on the 18th, boosting your confidence. Mercury entering your subconscious zone on the 14th encourages you to dive deep into self-reflection.
Capricorn (22 Dec - 19 Jan): Your career and long-term goals take the spotlight with the New Moon and eclipse on the 2nd. It’s a powerful time for starting new
professional ventures. The Full Moon on the 17th shines a light on home and family matters, urging you to create balance between your private and public life. Venus brings joy through quiet reflection.
Aquarius (20 Jan - 18 Feb): Your desire for knowledge and growth is highlighted with the New Moon and eclipse on the 2nd—this is a great time for travel or study. The Full Moon on the 17th brings closure to a project. Venus entering Sagittarius on the 18th brings harmony to your social life and friendships.
Pisces (19 Feb - 20 Mar): Your money and shared resources take centre stage this month, with the New Moon and eclipse on the 2nd encouraging a fresh approach to managing money. Venus highlights your career from the 18th, bringing opportunities for growth. Mercury entering Scorpio on the 14th helps you focus on learning and travel.
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 or email, please go to www.stargold.com. au for more information and to book.
Roulettes fly by kunanyi / Mt Wellington by Susan Mace
