THE HOBART MAGAZINE
FREE
/ ISSUE 14
I N D E P E N D E N T + LO C A L
Hannah Moloney L and s cape D e s i g ner and P er m ac u lt u re E x pert
K ate M orris Founder of Adore Beauty Nutrition E ating f or I mmunit y H obart W eather E x p l aine d
circulation 32,000
issue 14
Thanks Mum!
Mother’s Day isn’t just about buying things. It’s about one day of the year to stop and thank mum for all the tireless hard work, love and endless cuddles throughout the year. That’s exactly why we have curated the best Mother’s Day gift ideas on the entire island, from snuggly warm merino pieces to gorgeous all natural smelly things like candles, soaps or bath soak. Choose a hand crafted printed linen cushion, one-of-a-kind art piece or a living gift (plant + pot) for the plant crazy Mumma. We cater to all budgets, gift wrap beautifully for FREE + post FREE with purchase over $69 Australia wide. All you need to do is choose and we make it happen! Mum receives FREE $20 Gift Card with all Mothers day gifts purchased over $99!* Now OPEN Sundays 10.30am - 3.30pm 166 Liverpool St Hobart (next door to Allgoods) TAS 7000 Ph: 03 6295 3748 IG @spottedquoll FB @thespottedquollstudio
www.thespottedquoll.com.au T/C- *Spend $99 or more in store or online to receive a $20 gift card for mum, 12 month expiry from DOP, gift card valid in store or online when making a purchase of $99 or more in one transaction offer valid from April 10th till May 10th 2020.
Editorial Editor: Steph Williams Art Direction: Meng Koach Advertising James Marten advertise@thehobartmagazine.com.au Publisher Steph Williams Cover image: Natalie Mendham Circulation 32,000 copies are distributed each issue, with 27,000 delivered to homes and 5,000 to cafes and public places. Our reach is from Bridgewater down to Huonville and out to Dodges Ferry, on both sides of the river. 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 or feedback, email editor@thehobartmagazine.com.au.
THIS MONTH:
We’re listening to... ABC Hobart for regular COVID-19 updates
W e lc o m e to
THE HOBART MAGAZINE What a ride the past few weeks have been. Coronavirus is a word none of us will forget now. In a time when it’s stressful, it’s a good reminder to have compassion for others and help where you can. On that note, we’re happy we can provide some reading material for those who might be self-isolating. Our digital version is online too, along with all our previous issues since May 2018, so there’s plenty of material to digest and use to plan for life once isolation is over. In many transactions you have a choice - to spend with a business that will help and enhance the lives of Tasmanians by keeping the money in our state economy or spend with a business from interstate and overseas. Once COVID-19 is behind us, it’s never been more important to support local businesses. Book a ticket, go to a show, order a meal, grab a coffee, shop at your local grocer, engage the services of a small businesses. They’ll be doing it tough, and our purchasing power is critical to get things back on track. We hope you enjoy this issue, it was a stressfilled ride putting it together! All the best Steph editor@thehobartmagazine.com.au #thehobartmag
We’re drinking... Tassie Pinot as the weather starts to cool.
We’re eating... All the garlic and honey we can stomach!
We’re sporting... Outland Denim jeans, they’re 100% socially sustainable. 3
WHAT'S INSIDE... 03 Welcome 06 Local Lady 08 Local Lad 10 Hobart Happenings 14 Feature - Kate Morris, founder Adore Beauty 16 Nutrition - COVID-19 20 Feature - Hannah Moloney 24 Travel Off The Island - Capertee Valley, NSW 26 Science 28 Psychology 30 Madame Saisons 32 Hobart Weather 33 Nutrition - Gelatin 34 Hobart History 35 Readers Pics
The incredible Western Arthur Range by Jason Charles Hill.
BRAND NEW
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Local lady
Carlene de Tres Ranelagh
Interview: Stephanie Williams Picture: Meng Koach
What do you love most about where you live? The privacy of our property, the beautiful old gums and the lovely views of the river. I can stand at my kitchen bench, look to the right and watch sun rise, then later in the day, stand in the same spot and watch the sun set to my left. What’s the best thing about Hobart? I love the visible history. The sandstone buildings, rivulets and quirky laneways. And the worst? I never look for the worst in anything. Tell us a little about your work. As the owner and curator of Huon Art, I have the joy of working alongside my chosen artists to present the very best paintings to our clients. I want my clients to feel uplifted every time they walk past the painting in their home and love it for decades to come. I love it when they tell me that their friends have said, ‘Wow! Where did you get that?’ as it is important to me that the artwork being sold is a reflection of my client’s individuality and personal taste. With over 70 original paintings on display, I’m responsible 6
for how the art is presented. This can involve many hours a week, simply because when one painting sells, it’s not just a matter of hanging another in its place but rather choosing how each painting tones with the next and how the gallery looks overall. I also work across social media platforms several times a week to promote the latest artworks that come into the gallery and organize our major artists’ exhibitions. I started the gallery four years ago, aged 68 so it’s not really about work but more about doing what I love and being passionate about making people’s dreams of owning an original piece of art a reality. I’m inspired by Acts of kindness What do you love doing outside work? Relaxing with a good crime film where I get to “play” the detective and try to solve the case before the film ends. Where’s your favourite eatery? Summer Kitchen, a five minute walk from home. What do you never leave home without? My iPad. I run the gallery’s
social media from my iPad as well as the day-to-day business communications between admin, artists and clients. I’d like to travel to… The West Coast, it’s an area I haven’t explored – yet. If I didn’t live in Hobart I’d live… Close to my young adult granddaughter but as I raised her to be an IWOW (independent woman of the world) that could be anywhere! Favourite Hobart secret? The History rooms of both the State Library and the Morris Miller Library at UTAS. My Masters degree involved studying history and I loved the feeling of walking into those hallowed rooms to search the archives. I’m reading… ‘The Red Shoes’ by Rosemary Sullivan. It is a biography about Margaret Atwood’s early life as a young writer. ■
On now
Major partners
Program partner
Production partner
Media partners
Until 10 May 2020 www.tmag.tas.gov.au
Frenchman’s Cap – view from Loddon Ranges with Fred Smithies in the foreground, February 1928. F. Smithies Collection, Tasmanian Archives.
Local lad
Professor Alex Hewitt Bonnet Hill
Interview: Stephanie Williams
Professor Alex Hewitt is an ophthalmologist and has had a variety of his medical research studies funded by the Royal Hobart Hospital Research Foundation over the years. He’s currently part of a research team that have gained New Project Grant funding for 2020. What do you love about where you live? Close to the beach, the bush, whilst only being a 30 minute bicycle ride to the centre of town. What’s the best thing about Hobart? It’s a large enough city to have great amenities, yet small enough to have a vibrant and close community.
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What’s your dream project to work on? See my answer above!!
What do you never leave home without? My phone, wallet, and ID badge.
I’m inspired by.. The patients I see in the clinic.
I’d like to travel to... Bhutan.
What do you love doing outside work? I love spending time with my family and friends, and walking the dog.
If I didn’t live in Hobart I’d live... On Bruny Island.
And the worst? There’s no AFL team.
Where’s your favourite eatery? Local Pizza in Berridale.
Tell us a little about your work? I work with a talented team of people researching better ways to diagnose and treat blinding diseases. Harnessing gene editing technology, we aim to directly correct aberrant genes causing inherited retinal diseases. We are at the dawn of the gene-therapy revolution, and eye diseases are at the forefront of this!
Drink of choice and where do you head for it? I always have a soy flat white, simply ordered from the closest cafe! Guilty pleasure? Movie and pizza night is one of my favourite things to do. Favourite team? The Taroona Abalones.
When there’s nothing to do, I . . . Sleep. Favourite Hobart secret? Bioluminescence in Lindisfarne, Bellerive or Kingston is spectacular. I’m reading... Boy Swallows Universe by Trent Dalton Where to next? “Infinity and beyond,” Buzz Lightyear...or maybe that’s a better quote to live by! ■
WILDERNESS An exhibition of paintings by Rachel Howell
Saturday 11th April to Friday 24 April 2020 10:30 am - 4.00 pm Huon Art Gallery, 41 Mary Street Cygnet. Please call Carlene de Très with any enquiries on 0427 872 362
www.huonart.com.au
huonart
Dr Meg McKeown with one of the new ambulances
GP Outreach
Dr Meg MeKeown is medical director for Moreton Group Medical Services (MGMS) and has recently returned from a stint in Antarctica (you might remember she was our Local Lady in December). MGMS has funding from Primary Health Tasmania to provide after hours care to vulnerable Tasmanians. Meg shared with us, “We have a large box backed ambulance fitted out with all the gear we need to have a GP clinic anywhere. We travel to regular locations several evenings a week to see patients all over the greater Hobart region in their homes, in their emergency accommodation, at their local community centre or on the streets.” The service doesn’t cost the patient and all visits are bulk billed. How good is that. “We have extra funding from local philanthropic support to provide an affordable medicines program and we collaborate with Your Hobart Chemist to provide this program,” Meg said, “We’re proud to support the Salvation Army/Hobart City Mission Safe Space in
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the city which was opened just before Christmas last year.” The team is often seen operating the street clinic alongside St Vincent de Paul’s Loui’s Van as they deliver meals to the same population. Meg shared that they’re planning to evolve to include day time GP services, providing a stable and affordable day time GP service for our vulnerable Hobart population. The GP outreach has four General Practitioners working across the roster and all of the doctors are fully qualified and experienced General Practitioners.
and stories (there’s sound too if you haven’t seen the screen), as well as discussion about issues that might not be ideal for a public place with a mixed crowd. Is this screen really necessary? Could that graphic real estate be better utilised?
Salamanca Square Big Screen Switch Off?
Many people choose to shield their children from the full extent of the news, and at home you can control how much they see. But outside the home, it’s becoming a little trickier. So there’s momentum growing to turn off the live Sky News feed from the big screen on The Mercury building in Salamanca Square. Parents have expressed concern at graphic news images
What the hell are we doing?
Mother’s Group second time around
We all know how valuable mothers and parents groups are for first time parents, but there’s also merit in second time mothers being supported
HOBART HAPPENINGS
Doing it for Disey
Voluntary assisted dying (VAD) will be up for discussion later this year, buoyed by a new campaign led by Jacqui and Natalie Gray. “We lost our Mum Diane, five months ago following an 11 month torturous battle with gastric cancer. We have become advocates for VAD as a promise to her, as she desperately wanted to utilise VAD for herself.” The sisters have launched Your Choice Tas, including a website, www. yourchoicetas.com.au and a Facebook page. They shared, “We don’t want to force our opinion on anyone. We want to raise awareness that this legislation will hit parliament in August and if you believe
you/we should have the right to make our own end of life choices, then now would be the time to act and have your voices heard. There’s a petition to be tabled in Parliament by Cassy O’Connor and we’re taking this opportunity to go around the politicians to address any concerns they may have regarding Mersey MLC Mike Gaffney’s consultation bill. We want to ensure everyone has a greater understanding of the proposed legislation and give Tasmanians the chance to have their voices heard on this matter.”
Oops! Correction.
We fired too soon. In last month’s issue we mentioned an horrific accident that occured at the Elizabeth Street bus interchange in February, where a woman had a roof panel fall on her which sliced her leg open and broke some bones. Another man was the first responder, and he ended up having a nasty fall knocking out his front teeth. We wrongly intimated the bus shelters were maintained by Metro Tasmania, when they are in fact the responsibility of the Hobart City Council. In any case, the poor woman was just on her way to work and has now ended up with an ongoing and awful injury, and the man stopped to help (like all good humans should!) and will now be out of pocket for expensive dental procedures and in lots of pain.
New Bluey, for real life!
THUMBS UP Massive congratulations to the 17 Tassie businesses who recently won Australian Tourism Awards.
A fresh batch of Bluey episodes has hit ABC Kids, just in time for quarantine. Online grocery shopping and home delivery services. The concept of singing “Happy Birthday” twice while washing hands with soap and water. Simple measures, big rewards.
THUMBS DOWN Coronavirus. COVID-19. Image: ABC TV
via these groups. In mainland states second (and subsequent) time mums are encouraged to join their local group, but here in Tasmania this is not the case. There are many support groups - new parents, fathers, post natal support, premmie support, the list goes on, but for a second time around mum who’s had a pretty standard run, there’s no group support. All mums should have access to peer support, regardless of how many births are under their belt. First time parents can learn a great deal of “on the job” knowledge and other parents can enjoy the support and camaraderie that comes from being “in the trenches” on the same timeline as others.
Coronavirus.
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Share your ups and downs at editor@thehobartmagzine.com.au
HOBART HAPPENINGS Single use plastic ban is on
The City of Hobart will proceed with a by-law banning the provision of single-use plastic takeaway food packaging and related items. Enforcement of the by-law will commence in 2021, following a period of trader and community education and awareness. It’s anticipated that the introduction of the by-law will result in a 600 tonne annual reduction in single-use plastics to landfill, which is a fantastic contribution to reducing our impact. The council has also resolved to lobby the Tasmanian Government to consider implementing a statewide initiative to reduce single-use plastics, so watch this space.
Say goodbye to these
Test your Mettle
If the tragic murder of Hannah Clarke and her three children left you feeling helpless about what you can do, here’s a suggestion. It’s only small, but it could mean the world to a woman doing it tough. Mettle is an ethical gift delivery social enterprise employing women who are experiencing
homelessness due to domestic and family violence. They equip survivors of domestic and family violence with the skills, confidence, and financial security required to secure and maintain employment and in turn, safe and stable housing. Once they’re working in the social enterprise, the Mettle team then assist these very brave women in finding long term employment in their chosen field. It’s such a great initiative with corporate and gift boxes start at $40 featuring some pretty cool products like Hey Tiger chocolate, Homie socks and Mettle’s own bath products and incense. Send a gift at www.mettlegifts.com.
Arrested development
Mettle gifts support women fleeing violence
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We’re 100% all in for appropriate development and moving Hobart, and Tasmania forward in the right direction. But the Gutwein government’s proposed Major Projects Legislation, which is coming up in Parliament in May, might not be the answer. It’s proposed that potential developments
could be referred for consideration to be a major project by the proponent, the relevant Council or the Minister for Planning (currently Roger Jaensch). If the Minister deems something to be a Major Project, an independent panel specially convened by the Tasmanian Planning Commission will assess them. This takes the decision making away from elected members of the community and puts it into the hands of the government of the day’s chosen bureaucrats. It could result in opportunities for governmental secrecy and less accountability, while taking away genuine community consultation. Watch this space!
OVERHEARD! At the new playground at Fern Tree, a car pulled into the start of the Pipeline Track. An inquisitive five year old yelled out to his dad, “Is he allowed to park there?” The driver got out of the car and quipped, “Mate when you qualify as a cleaner you can park here too.”
L-R: Geoff, Angie, Martin, Ali in competition in Thailand.
Tasmanian Dragon Boat Paddlers Dominate
Dragon boat paddling may be a sport that dates back hundreds of years but it’s also a worldwide sport that many people enthusiastically participate in today. In Australia, our most talented paddlers strive to become members of the Aurora squad and compete internationally with the best of the best. Being accepted means that person has attained world class standard as a paddler. There’s no quota on Auroras. It depends on the number of people trying out for each campaign and if they can meet the standards required. Tasmania is very fortunate to currently have four Auroras, which is a magnificent achievement given our small size and population compared to the mainland states. In fact, all four Auroras are Hobart residents - Ali Mourant (Tasmanian head coach), Geoff Andrews, Angie Turner and Martin Turner. How long did it take you to achieve Aurora status? Ali: I tried out for the 2011 campaign unsuccessfully, so dedicated the next two years to training to successfully gain selection. I’ve represented Australia in 2013 (Hungary), 2015 (Canada), 2017 (China), 2019 (Thailand). Geoff: I was paddling for four years before I thought I was competent enough to try out for the team. What’s been the highlight of your journey? Martin: Winning gold in Thailand in the Mixed 10’s with my wife Angie in the same boat! Angie: The friendships and team bonding in the lead up and during the campaign, the sense of achievement, the feeling of 20 paddlers all paddling as one. ■
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Feature
Australia’s Online Beauty Queen Interview: Stephanie Williams
K
ate Morris had an idea to sell cosmetics online at a time when it wasn’t done. She borrowed $12,000 from her boyfriend’s parents and set up an online store, Adore Beauty in the garage. Twenty years later, the business is thriving, enjoying annual revenue around $100m. Kate recently sold a chunk of the business to private equity investors, Quadrant.
make you feel, then seeing that for most people it wasn’t making them feel that way - that stuck in my brain. People weren’t feeling fabulous and confident because of this experience they were having with beauty retail. To me, that was uncool and I wanted to fix it. And that’s the exact opposite of what those types of products are meant to make you feel. Absolutely. It’s the whole point of the stuff! None of it’s essential, right. But it’s taking the time out and feeling good about yourself. When you’re not feeling that, then something is very wrong. Before starting Adore Beauty, were you more interested in cosmetics or in tech? A little of both. I was always interested in tech. We were one of the first to get a computer as a kid, a very early Macintosh. The school had a gifted and talented program where we could build robots like Lego robots and then write programs for them. And I loved that. I understood the language. With the world of tech and the world of beauty, I saw an opportunity for those things to go together. What has been your career highlight? After 20 years in business, it’s a roller coaster. The highs are very high and the lows are very low. I won Telstra Young Business Woman of the Year in 2010. I’d
You grew up in Launceston. How did your Tassie childhood shape your life? I didn’t appreciate at the time what a peaceful and happy childhood it was. Even though we were on a small island, we didn’t feel limited in what we could achieve. I don’t know whether that’s a Tassie thing or just my parents, but it was very much, “Well we believe in you and if you see a thing that you feel really passionately about, then you should go for it.” When you started Adore Beauty, online retailing wasn’t a thing. Were you sure of it from the start? I was. I hadn’t planned to have a career in business or entrepreneurship. I was going to go to uni and study law, to work hard and get a good job. The whole world of entrepreneurship wasn’t one I’d entertained. This was an idea that got stuck in my brain and “With the world of tech and I felt so deeply in my the world of beauty, I saw an guts, that it wasn’t really opportunity for those things an option to not do it. As someone who loved to go together.” the way beauty could 14
gotten used to living without anybody telling me I was doing a good job. To have my first dose of validation to be something as big and as well reputed as that, that was very overwhelming. Nowadays, highlights are around seeing really cool things happen that I didn’t personally drive. Like our podcast. Everyone’s asking me, “Oh how did you go about building Australia’s number one beauty podcast?” Honestly, I didn’t have
Kate Morris, founder of Adore Beauty
anything to do with it! All I did Everybody told me at the start Do we get as many holidays as was let them do it. Obviously that beauty products aren’t going we should? Probably not. But the investment from Quadrant is to work as an online category overall, life’s pretty good. My a highlight too, that was a lot of because people have to see and children are nearly nine and three effort and 19 years in the making. feel and touch them. We’ve proven and a half. We’re still in the thick That was pretty exciting. that’s not the case. There are lots of it, but it’s all good. This is life. And lows? of things you can do online you It’s happening right now! It took me 19 years to figure can’t in a store. We have reviews When you get back to Tassie, this out, but things have to be from other customers, you can what do you do first? hard. You come up against read real experiences. We have I still love going to Salamanca insurmountable challenges where brand agnostic skin experts on our Markets and Farm Gate Market, you think, I don’t know to get my little dose of “There are lots of things you can Tassie produce. I have a how we’re going to get through this. We were do online you can’t in a store.” thing for Tassie raspberries, in the process of scaling they just don’t taste the up in 2013, having to re-platform live chat to help you make your same here in Melbourne. I like a a whole bunch of systems at the decision. With foundations for wander down around the docks same time. We were pushing instance, we built a whole piece and through the city – I like growth really hard, but we didn’t of software around that, called the cafes on Criterion Street, have any money because we were Findation - a global database there are some good ones there. trying to complete a raise. I’d sit of foundation shades and what You can get a decent coffee. in the car with my co-founder matches what across all of the My Mum lives in Taroona, so (because we had an open plan different brands. We have nearly the kids love going down to office!), thinking I don’t know 20 years worth of information the little river beaches there. how we’re going to make payroll about thousands and thousands of It’s brisk and invigorating! next week? We’d sit there and products, whereas in a store you’re And drinking Tassie wine. I cry and think it was all over and limited to the knowledge of just like Derwent Estate in New then we’d go, “Righty-o, let’s that one person serving you. Norfolk and Josef Chromy, near have one last hurrah then. Can we You work with your husband. Launceston. pull something out?” I’ve come What does life outside Adore Hot business tip? to realize that those moments are Beauty look like for your family? If it’s going to be a good business, necessary in business, because I don’t like to use the B word, that can fend off competitors and those are the bits where, if busy. Life is full of ‘interesting’. build a space for itself, it’s going everybody else gives up at that I’ve created this life and I to have a really hard thing about it. point, and you can be the one that certainly can’t complain. What You’ve got to be the one willing to pushes through it, that’s where does it look like? To be honest do the hard thing because if it was you elevate. we have work and that’s a big easy everyone would be doing it. If Colours, textures, and skin thing. And family is a big thing you can be the one to push through type are important factors in for us. We have a small network and do the hard thing, then success cosmetics, how have you worked of close friends. Do we have a is on the other side. ■ with that? busy social life? Probably not. adorebeauty.com.au 15
Nutrition
Diet and Immunity - What You Can Do Words Benedict Freudenmann
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lthough we’re learning more about Coronavirus everyday, there’s currently no accepted conventional treatment or prevention of Covid-19. Because of this, natural alternatives are worth investigating.
Your immune status determines your susceptibility to infection and your overall health outcome. While there are many things we don’t know about this virus, Breath of fresh air it does seem to be following similar patterns to other viruses, affecting those who are elderly, immune bronchitis “IBV,” in a chicken’s embryo, suggesting compromised or have comorbidities such as diabetes this treatment might work for other coronavirus or cardiovascular diseases. This means dietary and diseases like SARS and MERS. lifestyle practices that support your immune system are going to have a generally protective effect Nothing beats fresh, local, Tasmanian garlic. Luckily and will also increase your baseline happiness, it’s currently in season, so incorporate it into your resilience and sense of well-being. Nothing is going diet as much as possible. If you want to get the most to guarantee complete protection, but boosting your from the garlic, have it raw. The primary active immunity certainly won’t hurt. And remember, ingredient in garlic is called Allicin, which is created stress is arguably one of when garlic is crushed. “Nothing is going to guarantee the most potent immune By cooking, garlic we complete protection, but boosting lose some Allicin. suppressors on the planet.
your immunity certainly won’t hurt.”
So let’s get practical, what are basic dietary and lifestyle practices to support your immune system? Eat your vegetables. Vegetables contain so many essential nutrients that support our immune system. We are blessed to live in a country filled with fresh produce. Ensure you’re getting at least five servings of vegetables each day. That means vegetables with every meal of the day! Also, drink plenty of water, get out into the sunshine, exercise, get at least seven hours of quality sleep and make sure to laugh everyday. Some natural substances have been specifically studied for other Coronavirus infections. But I’d like to highlight - Garlic. In 2016, the Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine, researchers found that garlic extract had inhibitory effects on Coronavirus-associated infectious 16
One teaspoon of freshly minced raw garlic with Manuka honey taken daily is an easy way increase your intake. You can also make this ahead of time and store in the pantry for up to a week. Although all honey has some antiviral properties, research has shown that Manuka honey is the most effective against influenza viruses in vitro. Always consult your doctor or relevant health professional before starting any major dietary, lifestyle or supplemental change. This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. ■
Benedict is a clinical nutritionist who practices at www.learntonourish.com in Hobart.
Hannah
Moloney Words Genevieve Morton Pictures Natalie Mendham
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eet the Tasmanian designing a better life for us all. Hannah Moloney of Good Life Permaculture is a leading landscape designer and educator in South Hobart (you may have noticed her bright pink and green house up on the hill). She’s spent 15 years designing and managing projects around urban agriculture, small-scale farming and community development. She believes in ‘radical hope’ and facing the climate crisis in a proactive and positive way.
Describe “Radical Hope” and the role of permaculture in creating a more vibrant and resilient world? Radical Hope is a verb. It describes having active hope in the face of enormous crisis, where despite all odds, you choose to do positive actions that can help counter the “said crisis”. The global challenge we all face right now is the climate crisis. It’s so big and so scary it’d be easy to curl up into a ball in a dark corner. However Radical Hope and permaculture are the tools we use to address crisis in a proactive and positive way. You write about permaculture enhancing not only environmental health but social health. Permaculture (permanent 20
Hannah at work
culture) is so much more than agriculture and gardening. While this was its origins, it quickly evolved to be more holistic so it could address whole system change, instead of just how we grow food. This means permaculture design and practice can be applied to everything from building design, town planning, economics, governance, education,
for your family? We’re really passionate about our work - and while we still need to rest and have weekends (like everyone else), we’ll often work 14 days straight without really noticing - because it’s all fun and important stuff to do. Of course amongst all this, we have a very vibrant young daughter – so there’s lots of playing threaded throughout everything!
“The greatest reward in my work is helping people to realise how impactful they can be in their own worlds to address the climate crisis.” creativity, health and wellbeing and technology. Permaculture is literally a framework for designing and creating a new type of culture that can be permanently sustainable. You live and breathe what you do – how does this translate in an everyday way
You work with the community to create and implement sustainable living projects – what are your highlights? Highlights have included teaching home composting methods to hundreds of residents in collaboration working with the City of Hobart to divert tonnes
COVER FEATURE
The bounty
of food waste from landfill and turn it into compost for gardens. We’ve just wrapped up running the inaugural Home Harvest edible garden tour in the Hobart municipality. We had nine gardens open for the day and over 1500 people visiting them for inspiration. We hope to run this again next year. What’s your biggest challenge? And greatest reward? The greatest reward in my work is helping people to realise how impactful they can be in their own worlds to address the climate crisis. If we all step up and be the change we desperately need
then we can actually step past and beyond our political leadership and be our own leaders. Is Hobart the ideal city to “live it” and do you feel your community growing? While Hobart is hands down a uniquely glorious city to live in - not everyone can live here. We work hard to support people to live the good life everywhere and anywhere. But yes, over the years of doing our work here and beyond, we can see a tangible growth in community connectedness and capacity around permaculture and living like it matters. Milking the goats
COVER FEATURE
The incredible house on the hill
When you’re not designing gardens for others, what does an average day look like? I start every day by milking our two dairy goats (Gerty and Jilly), feeding the chooks, harvesting eggs and checking on our garden. If it’s a work day I’ll then either head out to a client’s farm/garden, get ready to teach a workshop or head into our office to draw up landscape designs. If it’s a rest day, I’ll be playing with our daughter, trying to progress garden projects or catching up with mates. What’s your advice to the average homeowner with a free patch of dirt in their backyard? Whether you’re renting, or own your home, you can use the land you have to grow some of the food you need. Us city folk could grow some (or all) of the perishable food we need. All our fruit and veggies could come from less than a 1/4 block if you wanted to. If growing lots and lots of food isn’t for you, consider growing some fresh greens and herbs for yourself. These are often quite expensive to buy and relatively easy for you to grow in a small space. Alternatively, offer up your garden to someone else in your community for them to grow food instead. Also, always be sure to grow some plants for 22
Hannah’s office
small birds and bees as well - a healthy food garden is a glorious polyculture of plants for you, soil health and local beneficial insects. “Reclaiming domesticity from a consumer culture” – what does this quote mean to you? Right now our mainstream domestic culture is based on consuming stuff. Generally speaking in our culture, we buy all our food from somewhere else, we pay someone else to look after our kid/s, we pay for someone else to produce our energy, supply us water - everything. In contrast, we’re really passionate about reclaiming domestic culture to be one of production rather than consumption. For example - we work from home, produce 90% of our perishable food, catch rainwater in tanks and have some solar panels on our roof. We’re not aiming for self-sufficiency,
rather community sufficiency where throughout Hobart (and beyond) we can all support each other to support one another’s needs. Together we are better alone we will always struggle. Given the Coronavirus crisis, the importance of food security and growing your own is in the spotlight. Absolutely. The more we can take responsibility for our own needs in times of disaster (and any time), the better - this includes food. If you have access to a patch of earth (whether that’s in a big garden or in a tiny courtyard) now’s the time to have a crack at growing some of your own food. This can be as simple as growing herbs, or quick-growing greens. And if you really have no growing space outside at all - you can always grow fresh sprouts on your kitchen bench. ■
• When can I retire? • How much will I need? We answer these questions and more at our free regular monthly retirement seminars. We welcome existing clients as well as friends, family, and work colleagues.
• How much Age Pension will I get? • Should I be worried about the share market?
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Exploring The World’s Largest Canyon - Capertee Valley Words & pictures: Bonita Grima
Views for days at Bubbletents Australia
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he Blue Mountains and surrounding areas suffered greatly during recent bushfires but slowly the National Parks in New South Wales are reopening, with some ready to welcome visitors back. The Capertee area of the Greater Blue Mountains might be one of the state’s most overlooked, but offering some of the best stargazing, historical sites and world heritage listed wilderness close to Sydney it won’t stay that way for long.
People are often surprised to discover that Capertee Valley within Capertee National Park, is the world’s widest canyon – it’s one metre wider than the USA’s Grand Canyon! Henry Lawson was so captivated by the valley when passing through in the late 1800’s, he dedicated a stanza in his poem, ‘Song of the Old Bullock-Driver’. Near the tiny mountain village of Capertee, Pearson’s Lookout allows stunning 180 degree views of the valley, including Patoneys Crown, the isolated mesa, towering over the western side.
Trail through time While some more serious hiking Whether exploring the Wolgan trails like the Bicentennial Valley floor to marvel at the National Trail remain closed, 4000-year-old rock art of the some favourite day walking Wiradjuri people or picnicking trails like the Weir Walk and by billabongs and waterfalls Pagoda Lookout walking track once frequented by bushrangers have reopened. Accessing the and drovers, traversing Turon River the landscape here is a journey through land and time. The best part is there’s so many walking, mountainbiking, 4WD and horseriding trails to do it.
track from the Ganguddy-Dunns Swamp campground, the steep hillside scramble rewards with views of the Cudgegong River and pagoda rock formations from the Triassic period. Southern Cross Kayaking run guided tours of the Cudgegong River and kayak and SUP board hire from the campground. For lovers of history, the old shale mining town of Glen Davis in the Capertee Valley is a must, with tours of the eerie oil shale ruins in the shadow of the valley’s sandstone cliffs on every Saturday. Watch for wildlife The Greater Blue Mountains, containing high numbers of endemic species were considered a haven for native flora and fauna, and while NSW National
Bathe with a view 24
Travel off the island
Milky Way by Saeed Saurati
Parks and Wildlife Service are still assessing numbers, some local operators are reporting the return of animals such as kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, reptiles and birdlife. Capertee Valley is recognised internationally as an Important Bird Area (IBA) containing good numbers of Regent Honeyeaters, Swift Parrots and Glossy-Black Cockatoos, among other highly endangered birds. It remains an excellent place for birdwatching.
Capertee Village
to adventure activities like wildlife safaris, 4WD tours, horse-riding and hiking. They’re encouraging guests to take part in conservation projects at the moment, like tree planting, wildlife surveys and water quality testing, to aid the area’s regeneration.
Rest and regenerate With a focus on sustainability, Bubbletents Australia offers guests outdoor bathing and glamping with dramatic views over the valley. Each see-through bubble also comes equipped with telescope, iPad and stargazing apps, as the area, known for its dark skies, makes for some of the best stargazing close to Sydney.
Eco-retreat Turon Gates has a selection of rustic log cabins, glamping and camping options spread over 6000 acres. Here you’ll find kayaking, walking and horse-riding trails along the Turon River in which gold discovered in 1851, prompted the area’s gold rush. Excellent, affordable campsites can also be found in Wollemi National Park. ■
Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley provides luxury accommodation in addition
Visit nationalparks.nsw.gov. au and tourism.lithgow.com for details
Science
Better The Devils. Words: Dr Qamar Schulyer Pictures: Dr Calum Cunningham
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y 5-year-old son Maxwell recently declared that his favourite animals are “the dangerous ones, because apex predators help keep the ecosystem healthy.” While his definition lacks nuance, fundamentally he is correct.
north-west. Calum used motionactivated cameras to study the behaviour and abundance of both devils and other species. Calum’s findings support what every first year biology student is taught – healthy apex predator populations suppress midsized predators, which in turn allows smaller prey species to
Apex predators, the animals at the top of the food chain, play a key “Up until 3-4000 years ago, role in maintaining Tasmanian devils roamed large balance in the ecosystem. Recent areas of Australia.” work by Dr. Calum Cunningham, postdoctoral fellow thrive. In areas with low devil at the University of Tasmania, populations, invasive feral cat demonstrates this basic principle numbers were 58% higher than of ecology. in areas where devils were healthy. Simultaneously, animals Calum took advantage of like the native southern brown “naturally occurring” differences bandicoot fared much better in Tasmanian devil populations in places where cat abundance across the state. In the northwas kept low. The suppression east, where devil facial tumour of cats may occur as a result of disease (DFTD) originated, devil killing by devils, or the devils populations have declined by as may simply be removing food much as 95%, while populations resources like carrion before the are still healthy and robust in the cats can get to it. Caught red-handed
Apex predators can affect not only population numbers, but also behaviour. In 2012, devils were introduced to Maria Island in order to establish a population free from DFTD. Calum found that the local possums, a natural prey for devils, became more risk-aware and spent less time foraging on the ground. Because possums are herbivores, this new behaviour may have implications for the regrowth of certain plant species. The importance of apex predators cannot be overstated. Besides regulating the balance of animals and plants further down the food chain, devils also are very efficient at finding and removing dead animals, which could potentially limit the spread of disease to humans, livestock, and other wildlife. However, historically humans have not been particularly tolerant of “dangerous animals.” Most of mainland Australia is sadly lacking in apex predators. Up until 3-4000 years ago, Tasmanian devils roamed large areas of Australia. When they went extinct, the new top dog (pun intended) was the dingo, thought to have been brought to Australia from Sulawesi by sea nomads. However, present-day humans are often in conflict with dingos. Policies of lethal control have resulted in an imbalanced ecosystem, sometimes with attendant population explosions of feral cats, foxes, and kangaroos. Calum is one of a growing number of scientists suggesting
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a cautious and heavily controlled re-introduction of devils to the mainland. Feral cats and foxes pose a huge threat to native wildlife, and attempts to control their numbers have been largely unsuccessful. If Calum’s research in Tasmania holds true on the mainland, a re-introduction of devils could be a game changer in the fight against feral cats. Calum’s eyes light up as he says “Tasmania could become the leader in conserving Australian ecosystems. But the idea of reintroduction needs to be driven by the community.” It’s not an easy sell – there are uncertainties in how devils and foxes would interact, and whether there might be unintended consequences to populations of other wildlife species, but with small, fenced,
Calum at work
tightly controlled experimental plots, the theory could be safely tested. How exciting it would be to see Tasmania at the forefront of a bold move to re-balance our fragile ecosystem. I know Maxwell would be in favour! ■
With the massive declines from DFTD, it’s critical to reduce risks to the remaining devils. Reduce driving speeds between dusk to dawn. Remove roadkill from the side of the road if it’s safe to do so.
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Psychology
Is self-sabotage holding you back? Words Annia Baron
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taying up late knowing you’ve got an early start. Picking a petty argument with your partner. Having that third slice of pizza when you’re aiming to lose weight or deciding that watching YouTube tutorials on how to build an elevated garden bed is suddenly more important than finishing off tomorrow’s presentation.
In addition, the research supports mindfulness and self-compassion for creating and sustaining meaningful changes. Along with a myriad of wellbeing benefits, mindfulness can act as the pause button right before the pull towards Imposter syndrome can play a the old, familiar habit. It allows role here too; we sabotage our space to think more broadly and success if we fear being exposed long-term. Self-compassion has as a fraud when attempting to been shown to enhance our selfbetter ourselves. In both cases, worth, foster resilience, improve Self-sabotage is common and the fear of failure is pervasive. motivation, and generate often presents as avoidance, Other reasons include boredom, happiness. In the context of procrastination, distraction, or stress or a strong tendency self-sabotage, it reassures us that risk-taking. So why do even if we don’t always get it “So why do we make choices right, it doesn’t mean we’re we make choices that interfere with achieving that interfere with achieving undeserving or inadequate the very goals we set? (see self-compassion.org for the very goals we set?” Dr Kristin Neff’s leading Let’s start with self-worth and for instant versus delayed scientific research and resources cognitive dissonance. Usually, gratification. But for many of us, on practicing self-compassion). our behaviour matches our lack of clarity and connection to core beliefs e.g., if you’re those things and experiences that In sum, become aware of your vegan, you’ll avoid buying or are most important to us (i.e., self-sabotaging habits. Get to consuming animal products. our personal values) is a major know the circumstances they’re If you care about the less contributor to self-sabotage. likely to creep in. Give yourself fortunate, you’ll likely donate to a clear vision of what you value your local charity or volunteer. Kelly McGonigal, psychologist, and why it matters to you. And When it comes to self-worth, educator and author of The importantly, be gentle. Choose if you’ve felt you’re not good Neuroscience of Change and to celebrate your efforts instead enough or undeserving in The Willpower Instinct notes of berating your shortcomings. some way, progressing towards that regularly reminding Every day is another opportunity success and achievement ourselves of the ‘why’ behind to evolve into the person you creates a ‘dissonance’ or a our intention to change in the want to become. So, stop first place is key. McGonigal procrastinating and get to it. ■ highlights, “Change is often experienced as a threat, and when we’re threatened, the brain You can access a free personalised loves to cling to the old, familiar values illuminator by visiting ways of thinking.” With clarity remindyourself.com, click of what’s most important to you, on ‘illuminate’ and enter the password, modernmindset. and connecting emotionally to those intentions, you can Annia Baron is a Clinical empower yourself to choose Psychologist and Mindset Coach a new course of action when at ReMind Yourself in Hobart. moments of susceptibility arise. Sad face
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mismatch between the belief and your actions. This causes psychological tension that your mind will seek to rectify and so the sabotaging act provides immediate relief because it brings things ‘back in line’.
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Corona Cuisine – Surviving Lockdown Words Sarah Ugazio
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he vacant stare in front of the open fridge or cupboard has afflicted us all on occasion. No matter how much food we have in store, there seems like nothing to eat. When you’re hungry and lacking cooking inspo, the ‘hangries’ can easily take hold.
In combination with fear of not having enough food or supply shortages, that frustration has likely contributed to sweep of COVID-19 panic buying across the nation. At the time of print, lockdown has not been confirmed, but seems inevitable and imminent. Unless you’re one of manically organised special people that have a month’s worth of freezer meals prepped at the best of times, the panic of “Will I have everything I need to cook and feed myself/my family” has probably touched us all. Seeing shelves emptied of pasta, flour and canned foods has been unprecedented and unnerving. With this in mind I’m not sharing a recipe this month, and instead some handy tips on kitchen survival with what you have on hand seems appropriate. Properly store your food • Wrap herbs in paper towel and then plastic or beeswax wrap (like a bouquet) • Wash and spin dry leafy vegetables, then store in container with a couple of sheets of paper towel to absorb excess moisture • Cut leaves off celery, beetroot and radishes and store in an airtight container • Freeze all meats into portions ready for one meal or recipe 30
Pasta pasta
• You’ll be surprised how many veggies can be frozen – avocados for instance! There’s lots of info online to be found on appropriate veggies and freezing methods Eat fresh first • Eat the most perishable food first including picked lettuce leaves (icebergs will last longer), fresh berries, mushrooms, or anything that wilts or turns quickly • Veggies getting beyond their best should be cooked into meals. Vegetables fritters are a great option, and quick simple sides such as mixed roast veg with cous cous or rice can be frozen • Delay using up root vegetables, including potatoes and onions, and pumpkin (if whole) as they keep exceptionally well. Use canned and bottled foods last. Get organised • Make a meal plan and regularly audit your food stores. If
anything, a plan can help reduce anxiety if you do run some cooking challenges and give you time to address them •M ake the most of what you’ve got by extending things you have limited supply of – for instance add pasta to a soup base (soup is an exceptionally filling and a good way to use up aging vegetables), or mix canned beans into rice with herbs. I promise you most likely have more than enough food, given food wastage has been a significant standing issue. However if you’re really struggling with cooking dilemmas and questions please feel free to message me via instagram or emailing via the editor, we’ll all be at home looking for a fun distraction! ■ Follow Sarah at @madamesaisons
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Hobart weather
what’s with the weather? Words Dr Olivia Hasler
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f you tend to say “what’s with this weather?” a fair bit, then read on my friend! Q: Why do we get sunburnt easily? A: Even though Tasmania is known for its mild summers, it doesn’t take much to get sunburnt. Tasmania experiences extreme ultraviolet (UV) levels, but contrary to popular belief this isn’t due to the hole in the ozone layer, which is actually south of the continent.While higher UV levels often occur at the same time as higher temperatures, the two are not linked. Instead, UV levels are determined by the angle of the sun in the sky: the higher the sun, the higher the UV. In December and January, the position of the sun over Tasmania gives the state a UV index of 11 or more on most days, which is classified as “extreme” on the UV index. Tasmania’s lack of humidity and generally clear skies contribute to the stinging feeling of the sun. UV can reflect off buildings and water, making it possible to get a higher dose of UV from these reflected rays, even in the shade. Q: Why does being in the lee of kunanyi/ Mt Wellington make Hobart’s weather system different from the eastern shore’s? A: In meteorology, “leeward” and “windward” are terms that indicate the direction of the wind with regard to a point of reference such as a mountain. The windward side faces the prevailing winds, while the leeward or “lee” side is sheltered
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from the wind. Being in the lee of Mt Wellington gives Hobart a relatively dry, warm climate. This is because by the time air rises up the windward side and reaches the summit most of the moisture has escaped. Then the dry air descends the lee. Q: Why is the west coast so wet and the east coast is in drought? A: The weather on Tasmania’s west and east coasts is very different, which can seem strange for a relatively small island. The west coast is notoriously lush and rainy, while drought is common on the east. This is due to Tasmania’s west coast mountains catching most of the rain, so by the time the air makes it to the east coast most of the precipitation has already fallen. On a smaller scale, this is also why the western side of Mount Wellington receives more rain than the city of Hobart. Q: Why is it warmer up north? A: The summers in Hobart are cooler than in Launceston because of the sea breeze off of the Derwent River. However, since Launceston is in a valley, winters there can get much colder than in Hobart. ■
Smart weather apps: BOM Weather The BOM Weather app includes current conditions, forecasts and warnings from Australia’s official weather source, the Bureau of Meteorology. Blue If numbers aren’t your thing, Blue might be the weather app for you. Hourly weather is represented by colour in a gradient ranging from purple (extremely cold) to pink (extremely hot). SunSmart The SunSmart app is designed to protect Australians from the sun. It allows users to select their location and opt-in for UV index alerts. The app’s “Sunscreen Calculator” lets you know what the minimum sunscreen requirement is and gives the option to set reminders to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours. Dr. Olivia Hasler is a doctor of green criminology and freelance writer in Hobart.
Nutrition
Talk sexy to me… Words Benedict Freudenmann
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f I asked you to think of a food item that makes you sexy, healthy, attractive, youthful and energetic I can almost guarantee that you didn’t think of gelatin. Yet gelatin is a protein powerhouse that has more health benefits than you could imagine. Gelatin improves skin health, improves gut health and digestion, lifts your mood and improves cognitive abilities, protects joints and lowers joint pain, helps improve sleep quality, helps maintain heart health, maintains strong bones and helps you feel full. Let me first clarify that I’m not talking about the wiggly and wobbly, brightly coloured desert. Instead I’m talking about gelatin in its natural form.
Hmmmm collageny
So what makes gelatin sexy? “inhibitory neurotransmitter,” which means it can Gelatin is partially hydrolyzed collagen protein have anti-anxiety or antidepressant effects. That found in the skin, bones and tissue of animals. If means gelatin has the ability to lift your mood and this sounds gross to you, then you’ll be pleased to increase mental clarity. know that gelatin is virtually colourless and tasteless. The presence of gelatin Pass the gelatin please... “Gelatin provides the building in our diet has reduced Thankfully we can blocks for collagen, and can help consume gelatin by dramatically as most people no longer consume your body create enough of this eating a lot more than just parts of the animal where processed desserts. You important protein to improve your might have noticed an gelatin is more prevalent like skin, marrow and skin’s health and appearance.” increase of popularity of tendons. Gelatin is made bone broth in the past few up of about 98-99 percent protein and the specific years. Bone broth is a delicious source of naturally amino acid (building blocks of protein) profile of occurring gelatin. Better yet there’s an abundance of gelatin is what makes it so special. Collagen is one of dried bone broth powders and pastes that are more the primary structural elements of skin. As we age, convenient. Simply add one teaspoon to some hot we naturally lose collagen, causing our skin to sag water for a cup of wholesome goodness or use it as a and wrinkle. Gelatin provides the building blocks for base for soups, stews, sauces or even gravies. When collagen, and can help your body create enough of it comes to getting the most health benefits from your this important protein to improve your skin’s health bone broth, it’s important to choose a high-quality and appearance. A recent UK study showed that product. But don’t be fooled - beef or chicken stock eight weeks of daily gelatin intake counteracts signs is not bone broth. Likewise not all bone broths of aging by increasing skin firmness and reducing are equal. Look for a bone broth product that uses wrinkles and dryness. pasture-raised, grass-fed or organic raised animals that have not been given steroids or antibiotics. Or Looks aside, does it help anything else? better yet make your own from scratch! ■ Besides the skin, gelatin is massively beneficial for preventing intestinal damage and improving the lining of the digestive tract. In the brain, glycine, Benedict is a clinical nutritionist who practices at www.learntonourish.com in Hobart. one of the amino acids in gelatin, is considered an 33
HOBART HISTORY
Cascades Female Factory Words Stephanie Williams Pictures Alistair Betts, Tasmanian Archives
Karissa in character
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n a site where only the outside walls remain, how do you help visitors contextualise what happened inside those walls? At the Cascades Female Factory site in South Hobart, actor Karissa Lane, together with director Craig Lane-Irons and writer Finegan Kruckemeyer have created The Proud & The Punished, a 45-minute monologue to share the horrifying, heart-warming and sad stories of the women and babies, who went through the site from 1828 until 1856. At any given time there were between 700 and 1200 prisoners. The Proud & The Punished is a one-woman performance featuring multiple characters but centered around Sarah Mason, a petty criminal who rails against the system of punishment and redemption inside the prison walls. “I think the women’s side of our convict history has been too long overlooked,” Karissa said. “I have a great sense of pride for these women, especially the
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ones who stuck it out and went on to make lives for themselves afterwards. It’s so sad to think of the atrocities they faced and how poorly they were treated, when really, the most common thread here was they were simply poor and had no other option than to perform petty crime to get by.” When I took the tour recently, it hit home while standing in the footprint of a tiny solitary confinement cell on a chilly Autumn afternoon, realising women were in there 23 hours a day, sometimes pregnant or nursing. “The way the children were treated makes me sad and angry,” Karissa said. “They were kept in appalling conditions and a huge number died because of it. I know medical advances weren’t what they are today, but the lack of common sense in weaning the babies so early makes me furious.” It’s fascinating to hear about questionable prison decisions, like that the Contagious Diseases Hospital was right next to the maternity ward. If that’s not
setting things up for failure, I’m not sure what is! But the night before Karissa’s first performance, there was a shock in store. “I knew I was descended from a convict named Mary Leary who was convicted of stealing a dress in 1828. She was pregnant on board her ship (The Mermaid) but her son died about a month after they arrived in Hobart. She was sent into service on an estate near Ouse and met my other descendant James Lane.” Karissa explained that she knew of Mary but didn’t realise her spirit was closer than she thought. “It turns out she was sent to the female factory as punishment after they became pregnant in 1829. Luckily her baby son survived and eventually she and James were allowed to marry after he got his ticket of leave.” Audiences can expect a bit of an emotional roller coaster, I can vouch for holding back a tear or two. “We made a conscious effort to keep the piece as bright and hope-filled as possible,” Karissa said. “However, there’s such a dark side to what happened here. It’s very rare to get to the end of the show and not have at least one audience member in tears.” To coincide with Mother’s Day, the Female Factory is holding an open day on 10 May, with free entry to the site. ■ femalefactory.org.au
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SATURDAY 23 MAY 2.30PM Federation Concert Hall Hobart
Two Mozart piano concertos in one amazing concert with brilliant soloist and conductor Howard Shelley.