Hobart Observer February 2026

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IN THIS

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Harvesting Connections

FEBRUARY 2026

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School Essentials Appeal

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Devils fixture locked in

ESTIA TURNS 30

Thousands gathered for the 30th Estia Greek Festival, celebrating Greek culture, food and music in a milestone year powered by volunteers and strong community spirit.

FULL STORY ON PAGE 3

2026 ESTIA Greek Street Festival organisers/volunteers. Photo credit: Andy McMaster

Kathryn and her daughter Taya are both carers for Kye, their son and brother who has autism.

Through Carer Gateway’s support they were able to go on a retreat to connect with other carers in a supportive environment and take a break.

Care2Serve is the local tassie team connecting Tasmanian carers to Carer Gateway.

If you are a carer and would like help too, contact us.

Support is free, inclusive, and confidential.

Call 1800 422 737 (press 1) or visit carergateway.gov.au Without the help of Carer Gateway, life would be really difficult.

Taya & Kathryn, Carers

Marge Howrah Howrah Marge

2 Hobart Observer FEBRUARY 2026

Community News

The art of care Benjamin Jardine, CEO, The District Nurses Tasmania

When it comes to ageing well, who knows best?

The people living it, older Tasmanians, their families, and carers.

They understand what matters most: staying connected, feeling safe, and having real choices about how and where they live.

That’s why their voices must be at the heart of any aged care system that truly works.

Australia is undergoing one of the most significant changes to aged care in decades.

The Support at Home reforms, introduced following the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and

Shaping the future of aged care – together

Safety, aim to create a system that is fairer, simpler and more responsive.

These changes are designed to give older Australians greater control over their lives making it easier to access services, assistive technology and home modifications so people can stay at home longer, remain active and maintain their social and emotional wellbeing.

But reforms alone won’t make aged care better.

Listening will.

The future of care depends on the ideas and experiences of those who use it every day. Families and carers know the challenges, the gaps and the things that make life easier.

Their insights are essential to building a system that reflects real lives and delivers better services.

Here in Tasmania, we have an opportunity to lead the way.

For more than a century, The District Nurses has been part of this community, starting as a grassroots

charity built by neighbours helping neighbours.

Today, that same spirit drives us to work in partnership, not just with health professionals, but with the people who matter most: you.

This belief isn’t new to me. Earlier in my career, supporting clients with disabilities taught me a powerful principle: “Nothing about us, without us.”

That mantra applies just as strongly to aged care.

The best ideas come from the people who use services

and when we listen, we create solutions that deliver what we promise.

At The District Nurses, our role is simple: to listen, learn, and act. We believe care should be personcentred and equitable, tailored to individual needs and circumstances.

That means focusing on early intervention, supporting complex needs, and valuing each person as a whole human being, not a case number.

It also means creating

spaces where consumers, families and carers can share their ideas and shape decisions.

Together, we can make aged care in Tasmania something we’re all proud of, a system shaped by the community, for the community.

Want to have your say?

Join our Consumer Advisory Boards and help influence the future of care.

Visit www. thedistrictnurses.org.au to learn more.

Grant programs open for Tasmanian Men’s Sheds THE Tasmanian Government has opened two grant programs to support Men’s Sheds to continue to provide health and wellbeing outcomes.

Minister for Community and

Multicultural Affairs Madeleine Ogilvie said the grant programs would enable sheds to operate well into the future.

“Men’s Sheds are greatly valued throughout Tasmanian

communities as a place to connect and share,” she said.

“I am pleased to announce the Tasmanian Government’s ongoing commitment to sheds across the state through these grant programs.

“Our Government is delivering for Tasmanians by backing our Men’s Sheds to support our communities.”

The Tasmanian Men’s Shed Association Grants Program 2025-26

will fund training, health and wellbeing initiatives, tools, equipment and machinery for up to $15,000 per shed.

The Tasmanian Capital Investment Grants Program 202526 will fund sheds to

upgrade, renovate, construct, outright purchase or permanently improve the physical sheds that house Men’s Sheds across Tasmania with a funding pool of $476,000.

For more information,

guidelines and to apply visit the Department of Premier and Cabinet’s Community Grants webpage.

Applications for both grant programs close 19 February 2026.

Selfs Point upgrade hits major milestone THE Selfs Point Sewer Transformation is now more than 50 per cent complete.

The project will redefine how Hobart manages wastewater and aims to help the city keep pace with growth while delivering smarter and more sustainable infrastructure.

The deep excavation at Macquarie Point has allowed for the construction of a new pump station and kilometres of new pipeline beneath Hobart’s streets and highways.

TasWater general manager project delivery Tony Willmott said the Selfs Point Sewer Transformation Project was one of the most significant infrastructure investments in TasWater’s history.

“Reaching the 50 per cent mark is a major project milestone and is a reflection of the hard work happening on the ground every day,” he said.

“In addition to the ongoing works along the rear of the Botanical Gardens, crews have recently installed 300-metres of pipeline through the Cornelian Bay Oval area with backfilling now complete and grass seeding to follow.

“TasWater is committed to minimising disruption in this well used community space while delivering essential upgrades.”

TasWater has committed to completing the project by late 2026 and delivering on plans to provide value and reliability to every Tasmanian.

An Aerial view of the Selfs Point Sewer Transformation

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Community News

Estia Greek festival celebrates 30 years of community effort

ESTIA Greek Street Festival attendees, photo credit: Andy McMaster

2026 ESTIA Greek Street Festival organisers/volunteers. Photo credit: Andy McMaster FROM FRONT PAGE

THE 30th Estia Greek Festival brought the Tasmanian Greek community and festival goers from across the state together to celebrate Greek culture, food and music.

This year’s milestone Street Festival saw record demand and volunteers worked late to prepare additional food.

Greek community of Tasmania president Manoli Kalimnios said

the festival’s success reflected the strength of the community behind it.

“Reaching 30-years is a significant milestone and one that belongs to our community,” he said.

“Our volunteers worked tirelessly across the weekend, and their commitment is a reminder that Estia continues because people care deeply about keeping it alive.”

The Federal Street festival featured Hellenic Dancers, while festival goers lined up throughout the weekend for gyros, loukoumades, Greek sweets and BBQ octopus.

In fact, festival attendees

made queuing a part of the experience and as an opportunity to catch up and share time together.

Estia Greek Festival coordinator Alanah Duggan said the weekend captured what

makes the festival so special.

“When you hear ‘see you next Estia’ at the end of the weekend, you know the festival is doing what it’s meant to do,” she said.

The Royal Hobart Hospital in Hobart

National health agreement to boost funding for Tasmanian hospitals TASMANIA will receive increased funding for its public hospital system under the National Health Reform Agreement, following the inclusion of a small state adjustment.

The agreement is expected to deliver an additional $700 million

to Tasmania’s public hospitals over the next five years, aimed at addressing higher percapita costs associated with providing health services in a smaller jurisdiction.

Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff said the adjustment recognised

the challenges faced by smaller states, including diseconomies of scale and unavoidable operating costs.

“The agreement provides longer-term funding certainty and allows continued investment in frontline services and the health

workforce,” he said.

The small state adjustment was negotiated as part of broader national discussions between state and federal governments, with the aim of improving funding equity across jurisdictions.

Mr Rockliff said the agreement demonstrated the importance of cooperation between governments in managing shared responsibilities such as health care.

Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing Bridget

Archer said the additional funding would support access to hospital services across Tasmania.

“This funding will help support Tasmanians to access care in public hospitals and enable continued investment in essential services,” she

said.

The revised funding arrangements are intended to provide greater stability for hospital planning and service delivery, while supporting ongoing efforts to improve health outcomes statewide.

4 Hobart Observer FEBRUARY 2026

Community News

Harvesting Connections explores gardening and food production

The Swag Family en route: Andrew, Hope, Wilfy, Jeannie and Nicola

Hughes family world tour kicks off bike week TASMANIAN Bike Week has invited Woodbridge locals, the Hughes family, to share stories about their travels bike-packing across four continents for almost two years on 1 March.

The Hughes’ will

share their tips and experiences of bike packing, homeschooling, free camping, transporting bikes and challenging yourself to seek more adventure.

The Swag Family Tour talk will be held from

4:30-6pm at the Stanely Burbury Theatre and cost $10 for people aged 15 years and $5 concession.

The Bicycle Network and other cycling groups have organised activities for Tas Bike Week which will be held from 1-8

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March.

They include social rides, bicycle valet parking, information pop-ups and film nights.

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Harvesting Connections volunteer

HARVESTING Connections will host a one-day event that explores food, gardens and circular living at Kickstart Arts New Town

on 14 March.

The event will focus on how food is grown, shared and produced and will feature practical demonstrations, knowledge sharing and conversations about local food systems.

Activities will also focus on home and community food production and ways to engage with the plant nursery industry to explore plastic free gardening.

Harvesting Connections has turned its attention to ways that gardening can reduce waste and improve soil and water quality to

strengthen community resilience.

The event will be both engaging and challenging and will be hosted at a community centre that is located next door to a community garden and native plant nursery.

Harvesting Connections is seeking exhibitors, workshop facilitators and contributors and has provided the opportunity to host a stall or run a workshop.

To register your interest and explore available opportunities contact Alison at alison@ slt.org.au

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Hobart Observer FEBRUARY 2026 5

Community News

Regatta continues to make waves in Sandy Bay

A dragon boat crew compete at the Wrest Point Sandy Bay Regatta

THE Sandy Bay Regatta returned to the River Derwent foreshore on in late January, marking 178 years since the event was first held in 1849.

Recognised as the oldest continuously running regatta in the southern hemisphere, the Sandy Bay Regatta has grown from informal races between working seafarers into a major

community event that brings thousands of people to the waterfront each year.

As part of the day’s program, the City of Hobart hosted its official Citizenship Ceremony at the Regatta, where 75 people from 29 countries formally became Australian citizens.

Hobart Mayor Anna Reynolds said holding

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Curator Shayne Clarke with some of the boards on display at the Surfing Tasmania Museum. Photo credit: Simon Andrews

Kathryn and her daughter Taya are both carers for Kye, their son and brother who has autism.

Through Carer Gateway’s support they were able to go on a retreat to connect with other carers in a supportive environment and take a break.

Care2Serve is the local tassie team connecting Tasmanian carers to Carer Gateway.

If you are a carer and would like help too, contact us.

Support is free, inclusive, and confidential.

Call 1800 422 737 (press 1) or visit carergateway.gov.au Without the help of Carer Gateway, life would be really difficult.

Taya & Kathryn, Carers

Marge Howrah Howrah Marge

activity for participants and spectators.

On land, attendees enjoyed a wide range of entertainment including live music, roving performers, Blundstone boot throwing, pieeating competitions, Crazy Bikes and other family-friendly activities.

The Tasmanian Devils AFL team mascot, Rum’un, also made

appearances throughout the day.

Sandy Bay Regatta Association chair Peter Douglas said hosting the citizenship ceremony was a source of pride for organisers.

“Hosting the citizenship ceremony was something we were incredibly proud of,” he said.

“It was a meaningful

way to welcome new Australians and reflected what the Regatta stands for, community, belonging and shared celebration.

“Our aim was to put on a great day that brought people together, got kids active and encouraged families to spend time on the waterfront.”

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Surfing Tasmania has opened a new exhibition showcasing more than 60 boards, 40 shapers and celebrating more than 50 years of surfboard design, innovation and local craftsmanship across the state.

“I was honoured to share this moment with individuals and families who have chosen Hobart as their home.”

On the water, the River Derwent was once again a focal point of the event with dragon boat racing, outrigger canoeing, discover sailing sessions and the Tassal Ocean Swim providing a full day of

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the ceremony at the Regatta provided a meaningful and welcoming setting for new citizens and their families.

“Becoming an Australian citizen is a significant milestone, and hosting the ceremony at the Sandy Bay Regatta created a memorable environment,” she said.

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6 Hobart Observer FEBRUARY 2026

Community News

Helping Tasmanian children feel confident in the classroom

St Vincent de Paul case coordinator Ashley Holbrook and CEO Connie Digolis. Photo credit: Tobias Hinds

THE St Vincent de Paul Society Tasmania is calling on the community to give generously to its 2026 School Essentials Appeal, as rising backto-school costs place

increasing pressure on local families already struggling with the cost of living.

With expenses such as uniforms, shoes, backpacks and stationary

arriving all at once, many Tasmanian families are being pushed to breaking point as school expenses arrive.

St Vincent de Paul Society Tasmania chief

executive officer Connie Digolis said the School Essentials Appeal was a vital lifeline for families at one of the most financially challenging time of the year.

“Every child deserves to walk into school feeling confident, included and ready to learn,” she said.

“Too many Tasmanian children will be starting the school year without the basics because families are under enormous financial pressure.

“Our data from last year shows that as the 2025 school year began, Vinnies Tasmania saw a sharp increase in families needing help.

“This time last year over a two month period, more than 6,300 people were assisted through emergency relief with more than one-third of households being sole parents, 91 per cent relied solely on

Centrelink and around 40 per cent were living with disability.

“Parents are making impossible choices between groceries and school shoes, or paying the power bill and buying a backpack,” Ms Digolis said.

“When families come to us, they are often already stretched to the limit and back to school costs can push them into crisis.”

Many families seeking help report that school costs are the tipping point after months of rising rent, food and utility expenses.

“Through the School Essentials Appeal, Vinnies provides practical support including uniforms, shoes, backpacks, lunchboxes, stationary and assistance with school activities, helping ensure children can attend school with dignity and confidence.

“Our Members and volunteers see first-hand how much it means when a child can walk into the classroom feeling just as prepared as their peers.”

Ms Digolis said whilst Vinnies Tasmania was incredibly grateful for the generosity of donors across the community, the need for support remained high.

“Because of our supporters, hundreds of Tasmanian children have been able to start the school year prepared,” she said.

“But the cost-of-living crisis hasn’t eased and more families continue to reach out for help.

“We still need the community’s support to ensure every Tasmanian child has the opportunity to take full advantage of their education during these formative years.”

Society southern regional president Louise Wilson said demand for assistance was already

increasing as back-toschool costs begin to mount.

“Our Members work incredibly hard to create welcoming spaces where parents can access essential back-toschool items while being treated with the dignity and respect they deserve,” she said.

“Every Tasmanian child should be able to return to school feeling prepared and confident so I urge everyone to give what they can to the appeal.

Donations to the School Essentials Appeal stay in Tasmania and directly support local children and families.

To donate or learn more, visit www. vinniestas.org.au, call 13 18 12 or donate in person at any Vinnies store statewide.

Hobart was a city that valued diversity and inclusion.

“Raising the Pride flag is a symbol of our ongoing support for LGBTIQA+

communities,” she said.

“We stand alongside these communities in the continued push for equality and recognition.

“To be a genuinely inclusive city, we must

take meaningful action to remove barriers and address systemic inequity.”

The TasPride Summer Festival is Tasmania’s largest LGBTIQA+

cultural festival and has brought LGBTIQA+ community members, families, friends and allies together for a wide range of inclusive events.

Hobart Town Hall comes alive with pride

Attendees at the Hobart Town Hall pride flag raising. Photo supplied by City of Hobart

THE Pride flag has been raised at the Town Hall to mark the opening of the TasPride Summer Festival 2026.

The flag ceremony was a celebration of Hobart’s

LGBTIQA+ communities and an acknowledgement of their ongoing contributions to the cultural, social and civic life of the city.

It also recognised

many community members that continue to face discrimination and barriers to full participation.

Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said

Hobart Observer FEBRUARY 2026 7

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8 Hobart Observer FEBRUARY 2026

Community News

Bird of the Month: Tasmanian Native hen OFTEN overlooked and sometimes taken for granted, the Tasmanian Nativehen is a true local character.

Colloquially known as the “Turbochook” for its habit of sprinting at surprising speed across open ground, this bold, busy bird is one of Tasmania’s 12 endemic bird species, found nowhere else in the world.

Once feared extinct, the Nativehen made a recovery during the 20th century and is now widespread across much of Tasmania.

It thrives in lowland areas with access to fresh water and open

grasslands, where it forages in noisy, social groups.

Nativehens are opportunistic feeders, grazing on grasses, seeds and shoots, while also taking insects and other small invertebrates.

Around Hobart, Nativehens can be reliably spotted along the Hobart Rivulet, through the Waterworks Reserve and within the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens.

Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to observe their activity.

During breeding season, pairs become highly territorial and

will vigorously defend nesting areas.

Observing Nativehens responsibly by keeping dogs under control, avoiding disturbance and allowing birds to behave naturally helps protect their wellbeing.

BirdLife Australia’s ethical birdwatching guidelines provide practical advice on enjoying birds while minimising impact and can be found at birdlife.org.au.

Resilient, energetic and charismatic these local legends serve as a reminder that some of our most remarkable wildlife is hiding in plain sight.

A Tasmanian Native hen at the Hobart Rivulet. Photo credit: Simon Andrews

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Energy literacy is as easy as ABC WITH around 40 per cent of Tasmanians experiencing cost of living pressures, Aurora Energy is urging households to learn the ABCs of energy literacy and take control of their energy costs.

Aurora Energy CEO, Nigel Clark, said education is critical to ensuring Tasmanians are empowered to make good energy

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10 Hobart Observer FEBRUARY 2026

Community News

Abebea’s Kika

AN excellent winter warmer, this split pea dish is very easy to prepare, and full of the goodness of fresh ginger. It can be thinned a little and eaten as a soup, or kept thick and eaten with steamed rice or injera, the sour soft bread of Eritrea and Ethiopia, and some steamed broccoli or green

beans.

Abebea Berakhi came to Australia in March 2017 as a refugee, after spending many years in a refugee camp in Sudan following her escape from Eritrea. Starting a new life in Tasmania was not easy. She faced many challenges, including limited work experience

Migrant Resource Centre member Abebea

and English skills, despite being a wonderful cook.

In 2019 Abebea began working in the Migrant Resource Centre Tasmania (MRC Tas) Kitchen. This job helped her regain confidence and feel proud of her abilities.

Drawing on her life experiences, she shared ideas for healthy cooking and was encouraged to create new dishes. Over two years, she contributed more than 20 recipes.

Abebea now runs her own catering company, Mama Abebea making delicious Eritrean food.

This is the second in a series of recipes by the Migrant Resource Centre Tasmania (MRC Tas), sharing healthy cooking from diverse cultural backgrounds. The recipes were developed through the Multicultural Kitchen program, funded by Healthy Tasmania.

MRC Tas is a not-forprofit organisation that supports and empowers migrants and refugees to build fulfilling lives in Tasmania.

A love letter to Tasmanian produce

(Second-right) Callington Mill Hobart Whisky Lounge and Dining Room head chef Louise Tanguio with his staff (L-R) Lahyun Park, Sebastian Ferro and Jessie Wu

A VALENTINE’S Day dining experience at Hobart’s MACq 01 is set to showcase Tasmania’s produce through a menu shaped by collaboration, creativity and a deep respect for local ingredients.

Callington Mill Distillery head chef Louise Tanguio said the special Valentine’s Day event was designed as a love letter to Tasmania, blending local produce with the diverse cultural backgrounds of the kitchen team.

Mr Tanguio moved to Hobart from Sydney in mid-2025, bringing with him experience from Japanese fine dining and an international career that included time working

in Tokyo.

Since arriving, he said Tasmania’s food culture had exceeded expectations.

“For me, Tasmania is a world-class culinary destination,” he said.

“So much of the produce we use on the mainland comes from here and now I get everything directly from the producers.”

That direct relationship with growers and makers shapes the menu at Callington Mill, with ingredients sourced from across the state, from beef and dairy to mushrooms, herbs and wasabi.

While the approach requires extra work behind the scenes, Mr Tanguio said

the results were worth it.

“We’re not trying to reinvent the produce,” he said.

“We’re just curators of what’s already amazing, presenting it to guests in a way that feels exciting and familiar at the same time.”

The Valentine’s menu reflects that philosophy, pairing Tasmanian ingredients with techniques and flavours drawn from the team’s mixed heritage, including Filipino, Japanese, Italian, Chinese and Korean influences.

As part of the experience, diners can also choose to complement the menu with Callington Mill’s Single Malt

YELLOW SPLIT PEAS

Whisky Tasting Flight, offering a guided exploration of Tasmanian whisky styles designed to pair with the seasonal dishes.

Mr Tanguio said the culture in the kitchen was equally important.

“If you want to serve ethical food, you have to treat your people ethically too,” he said.

“Our food carries our values and guests can feel that.”

The Valentine’s Day event will be held at Callington Mill’s waterfront venue at MACq 01. For more information and bookings visit callingtonmilldistillery. com.

ABEBEA

MAMA ABEBEA

WITH GINGER AND ONION SERVES 6 INGREDIENTS: • 2 cups yellow split peas • ¼ cup neutral vegetable oil/ canola oil • 3 medium brown onions, finely diced • 1 ‘thumb’ - approx. 50g fresh ginger, peeled and very finely minced • 3 cloves garlic, peeled and very finely minced • ½ teaspoon turmeric powder • A little salt to taste Method: Wash the split peas in fresh cold water, picking out any discoloured peas or debris.

Meanwhile, heat the oil in a heavy based pan and sauté the onions on a med – low heat until translucent. Add the garlic and ginger, cook for one minute until fragrant, then add the turmeric. Cook for another 10 minutes, covered, adding a little water if needed to stop the spices from catching on the pan.

Add the split peas and enough of the cooking liquid to make a soup-like consistency, season with salt and cook gently for 10 minutes.

Taste for salt and adjust if necessary.

Serve with chopped pickled chillies and some fresh herbs. Coriander is a great garnish.

Place in a large pot with plenty of water to cover, and bring to the boil, then simmer until the peas are tender, about 30 – 40 minutes.

Tuesday

Monday

6am: Monday Breakfast with Brett Marley. 9am: Monday Music Mix with Mandi Bennett.

Midday: Lunchtime Classics with Rick Rae. 2pm: Music Of Your Life with Suzi Hodgkinson. 4pm:

Reeling in the Years with Dave Batchelor. 6pm: Glenn’s Country with Glenn Gillie. 8pm: Classic Ride with Melvin Freestone.

10pm: Double Or Nothing with Willie Jackson. Midnight: Music of Your Life Overnight.

6am: Wake Up with Kaye Payne. 9am: Bringing Back the Memories with David Carr.

Midday: Beat & Ballads with Phil Williams. 2pm: Music Of Your Life with Rebecca Rupel.

4pm: Tuesday Drive with John ‘The Catman’ 6pm: Escape with Margs 8pm: The Late Late Show with Beau Downham. Midnight: Music of Your Life Overnight.

Wednesday

6am: Wednesday Breakfast with John Evans. 9am: Bright and Breezy Mix with Kath. Midday: Music of Your Life with Frank

McIvor. 2pm: Music of Your Life Handpicked with Ron Andersen.

4pm: The Johnny Dallas Revival Show with Johnny Dallas. 6pm: Wednesday Night Jukebox with Robbo. 8pm: Country Jukebox with Russell Hevey / Bob Hevey.

10pm: Wednesday Night with Michael Holloway. Midnight: Music of Your Life Overnight.

Thursday

6am: Thursday Breakfast with Craig Cracknell. 9am: Magic Music Mix with Tom Payne.

Midday: From The 40s to The 00s with Robyn Guy. 2pm: The Music Of Your Life with Kenny

White. 4pm: Thursday Drive with Luca Forest. 6pm: The Serbian Program with Alek Djeric. 7pm: Mandarin and Cantonese. 8pm: Hobart FM Jazz. 10pm: Greek.

Midnight: Music of Your Life Overnight.

Friday

6am: Rise & Shine with Ria Walter. 9am: Songs & Stories with Brian Corr. Midday: Music of Your Life with Karina Ceron.

2pm: My Favourite Music with Judi Forsyth. 4pm: Friday Drive with Peter Johnston. 6pm: Good Times Rollin’ with Bob Hevey / Russell Hevey. 9pm: Rockin’ On

with Ray Kemp. Midnight: Music Of Your Life Overnight with Craig Cracknell.

Saturday

6am: Saturday Breakfast with Chris Burrows. 9am: Polish with Bogdan Piteri. 10am: Croatian with Jelena Cupac. 11am: Greek Program. Midday: World Music with Amanda Sims. 2pm: Music of Your Life with Amanda Sims. 3pm: Music of Your Life with Various Presenters. 6pm: Kickback with Kenny White.

9pm: Kaleidoscope with Danny Sherrin Midnight: Music of Your Life Overnight.

Sunday

6am: Sunday Breakfast with Ian Campbell. 9am: German Program with Karina Ceron.

10am: Spanish Program.

11am: The Irish Show with Brian Corr. Midday: Italian Program with Vic Ferri. 1pm: Nepalese Program with Subin.

2pm: Dove C’e Musica Italiana.

3pm: Music Of Your Life with Tony Geeves. 6pm: Music of Your Life with Craig Cracknell.

8pm: Sunday Night with Serge.

Midnight: Music of Your Life Overnight.

Hobart Observer FEBRUARY 2026 11

AAFINANCIAL FINANCIAL MOMENT MOMENT

Community News

Gathering for Grief invites community to share, reflect and connect

PALLIATIVE Care Tasmania has launched Gathering for Grief, a new half-day community event designed to acknowledge grief and loss and create space for open, compassionate conversation.

The event is an innovative health promotion initiative that aims to empower communities to better support one another through grief, recognising that loss touches people in many different ways and at many stages of life.

In a culture where grief is often hidden or rushed,

Gathering for Grief seeks to gently shift the narrative by rebuilding the role of community in responding to loss.

The event encourages connection, understanding and shared learning, helping reduce isolation at a time when support matters most.

Participants can expect a welcoming and inclusive environment featuring music, creative expression and opportunities for both personal and collective reflection.

Shared meals and facilitated conversations

will provide space for people to listen, learn and connect, whether they are experiencing grief themselves, supporting someone else or simply wanting to better understand how grief affects individuals and communities.

While the event is not intended to provide individual therapeutic support, Palliative Care Tasmania has worked closely with health and community services specialising in grief and loss.

These organisations

will attend as guides, offering resources, practical insights and pathways to further support where needed.

Gathering for Grief is free and open to everyone, reflecting a commitment to accessibility and community care.

Through creativity, conversation and compassion, the event offers a chance to honour loss, share stories and strengthen the connections that help communities heal together.

Consultation underway for Macquarie Point Northern Access Road

Concept designs for the Macquarie Point Northern Access Road

CONSULTATION is open for the Northern Access Road, with the Tasmanian Government today putting the call out for submissions.

Draft concept designs propose a new road extending from the Tasman Highway/McVilly Drive interchange and curving around the northeastern edge of the Cenotaph.

Minister for

Infrastructure and Transport Kerry Vincent said this was a critical project supporting the Port of Hobart and the future of the Macquarie Point Precinct.

“The Northern Access Road delivers a new northern entry point to the Port of Hobart and the future Antarctic precinct, as well as paving the way to deliver our stadium,” he said.

“Importantly, the design includes a dedicated bus plaza to enable public transport operations during major events ensuring they run smoothly.

“The project team is currently engaging with key stakeholders to understand existing site uses, understand their concerns and look at ways to minimise impacts and improve serviceability.

“I also want to encourage the broader community for their input. The feedback will play a vital role in shaping the detailed design phase.”

Consultation closes on Sunday 22 February 2026.

To view the concept designs and for more information visit www. engage.stategrowth.tas. gov.au

Checklists to help through life Hank Jongen, General Manager, Services Australia HELLO everyone.

As you go through life, you’ll face different challenges. Things could happen that you might not be ready for or you may need some extra help.

The myGov checklists help you to work through important tasks you may need to complete during these times.

What is myGov? myGov is a simple and secure way to access government services online in one place. By creating a myGov account, you can link to services like Medicare, Centrelink and the Australian Taxation Office, among others.

With a myGov account, you can: • get messages sent to your secure myGov Inbox • manage your personal details • use secure sign in options—like Digital ID or a passkey • access your online accounts overseas • use the official myGov app for fast and easy access to your account on your mobile device.

The myGov website— my.gov.au—also has information about the help available to support you through different stages of life so you don’t need to know which

agency delivers the help you need. myGov checklists The myGov website has a range of checklists with useful tips and information for every stage of life - from the birth of your baby, getting ready for school, all the way through to end of life planning.

This is more than just information about eligibility for Centrelink payments. The checklists bring together information from state and territory agencies and the Australian Government to provide practical information to help you through life’s big events.

You can search the myGov website to look for checklists that cover: • Before your baby arrives • When your baby arrives • As your baby grows • Toddlers and preschoolers • Primary school children • Raising a teenager • Preparing for adult life • Recently unemployed • Death of someone close to you • Planning for the end of your life.

The checklists may help answer questions you might not have even known to ask. The lists also refer you to other services and support,

including medical information and help with mental health.

Do you need help understanding childcare or outside hours school care?

Are you entering the workforce for the first time and need to choose a super fund? Are you thinking of getting a will, or working out how to make sure your super goes to who you want it to?

The checklists can help with each of these topics and more.

Other support myGov may help you make savings with your utilities and rates. If you search ‘Managing Bills’ on the website, you can find out if your eligible for state and territory support. You can also find tips to reduce the energy bills and how much energy you use.

If you’re thinking of travelling overseas, myGov has information to help you as well.

You can find information and resources if you’re planning a trip, are already overseas, or you’ve returned to Australia.

There’re also safety tips while you’re travelling around the country.

Go to my.gov.au and search ‘travelling’ to find out more.

Until next time.

12 Hobart Observer FEBRUARY 2026

PET TALK

BY

PUPPY PARKING NEEDS YOU!

.COM.AU

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Every Saturday morning, on the beautiful Parliament Lawns at Salamanca Market, something special happens for both dogs and the community. Puppy Parking — a joint initiative between RSPCA Tasmania and the Salamanca Market team — provides a safe, supervised space for pups (dogs of all breeds and ages) while pup parents explore one of Hobart’s most loved markets.

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READ HER STORY

Puppy Parking is so much more than pup sitting.

It’s a weekly face-to-face community engagement hub where locals and visitors from across Tasmania, Australia and even around the world stop to chat with our team about animal welfare, responsible pet care and the many programs RSPCA Tasmania delivers. It’s never boring — one moment you might be caring for a local regular, the next meeting a pup visiting from interstate!

We’re currently looking for friendly, reliable volunteers who love dogs, enjoy meeting people, and can commit to at least one Saturday per month for around four hours. Puppy Parking runs in all weather, so rain or shine, our volunteers are there making a difference.

In return, volunteers gain valuable experience with pups, people and our organisation, build new friendships, experience improved wellbeing, and the rewarding feeling of giving to animals and our local community — all while supporting a trusted, long-standing organisation at the heart of animal welfare in Tasmania.

If you’re over 18, based in the greater Hobart area, and keen to be part of a fun, meaningful and specialised team, we’d love to hear from you, we’re a friendly bunch, and we’d love to welcome you to the Puppy Parking family!

To keep this much-loved service running, we rely heavily on a small team of dedicated volunteers which means the number of dogs we can welcome depends entirely on how many volunteers we have supporting this service on the

YOUR FIRST STEP IS SIMPLE — VISIT WWW.RSPCATAS.ORG.AU/ BECOME-A-VOLUNTEER/ OR CALL US ON 03 6709 8100.

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For a $10 donation, pups enjoy fresh water, comfy mats, shade, and plenty of attention from RSPCA Tasmania staff and volunteers for up to two hours. Not only does this give pups a wonderful social day out, but every dollar raised goes directly back into RSPCA Tasmania’s vital work preventing cruelty and rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals in need.

day. When we’re short on hands, pups miss out, pup parents miss out — and so does our fundraising and community outreach.

DELL M

SEE IT. REPORT IT. CALL 1300 139 947 OR EMAIL reportit@rspcatas.org.au

Hobart Observer FEBRUARY 2026 13

Every cat has a story.

Are you part of it?

ADOPT

Adoption is the only option!

Find your purr-fect match at Ten Lives! Every cat comes desexed, microchipped, vaccinated, and ready to fill your life with love, cuddles and plenty of purrsonality!

Every cat has a story.

Are you part of it?

DONATE

Your help means hope for kitties in need.

Ten Lives is a not-for-profit local animal charity, sustained by fundraising initiatives like our op shops, along with the continued support of the wider community.

Ten Lives CEO Noel Hunt holding Spot with Flopsy on the cat tree

Fostering forever homes YOU may have seen our recent callout on the news urgently asking for more volunteers and foster carers. If you did, you would have seen Spot and Flopsy, two kittens from different litters, become little stars on the tv.

Every year, kitten season brings a surge of cats and kittens through the doors of the Ten Lives Cat Centre.

This summer has been no exception.

Over the past couple of months, the Centre has seen an influx, with 10-20 kitties arriving every day.

That’s why Ten Lives urgently needs more volunteers and foster carers to help right now.

In the middle of January, local news crews visited the shelter to spread the word.

Cameras rolled, and that’s how Spot and Flopsy ended up on the news.

But they are part of a much bigger story that highlights the work that goes on behind the scenes.

Along the way, different volunteer roles helped Spot and Flopsy grow, thrive and find their forever homes.

Spot, an adorable black kitten, was born at the Centre alongside his sibling Smudge.

Flopsy, a white tabby, came in as a tiny neonate with her siblings Mopsy, Cottontail and Peter, all named after Peter Rabbit characters.

When Spot and Flopsy first arrived, they were welcomed by the team at the front reception desk.

This team ensures cats, kittens and foster carers are supported from the moment they walk through the door.

They keep appointments running smoothly, answer questions and process incoming kitties.

One of the volunteer roles here is the foster support assistant, who greets people, gathers supplies and tidies the area.

Spot and Flopsy then headed into their own foster

homes, where they were looked after by dedicated foster carers.

Foster care is a vital part of what Ten Lives does.

A calm home environment helps shy cats build confidence, gives kittens space to grow and play and provides the perfect setting for recovery after surgery or illness.

Every foster carer receives professional training, along with all the supplies they need.

Even short-term fostering makes an enormous difference, and each placement is carefully matched to suit the carer’s household and experience.

It was in foster care that Spot and Flopsy’s purrsonalities began to shine!

Spot is an easy-going little fellow with a gentle nature.

He loves pats and cuddles and has a playful curiosity.

Flopsy is a sassy sweetheart.

An affectionate cuddler who adores playing with jingly balls and can be

adorably protective of her favourite boxes and tunnels.

While in foster care, both kittens returned to Ten Lives regularly for veterinary check-ups to ensure they were healthy and receiving any treatment they needed.

Being a vet team assistant is a great hands-on learning experience for those who have a qualification or working towards one in Animal Care or Veterinary Nursing.

Once Spot and Flopsy were old enough and ready, they moved into the adoption area to begin their search for forever homes.

This is where the animal care team step in, helping with daily care such as feeding, cleaning kennels, laundry, washing litter trays and restocking supplies.

Once essential tasks are completed, they can give enrichment and companionship to the cats, helping them feel comfortable in their spaces.

Of course, every kitten needs their moment in

the spotlight. The creative team, made up of volunteer photographers, writers, designers and social media contributors, make sure each cat is presented at their best.

Those adorable photos and stories help potential adopters fall in love before they even walk through the door.

Soon after their tv fame, both Spot and Flopsy found their forever homes. The final step of their journey was guided by the team in the adoption rooms, who match kitties with the right families.

From the moment they arrived to when they were adopted, Spot and Flopsy’s journey show that every volunteer plays a part in a cat’s story.

There are so many ways that you too can be involved.

Find out more about volunteering, foster caring and other ways you can help by visiting our website at www.tenlives.com.au

Every cat has a story.

Are you part of it?

FOSTER

Open your heart and your home!

Our foster care program plays an essential role in preparing kitties for their forever homes. You don’t have to foster full-time — a short stay can make a big difference!

Every cat has a story.

Are you part of it?

VOLUNTEER

Join us to make a real impact.

Volunteering at Ten Lives is a rewarding way to make a real difference for cats and kittens — and be an important part of their journey to loving forever homes.

14 Hobart Observer FEBRUARY 2026

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Hobart Observer FEBRUARY 2026 15

Sport

Winter sports applications open

North Hobart Oval. Photo supplied by City of Hobart

SPORTING clubs across Hobart are being encouraged to start planning for the winter season, with applications now open to hire City of Hobart sportsgrounds and facilities.

Clubs and associations

intending to compete during the 2026 winter season have until Friday 27 February to submit their applications.

The winter season will run from 1 April to 30 September 2026.

The City of

Hobart manages 19 sportsgrounds and sporting facilities across the municipality, catering for a wide range of winter sports including football, soccer, hockey and other field-based competitions.

Information about available sportsgrounds, conditions of hire and the application process is available through the City of Hobart website.

Clubs are encouraged to review the Conditions of Hire carefully before

submitting their applications.

Sporting clubs can also subscribe to the City’s sportsground mailing list to receive updates throughout the year, including notifications about ground closures,

seasonal bookings, and education and development opportunities relevant to clubs and volunteers.

Council has encouraged clubs to submit applications early to assist with

Helping older Tasmanians get active

The Tasmanian Devils Footbal Club VFL Womens side during a training session

Devils First VFL Game Locked In THE Tasmanian Devils will create history on 21 March when the team plays Coburg at North Hobart Oval.

The season opener will see the Devils celebrate their first ever game as the Tasmania Football Club and will see VFL football return to Tasmania for the first time since 2008.

The club’s head of football operations Aaron Pidgeon said the first game would be a thrill for athletes and fans.

“We are looking

forward to welcoming Coburg to Tasmania and putting on a great display for those in attendance,” he said.

“Throughout the season we will be playing games across the south, north and north-west of Tasmania.

“We encourage all Devils’ members to lock 21 March in their diaries and come along to show their support for this historic moment.”

Coach Jeromey Webberley said he had solid expectations

about VFL entry and was looking forward to a competitive season.

“We cannot wait to play and our first game fixtured in Tasmania provides great excitement to the playing group,” he said.

“Our season opener against Coburg in Tassie will give us a good indication of where we are at.”

Tickets for the first VFL game will go onsale on 10 March, and 2026 members will be given first access to purchase tickets.

Members of the South Hobart Pickleball Club

seasonal planning and allocation of grounds, particularly during periods of high demand.

Further details and application information can be found at hobartcity.com.au THE Ticket to Wellbeing program that supports older Tasmanians get active by reducing the cost of sport has opened for new applications.

The program includes a $100 voucher available for eligible older Tasmanians which has aimed to help with the cost of active recreation or sport registration.

Minister for Sport Nick Duigan said the second round of the program followed its October success which saw all available vouchers exhausted within a few days.

“Many recipients have said how beneficial the financial support can be, helping them stay connected to a sport that they love,” he said.

“The program has more than 300 activities registered and is continuing to grow and eligible older Tasmanians can use the voucher across many different areas including golf, lawn bowls, tennis, croquet and tai chi.”

Eligible Tasmanians 65 years and over with a valid Services Australia Health Care or Pensioner Concession Card can apply for a voucher to help them get active locally.

For more information and to apply visit www. tickettowellbeing.tas.gov. au or present an application form in person at some Serve Tasmania sites.

OBSERVER SPORT

16 Hobart Observer FEBRUARY 2026

Organisers at the 2025 Tasmanian Pickleball Championships. Photo credit: Keiko Dalby

Tasmanian Pickleball Championships return to Hobart THE ID Clothing Tasmanian Pickleball Championships 2026 will be held in Hobart from 6 to 8 February, bringing together more than 450 players from Tasmania, interstate and overseas.

The three-day event will take place at the Hobart Netball and Sports Centre in New Town, using 32 courts split between indoor and outdoor play.

Players aged between 12 and 87 are registered

to compete across singles, skinny singles, gender doubles and mixed doubles.

Tasmanian player Ange Green will feature in both singles and doubles events.

Green represented

Australia at an international pickleball tournament in the United States last year, where she won one gold and two silver medals.

Green said returning to compete in Tasmania was significant.

“This event means a lot to me, as it was the first pickleball tournament I ever played in,” she said.

“Coming back to the Tasmanian Championships is a chance to reflect on my

journey and share the experience with others.”

Organisers said entries for the championships had increased by almost 40 per cent compared to previous years, reflecting the sport’s rapid growth.

More than 50,000

individual pickleball games were played in Tasmania over the past 12 months, placing increased demand on facilities across the state.

Matches will begin daily from 8am with free entry for spectators.

More community access to school sporting facilities THE Tasmanian Government is swinging open school gates after hours to give students and local communities access to modern playgrounds, ovals, and indoor and outdoor sports courts.

Minister for Education Jo Palmer said the government was committed to making school facilities more accessible to the wider community and ensuring upgraded sites are actively promoted for shared use.

“School sports courts are an essential

part of every school.

They offer students a safe place to be active, develop skills, and, most importantly, have fun with their friends,” she said.

“School playgrounds are also important to our local communities.

“We know that many families enjoy visiting school playgrounds outside of school hours for fun and fitness.”

The Tasmanian Government is supporting the strong demand for facilities by investing $10 million into the Playground and Sports Court

Upgrade Program.

More than 100 schools and child and family learning centres will be upgraded over the next five years, delivering improved facilities for our schools and broader community.

The program is already progressing at several schools, with projects underway for Elizabeth College, New Norfolk Primary School, Newstead College and Rosny College.

Minister for Sport Nick Duigan, said across schools and

Child and Family Learning Centres, there were hundreds of sports courts and playgrounds that communities could make use of.

“Sport brings communities together and schools are central hubs within a community,” he said.

“We know there is strong demand for sports courts across the state and schools are playing an important role in increasing access to facilities for Tasmanians.”

Elizabeth College in North Hobart