Hobart Observer JUNE 2021

A FREE PUBLICATION FOR THE HOBART MUNICIPALITY

Independently owned and published by Cor Comms

JUNE 2021

Enjoy a plastic-free cuppa

HOBART is taking Plastic-Free July to a new level this year, with the city to become single-use plastic-free from next month.

THE FULL STORY CITY NEWS PAGE 7

Laura Cardona of the Doone Kennedy Hobart Aquatic Centre Cafe serves up some takeaway favourites in compostable packaging.

Cable Car plans open for public comment THE City of Hobart has confirmed the Mount Wellington Cableway Company’s planning application for a cable car on kunanyi / Mt Wellington will

proceed to public notification.

All information previously requested to complete the planning application has now been received and

reviewed.

Members of the public can provide formal comment within a four-week period ending Tuesday 22 June.

The planning

application and all accompanying information provided by the applicant is also available for viewing.

Information on how to make a

formal representation is available on the City of Hobart’s website at hobartcity.com.au/ planningapplications.

Only feedback formally provided

during the fourweek period can be considered in the assessment process by the Planning Authority.

The council, acting as the Planning

Authority, is expected to consider the application in July.

Further details of the meeting will be available once confirmed.

Your new career starts here!

CHC33015 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) is a qualification uniquely designed for people wanting to start a career in the aged care industry.

NEXT COURSE STARTS IN HOBART

23 AUGUST 2021

Accredited course delivered by ASQA Registered Training Organisation (ID 40064)

HERC offers up to six courses held annually: • CHC33015 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) • HLT54115 Diploma of Nursing

Register your interest online at herc.tas.edu.au 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).

Modern purpose-built training campus in Hobart’s CBD

Skills Tasmania subsidies available.

The JobTrainer Fund is a jointlyfunded initiative of the Australian and Tasmanian Governments

It is acknowledged that the application also remains subject to formal consideration by other relevant authorities outside of the council.

2 Hobart Observer JUNE 2021

Community News

New chapter for Taste of Tasmania

Braving the cold for mental health

Anna Reynolds City of Hobart, Lord Mayor YOU may have seen some of the recent coverage of City of Hobart’s decision that it will no longer be the exclusive owner and operator of The Taste of Tasmania Festival.

The City has invested enormous effort into building and nurturing the Taste over the last three decades.

With a huge investment of time and money, it’s grown from a two-day showcase of local produce, with just 22 stalls, to become an icon of our city and state, attracting upwards of 250,000 people.

But putting on an event of that size and scope hugely resourceintensive, and local government is simply not suited to running a large-scale, multi-day, multi-million-dollar festival.

No other local council in the country is the owner and organiser of such a large event.

After careful consideration, and extensive consultation with stallholders, council reached the hard decision to step away from being the main organiser and funder.

But I certainly hope

this is not the end of the festival; instead, we hope it is an exciting new beginning where event organisers, stall holders and other governments can play a bigger role.

We don’t intend to cut our ties completely and we’ll always be a partner or sponsor, just like we are for the Dark MOFO Winter Feast.

We’re proud of what we’ve achieved with The Taste in the past 31 years, but the time is now right to explore new opportunities.

With possible new partnerships already being discussed, I’m excited to see the Taste return stronger than ever.

If you’d like to catch up for a chat, come along to one of my upcoming ‘Mayor in the Chair’ sessions.

It’s an informal opportunity to raise something with me directly. The next few dates are: • Friday 11 June, 1-2pm at Town Hall, Macquarie St • Saturday 12 June, 2-3pm at the Ferntree Tavern • Friday 25 June, 1-2pm at Town Hall, Macquarie St.

Back row from left, Relationships Australia Tasmania chief executive officer Michael Kelly, Brooke Hepburn, Natasha Cloak and SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY founder Mitch McPherson. Front row, Isabelle Brighella and Rachel Duthie.

A NEW chilly initiative is encouraging the Tasmanian community to don their best pair of shorts and speak out to seek help.

‘Shorts Day’ is an initiative from SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY and

will be held on Monday 21 June.

SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY founder Mitch McPherson said Shorts Day aimed to spark conversations in the Tasmanian community about mental health as

well as raise funds.

“This will be our first Shorts Day encouraging the Tasmanian community to continue conversations about mental health,” he said.

“We want Tasmanians to wear shorts on the

The new Minister for Health, Jeremy Rockliff, and SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY founder Mitch McPherson.

shortest day of the year to work or to school, or host a fundraiser.

“Together, braving the cold and braving the conversation around mental health.”

Mr McPherson said Shorts Day was an innovative and impactful way to bring the Tasmanian community together.

“SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY has sparked thousands of conversations in the past eight years, but we want to go bigger,” he said.

“We created Shorts Day to stand unified in breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide.”

Mr McPherson said the Winter date of Shorts Day was significant.

“This is an opportunity for us to show the community that it might be a bit uncomfortable to be cold, just as it might be uncomfortable to start a conversation about

REGULAR MONTHLY FEATURES The Hobart Observer is your community monthly newspaper reaching 24,888 homes and businesses, distributed on the second Tuesday of each month.

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• • • • •

FINACIAL MOMENT Page 6 CITY NEWS Pages 7-10 HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE Page 13 TRADES, SERVICES & CLASSIFIEDS Page 15 SPORT Page 16

mental health,” he said.

“But Shorts Day represents an opportunity for us to do it together, as a community.”

Funds raised on the day will help SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY continue their work promoting positive mental health and preventing suicide.

To register for a fundraiser, visit www. staychatty.com.

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Monday 5 JULY

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 JUNE 2021 3

Community News

New book of childrens’ voices

Young achievers celebrate community and personal benefit

Liberal Member for Clark Elise Archer, left, and Xiaoxiao Xu, Semi-Finalist at the Young Achievers’ Awards.

New Town Primary School children Alex and Zahra with Premier Peter Gutwein.

A NEW book representing the voices of 156 Tasmanian school children illustrates what is needed to improve and maintain their wellbeing.

The book, ‘When I Wake up I Smile,’ accompanies a learning resource to unify parents, carers and educators in their roles of improving wellbeing for children and young people.

The Commissioner for Children and Young People Leanne McLean said the book and learning resource were designed “to give young people a say on what they need” and “to enable parents, educators, or people in the community to have conversations with children about their wellbeing.”

Ms McLean said she was “so proud” of what the children had produced.

“What this book does is bring the issues in their words to the minds and the hearts of the people

• • • • • • •

making decisions without them,” she said.

At the book’s launch at New Town Primary School, Premier Peter Gutwein received a copy of ‘When I Wake up I Smile’ to codesign Tasmania’s first ever whole-of-government Child and Youth Wellbeing Strategy.

When creating the book, children aged four to eight participated in creative workshops with community arts company All That We Are. They explored wellbeing themes ‘being safe and loved’, ‘having material basics’, ‘being healthy’, ‘learning’, ‘participating’, and ‘having a positive sense of culture and identity’.

Ms McLean also made various consultations on wellbeing with young Tasmanian children and parents, as well as learned from early learning and family centres.

“Listening to children, no matter how young, is

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vitally important when developing government policies for improving their wellbeing,” she said.

“It’s important to find developmentally and age-appropriate ways to really understand their viewpoints.”

Ms McLean said the book should be a “primary consultation input” in shaping the strategy to improving children and young peoples’ wellbeing.

As well as this, she said producing ‘When I Wake up I Smile’ will influence her future advocacy

to ensure Tasmanian children and young people can access what they need to have “the very brightest futures”.

She said the government were “willing to listen to the voices of children and young people.”

“The next step is how we turn what we’ve heard into actions.”

Electronic versions of the book are available on the Commissioner for Children and Young People’s website at https://www. childcomm.tas.gov.au/.

FOR 28-yearold Xiaoxiao Xu, volunteering is what makes community stick together.

“Volunteering helps build community because it connects us easily,” she said.

“Especially through very hard situations like COVID-19, it makes the community stick together and work to the same goal.”

Last month at the Young Achievers’ Awards, held at Wrest Point, Xiaoxiao’s volunteering contributions were recognised when she was awarded SemiFinalist of the Heather and Christopher Chong Community Service & Volunteering Award.

“It’s a really significant acknowledgement – when I received the email, I thought wow, what an encouragement,” she said.

While Xiaoxiao volunteers across various short and long-term projects, one volunteering experience

she particularly remembered was the Red Cross’ Social Circles program, which focuses on the wellbeing of older community members – especially those with irregular social contact.

“The lady I would visit is an amazing lady,” Xiaoxiao said.

“She writes poetry, and actually expected me to read poetry with her because she had difficulty reading.”

As an international student from China who hadn’t seen her family in more than two years, Xiaoxiao said the Social Circles program was the avenue to forming a valuable connection.

“I would tell her when I had a job interview, and she would literally hug me,” she said.

“I’m far from my own home, but she gave me that sense of belonging and community.

“Volunteering helps with networking if you’re meeting people with different backgrounds or across

different ages, you can really learn a lot,” she said.

Since 1989, The Tasmanian Young Achiever Awards have promoted and supported positive achievements of young people.

Xiaoxiao said she was inspired when hearing stories from other finalists at the awards ceremony and did not expect to be named a semi-finalist.

“I’m just one tiny break of the community – I’m just doing what I think is valuable,” she said.

Xiaoxiao said the awards helped acknowledge volunteers for what they themselves may not realise are significant community contributions.

“Like the elderly lady I used to visit, she would say to me, ‘you don’t realise the impact of what you have done for me,’” she said.

Xiaoxiao said in receiving the award, she was “definitely inspired to do more and go further.”

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4 Hobart Observer JUNE 2021

Community News

Special reception to thank volunteers NEW CLUB HELPING IMPROVE THE City of Hobart held a special reception during National Volunteer Week (1723 May) for Hobart’s volunteer and charity community.

Each year, the City of Hobart recognises the contributions of volunteers through a ceremony at the Hobart Town Hall.

Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said this year’s event was especially important because last year’s was cancelled due to COVID-19.

“Across the past 12 months, volunteers have played such a huge role in helping people cope with the many and varied impacts of the pandemic,” she said.

“For example, our Community Event of the Year Award for 2021 was presented in January to the Show Hope initiative, through which food and essential items were provided to international students and people living in Hobart on temporary visas and who had lost their jobs as a result of Covid.

“Many of the 50-plus volunteers who worked with the Wellspring Anglican Church to make sure no one went without were international students themselves.”

The contributions of 90 volunteers were

celebrated with certificates of appreciation, which they also received on behalf of 46 organisations and their fellow

volunteers.

“This reception is a small way in which we can give our thanks to the members of our

community who go out of their way to help others and make Hobart a great place to live,” Alderman Reynolds said.

Ann Keller, left, and Noel Brodribb, right, from Print Radio Tasmania Inc receive a Certificate of Appreciation from Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds.

Sally Chen, left, and Lynn Xu, right, from ENE World receive a Certificate of Appreciation from Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds.

SOCIAL CONNECTEDNESS THE Lab, a popular tech those in the Hobart area. based social club for “On the back of a chalyoung people who identilenging year, it is particufy as being on the autism larly exciting to open our spectrum, is opening its doors to young people in first tech club in Hobart.

Hobart.”

It will provide young Mr Morgans said it was people aged 10 to 18 important these spaces with an inclusive enviexisted for young people ronment and exciting with autism across the opportunities to explore country, having seen an interests, develop new increase in self-confidence skills and make friends and capacity for managing with help from profession- social relationships for al mentors. young people attending The Lab Hobart will Lab sessions. carry on the vision of the “Social isolation is a wider network by focusing significant issue for young on an individual’s personal people on the spectrum strengths and enthusiasm with impacts on both for technology, tapping personal and employment into a common experiopportunities,” he said. ence within the group “Young people on the to build friendships and spectrum have some of technical skills. the lowest rates of emIt will provide the ployment in the commuopportunity to increase nity and this is a serious participants’ capacity for issue that we want to social connectedness, address with the experiwhich is a significant issue ences participants can gain for young people on the in Lab sessions. autism spectrum.

“Young people on the “We are excited to continue growing The Lab’s national network by establishing Hobart’s first lab,” The Lab’s national coordinator Alan Morgans said.

“Providing opportunities to disadvantaged young people across Australia has always been our priority and this will offer incredible social benefits for Participants at The Lab.

spectrum have so much to offer, but it’s important that the community and employers learn to recognise the differences they have and not see a disability.

“The Lab focuses on participants’ strengths through the activities that they love doing, and use this engagement as the currency for providing valuable social experiences.

“We say that participants leave their diagnosis at the door and enjoy their engagement with technology, mentors and their peers within a supportive environment that The Lab offers.”

The Lab will be hosting sessions at the Glenorchy Library on Saturday mornings, with booking being essentials.

To make an expression of interest, email admin@ thelab.org.au or visit https://thelab.org.au/.

Celebrate by painting the town red

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AURA Bar welcomed returning Winter celebrations by pouring red cocktails and illuminated itself in red light for the Paint the Town Red 2021 launch.

This Winter’s festival season kicks off with Dark Mofo in June, including the popular Winter Feast, through to the end of August with the last day of the Hadley’s Art Prize exhibition.

Destination Southern Tasmania chief executive officer Alex Heroys was glad to see Winter festivities return after a COVID-19-impacted season.

Mr Heroys said the Winter months were full of creativity for Paint the Town Red. “People get very creative – using red light bulbs, lanterns, decorations, paint, fabric and other red materials to adorn shopfronts, offices, public spaces and even private homes,” he said.

“Tasmanians have really come to embrace both the weather and the range of events on offer during Winter.”

The Winter festival

season of course includes Dark Mofo and the Huon Valley Midwinter Festival, as well as the Festival of Voices, Beaker Street, and Tasmanian Whiskey Week.

Previously a southern Tasmanian affair, all businesses from across

Tasmania are invited to celebrate and Paint the Town Red this year.

Destination Southern Tasmania are encouraging businesses and households to embrace the colour red to “celebrate the return of the festival and

Previous years of Paint the Town Red

embrace the Winter.”

The public is also encouraged to get creative for the festival and post photos to the #PTTR21 hashtag, with prizes like accommodation and Tasmanian experiences up for grabs.

Hobart Observer JUNE 2021 5

Community News

Winners announced for the Tasmanian Volunteer Awards 2021

Winners, finalists and sponsors of the Tasmanian Volunteer Awards 2021.

THE valuable contribution volunteers make to the Tasmanian community was acknowledged at a reception held at Blundstone Arena on 17 when the winners of the Tasmanian Volunteer Awards 2021 were announced.

Patron of Volunteering Tasmania, Her Excellency, Professor the Honourable Kate Warner AC, Governor of Tasmania, hosted the 30 finalists, their nominators, industry sponsors and VIPs at the official awards ceremony, which also signified the start of National Volunteer Week (17 to 21 May 2021).

Among the award recipients was Sandy Bay resident Nicky van Dijk who was presented with the Premier’s Tasmanian Volunteer of the Year Award, the Environment, Animal Care and Conservation Volunteer Award, and the Youth Volunteer Award.

Ms van Dijk has been volunteering in two roles since she moved to Tasmania in 2018 from the Netherlands.

Not only has she been the president of the UTAS Salsa Dance Society since late 2019, but she also acts as the convenor of Fossil Free UTAS, which was instrumental in the University of Tasmania declaring its intention to divest from fossil fuels in 2020.

Ms van Dijk said she started volunteering to meet new people and make a difference to the community.

“Besides meeting fantastic people that I otherwise would not

have met, I also love how volunteering allows me to organise events and create change that I feel is needed in Tasmania,” she said.

“I volunteer because I love making the world around me a bit more socially and environmentally sustainable.”

Ms van Dijk encouraged everyone to find an organisation or not-for-profit they were inspired by and give volunteering a go.

“I think it is very important that we thank the thousands of volunteers in Tasmania, and hope that awards like these show the importance of all the work that these diverse volunteers do,” she said.

Other award winners included: • Community Care and Health Volunteer Award (sponsored by Anglicare Tasmania) – Robert Thomas from the Tasmanian Men’s Shed Association.

• Education, Science and Technology Volunteer Award (sponsored by Spirit

Super) – Niamh Chapman from Edge Radio.

• Emergency Services Volunteer Award (sponsored by Lifeline Tasmania) – Wayne Doran from Volunteer Ambulance Officers Association of Tasmania.

• Sport, Recreation and Service Groups Award (sponsored

by Volunteering Tasmania) – Suzie Calvert from Hockey Tasmania.

• Arts, Heritage, Tourism and Events Volunteer Award (sponsored by VIRA) – Charles Burns from Heritage Sailing Tasmania.

• Lifetime Achievement Volunteer Ward (sponsored by Aurora Energy) – Lorraine Walker from the Rotary Club of D’Entrecasteaux Channel.

• Best Practice in Volunteer Management Award (sponsored by Hydro Tasmania) – Li Yang from

Australian International Youth Association.

• Volunteer Program or Group of the Year Award (sponsored by CatholicCare Tasmania) – Free3b Girls.

Volunteering Tasmania chief executive officer Dr Lisa Schimanski said the judging panel always found it extremely difficult to narrow down the finalists when so many people were making incredible contributions in their communities across the state.

“There is no doubt that Nicky is an amazing person and an incredible worthy winner of the Premier’s Volunteer of the Year Award, but in the spirit of this year’s National Volunteer Week theme ‘Recognise.

Reconnect. Reimagine’, I want to remind every volunteer that their contribution, big or small, is appreciated and is significant,” she said.

Volunteering is not measured through the number of hours people give, but by the impact of what they’re doing.

Winner of the Premier’s Tasmanian Volunteer of the Year Award, the Environment, Animal Care and Conservation Volunteer Award, and the Youth Volunteer Award, Nicky van Dijk.

“It does not matter if you are giving one hour a week, a few hours each month, or more, collectively volunteers are contributing an estimated $4 billion to Tasmania each year and making an enormous

difference – for this we thank them all.”

The awards are Tasmania’s only state wide program that formally recognises excellence in volunteering and are supported by the

Tasmanian Government and valued sponsors.

For more information about the award recipients, visit https:// www.volunteeringtas. org.au/tasmanianvolunteeringawards-2021/.

From left, Deputy Premier Jeremy Rockliff, Patron of Volunteer Tasmania, Her Excellency, Professor the Honourable Kate Warner AC, Governor of Tasmania, the Premier’s Tasmanian Volunteer of the Year Award winner Nicky van Dijk, and Volunteering Tasmania chief executive officer Dr Lisa Schimanski.

6 Hobart Observer JUNE 2021

A FINANCIAL MOMENT

EOFY SAVVY SUPER STRATEGIES Damian Gibson Financial Adviser, Elevate Wealth Solutions

WITH the end of another financial year fast approaching, it’s time to get your finances in order.

Want to help boost your retirement savings while potentially saving on tax?

Here we will discuss some smart super strategies to consider before the end of the financial year.

TAX-DEDUCTIBLE SUPER CONTRIBUTIONS If you contribute some of your after-tax income or savings into super, you may be eligible to claim a tax deduction.

This means you will reduce your taxable income for this financial year, potentially pay less tax, and boost your super balance all at the same time.

The contribution is generally taxed at 15 per cent in the fund.

Depending on your circumstances, this is possibly a lower rate compared to your marginal tax rate, which could be up to 47 per cent (including Medicare Levy).

Therefore, this could save you up to 32 per cent in tax.

Once you’ve made the contribution to your super, you need to send a valid Notice of Intent form to your super fund and receive an acknowledgement from them before you complete your tax return, start a pension, withdraw or rollover the money.

Keep in mind that personal deductible contributions count towards the concessional contribution cap, which is $25,000 for the 2020/21 financial year.

However, you may be able to contribute more than that without penalty if you did not use the whole $25,000 cap in 2018/19 and 2019/20 and are eligible to make ‘catch-up’ contributions.

CONVERT YOUR PERSONAL SAVINGS INTO SUPER SAVINGS Another way to invest more in your super is to use some of your after-tax income or savings, by making a personal non-concessional contribution.

Although these contributions do not reduce your taxable income for the year, you can still benefit from the low tax rate of up to 15 per cent that is paid in super on investment earnings.

This tax rate may be lower than what you would pay if you held the money in other investments outside super.

Before you consider this strategy, ensure the contribution does not push you

over the non-concessional contribution cap, which in 2020/21 is $100,000, or up to $300,000 if you meet certain conditions and your super balance is under $1.6 million.

TOP-UP YOUR SUPER WITH HELP FROM THE GOVERNMENT If you earn less than $54,837 in the 2020/21 financial year, and at least 10 per cent of that income is from your job or a business, you may consider making an after-tax super contribution.

If you do, the Government may make a ‘co-contribution’ of up to $500 into your super account.

The maximum co-contribution is available if you contribute $1,000 and earn $39,837 per annum or less.

You will receive a lower amount if you contribute less than $1,000 and/ or earn between $39,837 and $54,837 per annum.

BOOST YOUR SPOUSE’S SUPER AND REDUCE YOUR TAX If your spouse is not working or earns a low income, you may want to consider making an after-tax contribution to their super account.

This strategy could potentially benefit you both, as your spouse’s super account gets a boost and you may qualify for a tax offset of up to $540.

You may be able to get the full offset if you contribute $3,000 and your spouse earns $37,000 or less per annum (including their assessable income, reportable fringe benefits and reportable employer super contributions).

If you contribute less than $3,000, or your spouse earns between $37,000 and $40,000 per annum the tax offset available will be lower.

There is no doubt that Superannuation is one of the most effective ways to save for your retirement.

Employing some of these strategies before you retire can have a really positive impact on your super balance.

Before making any contributions to your super, it is important you understand all the associated rules, benefits, and consequences to ensure it is right for you.

A financial adviser will be able to guide you through these strategies and give you confidence in your decision making.

*Any advice in this publication is of a general nature only and has not been tailored to your personal circumstances.

Please seek personal advice prior to acting on this information.

Services Australia’s Financial Information Service Hank Jongen General Manager Services Australia DID you know Services Australia offers a number of specialist services you can access for free?

One I often refer people to is the Financial Information Service (FIS).

FIS provides free, independent and confidential information, as well as tools and resources to help you make informed decisions about your current and future financial needs.

FIS is available to everyone, not just people getting government payments and services.

The service helps people of all ages and circumstances, to make

informed decisions about their finances, particularly people with complex financial situations, or those who are financially vulnerable.

Financial Information Service officers are specialist staff who are available through a national phone service.

They’re located across the country in more than 130 Services Australia service centres, and have an expert understanding of income support payments and financial matters.

FIS officers can help you if you’re managing a change in your circumstances, like being newly employed, being made redundant, dealing with an illness

or disability, becoming a parent, getting divorced or becoming a carer.

They can help people who want to save for the future, are returning to work, thinking about or preparing for retirement, receiving compensation payments, or thinking about moving into aged care.

FIS officers can explain: how financial products work how government payments work resources that may help you with your financial matters.

They provide tailored financial information, education and support.

However, they’re not financial planners or

financial counsellors, so they won’t promote or provide advice on purchasing investment products.

FIS officers also won’t make decisions about your payments.

To speak to the Financial Information Service, phone 132 300.

Say ‘Financial Information Service’, when prompted for the reason of your call.

This will take you through to a FIS officer who will help you with your situation.

Depending on your circumstances, the FIS officer may book a further face-to-face interview for you, in or near your local Services Australia service centre.

Grant to help reunite Tasmanian families separated by war

TASMANIAN Refugee Legal Service (TRLS) has been awarded a $7,000 grant from the Harcourts Foundation to help reunite families separated by war and conflict.

The armed Tigray conflict has affected many Tasmanian residents with refugee backgrounds who have family members caught in the conflict, which is ongoing in the Tigray region of Ethiopia.

The grant from Harcourts will help TRLS assist those affected with making applications to reunite with their family members.

TRLS Principal Lawyer Patrick O’Connor hoped they could alleviate some

of the distress the conflict, which has reports of significant war crimes, is causing for separated families in Tasmania.

The conflict, which erupted in November 2020 from rising tensions between the Ethiopian government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), has resulted in around 62,255 Tigrinyian refugees spilling across the border to Sudan.

“Many have family members currently living in refugee camps in Ethiopia, Sudan and Eritrea,” Mr O’Connor said.

UNICEF estimates 1.3 million children cannot go to school due to both the conflict and COVID-19. The region has

been without electricity, water and food for several weeks.

“It is hoped that this legal advice and casework will change the pathway of many people’s lives and result in families being reunited and connected again in Tasmania,” Mr O’Connor said.

TRLS will hire an expert lawyer to provide free legal advice, which will help address the recent spike in Tasmanian residents requesting assistance with visa applications for family members from Ethiopia and Eritrea caught in the conflict.

Mr O’Connor said the TRLS legal advice

could be the difference between refugees finding safety with family members in Australia when borders reopen or remaining separated and endangered.

He said the TRLS were “very grateful to the Harcourts Foundation.”

“We estimate this project will have a significant impact on the Tasmanian community.”

For more information about Harcourts grant opportunities, visit https://harcourtsfoundation.org/apply/.

For more information about the work of the Tasmanian Refugee Legal Service, visit https:// www.facebook.com/ rlstasmania/ or https:// www.trls.org.au/.

From left, TRLS Migration Lawyer Donna Woodleigh, Harcourts Kingborough representative Andrew Henry and TRLS Principal Lawyer Patrick O’Connor.

Hobart Observer JUNE 2021 7

W I N T E R 2 0 2 1 | H O B A RT C I T Y. C O M . A U

Enjoy a plastic-free cuppa Hobart goes single-use plastic-free next month HOBART is taking PlasticFree July to a new level this year, with the city to become single-use plasticfree from next month.

The City of Hobart’s Single Use Plastics By-Law will officially take effect on 1 July. It was gazetted in early 2020 and a transition period applied to give local businesses time to adapt to the new requirements.

Last year, Hobart became the first city in Australia to adopt a ban on single-use plastics. The by-law bans the provision of single-use takeaway food packaging and other items like cutlery, cups, straws and

condiment packaging.

Data from the National Litter Index suggests that up to half of all litter is related to takeaway food packaging and that as much as 80 per cent of that is likely to end up in the region’s waterways.

The Single-Use Plastics By-Law will help to remove dangerous plastics from the litter stream, replacing them with compostable options, and ultimately reduce waste to landfill.

The introduction of the by-law followed community consultation, during which 96 per cent of survey respondents said Continued page 2

Laura Cardona of the Doone Kennedy Hobart Aquatic Centre Cafe serves up some takeaway favourites in compostable packaging.

Town Hall history uncovered

Sisters Evelyn and Sophia Jarvie explore the Town Hall’s hidden histories.

Lord Mayor Councillor Anna Reynolds C/- Town Hall Hobart 7000 M: 0423 222 149 E: lord.mayor@ hobartcity.com.au

Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Helen Burnet C/- Town Hall Hobart 7000 M: 0417 284 267 E: cr.burnet@ hobartcity.com.au

Alderman Marti Zucco 364A Elizabeth St. North Hobart 7000 M: 0418 120 060 E: ald_zucco@ netspace.net.au

Alderman Jeff Briscoe C/- Town Hall Hobart 7000 M: 0447 791 274 E: ald.briscoe@ hobartcity.com.au

HOBART Town Hall is a treasure trove of history waiting to be uncovered by local youngsters.

The Hidden Histories school tour has become a popular attraction for students.

Led by the Lord Mayor, the tour takes students behind the scenes in the heritage sandstone building, which has hosted many significant moments in Hobart’s history.

Starting precolonisation, students are taken on a journey through the 1861

Alderman Dr Peter Sexton C/- Town Hall Hobart 7000 M: 0407 099 294 E: ald.sexton@ hobartcity.com.au

Alderman Damon Thomas C/- Town Hall Hobart 7000 M: 0429 064 805 E: ald.thomas@ hobartcity.com.au

competition to determine who would design the building, the Grand Opening Ball in 1866, installation of the pipe organ in 1869 and the days of the Mayor’s Court – whereby, up until 1912, the Mayor of the day also acted as a magistrate.

Roaming goats and the selling of underweight bread and are among the petty crimes dealt with in the Town Hall courtroom.

There are plans to make a self-guided version of the tour available for families in time for the spring school holidays.

Councillor Bill Harvey C/- Town Hall Hobart 7000 M: 0428 243 964 E: cr.harvey@ hobartcity.com.au

Alderman Simon Behrakis C/- Town Hall Hobart 7000 M: 0436 027 369 E: ald.behrakis@ hobartcity.com.au

E-scooter app to be trialled

Councillor Mike Dutta C/- Town Hall Hobart 7000 M: 0437 455 672 E: cr.dutta@ hobartcity.com.au

A ZIPPY new way to get around Hobart’s city centre could soon be on the way.

Expressions of Interest (EoI) are now open for a supplier and operator to introduce app-based electric scooter hire. The EoI has been jointly issued by the Cities of Hobart and Launceston for a 12-month trial across the two cities.

The introduction of micromobility – or personal transport device – options is identified in the City’s Sustainable Hobart and Connected Hobart action plans.

Electric scooters are considered to be convenient, compact and Continued page 3

Councillor Jax Ewin C/- Town Hall Hobart 7000 M: 0408 631 831 E: cr.ewin@ hobartcity.com.au

Councillor Zelinda Sherlock C/- Town Hall Hobart 7000 M: 0439 720 549 E: cr.sherlock@ hobartcity.com.au

Councillor Will Coats C/- Town Hall Hobart 7000 M: 0413 304 699 E: cr.coats@ hobartcity.com.au

8 Hobart Observer JUNE 2021

Sharing green thumbs HOBART’S renowned food culture starts with the best fresh produce – and nothing is fresher than straight from the veggie patch.

For those who don’t have the space for a home garden, or who like a more social gardening experience, community gardens provide a great option.

Community gardens are becoming increasingly popular throughout the world as a way of bringing local people together to grow, share and learn about sustainable food production.

Hobart is already home to a number of small community gardens, but there is room for more.

That’s why the City of Hobart has created a guide to help residents establish their own community gardens on

Matt Willes’ signal box artwork titled Leave Water Out for Wildlife.

Signal box beauty ARTISTS have transformed drab-looking traffic signal boxes across Hobart into works of art.

The Signal Box public art program is run in partnership with Urban Smart Projects and supported by the Tasmanian Department of State Growth.

Since 2012, more than 90 signal boxes have been transformed into storytelling artworks. During the latest round of the program, 12 boxes have been added to the growing outdoor gallery of public art, helping to create a more vibrant and interesting city.

Each community garden has its own quirks and charms, reflecting the character of the people involved, and can contain plots for herbs, fruit and vegetables.

Find out how to start a community garden, or discover existing gardens at hobartcity.com.au/ community-gardens or by contacting the City of Hobart.

Grants invest in community

Rates hardship policy A FINANCIAL Hardship Assistance Policy will help people who are having difficulty paying their rates to access support measures, when a temporary COVID-19 rates remission scheme ends at the end of this month.

The policy will replace an interim scheme that was introduced to assist ratepayers impacted financially by COVID-19

suitable City-owned land.

It might take some work to get going but, once established, community gardens offer huge rewards for participants and contribute to a healthier lifestyle.

Community gardens can also save money on grocery bills and help reduce the environmental footprint of transporting food.

during 2020-21. Applications for the temporary rates remission scheme will close on 30 June this year.

Anyone wishing to apply for a rates remission under the temporary scheme should do so before 30 June.

For more information on how to apply for assistance, visit hobartcity.com.au/ rates-assistance or contact the City of Hobart.

MORE than $200,000 in City of Hobart grant funding will be invested in 26 projects and events that contribute to Hobart’s community vibrancy and city economy, through the latest round of Community, Creative and Events grants.

The successful projects have a combined value of around $780,000, which means every dollar contributed by the City of Hobart generates almost $4 in local investment.

Successful projects include: • an all-abilities pop-up fashion show • Come out and Play introductory basketball training sessions • the Battery Point Historic House Plaques project

•

a community project encouraging people to submit three-line poems for display inside metro buses to the theme ‘Where are we going?’

• Tasmanian Youth Orchestra outdoor performances at the Royal Tasmanian Botanic Gardens • Festival of Bright Ideas for National Science Week.

Combined, the 26 projects involve more than 600 volunteers and support 121 paid positions. Many more will be involved through community participation and attendance at events.

More information about the City of Hobart’s grants programs can be found at hobartcity.com.au/grants.

Single-use deadline From page 1 it was not appropriate to continue using single-use plastics.

The City of Hobart has led by example in the transition to compostable packaging.

The Doone Kennedy Hobart Aquatic Centre café has been single-use plastic-free since September 2018 and Salamanca Market followed soon after.

By the end of 2020, it was estimated about half of all Hobart takeaway businesses CITYnews | WINTER 2021

had already moved away from single-use plastics.

Remaining businesses have until 1 July to comply with the by-law.

Business owners needing further information or assistance to comply with the new by-law are encouraged to contact the City of Hobart on 03 6238 2711.

More information on the new by-law and how it will be applied is available at hobartcity.com.au/ singleuseplastics.

2

Hobart Observer JUNE 2021 9

Smarter shelter design FIVE innovative concept designs for digitally connected bus shelters will be assessed for practical use in Hobart.

The City of Hobart’s Smarter Hobart Challenge invited ideas for an interactive, digitally connected and environmentally friendly bus shelter.

Entries were received from 120 innovators from across Australia and the world. Included are 16 Tasmanian entries – two of which were shortlisted as finalists.

Hobart-based finalist Urban Lab submitted an entry that is described as “playful and contemporary” and features modular elements that can adapt to suit Hobart’s narrow footpaths.

Belen Chirivella of Urban Lab said her team was excited by the forward-thinking nature of the project.

“A bus stop should be a safe place and provide protection from the weather; but it can be more,” she said.

“We believe that the bus shelters around Hobart should be smart and inclusive spaces where people can reconnect with their neighbourhood, learn, share, relax or even play.”

City welcomes its new CEO KELLY Grigsby joined the City of Hobart last month as the new Chief Executive Officer.

The former Wyndham City CEO is passionate about cities, urban innovation, social and economic inclusion, and social justice.

Ms Grigsby said she looked forward to working with the community to create a vibrant, globally relevant and contemporary capital city.

Hobart-based Urban Lab’s modular and adaptable concept design (bottom right) is among 120 entries submitted for the Smarter Hobart Challenge.

The finalists are now working to develop their concepts for final assessment. Key considerations for the judging panel include weather protection suited to Hobart’s conditions, inclusion of real-time bus arrival and departure information, local and sustainable construction options, and all-abilities access.

Hobart Access Advisory Committee’s Vaughn Bennison has provided advice to designers

on accessibility needs.

“It’s important to consider inclusive design from the outset,” he said. “For example, it needs to be obvious to a person with vision impairment that it is a bus stop, and people in wheelchairs need to be able to access the bus stop and get across the footpath.

The overall and People’s Choice winners will be announced later this month.

Scooter trial plan

Craig Garth and Jarmiela Nankivell regularly commute to work by e-scooter.

From page 1 environmentally friendly and don’t contribute to the growing congestion on local roads, with some residents and City of Hobart employees already regularly commuting by e-scooter.

Electric scooters may be useful for people who need to move around the city during the day but could otherwise leave their car at home, or commuters who live close to the city. They also offer a fun transport option for visitors.

Controls will be placed

around where they can be ridden and parked and may be amended during the trial.

The successful vendor will need to demonstrate safety, software reliability and device maintenance measures.

Under current Tasmanian road laws, electric scooters with a maximum power output of 200 watts are permitted on shared paths and roads with a speed limit of 50km/h or less.

The EoI will close on 25 June. Pending the outcome, the 12-month trial could start later this year.

Meeting rooms available for hire THE Mornington Skills Centre is located within the landscaped grounds of the City of Hobart’s Regional Nursery.

The centre is available for hire and has all the requirements for meetings and corporate training sessions, including mobile TVs and white boards.

It comprises two fully equipped meeting rooms that can be opened into one large conference space. Included are a kitchenette, accessible toilets, parking and outdoor space.

Visit hobartcity.com.au/skillscentre for more information or to book.

CITYnews | WINTER 2021

Liveability census HOBART is participating in the 2021 Australian Liveability Census, which will provide insight into what people value in their community and their neighbourhood.

To contribute to the research project, visit placescore.org/liveability-census.

Undies project PERIOD-friendly underwear is available for free to residents of the City of Hobart area and who are on low incomes.

Supported by a City of Hobart Urban Sustainability Grant, Women’s Health Tasmania is supplying reusable underwear to replace the need for traditional pads and tampons, which contain single-use plastics that contribute to landfill, and can be expensive to buy.

Find out more at womenshealthtas. org.au/the-undies-project.

Lifts upgrade REPLACEMENT of the second lift at the Argyle Street carpark is expected to be completed by the end of July.

Replacement of the first of the two ageing lifts started in January and was completed in April.

Council meetings COUNCIL Meetings are held in the Council Chambers at the Town Hall at 5pm, unless otherwise advertised.

All meetings are streamed live on the City of Hobart’s YouTube channel and agendas are published on the City’s website.

The 2021-22 Budget Estimates will be tabled for adoption at the Council Meeting on 21 June.

Upcoming full Council meeting dates: • 7 and 21 June • 5 & 26 July • 9 & 23 August • 6 & 20 September 3

10 Hobart Observer JUNE 2021

Corner offers new space to speak up HOBARTIANS with something to say are invited to make use of the new Speakers’ Corner at Salamanca Plaza.

The space is designated as a place for free speech, encouraging people to use the spoken word to share opinions, ideas and creative works.

Speakers’ Corner is available to anyone who wishes to deliver a peaceful and lawful public address on any topic. Poets, authors and other creative writers are also invited to use the space to share interesting, inspiring and thought-provoking works.

The new location has been established as part of the pedestrian upgrades

to Salamanca Place and is expected to provide an improved experience for both speakers and listeners.

Speakers can use the location between 10am and midday, Monday to Friday.

To obtain a speaking permit, visit hobartcity.com. au/speakerscorner or phone 03 6238 2711.

Permits must be displayed while speaking and the provisions of the AntiDiscrimination Act apply to all speakers.

The new location will be trialled for six months and feedback is invited from all members of the public. Visit yoursay.hobartcity.com.au or contact the City of Hobart to contribute.

Former PM leads city transport talk FORMER Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull will lead a panel discussion around the future of Hobart’s transport network at the next instalment of CityTalks.

City Deal architect and public transport advocate, Mr Turnbull (pictured) will be the keynote speaker at the online forum, which will address the topic Hobart at a Crossroad: Can we be a small city with big transport choices?

He will be joined by UTas Sustainable Cities researcher Dr Lisa Stafford and New Zealand-based transport and land use integration specialist Darren Davis.

The one-hour forum will be held and presented online on Thursday 17 June at 5pm.

Interested members of the public are invited to register to attend the online forum via Zoom.

CityTalks is a partnership between the City of Hobart and the University of Tasmania.

The online forums focus on topics relevant to Hobart and feature community leaders, national and international keynote speakers followed by a panel discussion. Visit hobartcity.com.au/citytalks for details of the forum and to register.

FOGO bin at Springs HOBART’S first public place food organics and garden organics (FOGO) bin is being installed at The Springs on kunanyi / Mount Wellington.

The location is a popular spot for walkers, cyclists and families to gather for a picnic lunch when visiting the mountain. All food scraps and compostable items – including those purchased

from the on-site cafe, which uses only compostable packaging – can be placed in the FOGO bin.

If bringing items from home, please make sure anything that is not compostable is put in to the correct bin, or is taken home.

To find out what can go in the FOGO bin, visit hobartcity.com.au/FOGO.

Allan Mansell is the first of four artists to be part of the Crowther Reinterpreted project.

Statue reinterpreted THE second of four temporary artworks designed to encourage public conversation about the future of the William Crowther statue in Franklin Square will be by Tasmanian filmmaker Roger Scholes, working in collaboration with Professor Greg Lehman.

To be installed next month, the work is described as a sculptural installation that will be positioned alongside the statue, incorporating film content that covers the broader context of the story of William Crowther and William Lanne.

The statue of Crowther – which has stood in Franklin Square since 1889 – is considered contentious by many

because of Crowther’s desecration of the remains of Aboriginal man William Lanne, also known as ‘King Billy’.

Celebrated Tasmanian Aboriginal artist Allan Mansell was the first contributor to the art project.

Two more artworks will be installed later this year, created by artist and writer Julie Gough, and journalist and photographer Jillian Mundy.

The artworks, along with community feedback, will help to inform a permanent response to the statue. Visit yoursay.hobartcity.com.au to provide feedback on the project.

The project is an action in the City of Hobart’s Aboriginal Commitment and Action Plan.

Art creates connection AN ART exhibition that celebrates community and explores the importance of connection in the wake of pandemic-generated isolation was held at City Hall last month.

The City of Hobart’s Ability to Create program provides an inclusive and supportive creative outlet that culminates with an annual public exhibition.

This year’s program took on a new format, born out of the feelings of isolation and disconnection brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Three community artists worked with and mentored Ability to Create artists to create and exhibit 85 artworks across a range of media and performance.

Artist Freddy Lee-Mount developed the Ability to Create program in partnership with the City of Hobart.

The exhibition was themed Connect and Reimagine and many of the works drew inspiration from a sculpture created

early last year by local artist Peter Jeffries, depicting hands showing the sign language symbol for “friendship”.

CONTACT THE CITY OF HOBART 03 6238 2711

coh@hobartcity.com.au

CITYnews | WINTER 2021

GPO Box 503, Hobart TAS 7001

4

Hobart Observer JUNE 2021 11

Community News

ADVICE ON GETTING VACCINATED AGAINST COVID Dr Shannon Melody, Specialist Medical Advisor, Tasmanian Vaccination Emergency Operations Centre COVID-19 vaccinations are a big step towards protecting the lives of millions of people around the globe and reducing the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

On a global scale, COVID-19 has already claimed the lives of more than 3.3 million people.

All Tasmanians need to have accurate information to help them make an informed decision about getting a COVID-19 vaccine.

Below are answers to Tasmania’s most frequently asked questions.

Why should I get vaccinated?

Vaccination is an

important way to protect you, your family and your community against COVID-19.

You will be protected from severe COVIDrelated illness and will have the peace of mind of offering another layer of protection to your loved ones and the people around you.

High levels of vaccination against COVID-19 is a key tool in fighting the pandemic.

If most of the adult population gets vaccinated, this will reduce the health, social and economic impacts of the pandemic.

Every dose of vaccine makes a difference.

Which COVID-19 vaccines are available in Tasmania and how do they work?

There are currently two COVID-19 vaccines available in

Australia: the Pfizer vaccine and the AstraZeneca vaccine.

Both vaccines require two doses.

For the Pfizer vaccine you will receive two vaccinations approximately three weeks apart.

For the AstraZeneca vaccine you will receive two vaccinations approximately 12 weeks apart.

Both vaccines are highly effective at reducing the severity of COVID-19.

Both vaccines work by training your immune system to recognise and respond to the virus that causes COVID-19.

What about vaccine side effects and the blood clotting issue?

More than a billion doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been delivered globally to date.

The COVID-19 vaccinations available in Australia have been approved by our expert regulatory body, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).

Once approved, the TGA and the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) monitor data within Australia and from around the world to ensure that the vaccines remain safe.

All vaccines can have side effects, and the COVID-19 vaccines are no different.

After vaccination, some people experience no side effects at all and some experience mild side effects.

Serious side effects are very rare.

Common side effects of vaccination may include redness at the vaccine site, a sore arm, muscle aches and fatigue.

Some people may

also experience a mild fever or headache.

These symptoms usually start within 24 hours of vaccination and last for one to two days.

These symptoms are not of concern unless severe or persistent.

If you experience side effects that worry you, contact your GP. A rare but serious side effect called thrombosis with thrombocytopaenia syndrome (TTS) has been associated with the AstraZeneca vaccine.

TTS occurs when there are blood clots (thrombosis) and low platelets (thrombocytopaenia).

This syndrome generally occurs between four to 20 days after the first dose of the vaccine.

Global data suggests that while the overall incidence of TTS is low, it is higher in those under 50 years of age.

This newly described

syndrome is different from more common clots, such as deep vein thrombosis.

These more common blood clots can occur in around 50 Australians every day separate to vaccination and are not related to the rare TTS clotting disorder.

TTS has not been seen after the Pfizer vaccine.

As a result, the Pfizer vaccine is the preferred vaccine for people under 50 years of age.

If you have already received your first dose of AstraZeneca without complication, there is no reason to delay or miss your second dose (even if you are under 50).

Both doses of the vaccine are required to be protected against COVID-19.

If you have any concerns about getting vaccinated, speak with your usual health care provider.

Which vaccine should I get?

Pfizer is preferred over the AstraZeneca vaccine for adults under the age of 50.

In people aged 50 years and over, AstraZeneca is recommended.

The benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risk of the rare but serious blood clotting complication for people in this age group.

This is because the risk of serious outcomes from COVID-19 infection increase with age.

Decisions about which vaccine to administer are based on the best medical evidence available.

If you have particular concerns about your own circumstances or condition, please speak to your doctor or health care provider.

I think it is important for everyone to get vaccinated because it keeps our aged care residents safe.

WHY I’M GETTING

RICHARD HEAD CHEF — AGED CARE FACILITY

THE COVID-19 VACCINE www.coronavirus.tas.gov.au/vaccine

12 Hobart Observer JUNE 2021

Community News

Virtual reality helping forge future careers AS part of National Careers Week, Guilford Young College recently assisted students to explore future career pathways in a fun and engaging way by utilising virtual reality (VR) technology.

Students at the Glenorchy campus accessed VR headsets from Work Windows to experience what it would be like to work in different types of workplaces.

More than 100 students utilised the VR technology experiencing careers such as fire-fighter, agronomist, physiotherapist and more.

“National Careers Week is about highlighting careers and possibilities available to young people in Tasmania,” Guilford Young College pathways and careers counsellor

Deborah Winton said.

“The college’s careers counselling service provides students the opportunity to plan and navigate their pathways planning moving towards post-year 12 life.

“This initiative provided a taster of careers students may have have ever considered.

“It was an excellent way to actually see what it would be like working in that area or industry.”

Some year 10 students from Dominic College were also invited to experience the virtual reality.

“Dominic College students considered opportunities and chatted about career pathways available to them as they transition to Guilford Young College,” Ms Winton said.

Guilford Young College Glenorchy campus year 12 student Angus McGregor said the experience helped him see what pathways were available to him.

“It was great being able to experience that sort of thing in a very different medium and it was very exciting to see these careers in an interactive way,” he said.

Guilford Young student Angus McGregor.

Students at Guilford Young College.

Guilford Young College student using the virtual reality technolgy.

Diverse Subject Range Specialised Year 11 & 12 Education Enrol for 2022 Online Now

Guilford Young College is focused on providing quality education to all.

Whether you’re university bound or chasing an apprenticeship, we have you covered.

BOOK A TOUR THROUGH OUR WEBSITE or Contact us on | 6238 4300 or enrolments@gyc.tas.edu.au

Hobart Observer JUNE 2021 13

Community News

Night hikes a hit Jo-Cordell Cooper*

AN impressive $29,000 was raised by the 200 participants who turned up to Dementia Australia’s Hobart Memory Walk & Jog, to show their support of people living with dementia.

The funds raised by the event, which took place at the Regatta Grounds earlier this year, will assist in providing invaluable support services, education and resources for people impacted by dementia in Hobart and across Australia.

Dementia Australia chief executive officer Maree McCabe thanked the people of Hobart for their fantastic show of support and community spirit.

“It was inspiring to see such willingness from participants as they adapted to the changes

made to the format of the event, so that it could be run in a COVID-safe way,” she said.

An estimated 11,500 people currently live with dementia in Tasmania.

“With this figure projected to increase to

about 16,700 by 2058, events like Memory Walk & Jog play an important role not only in funding support, but also in raising awareness of dementia,” Ms McCabe said.

Those who were unable

Walkers and joggers at the Hobart Memory Walk & Jog 2021.

to attend the event were able to visit memorywalk. com.au to sign up for their own Impossible Walk & Jog Challenge, choose their own distance and complete their walk and jog in their own time and at their own location.

HIKING has certainly increased in popularity since our COVID-19 lockdown last year.

Hiking in groups was one of the last group activities to be cancelled and one of the first to be reinstated after isolation.

Hiking is good for you physically, mentally and socially so my group of beginner hikers were keen to get back into our Friday Night Hikes routine.

However, it was midwinter and dark.

As an experienced hiker, I knew there was benefit in hiking at night.

Just about every global walk I have completed has an early morning or late night hike offering – to see the sun rise or set on a remote mountain somewhere on the globe.

I knew if I could encourage my clients to come hiking in the dark, I would be meeting their needs in so many ways.

The question was – would they want to hike mid-Winter?

Would the cold and dark put them off?

All but one of my clients thought it was a great idea, and I was back in business.

Every Friday night we meet, with flashlight and warm clothing, at a different location on the Eastern Shore.

We use well marked tracks and surprise the infrequent but curious dog walkers with our head torches and beanies.

We are winding around the neighbourhood green spaces that are largely without anyone in them at all.

We know where all the local frogs hang out and which walks are best to do when the moon is full.

There is always a hill – it is a fitness walk after all.

We explore all the little known cut through paths to access different views, but generally we see the Derwent, city lights, the bridges and glorious Kunanyi as the sun sets.

It is a calming and a definite full stop to the working week.

When I began the Friday Night Hikes, I was only thinking in terms of hiking fitness, but it soon became obvious that people come for a number of reasons and mostly that was for the social connection and jump start to a great weekend.

These participants have become friends and welcome ‘newbies’ with a warm and supportive environment.

As our fitness improves, we look forward to half day walks on Kunanyi and we recently visited Mount Field for the turning of the fagus – Australia’s only deciduous beech.

This is an iconic Tasmanian thing to do.

If you are wanting to improve your fitness through hiking, if you do not like the gym setting, but thrive in the outdoors, you’d be welcome to join our Friday Night Hikes.

Jo Cordell-Cooper founded the award winning business Jo CC Holistic PT. She specialises in hiking fitness, as well as working with a range of clients who have a few complexities like arthritis, cancer, or back issues. Free Hiking Fitness resources can be downloaded from www.jocc.com.au/hiking.

Make contact if you are interested jo@jocc.com. au, or 0409 86 2206.

Jo Cordell-Cooper is licenced for commercial hikes.

From left, night hike participants, Jo Cordell-Cooper, Kelliann Brown, Deidre Wilson and Alison Triffett.

Someone to Listen - Caring Support - Information - Practical Help A free, confidential service for women, men and families experiencing distress or difficulties as a result of pregnancy or pregnancy loss.

Pregnancy Counselling & Support (Tas) Inc. gratefully acknowledges the financial assistance of the Department of Health & Hum an Services

60mm

Walk for Memory a success

14 Hobart Observer JUNE 2021

Community News

$929,000 IN FUNDING SUPPORT FOR TASMANIANS WITH DISABILITY PEOPLE with disability across Tasmania will have access to greater support to participate in community activities and strengthen their self-advocacy skills thanks to a $929,000 grant from the Liberal Government.

Disability organisation Speak Out Association of Tasmania has been provided with a grant of up to $929,404 to fund its ‘Peers for Success’ program, which will combine the positive impact of peer

support networks with self-advocacy and empowerment education.

All activities will be codesigned and cofacilitated by people with intellectual disability.

The Peers for Success program will reinvigorate peer-led networks impacted by COVID-19, extend networks and groups in hard to reach environments, upskill people with intellectual disability as peer educators, facilitators and mentors, deliver

the Road to Success Self Advocacy Program, and extend Speak Out’s individualised leadership development program.

Peers for Success will assist more than 350 people and is set to roll out in July.

It will be delivered across the state, with capacity-building activities focusing on areas in the south, north-west, west coast and north of Tasmania.

“People with intellectual

disability have many skills and talents to mentor each other, raise community awareness about issues of importance, and lead change,” Speak Out manager Jenny Dixon said.

“Our Facebook traffic increased by more than 1000 per cent during COVID-19 as people sought support and information, and this grant is a timely investment in working towards the goal for a more inclusive society that enables all

Tasmanians to participate in their community.”

Senator Eric Abetz said the program was very significant as one in five Tasmanians were living with a disability.

“Speak Out Association of Tasmania is therefore a much-needed organisation providing personalised advocacy and support to people with intellectual disability across our state,”

he said.

“COVID-19 has had a negative impact on connectedness, motivation, independence and empowerment for people with disability, and this grant will greatly advance the chances of people with disabilities living an ordinary life, developing a positive sense of knowing who they are, as well as their value and rights.”

The grant is being delivered under the Information, Linkages and Capacity Building (ILC) grants program.

ILC provides funding to organisations to deliver projects in the community that benefit all Australians with disability, their carers and families.

For more information, visit https://www.speakoutadvocacy.org/.

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From left, Glenorchy resident Anthony Barratt with Speak Out manager Jenny Dixon, Senator Eric Abetz and Kingston resident Anna Hall.

Do you wear a carer’s hat too?

“I’ve been a full time carer for my husband with a severe disability.”

Many Tasmanians are carers for their loved ones and don’t know it. There is support available through the Carer Gateway.

Find help at carergateway.gov.au Phone 1800 422 737

Now in two great locations: 118 Main Road Moonah and city address available by request

Hobart Observer JUNE 2021 15

Community News

Protecting Tasmania’s SMEs’ cyber defences

From left, Matt Dunn, CyberUP program manager Mariae Leckie, Senator Eric Abetz, The Project Lab managing director Ben Cashman and The Project Lab cyber security consultant Alan Smith.

HOBART’S small to medium enterprises’ (SMEs) cyber defences are set for a boost with a $600,000 grant to help combat increased ransomware, cyberattacks and data breaches as part of the Federal Government’s CyberUP program.

CyberUP is a business advisory program designed to enable key Tasmanian industry sectors to understand and manage their cyber risks and embed these capabilities within organisations through free awareness training and advice, combined with cofunded implementation services.

As part of the CyberUP for SMEs program, over the next 12 months Tasmanian business The Project Lab is set to deliver 54 public and industry-specific workshops across the state to raise awareness,

develop industry-specific cyber risk plans for 500 SMEs, and deliver subsidised high-quality, professional cyber advisory services to 142 businesses across Tasmania.

According to the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC), on average there are 164 cybercrime reports are made by Australians every day – about one report every 10 minutes.

Between 1 July 2019 and 30 June 2020, the ACSC responded to 2,266 cybersecurity incidents and received 59,806 cybercrime reports.

Estimates put cyberrelated attacks as costing Australia’s economy about $29 billion per year, or 1.9 per cent of the nation’s GDP. Liberal Senator Eric Abetz, in announcing the grant, said it was very timely given the increased

number of data breach notifications attributed to ransomware attacks which had increased by more than 150 per cent compared to the previous six months.

“Given the significant increase in cyberattacks, it is essential that Hobart’s small and medium-sized enterprises are adequately prepared to protect their businesses,” he said.

“CyberUP will increase Hobart’s SMEs’ cyber awareness and capability in managing their cyber security risks by partnering with key industry bodies and business networks to provide cyber security training, uplift organisational capabilities, and provide professional advisory services to implement change to reduce risk and increase business sustainability.”

“It’s great to see that a Tasmanian business such as The Project Lab

can play this important role in helping other Tasmanian businesses protect themselves from cyberattacks, which can cripple businesses and expose sensitive information.”

“With the average cost of a cyber breach in Australia now more than $3 million, ensuring Tasmanian SMEs have contemporary risk management practises in place has never been so important,” The Project Lab’s executive director Joel Harris said.

“The Project Lab will work with Tasmanian peak bodies and business partners to tailor its CyperUP program for a range of Tasmanian industry sectors including medical, finance, tourism and small business to ensure that the program provides real value,” CyberUP program manager Mariae Leckie said.

Taking action with new Reconciliation plan TASMANIA Legal Aid is taking action with a new Reconciliation Action Plan, aiming to improve connections with the Tasmanian Aboriginal community and tackle pressing issues that face it.

TLA director Vincenzo Caltabiano said the theme of this year’s National Reconciliation Week, which ran from 27 May to 3 June was ‘More than a word.

Reconciliation takes action.’

Tasmania Legal Aid launched its Reconciliation Action Plan, designed by palawa man and Graphic Designer Caleb NicholsMansell, in May at its office in Hobart.

The plan prioritised tackling high rates of incarceration of First Nations people and the

number of First Nations children in out of home care, as well as creating more welcoming office spaces, working with Aboriginal organisations to help shape their services, and advocating an increase of the criminal responsibility age from 10 to 14 years of age.

First Nations People comprise around eight per cent of TLA’s clients, making them an important provider of legal services to them.

Mr Caltabiano said the plan represented their “commitment to partner with the Aboriginal community to improve our services and work for better justice outcomes for First Nations People.”

At the launch, Tasmanian Aboriginal Elder, artist and musician,

Uncle Dougie Mansell performed a Welcome to Country.

A Tasmanian Aboriginal-designed plaque was also unveiled, and Tasmanian Aboriginal Legal Service chief executive officer Tracey Dillon received the Reconciliation Action Plan.

“Over the next 18 months TLA will strengthen our engagement with the Tasmanian Aboriginal communities,” Mr Caltabiano said.

“We will build our cultural skills and understanding and advocate for better justice system responses.”

The TLA also launched its Reconciliation Action Plan in Launceston on May 31 and will launch it in Burnie on June 2.

From left, Tasmania Legal Aid chair Patrick Lunn, Tasmanian Aboriginal Legal Service chief executive officer Tracey Dillon, Tasmania Legal Aid director Vincenzo Caltabiano and Tasmanian Aboriginal Elder Uncle Dougie Mansell.

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PROGRAM PROMOTES PARALYMPIC SPORTS

Taroona High School students participate in wheelchair basketball.

A NEW program showcasing Paralympic sports has been introduced to schools to give students a different outlook on sports.

ParaQuad Tasmania’s elite athletes will teach students four sports wheelchair basketball, sitting volleyball, goalball and boccia and then give them the opportunity to participate in them.

The program will run during terms two and three for years seven to 12.

Each session runs for one hour.

ParaQuad Tasmania sports development coordinator Kevin Faulkner said the program would give students the opportunity to try different sports and learn new skills.

“It’s giving students

a whole new look and idea at Paralympic sports and showing just how difficult they are,” he said.

“It is raising awareness and education of Paralympic sports, and is also letting the kids know that Paralympians are elite athletes - they train for years to make a Paralympic Games.”

Mr Faulkner said the program was especially

significant in helping promote the Paralympic Games later in the year.

“We want the students to get involved by supporting our Paralympians,” he said.

Information for teachers and activities for students are also available at https://education. paralympic.org.au/.

Wheelchair basketball has featured at every Paralympic Games

since 1960, while sitting volleyball is one of the games’ more fast-paced sports.

Goalball is a sport exclusively for athletes with a vision impairment, with the objective being to roll a ball into the opponent’s goal while the opposing player try to block the ball with their bodies.

Bells inside the ball help to orientate the

players by indicating the direction of the incoming ball.

Boccia made its debut as a Paralympic sport in 1984 and involves athletes competing in wheelchairs to throw, kick or use a ramp device to propel leather balls as close as possible to a white ball called the jack.

ParaQuad Tasmania also offers the

Wheelchair Sports in Schools program and the Body Safe Education Program which discusses risk taking behaviours and the prevention of spinal cord injury and physical trauma.

For more information or to get your school involved, phone Mr Faulkner on 6272 7513 or 0412 463 387, or email pdst@paraquadtas. org.au.

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