Hobart Observer January 2021

A FREE PUBLICATION FOR THE HOBART MUNICIPALITY

Independently owned and published by Cor Comms

JANUARY 2021

Passport to Hobart supporting hospitality industry EATING out in Hobart is now even more rewarding, with the Passport to Hobart program offering vouchers in return for supporting local business.

The pilot program is now active via the Stamp Me app, which allows users to collect a “passport” stamp each time they spend $20 or more at a participating venue.

Five stamps will earn you a $20 voucher to spend.

Acting Lord Mayor Helen Burnet said nearly 50 Hobart-based food and beverage businesses had signed up for the program.

THE FULL STORY PAGE 3

From left, Dãna Eating House owner Ollie Lancaster, acting Lord Mayor Helen Burnet, Dãna Eating House general manager Mikaela Mulvaney and owner Dan Lancaster.

$3.29 MILLION TO FLOW FOR COVID COMMUNITY RELIEF THE Tasmanian Community Fund’s (TCF) COVID-19 specific funding round has been assessed with 28 organisations sharing in $3.29 million in large and medium grants.

Funding recipients include The St Giles Society’s for a Disability Innovator Hub and Colony 47’s clinical mental health support program for southern Tasmania’s

most vulnerable young people.

Other grants were provided to the Australian Dental Health Foundation for the provision of free dental care to disadvantaged

Tasmanians and the Tasmanian Refugee Legal Service for free legal support to migrant women on temporary visas who are victims/ survivors of family violence.

Considering nursing?

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TCF chair Sally Darke said that as the needs of the Tasmanian people continued to grow and change during the pandemic, the fund had adapted to meet the needs in this

Studying nursing opens the door to a broad range of career opportunities, allowing graduates to work in a variety of exciting and challenging areas. HERC’s nationally accredited training provides students with the skills and knowledge needed to kick-start their career in the healthcare industry.

HERC is the training division of the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation Tasmanian Branch.

HERC proudly delivers accredited training through a Third Party Arrangement with ANMEC (Australian Nursing & Midwifery Education Centre), RTO Code 40064. This arrangement enables HERC to deliver ANMEC’s CHC33015 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) and HLT54115 Diploma of Nursing.

unprecedented time.

“The TCF introduced the COVID-19 specific funding round to assist community groups and organisations realign their work and adapt to the new normal

ANMAC Accredited course and ASQA Registered Training Organisation (ID 40076)

Modern purpose-built training campus in Hobart’s CBD

because we know many community groups and individuals can help lead Tasmania through the recovery,” she said.

STORY CONTINUES PAGE2

Up to six courses held annually • HLT54115 Diploma of Nursing • CHC33015 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing)

Skills Tasmania Government grants and incentives available

2 Hobart Observer January 2021

Community News

Happy new year

Hobart Lord Mayor, Anna Reynolds AFTER a challenging 2020, we’re all looking forward to more positive times ahead in 2021.

While the pandemic was at the front of our minds, 2020 actually saw Tassie reach a gloomy record in another area – a record number of people dying on our roads.

One of my biggest priorities is to create a city where all residents and visitors can feel safe and welcome.

This includes doing what we can to reduce road injuries and deaths in our Council area.

From 1 February, we are reducing the traffic speed limit in Hobart’s 16 inner city blocks to 40 kilometres per hour.

This small speed reduction of just 10 kilometres per hour can make a big difference to the safety of pedestrians and cyclists and reduce the number of small crashes that create traffic snarls and cause millions of dollars’ worth of damage every year.

The increase in travel time is minuscule – across one kilometre it will take just 18 seconds longer to get to your destination.

But with those extra

18 seconds comes a big improvement in the safety on our streets – it gives you more reaction and stopping time, and a drastically reduced chance of having a fatal collision with a pedestrian or cyclist.

Data from the CurtinMonash Accident Research Centre shows that the chance of a fatal injury decreases from 85 per cent at 50 kilometres per hour to less than 30 per cent at 40 kilometres per hour.

A safer speed limit is good for everyone.

It makes outdoor dining or browsing shops more enjoyable and encourages active travel – which in turn takes cars off the road and reduces congestion.

It’s been working in other cities across Australia for many years and it’s time that Hobart caught up with the trend.

With the end of school holidays fast approaching, the city will be full of students commuting to and from school at peak traffic times – what better incentive is there to slow down and put safety first.

I hope you’ll join me in embracing this small but significant change, for safety’s sake.

$3.29 MILLION TO FLOW FOR COVID COMMUNITY RELIEF

From left, Tasmanian Refugee Legal Service principal lawyer Patrick O’Connor, lawyer and migration agent Donna Woodleigh, family violence lawyer Taya KetelaarJones and Tasmanian Community Fund board member Michelle Swallow.

FROM FRONT PAGE

Principal lawyer for the Tasmanian Refugee Legal Service Patrick O’Connor said the purpose of its project was to set up and operate a legal clinic to provide free migration legal advice and casework for migrants who were victims and survivors of family violence currently on temporary visas.

“For many migrant women, a temporary visa status is used as a means to coerce them to remain in a violent relationship,” he said.

“The ability to access free legal migration advice can provide some women with the opportunity to leave a violent relationship and be able to access the safety and support they need in the Tasmanian community to live a life free from violence and harm.”

The Tasmanian

Community Fund (TCF) took steps in July to assist Tasmanians during the COVID-19 pandemic calling for applications for projects which responded specifically to the impacts of COVID-19 on local communities.

Grants were split into three streams and were developed based on community feedback: Support – supporting and meeting the needs of vulnerable people to ensure they are not left behind as a result of COVID-19.

Connection – creating spaces and programs/processes to enable individuals and communities to reconnect and rebuild the social fabric of communities.

Rebuild – providing individual and organisational capacity building including options for realigning work and directions for the “new normal” and beyond.

More than $200,000 was provided to small applicants with funding announced in October taking the total awarded in the Round to $3.5 million.

The TCF was established in 1999 following the sale of a community asset.

An independent funding body, the Fund provides grants to

community organisations that enable Tasmanian communities to be vibrant, capable and resilient in shaping their

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A: Level 2, 152 Macquarie Street, Hobart TAS 7000 PA: GPO Box 1600, Hobart TAS 7001 W www.hobartobserver.com.au

Friday 22 JANUARY Press Ready Material:

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Responsibility for all election comment in this edition is taken by Nicolas Turner, Level 2, 152 Macquarie Street, Hobart, Tasmania, 7000. Political advertisements published in this newspaper are done so on a commercial basis.

Hobart Observer January 2021 3

Community News

Passport to Hobart supporting hospitality industry FROM FRONT PAGE

“There’s a broad variety of venues participating, giving a real cross-section of Hobart’s amazing food and beverage sector,” Ms Burnett said.

“Now that the hustle and bustle of the festive season is behind us, this program provides some extra incentive to visit your favourite venue or to explore venues that you haven’t been to before.

“With fewer tourists around this Summer, it’s a chance to rediscover our own city while supporting local businesses.”

Economic Development and Communications Committee chair Damon Thomas said Passport to Hobart operated like a loyalty program, with the difference being that users could dine at a variety of venues to accrue their stamps.

“Every time you spend $20 in a participating venue, you’ll get a stamp on your passport,” he said.

“Five stamps will earn you a $20 voucher to spend.

“If you’re one of the first 3,500 people to download the app, you’ll also receive a $10 welcome voucher to get you started.

“Participating in this program is a small way that you can support our business community

and help build a more resilient local economy.”

Dãna Eating House general manager Mikaela Mulvaney said the initiative would help a lot of hospitality businesses through a quieter than normal Summer period without the Taste and Sydney to Hobart.

“Initiatives like this encourage people to get out and about, visit their favourite restaurants, their locals and maybe somewhere new,” she said.

Dãna Eating House opened in August 2020 and dealt with the situation of operating during a pandemic, but has received great support from the local community and other businesses in the hospitality industry.

For more information on the program, including a list of participating venues, visit hellohobart.com. au/passport.

The Stamp Me app is available to download for free from the App Store and Google Play store.

Note that some conditions do apply, including a minimum age of 18 years, and that only one stamp can be earned or one voucher redeemed per day and by any group of diners.

Participants are encouraged to view the FAQs on the website for full details.

Share the Dignity

From left, Share the Dignity Tasmania Dignity Vending Machine coordinator Jes Jackson and Councillor Jax Ewin.

FOLLOWING the success of the Dignity Vending Machine in the Argyle Street Carpark, the City of Hobart unveiled a second machine in the Franklin Square Public Toilet Facility, offering free period items to locals in need.

Share the Dignity has currently installed 18 Dignity Vending Machines, also known as #Pinkboxes, across Tasmania, supporting more than 175 people experiencing period poverty in the last month alone.

Councillor Jax Ewin

said the central location of the new #Pinkbox would help support more vulnerable members of the community and those experiencing homelessness.

“Access to period products shouldn’t be dependent on your back pocket,” Councillor Ewin said.

“Too many people in our community experience period poverty and have to use makeshift items – like newspaper, socks, toilet paper or leaves.

“In a country as wealthy as ours, this is appalling.

“Franklin Square is a well-visited and highly visible location, often used by people experiencing homelessness.

“As a council, it’s our responsibility to support those in our community who need it most.”

Share the Dignity founder Rochelle Courtenay said the Franklin Square Public Toilet Facility was selected for a #Pinkbox to extend the support for Hobart locals who are facing tough times.

“With many people transitioning through this facility or using it as a refuge, it really is an

ideal location for one of our Dignity Vending Machines,” she said.

“We believe that access to period products is a right, not a privilege.

“The Dignity Vending Machines can be particularly empowering to people who feel they have little control in their lives.”

The #Pinkbox is one of 91 funded by Woolworths, with more than half now installed.

“We know that small dignities can make a big difference and we are so pleased to have been able to work with Share the Dignity to

fund the #Pinkbox at Franklin Square to help local women in need,” Woolworths Hobart CBD store manager Nicolina Sutcliffe said.

Share the Dignity is installing 13 #Pinkbox Dignity Vending Machines across Australia by the end of February 2021.

With fundraising events on hold for 2021, funds are needed to help maintain stock levels and grow the footprint of Dignity Vending Machines to help more people experiencing period poverty.

To donate, visit www. sharethedignity.org.au.

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Community News

Traditional and new communication all in the mix COR COMMS is a Hobart-based marketing and communications business that specialises in public relations, advertising and marketing, media buying, creative and digital media.

Along with owning the Hobart Observer community newspaper, the business is responsible for working with some of Tasmania’s best-known organisations including TT-Line (operators of the Spirit of Tasmania vessels), principal racing authority TasRacing, Australia’s largest salmon farmer Tassal and the Tasmanian Community Fund.

Managing Director Adrian Smith said the business was responsible for well-known marketing and advertising campaigns that many Tasmanians would see every day.

“For example, we have recently been working

on the COVID-19 Summer campaign for the Department of Premier and Cabinet, as well as DPIPWE’s Tassie Harvest Jobs advertising and ongoing promotion of the Murdoch Clarke Mortgage Fund,” he said.

“Like many businesses, we have worked hard over the COVID-19 lockdown to ensure we have remained relevant to the market, so we rebranded from Corporate Communications to Cor Comms in September last year.

“We have redoubled our efforts to promote our digital and social media marketing services, which we believe are best practice in any context.

“In September, Cor Comms launched ‘The Cor of the Matter’, a regular podcast which involves employees within the business discussing

their expertise in contemporary marketing and communications.”

The podcast and accompanying video has been distributed across various digital platforms and has been well received, particularly by marketing and communications professionals looking to stay on top of the very latest strategies and techniques.

The consultancy employs 10 people and is owned by five Tasmanian-based directors, who all live and bring up their families in Hobart.

Mr Smith said Cor Comms is committed to employing Tasmanians and training them for a career in marketing, public relations and newspaper journalism.

“Supporting community is important for Cor Comms and the business

is active in lending its skills and support to selected not for profit groups,” he said.

Cor Comms provides assistance in marketing and publicity for Blue Cow Theatre Company, John X Presents, The Reclink Community, The Hush Foundation, The Muscular Dystrophy Golf Day and Volunteers Tasmania’s Volunteer Awards.

“We have operated successfully for more than 45 years in Tasmania, so it’s important for us to give back to the Tasmanian community in a way that makes a difference to organisations that we are passionate about,” Mr Smith said.

“The Directors of the business also give back to the community by participating on various not-for-profit boards and through volunteering work.”

Cor Comms Marketing Director Craig Harding and Art Director Nat Hiller discuss campaigns.

Cor Comms provided marketing support for the Muscular Dystrophy Golf Day.

Community newspapers have a future in Hobart

By Nicolas Turner* I joined Cor Comms (publishers of this newspaper) more than 20-years-ago from the Mercury newspaper where I was working as a journalist.

The print media – as it is called – has always been important to me.

The Mercury gave me my start (straight from Rosny College on Hobart’s eastern shore to work as a copy boy and a reporter) before I

switched focus from just the media to a much broader communication task at Cor Comms.

I still have an active interest in the Tasmanian media – the consultancy interacts with the media and an almost daily basis and Cor Comms publishes three community newspapers – this paper (which we established from scratch), the Eastern Shore Sun (acquired from Business East) and the Glenorchy

Gazette (purchased from the Glenorchy City Council).

When combined, our suite of community publications reach more than 75,000 individual homes and businesses across the Glenorchy, Hobart, Clarence and parts of the Sorell municipalities.

Our experience of publishing these papers over many years demonstrates to us that there is a market for community newspapers

in Tasmania, operating independently alongside the state’s three daily metropolitan papers.

While these newspapers do a good job delivering Tasmanian, national and international news every day, we deliberately focus on local concerns, providing local information.

Our newspapers are a medium through which members of the Hobart community can learn about local, grassroots

events and activities and traditionally focus on issues that are “feelgood” and “positive”.

At the same time, the way people communicate has obviously changed, and will continue to change as the communication sector embraces new and exciting ways to deliver a message.

The advent of social media as a communication tool for business, for example, dominates our thinking

in a lot of ways today.

In our business, social media is playing a more significant role in the communication strategies that we develop for our clients (business, government, not-for-profits and individuals).

As a professional communicator, I see the benefits every day of proactive communication – regardless of what communication method is selected.

As I wrote earlier, we believe in our community papers.

But we believe just as strongly in communicating via new and emerging platforms.

Combining the two approaches – with others – is a really effective way to deliver a messge to your audience. *Nicolas Turner is the Executive Chairman of Cor Comms, publishers of the Hobart Observer.

6 Hobart Observer January 2021

Community News

DAN MURPHY’S HOBART GOES GREEN

THE Dan Murphy’s store in New Town is no longer just green by its trademark signature colour – it has now been fitted out with solar panels to reduce the store’s environmental footprint and cut energy costs.

Located at 191 New Town Road, the roof of the Hobart Dan Murphy’s store has been powered with a solar system comprising 176 panels.

Dan Murphy’s national renewal operations manager Tyson Holbery said this would not only reduce energy use but also cut energy costs.

“We are making our stores more sustainable, and energy use is a big

part of our efforts,” he said.

“The Dan Murphy’s in Hobart is our latest outlet to have solar power installed which means both of our stores in Tasmania now have solar power.

“The system is estimated to generate enough solar energy to offset approximately 17.5 per cent of the store’s annual power consumption and save approximately 63 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually.”

In August, the Launceston Dan Murphy’s was powered with solar, and has since generated more than 20,000 kilowatt hours.

Dan Murphy’s New Town store manager

Sam Mansfield said the team was excited about the store going green by producing solar energy on the rooftop to directly power the store.

“We feel proud to be part of a company that is doing the right thing for the environment,” he said.

Almost 15 per cent of Dan Murphy’s stores across the country have solar panels, with more stores being rolled out in 2021.

So far, the solar powered Dan Murphy’s stores have generated more than 2,328 megawatts hour electricity which is the equivalent of the average electricity use of more than 400 households.

The Hobart Dan Murphy’s store in New Town has gone green by installing solar panels on its roof.

HOBART COMMUNITY SHOWS ITS GENEROSITY TASMANIA has raised more than $270,000 for the ABC’s 2020 Giving Tree Appeal, more than doubling the original $100,000 target.

Following a switch to a virtual approach for the Christmas charity, Tasmanians dug deep for the Giving Tree Appeal to provide support to fellow community members in need during the holiday season.

A total of $270,623 was raised, with a substantial amount being raised in one day during the appeal’s ‘Giveathon’ fundraiser.

The funds were distributed to the Giving Tree’s partner charities, including

Anglicare, Colony47, Mission Australia, Hobart City Mission, Uniting Tasmania, The Salvation Army, St Vincent de Paul Society, Launceston City Mission and Launceston Benevolent Society.

ABC Radio Hobart has also announced its full 2021 line up.

Current Evenings presenter Mel Bush will continue to host the program after she replaced long-time ABC broadcaster Louise Saunders who retired in 2020.

ABC local Hobart manager Samantha Stayner said Ms Bush had quickly established herself on the Evenings program.

“Mel loves Tassie and is passionate

about its people, history and stories,” she said.

“She brings that passion and energy to her broadcasting and will continue to be such great company for our listeners in the Evenings timeslot.”

Ryk Goddard also has returned to host ABC Radio Hobart’s Breakfast program from Monday to Thursday.

Weekend presenter Joel Rheinberger will host Breakfast on Fridays and continue across Saturday and Sunday.

Mr Rheinberger will also present weekend programming across Saturday and Sunday, with the departure of Jane Longhurst from the Sundays program.

“While we are very sad to farewell Jane from Sundays, she is a loved and valued part of the station team and will continue to feature on air on ABC Radio Hobart in 2021,” Ms Stayner said.

The weekday programs will continue to bring news, culture, music and local conversations to Hobart with presenters Leon Compton, Tony Briscoe, Helen Shield and Lucy Breaden all returning.

ABC Radio Hobart local programming will return from 25 January 2021.

Mornings presenter Leon Compton launches the 2020 Giving Tree Appeal. Evenings presenter Mel Bush.

Hobart Observer January 2021 7

Community News

FUNDING BOOST FOR ARTS SECTOR THREE Tasmanian arts projects have received a boost heading into 2021 as part of the first round of the Restart Investment to Sustain and Expand (RISE) Fund with grants of up to $1 million available.

The projects to receive the funding include $1 million for DarkLab to support the internationally renowned arts festival Dark Mofo, $756,400 for the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) for an

adaptation of the MONA FOMA Festival as well as the establishment of a permanent recording studio, and $253,181 for the Terrapin Puppet Theatre that will allow the presentation of eight new works, including giant puppets and installations in places across Tasmania during 2021 and 2022.

It is expected that 1,200 Tasmanian jobs will be created as a result of the funding injection.

“Our Government understands the importance of Tasmania’s cultural and creative sector and that’s why the 2020-21 State Budget included $4 million in new funding for the sector over the next two years,” Minister for Arts Elise Archer said.

“This included $2.5 million for an Arts and Cultural Support fund for performers and artists to bounce back from

COVID-19 hibernation and for Tasmania’s arts sectors to produce new work; $1 million to support a brand new, focused program of Community Arts and Cultural Development (CACD); and $500,000 to the Screen Innovation Fund for Screen Tasmania to continue to invest in the production of strategically important film and television projects in Tasmania.”

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2021

FIRST CLASS ACT READY TO PERFORM ON BIG STAGE RECENTLY celebrating 40 years Australia-wide and 28 years in Hobart, O’Grady Drama’s afterschool acting classes are seeing kids thriving in confidence and fun times.

Running classes in six locations around Hobart for kids and youth aged six to 26 years, the O’Grady Drama curriculum is specifically created to enhance the social and emotional development of children of all ages.

Originally developed in Perth, Western Australia, the original Helen O’Grady teaching methods continue today to foster a supportive and nurturing environment and are aimed at building confidence, self-esteem, speech skills and teamwork.

Performance skills such as improvisation,

characterisation, voice and stage work are imbedded in the dynamic, fun weekly classes which are run by trained and experienced teachers.

Students have opportunities to perform for family and friends throughout the year, specifically in a fully-staged in-theatre production at the culmination of each year, held at the Playhouse Theatre in Bathurst Street.

Older students, aged 16 to 26, working on building advanced acting skills, are part of the On Cue Performance Ensemble.

This dedicated class prepare for an annual full-length theatrical production at the Peacock Theatre each year.

These productions give students the incredible experience of performing to a very

high standard in a public season of shows.

Chris and Katharine Hamley run O’Grady Drama with their individual 20 years of theatre experience, passion and teaching skills.

Sixteen classes are running per week at six studio locations including Bellerive, Lindisfarne, Kingston, New Town and West Hobart, new students are always welcome.

Students gain the most benefit from attending the full year’s progressive program from term one to four and by participating in various in-class performances.

Enrolments are now being accepted for term one and trial classes are available.

For more information or to enrol, email hobart@ogradydrama. com.au.

8 Hobart Observer January 2021

prime times

SUMMER EDITION

Christmas fun at Golden Wattle Café THE Golden Wattle Café celebrated its first Christmas party on Friday 18 December, with there being a vibrant and joyful atmosphere experienced by all.

A morning tea of mince pies, sandwiches, a scrumptious pavlova and cakes was served.

“We were fortunate enough to have the Silver-

tones Chorus entertain us for almost an hour with a variety of Christmas and other songs, bringing back wonderful memories to most of us,” Golden Wattle Café founder Agnes Frith said.

The Golden Wattle Café caters for people with dementia and their carers, and is open between 10:30am and 12:30pm

on the first three Thursdays of each month.

Cost is only $5 per person for a delicious morning tea.

It is held at the Golden Years Club at 314 Main Road, Glenorchy.

For more information, visit www.goldenwattlecafe.com, the Golden Wattle Club Inc. Facebook page, or phone 0422 736 984.

The Silvertones Chorus at the Golden Wattle Café Christmas party.

From left, Andrew and Amelia Wilkinson.

From left, Clinton Baker and Anne Cubic.

With savings at over 550 Tasmanian and interstate outlets, choosing a business in the 2021-2022 Seniors Card Directory has never been easier.

Remember to look for the sign or ask if Seniors Card is accepted.

To live more and pay less pick up your free copy of the Directory at Service Tasmania, Libraries Tasmania or Visitor Information Centres. You can also access a copy online at seniors.tas.gov.au or by calling 1300 13 55 13.

prime times

Hobart Observer January 2021 9

SUMMER EDITION

Being an Honoured Friend of The Salvation Army can help someone in need.

A SALVATION ARMY ‘HONOURED FRIEND’ DOROTHY was inspired to leave a gift in her Will after a childhood introduction to The Salvation Army followed by a later challenge in adulthood.

Dorothy’s mum would take her to the local park on Sunday afternoons to hear the band play.

“I was always fascinated by the shiny brass instruments,” Dorothy said.

“Whenever I think about that, I re-experience the lovely feeling their music engendered in me.”

However, it wasn’t until she was an adult and doing some soul-searching that Dorothy returned to The Salvation Army.

“I was made to feel very welcome and within about half an hour, I knew The Salvation Army was where I belonged,”

she said.

Dorothy made a commitment and has been an official member for more than a decade.

“I am very proud to belong to The Salvation Army,” she said.

Dorothy has been involved with The Salvation Army’s Red Shield Appeal and other fundraising initiatives, as well as volunteered at Christmas time with hampers and during natural disasters.

“What has struck me most with the Sallies (Salvos) is their downto-earth attitude and their humanitarian care – they reach out with no judgment,” Dorothy said.

“The Salvation Army ethos relates to, and revolves around, people.”

Having seen the Salvos in action – caring for

people in need – Dorothy decided to include a gift to The Salvation Army in her Will.

Dorothy said she was proud to be part of the special community of supporters called Honoured Friends.

“I hope my bequest to The Salvation Army will provide rehabilitation for somebody who desperately needs support with their drug and/or alcohol addiction,” she said.

“Addiction is a cunning, baffling and powerful disease.

“Rehabilitation can make the difference between living or dying.”

Dorothy spoke from experience about the challenges of addiction.

“There’s been a lot of trauma” she said.

“Wine ultimately

became my solace, much to my detriment.”

Today, Dorothy calls herself a “recovering alcoholic” and has been sober for almost 20 years.

The Salvation Army values supporters like Dorothy and those who have generously included a gift in their Will.

This gift ensures Salvos will always be there to help Australians in crisis.

“It’s satisfying for me to know that my bequest will be used to further The Salvation Army’s rehabilitation services and save precious lives,” Dorothy said.

For more information about leaving a gift to The Salvation Army, phone 1800 337 082, email willsandbequests@ salvationarmy.org.au or visit salvationarmy.org.au/ wills.

Have you taken care of your Will?

For $70 we can help Most of us don’t think about it very often, but having a good Will is the simplest way to make sure the people who matter to us are taken care of when we’re gone. And it doesn’t have to be difficult or costly.

The Salvos offer a community service in which generous and independent local solicitors prepare simple Wills in exchange for a $70 ($120 per couple) contribution to our work. It’s a great way to ensure you have a Will that reflects your wishes, while also supporting Australians in need.

Community Wills Day – 25 March 9am–7.30pm, The Salvation Army Hobart Corps 180 Elizabeth Street, Hobart 7000

Appointments essential

To make an appointment, book online

at salvationarmy.org.au/willsdays

There is no obligation to leave a gift in your Will to The Salvation Army. If, after taking care of your loved ones, you would like to support our work, please advise the solicitor at your appointment.

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10 Hobart Observer January 2021

Community News

Appeal shows the power of giving THE local community came together to spread the Christmas joy and help bring in the new year to families in need.

As part of St Vincent de Paul’s Simply Giving Program, Speaker of the House of Assembly Sue Hickey collected toys and gifts to give to children and families in need for Christmas.

Ms Hickey collected 250 toys, ranging from activity based toys to dress up dolls as well as hand knitted teddy bears and clothes, and books.

“We were tickled pink and I didn’t mind asking people to donate for such a good cause because there are people out there doing it so tough,” Ms Hickey said.

“For a child to wake up on Christmas morning and not even get one gift is unbearable, so it really was something that I was quite passionate about.

“It was a really tough year and it was a really nice way to finish it by seeing the generosity of people.”

The Simply Giving

Program was part of St Vincent de Paul’s Christmas Appeal.

St Vincent de Paul Society southern regional manager Maree Cole said they saw some great donations towards the appeal as well as general donations that went to their op shops.

“If we have those donations, we can offer good second hand clothing to people in all areas, and with those funds, we’ll be able to support our community service programs throughout the year,” she said.

“This Christmas Appeal, we supported more than 400 families in southern Tasmanian – we’re really proud we could provide that support to people, particularly around that time of the year where money was stretched.

“We’re proud that St Vincent de Paul Society could provide something towards that special Christmas celebration and we couldn’t have done it without Sue Hickey’s support.”

From left, Speaker of the House of Assembly Sue Hickey, St Vincent de Paul Society youth and community services coordinator Simon Terhell, and southern regional manager Maree Cole.

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AS 2021 gets off and running, I want to let you know about the financial support available as we begin to recover from the pandemic.

The Coronavirus Supplement is being extended until 31 March this year.

This means if you’re receiving an eligible income support payment, you’ll continue to receive the supplement of $150 every fortnight until then.

The important thing to know is you don’t need to do anything to get the supplement.

If you’re eligible, it will be paid automatically into your bank account.

You also don’t need to report the supplement payment as part of your fortnightly income, so it won’t affect your regular payment.

You can find out more about the Coronavirus Supplement on our website at servicesaustralia.gov.au/coronavirussupplement.

In addition to the continuation of the

supplement, the income free area for job seekers has more than doubled.

This means you can earn more without having your regular payment impacted.

Currently, you can earn up to $300 without losing a cent of your payment.

The partner income test also remains at $3,086, which means your partner can earn up to about $80,000 per year before your JobSeeker Payment is reduced to zero.

I also want to remind any year 12 students

thinking of studying or doing an apprenticeship in 2021 that they may be eligible for Youth Allowance.

If you haven’t already, the time to lodge your claim is now – even if you haven’t been given a course offer yet.

Claim online using your Centrelink online account through myGov. For more information, visit servicesaustralia.gov.au/students.

Hoping you’re all doing well, and like me, looking forward to a positive 2021.

Hobart Observer January 2021 11

Community News

Hobart art inspires conversation

Continuing to support victims and keeping our community safe

By Elise Archer

SHARIFAH Emalia AlGadrie (pictured above) is an emerging young artist, creating powerful pieces which examine belonging and cultural heritage in Australia through her personal experiences.

Recently, Ms AlGadrie was shortlisted for the second time in the Tasmanian Women’s Art prize with her thought-provoking piece, ‘Assimilation’.

She examined identity and gender in the piece, which is part of a broader collection.

Ms Al-Gadrie’s multidisciplinary creative practice explores identity, gender politics, connection and cultural heritage.

“My work explores belonging and cultural heritage in contemporary Australia,” she said.

Her most recent show at Moonah Arts Centre examined how repetitive language reinforces harmful gender and racial stereotypes.

Ms Al-Gadrie is an active member of

ArTELIER Tasmania – a group of community and culturally engaged artists based in Tasmania – and her work continues to engage and spark thought.

Ms Al-Gadrie is also a project manager at local not-for-profit A Fairer World, managing the Hobart Human Library program, which works with Tasmanian schools and workplaces to create more inclusive and empathetic communities.

She also manages ‘Women’s Business’, a community show, codeveloped with local

multicultural women, which celebrates cultural heritage through dance, song and story sharing.

Ms Al-Gadrie is an elected member of YWCA Australia’s Young Women’s Council, an evolving feminist organisation focused on improving gender equality for women, young women and girls.

“It’s an absolute privilege to be part of the YWCA Young Women’s Council,” Ms Al-Gadrie said.

“Young women have the power to drive positive and

collaborative change in our communities.

“I enjoy being a part of the Young Women’s Council because it is a space which strives to include young women from all across Australia, from a range of different backgrounds where our voices are valued.

“Working with an organisation which has intersectional feminist values at its core is really exciting.”

For more information on programs run by YWCA, visit https:// www.ywca.org.au/.

1300 732 377 www.onroadoffroad.edu.au

AS we welcome a New Year and enjoy the Summer, I am sure I am not alone in looking to 2021 with optimism after what was an incredibly difficult and challenging year for all Tasmanians in 2020.

COVID-19 presented us with many unprecedented challenges.

Throughout the year, I was particularly inspired by the resilience, strength and optimism of the Tasmanian community.

Despite the difficult year, the Government has taken action to ensure the ongoing safety and wellbeing of the Tasmanian community.

I am proud of our ongoing significant law and order reform agenda that will make a real

difference to people’s day to day lives.

In March, the pilot witness intermediary scheme will commence.

This is a really exciting reform that stems from the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse and will see highly skilled communications experts help children and vulnerable adults give evidence in homicide and sexual abuse matters in court.

It takes extraordinary strength and courage to give evidence and seek justice.

To appear in court and give evidence as a witness or victim can be a very stressful experience and this initiative will see invaluable assistance provided to help make this process much easier.

We have also made

significant steps towards introducing updated legislation relating to dangerous criminals and high risk offenders.

It is expected that this legislation will be passed early in the parliamentary year and become operational shortly after.

These updated laws will allow for the indefinite detention of dangerous criminals and provide the ability for the Supreme Court to impose conditions on a high risk offender being released from prison at the end of their sentence, which will allow them to be actively monitored (for example, by electronic monitoring) and supported as they reintegrate back into the community.

These are just two recent examples of the important actions I have

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12 Hobart Observer January 2021

Community News

GEORGE ADAMS REMEMBERED ON FEDERATION DAY A SYMBOLIC gesture was made on New Year’s Day 2021 to mark the 120th anniversary of Federation, which took place on 1 January 1901, with Tasmanian historian and author Reg Watson laying some eucalyptus on the tombstone of influential figure George Adams.

“Adams with his Tatt’s Ticket saved Tasmania from bankruptcy,” Mr Watson said.

“My visit to his tombstone was in memory of his enterprise and the benefit to the state of Tasmania.”

Mr Watson said Federation was not advantageous for Tasmania.

“Tasmania gained revenue from tariffs between the colonies, but with Federation it meant

free trade,” he said.

“Thus, Tasmania, the smallest of the colonies, faced severe financial difficulties.”

The Premier of the 1890s, Edward Braddon, immediately saw the problem, and as a result, he invited George Adams to Tasmania – an event which solved the state’s acute financial stresses caused by Federation.

Mr Adams had been kicked out of all the eastern states because of the strong anti-gambling lobby – his lottery tickets were unwelcomed.

Mr Braddon seized the opportunity in 1897 by inviting Mr Adams to set up his operation in Hobart.

He also invited him to dispose the assets of the Van Diemen’s Land Bank, which went into

liquidation a couple of years before.

Mr Adams successfully operated his lotteries, Tickets in Tatts, throughout Australia from Tasmania.

Mr Watson said the revenue the State Government gained from his enterprise was enormous and the immediate impact was a mini building boom.

“Critics called it ‘Braddon’s Blot’, but Braddon’s action was a superb bit of initiative,” he said.

Mr Adams died in 1904 and was buried in a rather forgotten site at Cornelian Bay. Tasmania lost the business to Victoria in 1954.

“Perhaps this will in some way remind Tasmanians the debt we owe not only to Adams, but to enterprising Premier Braddon,” Mr Watson said.

Safe Space celebrates one year since launch THE Safe Space program for people experiencing homelessness in Hobart has celebrated its first birthday.

Safe Space provides rough sleepers with a place of safety and shelter and an opportunity to connect with support services that they may have disengaged with.

In total, the Safe Space program has provided roughly 5,000 bed nights of shelter and support to more than 231 clients (numbers from Safe Space night program only).

“We’ve seen some really great success for the clients who use the Safe Space program, which includes helping people into long-term housing and connecting them to support services like GP’s, or drug and alcohol and mental health support,” Hobart City Mission chief executive officer John Stubley said.

“For many of these clients finding housing isn’t an easy process, so it’s great to see that we have

been able to continue this past the six-month pilot program.”

The Safe Space program has connected 100 per cent of clients to Housing Connect, with 46 per cent of those clients moving on to long-term housing solutions.

Safe Space also connects rough sleepers to drug and alcohol and mental health services, general practitioners, Orange Sky Laundry, and Sfumato Hair.

The program, which provides shelter, safety and support for people experiencing homelessness launched in December 2019 as a partnership between Hobart City Mission and The Salvation Army.

Safe Space initially started as a night space only.

In April 2020 the State Government committed to a further six months of funding for the program and expanded to a 24hour program in Hobart, Launceston and Burnie (Launceston and Burnie

Safe Spaces are run by Launceston City Mission and The Salvation Army respectively).

The Safe Space day program operates out of the top level of Hobart City Mission’s main office at 50 Barrack Street, Hobart.

The night program currently operates out of the YouthArc building on Collins Street, however Hobart City Mission is seeking a new location for the night space which runs from 8pm to 7am every night.

Mr Stubley said the program would not have

been possible without the support of individuals, business’ services and organisations, which began with the community raising more than $300,000 to launch the first six-month pilot of the program.

“We are very grateful to the community who got behind Safe Space in late 2019 and raised two thirds of the initial cost of the pilot program, which enabled us to prove that it is a model that can work, and since then the State Government has continued that funding,” he said.

Craig Johnson, left, and Hanna Richardson have been supporting clients at Safe Space since the launch of the program in December 2019.

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Tasmanian historian Reg Watson at the sculptured bust of George Adams at his tombstone in Cornelian Bay.

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Hobart Observer January 2021 13

Community News

Choir brings hope to community LOCALLY based Choir of High Hopes provided some Christmas cheer to the public during its only public performance of 2020.

The choir performed two back-to-back sets in Hobart’s Elizabeth Street Mall after a tough year due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Since its inception in

2007, the Choir of High Hopes has traditionally rehearsed indoors every Tuesday afternoon between February and December.

However, the

From left, Choir of High Hopes member Christiaan McCann and Ash Williams.

pandemic forced the choir into hibernation until the Glenorchy City Council came to the rescue by offering the use of its Tolosa Park amphitheatre from

September until the end of the year.

Members of the choir were excited to sing everyone’s favourite Christmas tunes in what was the choir’s

14th consecutive carols concert in the Mall.

The Choir of High Hopes’ first concert was the Mall Christmas concert in 2007, and 2020’s ensemble

The Choir of High Hopes.

Have your say on Tasmania’s Health System The consultation period for Our Healthcare Future has been extended to 12 February 2021 to ensure you can have your say on the future of healthcare in Tasmania.

What is Our Healthcare Future?

Our Healthcare Future is the next stage of the Tasmanian Government’s long-term health reforms to build a highly integrated and sustainable health service, and to ensure Tasmanians receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time.

The Our Healthcare Future - Immediate Actions and Consultation Paper marks the start of the Our Healthcare Future process. It highlights key issues impacting healthcare in Tasmania in 2021 and beyond. The consultation paper is available by viewing www.health.tas.gov.au/ourhealthcarefuture or calling (03) 6166 1091.

It proposes three key improvement areas, including immediate actions the Tasmanian Government will take now and consultation questions to guide future planning: 1. Better Community Care 2. Modernising Tasmania’s Health System 3. Planning for the Future

Your Feedback The consultation currently underway on the Immediate Actions and Consultation Paper provides an opportunity for meaningful engagement with the community, clinicians, consumers and organisations that will help us develop the framework for the healthcare of Tasmanians into the future.

You are encouraged to make a written submission against the consultation issues and questions raised.

Your feedback is welcome on all consultation questions or just those issues important to you.

Please send your submission to ourhealthcarefuture@health.tas.gov.au by 12 February 2021.

If you can’t make a written submission, call the Department of Health on (03) 6166 1091 or email ourhealthcarefuture@health.tas.gov.au

Depar tment of Health

included some members from that day – some who had not missed a concert.

The choir’s membership is between 40 and 50 people.

Call to Engage with Our Healthcare Future

14 Hobart Observer January 2021

Community News

MONA REOPENS THE Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) has reopened following its closure in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic, unveiling a major revamp of its semi-subterranean galleries and two new outdoor works of art.

More than 350 highlights from David Walsh’s extensive personal collection are on display.

The gallery spaces have been transformed to showcase the treasure trove of ancient, modern and contemporary art, with hidden gems that have never been shown at MONA before, alongside many favourites – old and new.

Newly opened is ‘House of Mirrors’, an art installation composed of a labyrinth of seemingly endless mirrors.

It was created by Australian artists Christian Wagstaff and Keith Courtney and is the world’s largest travelling mirror maze.

Visitors can also view, and climb on, a giant bronze sculpture

by American artist Tom Otterness.

Doubling as a children’s playground, ‘Girls Rule’ is more than seven metres high and features two figures with slides for limbs.

“We have taken the opportunity across the past nine months to think about what makes MONA unique, and simply it’s David Walsh’s home,” MONA director of exhibition and collections Nicole Durling said.

“This is what we have focused on for the rehang of the museum.

“All of David’s interests are gathered together, and in a way, it reveals his identity.

“It’s like a portrait of David.”

MONA is open for four days a week from Friday to Monday from 10am to 6pm.

All visitors must have a pre-booked ticket.

Although entry remains free for locals, all Tasmanians are required to pay a deposit, which can be refunded following a visit.

Visitors are required to download MONA’s app, The O, which will become their digital guide to the museum and grounds, and are encouraged to bring headphones to

access additional audio content.

The MONA Ferry has resumed its service from Brooke Street Pier to the museum – tickets are $15 until the end of January.

The MONA Pavilions are available to book for overnight stays from Thursday through to Sunday.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit mona.net.au.

To download The O, visit https://mona.net.au/ museum/the-o.

From left, Mona director of collections and exhibitions Nicole Durling and Mona co chief executive officer Mark Wilsdon.

Photo credit: Mona/Jesse Hunniford.

Girls Rule by Tom Otterness. Photo credit: Mona/Jesse Hunniford.

The Museum of Old and New Art has reopened following its closure in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Photo credit: Mona/Jesse Hunniford.

Elise

Archer Liberal Member for Clark

62 Main Road, Moonah 6165 7730 elise.archer@dpac.tas.gov.au www.elisearcher.com.au House of Mirrors by Christian Wagstaff and Keith Courtney. Photo credit: Mona/Jesse Hunniford.

Hobart Observer January 2021 15

Community News

Tasmanian maritime safety all aboard Deckee AUSTRALIAN boating safety app Deckee has experienced a 120 per cent growth in downloads in Tasmania after being selected as Marine and Safety Tasmania’s (MAST) official safety app.

MAST chief executive officer Lia Morris said Deckee provided Tasmanian recreational boaters with specific safety information, weather forecasts, swell and tide information, and the location of public moorings.

“Deckee can help make time on the water safe and enjoyable,” she said.

“The majority of boating accidents in Tasmania occur over holiday periods, happening between December to January and Easter every year.

“In Tasmania, there are more than 62,000 recreational boating license holders and in excess of 30,000 registered vessels that take an average of 18 trips per year making water safety knowledge more important than ever.”

Deckee also gives access to MAST safety information, links to boat registration and licensing, trip preparation checklists and navigational rules.

Deckee founder and chief executive officer Mike McKiernan said by using Deckee, recreational boat owners exploring Tasmania’s 4,882 kilometre coastline can check their surroundings by using its comprehensive satellite map.

“Deckee enables boaties to check weather conditions, speed zones, visibility of restricted locations and be aware of nearby vessels – all potentially life-saving features,” he said.

“Users can also contribute their own knowledge by providing updates on points of interest, marine facilities and services and add missing information to help improve the map for the community.

“They can set reminders and expiry dates for their boat licence, boat registration and safety equipment such as lifejackets, flares, emergency beacons and fire extinguishers.”

While many boaters have benefitted from

the free app’s inventive technology, Deckee is calling on Tasmanians to ensure they are up-todate with key knowledge before taking to the water this Summer.

“Our partnership with Marine and Safety Tasmania is a huge achievement for our company, and it is a real honour to be recognised as their official safety app,” Mr McKiernan said.

“To think that our technology is helping Tasmanians stay informed on the water is something we are incredibly proud of.”

Deckee is available on iOS and Android devices or any device equipped with a web browser.

For more information, visit www.deckee.com.

Australian boating safety app Deckee has been selected as Marine and Safety Tasmania’s official safety app.

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16 Hobart Observer January 2021

Community News

Hobart’s generosity restores sight amidst pandemic THE Hobart community has gone above and beyond with the spirit of giving by providing sight-restoring surgery to people like sevenyear-old Truat in rural Vietnam.

Over what has been an extremely trying and difficult year, 85 people from the Hobart community have become regular donors, allowing The Fred Hollows Foundation to reach thousands of blind and vision impaired people like Truat.

Thanks to the skill of an ophthalmic surgeon

trained by The Fred Hollows Foundation, and generous donations from supporters, Truat has been able to continue her education and get back to playing with friends.

Truat was blind in one eye as a result of cataract caused by trauma when she was very young.

She lives with her mum Thuyen, her baby sister and grandparents in a small, wooden house.

The family belong to the H’re ethnic minority and until a few years ago, a ladder bridge was all that connected their rural

Truat waiting patiently for a life-changing surgery.

village to the main road.

Thuyen was worried that with Truat’s limited vision she would not be able to continue her schooling.

“I’m very worried,” Thuyen said.

“I worry that I will not be able to support my family, I worry about my daughter’s eye, I worry that I will never have enough money to get her eye fixed.”

Thuyen is completely dependent on her parents, Truat’s grandparents, who earn less than $2 a day as farm labourers on nearby

rice fields and paper tree plantations.

Truat’s grandparents said that the income they earned was barely enough to support the family of five, let alone to pay for surgery that could restore Truat’s sight.

“We can still work now, but we are worried about what will happen when we get older,” they said.

“The whole family is affected by Truat’s situation, everybody feels sad and helpless.”

However, when a health worker visited the village and told

Thuyen about a free outreach screening camp supported by The Fred Hollows Foundation, she was determined to take Truat there.

At the camp, The Foundation told her they would support her daughter’s surgery at Da Nang Eye Hospital – an eight hour drive away.

Truat’s grandparents were elated, as they recognised the impact of restoring sight to one child in the entire family.

“The whole family will be so happy if Truat can see again,” they said.

“We will have more

Truat and her mother Thuyen celebrating a successful outcome after surgery.

freedom, we won’t be so worried – Thuyen will be able to work and Truat will be able to go to school.”

Just 24 hours after her surgery, Truat’s eye patches were taken off and she could see her mother clearly for the first time in years.

The Fred Hollows Foundation founding director Gabi Hollows extended her heartfelt thanks to the people of Hobart, and said Fred would be amazed by their compassion to help people who don’t need to go blind.

“Without the support of people from Hobart, The Foundation couldn’t have helped give sight back to so many people,” she said.

“Our generous donors are at the heart of our Fred Hollows family, and they help us transform the lives of those living with avoidable blindness.”

For more information about The Fred Hollows Foundation or to help restore sight, visit www. hollows.org or phone 1800 352 352.

To watch Truat’s story, visit https://youtu.be/ zdA5OJSux80.

Truat and her mother Thuyen travelled more than 300 kilometres to restore Truat's sight.

SUMMER IS HERE AND WE’RE READY It’s thanks to the hard work of every Tasmanian that we continue to keep on top of COVID. It’s time to celebrate, but as we get out and about during the festive season, we need to make sure we do the things that keep us safe:

www.coronavirus.tas.gov.au

Public Health Hotline 1800 671 738