The Hobart / Launceston Magazine September 2025

JAMES CUDA

HOW TASSIE TECH BOSS GREW HIS COMPANY FROM HOBART’S OLD BEACH TO WORLD STAGE

STEEPED IN TRADITION: JOANNE GAO SHARES HER TASMANIAN TEA JOURNEY

1282 GARDENS RD, THE GARDENS 7216

Spring is here! Milder days, buzzing bees, blooming flowers - we’re so ready to enjoy three glorious months of it.

Being the season of rebirth and renewal, it’s apt that we feature the man behind the iPad illustration app Procreate, James Cuda. He’s the CEO and co-founder of Savage Interactive, a software development company best known for creating the app, which is used by millions around the globe. He explains the joys and challenges of building a tech company in Tassie and shares an update on their move into new HQ on Collins Street in Hobart.

MAGAZINE

Also in this edition: meet some fascinating local people, enjoy loads of community and sport news, plus exciting new openings, and a full month’s worth of events from all around the state.

We love hearing from our readers, so reach out at editor@thehobartmagazine.com.au if you have any feedback, questions, ideas or just want to say ‘sup.

All the best, Steph, James and The Hobart/ Launceston Magazine team

Publisher Stephanie Williams editor@thehobartmagazine.com.au

Advertising advertise@thehobartmagazine.com.au 03 6295 3742

Cover main image: James Cuda. Pic: Supplied Inset image: Joanne Gao.

Publisher Information: While all care has been taken, some information may have changed since publication. The Hobart/Launceston Magazine regrets it can’t accept liabilities from errors or omissions contained in this magazine. The publisher reserves the right to refuse, withdraw or amend all advertisements without explanation. Reproduction in whole or part without permission is prohibited. The views expressed in articles and advertisements are not endorsed by the editor or publishers. We welcome any questions, feedback or submissions, email editor@thehobartmagazine.com.au, or drop us a line at PO Box 315, South Hobart, TAS, 7004.

The Hobart/Launceston Magazine acknowledges the Tasmanian Aboriginal People as the Traditional Owners and ongoing custodians of Lutruwita/Tasmania. We pay our respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and to their Elders past, present and emerging. www.thehobartmagazine.com.au

CLARENCE PRIZE

SAM ROUTLEDGE

Terrapin Puppet Theatre is a Tasmanian theatre company known for their detailed and bright puppetry shows. Sam Routledge has been their Artistic Director since 2012, and is gearing up for a new Tasmanian tour of Feathers.

Where did you grow up and where do you live now? I spent my early childhood in Scotland but grew up in Goulburn, south west of Sydney.

What did your journey to Artistic Director look like? Before stepping into the role, I had created and co-created a number of independent works that found national and international success. At the same time, I was completing an apprenticeship of sorts, by working as a puppeteer with leading directors in Australia and overseas.

How has Terrapin changed in your time with them? Terrapin has grown significantly over the past 12 years. We are now positioned within the same funding framework as Sydney Theatre Company and the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra, all the while staying true to our roots in touring to Tasmanian schools and reaching as many Tasmanians as possible. That has included performances in aged care settings, the creation of Rum’un for the Tasmania Football Club, and co-designing a work with Tasmanian young people in response to the Commission of Inquiry. Terrapin offers enormous public value to Tasmania and Tasmanians and I'm always excited about being able to get that message out.

Feathers is about to begin its Tasmanian theatres tour. What does the creative journey of a work from ideation to stage look like? We’re now developing work with writers where we look at the story together and decide the best way for puppetry to tell it. The writer then creates the dialogue with this in mind, so the puppets can carry as much of the storytelling as possible, with the words

supporting that. We followed this process with Feathers, where Jem Nicholas, the actor who plays Maude, a birdwatcher, also performs the voices for all the bird characters. Quite a feat! For puppetry to be at its best, the story needs to feature non-human characters that resonate with children. Also, we really like comedy.

What do you want audiences to leave with from Feathers? Birds are amazing (and so are ferrets). Feathers tells the story of a feathery-tailed ferret, on a search for belonging, something that I feel can resonate with everyone. I hope audiences leave with an understanding that being yourself is the version of you that we all want to know.

What has the role of sustainability played? The puppet making team was able to use a lot of salvaged materials in both the set and the puppets, materials that might otherwise have ended up in landfill. Because our theatre productions are designed to tour schools, everything also has to be built as light and as tourable as possible. That means reducing weight and volume so that when we tour, even overseas, we’re lowering our carbon footprint. Puppet designer and lead maker, Bryony Anderson, brings a really thoughtful sustainability practice to the process. Each character was shaped by the salvaged material it was made from: lacy fascinator fabrics became the Lyrebird, activewear suited the Ferret, and tent fabric which is lightweight, durable, and often discarded, formed the basis of Patsy the Owl.

What’s one thing about your job you wish more people knew? One of the best things about the job is working with extraordinary artists, whether they be performers, designers, or sound designers. I think it’s the deeply collaborative way theatre makers work—being able to think laterally, listen, compromise, and achieve

a great result—that can be applied to other sectors where all such things are needed.

Who do you admire?

David Attenborough, obviously.

Favourite podcast or tv show?

Desert Island Discs.

Secret vice?

Going hunting for pop music on CD. There’s a lot out there second hand!

What are you reading now?

The Rain Heron by Robbie Arnott.

Do you have any pets?

Yes. Ricky the standard poodle.

What was your first job?

Labourer with my Dad, putting up guardrail.

What are your daily news/social media habits? I listen to ABC Hobart Breakfast and Mornings, FontCast and I read The Hobart / Launceston Magazine, The Mercury, and Apple News

Your favourite place for…

Breakfast: Room for a Pony. Lunch: Machine Laundry Cafe. Dinner: Taste of Malaysia.

Dream holiday destination? The Kimberleys.

Favourite Tasmanian secret? Knocklofty – that’s not very secret but such a great spot!

Sam Routledge. Pic: Hannah Todd

Quality

Dr Martyn Sweet (Principal Dentist)

Dr Emma Grubb

Dr Justin Huang

Dr Ian Gurner

Dr Martin Rose

Dr Johanna Hull

Hannah Colantoni (Oral Health Therapist)

JOANNE GAO

When Joanne moved to Hobart from China, she brought her love for tea with her. And she’s passionate about sharing that love with the community through A Moment of Tea, her tea bar in Salamanca Arts Centre.

Where did you grow up and where do you live now? I was born in Yichang, China, a beautiful city that sits along the middle reaches of the Yangzi River. And also a tea-growing region for over a thousand years - the local Enshi Yulu green tea actually dates back to the Tang Dynasty. You could say I was literally born into tea country! After finishing school, I moved to Beijing for university, and now I call Hobart home.

How did your love for tea begin? Growing up, my mum always started her day with green tea, and every visit to friends began with putting the kettle on. Tea was everywhere, but I never actually drank it myself. After university, I worked in a cultural tourism company, travelling across China to understand local customs. That’s when I noticed how different each region’s tea was - completely unique stories and styles everywhere. Then came one afternoon in 2014 that changed everything. I tried five different green teas at a tasting event, and this incredible sweet aftertaste developed and lasted for two whole days! I’d never experienced anything like it. That’s when I knew I had to understand what had just happened. I found Ms. Xiao at the Lian Yu School in Beijing and dove deep into tea’s history, tea ceremony and cultural significance.

What is it you love about making tea? It’s the ritual of slowing down in a world that never stops. When I warm the teapot and watch the leaves unfurl in hot water, releasing their colours and aromas, something shifts inside me. The steam rises, carrying away the day’s tensions. It’s like pressing pause on life’s chaos. In Beijing’s relentless pace, those ten minutes at my tea table became sacred.

Tell us about A Moment of Tea. We focus on single-origin loose leaf teas, carefully cultivated, hand-picked, and crafted for quality that rewards multiple infusions. Most come from China and Japan, but we’ve discovered something special here in Tasmania. As we’ve settled into local life, I’ve found that many Tasmanian plants blend beautifully with our traditional teas. Our Tasmanian Lavender Puerh just won first place in the blended tea category at the 2025 Royal Tasmanian Fine Food Awards. We tested lavender from different farms with puerh from various regions until we found the perfect match.

Do you have different favourite teas for different moments? That’s a great question. Although all tea comes from camellia sinensis, different processing creates completely different benefits. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, each tea type has distinct properties, so I choose based on season, time of day, and how I’m feeling. This is actually really important - the wrong tea can work against you. Many women get stomach pain from green tea because it’s cooling and can be harsh on sensitive stomachs. Green tea works beautifully on summer mornings, but might not suit everyone year-round. A warming oolong or aged puerh might be better for winter afternoons. The best approach? Listen to your body. Notice how you feel after drinking different teas. And of course, come visit us in the shop. We love helping people find their perfect match!

What’s something about tea you wish more people knew? I think after a busy day, everyone deserves a moment to treat their senses like a little spa for your taste buds and body. That’s exactly what a good specialty tea can give you. When you find the right tea, the aroma alone starts unwinding your day, and each sip becomes this gentle reset. It’s such a simple luxury that can genuinely change how you end each day.

Favourite podcast or tv show?

I’m secretly obsessed with MasterChef Australia

Secret vice? Going to different op shops or vintage shops, maybe find some lovely vintage tea wares.

What are you reading now? Living Untethered by Michael A. Singer.

What was your first job? Itinerary designer creating cultural travel routes around China.

What are your daily news/social media habits? ABC News.

Your favourite place for…

Breakfast: Mount Nelson Signal Station Restaurant (editor’s note: it appears this has now closed).

Lunch: Imago Cafe & Bakery.

Dinner: The Source.

Dream holiday destination? Spain, because of Gaudi’s architecture.

Favourite Tasmanian secret? Hartz Mountain.

Joanne at Beijing Lian Yu School

Joanne hosting a tea ceremony

NEW NEW NEW

Mountain Culture Hobart Taproom (105 Murray Street, Hobart) has taken over the Fox Friday space. This is the Blue Mountains brewery’s first taproom in Tasmania. Expect all of their beers on tap, plus burgers and hot dogs to fill the belly. On Glenorchy's Main Road in the block opposite Hungry Jack’s, where Dave’s Noodles and Lounge & Blade currently operate, it looks like three new food ventures are coming soon. Signage is up - Hobart burger joint The Standard are opening their second restaurant, same with New Norfolk pizza place Viva Italia Pizzeria, plus a new restaurant Smashboy, which promises smash burgers, fries, and shakes according to its signage. Saigon Express Sandy Bay (Shop 4, 236 Sandy Bay Road, Sandy Bay) is opening this month, in what will be their sixth restaurant in Greater Hobart. They serve up Vietnamese flavours with hot pho, fragrant broken rice, fresh spring rolls, and more. Devonport, it’s time to satisfy your sweet tooth at Salem’s Sweets (Shop 3, 42 Rooke Street, Devonport), a new family owned business stocking a variety of sweet treats, jerky, chips, chocolates and sauces from Tasmania

and all over the world. Located on the remote and rugged Flinders Island, Furneaux Distillery (1 Sawyers Bay Road, Emita) is a distillery producing premium single malt whisky, gin, and small-batch experimental spirits. They’ve recently opened their new permanent home for tastings and tours — it’s a nice spot to sit and enjoy the serene surroundings. Dan Murphy’s Sandy Bay (259 Sandy Bay Road, Sandy Bay) has opened up in the former Shiploads building for all those who celebrate wine time and beer o’clock. Expect their usual extensive range of stock. Just up the road from Cellarbrations and not far from 9/11 Bottleshop and Liquorland. Sandy Bay, are you okay?

Residents in Sorell and surrounds can also get their grog on at the newly-opened Thirsty Camel Dodges Ferry (3/58 Carlton Beach Road, Dodges Ferry). It’s open until 7:30pm most nights except Sunday, when it’s 7pm. In news that could prove financially disastrous for Tasmanian LEGO enthusiasts, the toy giant has announced its opening the first official Hobart LEGO store. The exact location in Elizabeth Street is still under wraps, with the store expected to open in October, just in time for the start of the Christmas shopping season. At 330 square metres, it will be one of the largest LEGO stores

FIX YOUR CAT AT BONORONG

Move aside wombats and Tassie devils, Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary can now fix your cat. The cat desexing program called Feline Fix took more than a year and a half of planning to come to life. This service is available for cat welfare organisations and has been operating off-site since 2023, but now has its own dedicated space at Bonorong. This work limits the number of feral and unwanted cats roaming Tasmania’s countryside. The cat featured in the photo is Lily and was adopted by Bonorong’s CEO on the first day.

in Australia. Fans can look forward to a ‘Pick and Build’ wall, stations to design custom minifigures, and special displays featuring iconic Tasmanian landmarks and native wildlife. Used and vintage guitar shop Topshelf Instruments (113 Harrington Street, Hobart) has reopened after moving away from their Collins Street site. They can accommodate all of your guitar needs. City centre hotel Crowne Plaza Hobart (110 Liverpool Street, Hobart) has opened up a new event space, if you’re looking to hold an event in style. Sweetie Nails & Beauty (Shop 8, 1 Risdon Road, New Town) has opened its third shop in the Hobart area, this time in New Town Plaza, next to Bamboo Leaf Massage. Visit for manicures, pedicures, acrylics, gel polish, intricate nail art, waxing, and more. Blow off steam at Smashed Up! (166 Henry Street, Launceston), Launceston’s new rage room where you can safely smash, shatter, and release stress. Smash plates, glass, electronics, and more in your very own private room. For ages 13 up, and under 18s must be accompanied by a guardian. Hobart gift store Red Parka is opening a pop up store for six months from late September.

Topshelf Instruments. Pic: FB

Furneaux Distillery's new home. Pic: Adam Gibson

Lilly was adopted by Bonorong’s CEO. Pic: FB

Unleash your stress at Smashed Up. Pic: Courtney Scoote

CENTURION BALLROOM

The sun is setting a little later each day

The new Converse x Bluey range is super cute

Using unflavoured dental floss to cut through cake. No smears or clumps!

Rediscovering old classic snacks. Hello Monte Carlo biscuits.

THUMBS DOWN

Getting in the car then your petrol light comes on — and you’re in a rush

Pollen tsunami. The annual dance of antihistamines and tissues begins.

Have a thumbs up or down you want to share? Send it to editor@thehobartmagazine.com.au

ART FROM

HAND

Stitching and Beyond will be holding its biennial exhibition Out of Hand from 26 September to 6 October 2025 at the Long Gallery in Salamanca Place. It’s also their 20th anniversary. They began in 2005 as a small group of textile artists that has grown to over 100 from all regions of Tasmania. Out of Hand displays the works of these creatives, made up of quilting, embroidery, painting, dyeing, mixed media, and wearable art. It’ll be open 10am to 4pm daily.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN CANCER PATIENTS’ LIVES

Look Good Feel Better are on the lookout for volunteers to assist with running confidence-boosting workshops in Hobart. They’re a free national cancer support program that helps to improve the wellbeing and confidence of people undergoing treatments for cancer. To volunteer you must be over 18 years of age, have beauty or hairdressing knowledge, and be comfortable presenting to small groups. At each workshop, participants are shown a skincare routine to assist with treatment of side effects like dryness and sun sensitivity; provided with make-up tips to help correct and conceal discolouration; techniques for drawing on eyebrows and eyelashes; and offered advice on headwear options like scarfs and wigs. Upcoming workshops are on 29 September, 20 October, and 8 December, all Mondays. If you’d like to volunteer, contact Volunteer Program Coordinator, Kate Perry on 1800 650 960 or volunteer@lgfb.org.au.

GOT A FIDDY? LOOK AGAIN

Fake $50 notes have been circulating in north west Tasmania. In response, Tasmania Police have asked the community to pay closer attention while handling cash. While the notes appear legitimate at first glance, they have the word ‘PROPS’ printed on them in the bottom right corner. It’s unclear where they came from, though prop money is usually used for film and TV purposes. Tas Police say to check $50 notes for any inconsistencies before accepting them. If you find counterfeit notes, contact police on 131 444.

ICE CREAM, WITH LOVE

An ice creamery and a hospital have joined forces for a brand new ice cream flavour called With Love. It was developed by Van Diemen’s Land Creamery in partnership with Calvary Hospital to make an ice cream that was nutrient-dense and high-protein while still tasting good, for patients to enjoy. “We knew that if we got it right, we could support people facing real challenges - unintended weight loss, fatigue, recovery, loss of appetite. That’s who this is for,” said Carly Palmer, General Manager at Van Diemen's Land Creamery. “It needed to meet clinical needs but also taste like something people would choose, not just accept.” Since August, Van Dieman’s Land Creamery have been trialling the ice cream at hospitals and aged care homes across Tasmania.

The 2023 People's Choice winner, 'Trees in the Moonlight' by Barb Walsh

Look Good Feel Better. Pic: FB

CANNING IT IN NEW TOWN

A new recycle rewards machine has opened in New Town, next to Queens Walk Oval on Risdon Road (taking up a few of the car parks). This comes as new figures show Tasmanians are now cashing in an average of 220,000 containers every day. That’s 2,200,000 cents, or $22,000 a day! That means in over 100 years we’ll have cashed in enough cans to build a stadium.

BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO HEARSE ETIQUETTE

Do you know about hearse etiquette? Westella Funerals in Ulverstone recently asked the community to help bring this tradition back to life. How it works is, when you see a funeral hearse being driven, you allow the procession to stay together at junctions and roundabouts by giving way or pulling over — much like you would for an emergency services vehicle. The hearse is carrying a loved one on their final journey and the procession is the family members following closely behind. The brief pause shows respect and care. But how to know you’ve encountered a hearse procession? The lead car will typically be flashing their hazard lights, followed by other vehicles in a line, sometimes with white funeral flags. In Tasmania you can actually be fined for interfering with a procession. The law states, “A driver must not interfere with, or interrupt, the free passage along any length of road of – (a) any funeral procession; or (b) any vehicle or person apparently forming part of the procession.” The fine does not exceed two penalty units.

ROAD TRIP FOR A CAUSE

After covering over 8,000km across Australia, from Tasmania’s winding roads to the heart of the Simpson Desert, the Pressing On for Parkinson’s team is back home. Led by Parkinson’s Tasmania and a convoy of restored 1980s Subaru wagons, the road trip aimed to raise awareness and much-needed funds for Parkinson’s disease, one of the fastest-growing neurological conditions in the world. Along the way, the team met plenty of Aussies who stopped to share their own stories and connections to Parkinson’s. Right now, more than 219,000 Australians are living with the condition, and 38 more are diagnosed every single day. That number is expected to double by 2040. Parkinson’s Tasmania is a small, volunteer-run group that offers local support, education, and advocacy for Tasmanians affected by the disease. The Pressing On for Parkinson’s campaign has raised over $20,000.

The Pressing On for Parkinson's team on their Simpson Desert journey. Pic: FB

YOUTUBE INCLUDED IN SOCIAL MEDIA BAN

On 10 December, Australia will implement a world-first social media ban on young people aged under 16. There are still unknowns in how this will work, but recently the federal government announced that YouTube, the popular online video platform, will be included in the ban alongside Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, X and Reddit. Previously, YouTube was to be exempt. The decision to ban it followed a recommendation from eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant. YouTube Kids is exempt because accounts cannot upload content or comment on videos. The purpose of the social media ban is to protect young people from the risks of social media, particularly around mental health and wellbeing. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said, “Social media has a social responsibility and there is no doubt that Australian kids are being negatively impacted by online platforms.” Social media platforms will face fines of up to $49.5 million for “failing to take responsible steps” to prevent underage people from using their services. It’s currently unclear how these platforms will verify users’ ages to comply with the ban. Not all forms of online services will be banned. For example, online gaming, messaging apps, and health and education services are exempt.

NEW HEADSPACE ON EASTERN SHORE

Young people on Hobart’s eastern shore will have greater access to free mental health support and care with a new headspace service opening at Bellerive. Found at 120 Cambridge Road, headspace Eastern Shore will support the growing number of young people seeking mental health support in Tasmania. headspace provides a safe and welcoming space for young people to access support and care for their mental health, physical and sexual health, work and study, and alcohol and drug issues. For young people who prefer online support, eheadspace is available at www.headspace.org.au or by phoning 1800 650 890.

The new Recycle Rewards in New Town. Pic: FB

Look out for a funeral procession.

TAKE A BOOK, GIVE A BOOK

Street Libraries are little homes for books planted in front yards. They are accessible from the street, and are an invitation to share the joy of reading. People can take what interests them or deposit a book of their own. Did you know you can build your very own street library and register it online to help others find it? At www. streetlibrary.org.au, you can order a kit to build, with free plans to download. You can personalise it however you want. Want a Bluey or Dalek street library? Go for it!

HOUSING SUPPORT FOR NORTH WEST VETERANS

RSL Tasmania and the Kentish Council have announced plans to build acute housing that supports local Veterans and their families in need. The proposed housing will be built on land opposite the Railton RSL Sub-Branch, providing transitional accommodation for Veterans and their families for up to two years. “This agreement marks a key milestone in our effort to provide supported housing options for vulnerable Veterans in Tasmania,” said John Hardy, CEO of RSL Tasmania. “With Veterans three times more likely to experience homelessness than the general population, there is a real need for what we will deliver.” No word yet on when this is expected to open.

GIVE A PHO

On Hobart’s Harrington Street, Vietnamese restaurant Ly Quan has launched an initiative called “Joy of Giving – Pay it Forward”, inviting customers to buy a meal for someone in need. It’s easy to get involved. Simply purchase a meal, stick the receipt on the restaurant’s Giving Board with your initials, and someone doing it tough can redeem it.

PJS FOR DAYS

With the help of the community, notfor-profit Tassie Mums recently held a successful Winter Pyjama Appeal. Tassie Mums provides help to disadvantaged Tasmanian children, and they spent winter gathering donations of warm pyjamas to be given free to children who need them. You may have seen donation sites at Shoreline Plaza, New Town Plaza, Meadow Mews Plaza, Glenorchy Central, Claremont Plaza, and more. Thanks to those who donated, Tassie Mums ended up with a huge haul of PJs that went to young ones in need.

BLOOMING WEEKEND FOR LOCAL FLOWER SHOW

The Claremont Flower Show 2025 Daffodil, Rose and Spring Flowers Show will be held over the weekend of 6 and 7 September at the Claremont Memorial Hall, marking the organisation’s 40th anniversary. Over the years, their daffodil displays have gained international recognition, with categories supported by groups from the United States and England. Representatives from both countries have visited the show throughout its history. The Claremont Flower Show is a not-for-profit group run entirely by volunteers.

I HOPE THIS MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE FINDS YOU WELL

A message in a bottle might sound like something straight out of a romance or historical fiction novel. But it’s a very real practice, and remarkably, one was recently uncovered during conservation work at Cape Bruny Lighthouse. It was discovered by Brian Burford, a painter treating rust in the lighthouse. The 122-year-old message in a bottle was hidden in a wall cavity of the historic lantern room. Parks and Wildlife Tasmania contacted the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery to help safely extract and preserve its contents. Inside was an envelope containing a letter dated 29 January 1903, penned by engineer J.R. Meech, then Inspector of Lighthouses for the Hobart Marine Board. Meech was responsible for overseeing the planning, construction, and operation of lighthouses and leading lights along the Tasmanian coastline, including Cape Bruny, Cape Sorell, Maatsuyker Island, Tasman Island, Table Cape and Mersey Bluff. The letter documents key upgrades to Cape Bruny Lighthouse at the time, including the installation of a new iron spiral staircase to replace the original wooden one, a new concrete floor, and the reconstruction of the lantern room itself. Meech also detailed the new light sequence for the lighthouse: three seconds of light followed by 19.5 seconds of darkness, a change from the previous 50 seconds of light and 50 seconds of eclipse. The letter concludes with a list of the lighthouse keepers on duty at the time. You never know when there could be an interesting piece of history buried in your walls.

Street library. Pic: FB

Where the bottle was found in the wall. Pic: Brian Burford

PJs for Tassie Mums. Pic: FB

PROTECTING LITTLE PENGUINS WITH NEW BASS HIGHWAY FENCING

A new, taller bright blue fence has been installed along the Bass Highway between Don and Leith, replacing an old, worn-out one to help protect little penguins from becoming roadkill. The two kilometre stretch of fencing was completed by the Friends of Lillico Penguins, in partnership with contractors, and comes just in time for the start of penguin breeding season. The upgraded fence is designed to stop penguins from waddling onto the highway and into harm’s way during their nightly journey from the ocean to their nesting sites. To further deter adventurous penguins, vegetation has been cleared back one metre inside the fence line, preventing them from using overgrown foliage as a makeshift ramp to climb over. Yes, they can do that. While the new fence will help protect the penguins, motorists should still slow down between dawn and dusk, as other wildlife continues to use the area. The project was conceived by the Friends of Lillico Penguins and funded through a grant from Wildcare Tasmania. During the works, volunteers played a role removing rubbish, protecting penguin burrows, and supporting contractors who cleared vegetation and trimmed back trees. Volunteers and staff removed 460 kilograms of rubbish, including 18 car tyres, three bicycle tyres, and, alarmingly, a bag of false teeth.

THIS MAN'S RUNNING 215KM FOR TASSIE HEALTH RESEARCH

Emergency nurse Johnnie Eaton is gearing up for a massive 215-kilometre charity trail run, aiming to raise at least $5,000 for the Royal Hobart Hospital Research Foundation. Set to begin on 5 October, the ‘Coastal Canyon Cradle Run’ will take Johnnie from Latrobe to Lake St Clair, following the Penguin Cradle Trail and the Overland Track. The route features rugged paths and dramatic elevation changes, making it as tough as it is scenic. “I have never done a trail run this distance. There are a lot of unknowns. This is what makes it so exciting,” Johnnie told us. “Outside of work, I love the serenity of trail running in the Tassie wilderness. My time spent on these trails allows me to leave the chaos of a busy ED and life in general at my doorstep.” As an emergency nurse at the Royal Hobart Hospital, Johnnie is passionate about improving Tasmania’s healthcare system. “I see firsthand the problems in the health system in Tasmania. When I heard about the proposed restructuring and partial dismantling of the public Cancer and Blood Services (CaBS) and Clinical Trials Unit (CTU) at the RHH, I knew what charity I wanted to support. The RHH Research Foundation allows valuable research on how to best improve clinical care and issues that are unique to Tasmanians," he said. You can follow Johnnie’s journey on Instagram @thecoastalcanyoncradlerun, and donate at www.royal-hobart-hospital-research-foundation.grassrootz.com/community-fundraising/the-coastal-canyoncradle-run-for-rhh-research-foundation.

GEORGE TOWN POOL WORKS UNDERWAY

Plans for a new pool in George Town have been on the cards since 2021. Now, construction is about to begin on the new Indoor Aquatic, Health and Wellbeing Centre in George Town, to replace the existing George Town Pool. Expected to be open by October 2026, the centre will provide year-round access, a 25-metre pool, gym, and fitness and therapy rooms.

IS HOBART MISSING THE JOKE?

Who else is missing the joke board in the window of the old Frame Hobart shop on the corner of Macquarie Street and Harrington Street? For many years it has helped bored motorists (and kids in the backseat) pass the time while waiting at the lights but recently the weekly joke on the chalkboard was replaced with a notice about Frame Hobart having moved location.

Now based at 220 Liverpool Street, Frame Hobart’s owner Matthew Hemming said as much as he loved being the custodian of the joke board, he had to leave it behind where it truly belonged. He explained that the board was not his creation: it was there when he moved in, left there by the previous inhabitant. He quickly realised that he had to continue the tradition that had landed in his lap. “I embraced it,” he laughed. “I think it was so popular because of the location, because people are waiting in traffic at the intersection of two of the busiest roads in Hobart.”

Matthew hopes will keep the laughs coming. “I hope that the new owners will see that it’s a really positive thing for a business, because I certainly did.”

This new fence will protect penguins on Bass Highway. Pic: Little Penguins

Lillico Tasmania FB

Johnnie Eaton is trail running for charity.

U18S HOCKEY CHAMPIONSHIPS ROUNDUP: BRONZE FOR BOYS

Hockey Tasmania’s U18 teams recently returned from Perth after competing in the Hockey Australia National Championships, with the boys’ team claiming the bronze medal. The tournament began with mixed results in the pool rounds for the boys, who opened strongly with a win over NT, before narrowly falling to Victoria. A loss to NSW followed. Finishing third in their pool, Tasmania progressed to the repechage match against NSW Blue. The team earned a win, which propelled them into a quarter-final rematch with Victoria, which they also won, sending them into the semi-finals. There, they met the undefeated Queensland Maroon team. It was a close battle, and at times it looked like Tassie would win, but ultimately the opposition came out on top. The boys then competed for bronze against Queensland Gold. It was an incredibly close game that came to a shootout, resulting in a victory for Tasmania, earning them bronze. The girls team unfortunately lost their pool games against NSW, SA, and Victoria. It was a tough series of matches, as NSW and Victoria eventually played off in the gold medal match. The girls then lost to WA Black in the repechage, then to the Victoria Development team, before securing a win against NT. The girl’s final game was a re-match against SA, which was also a loss. Hockey Tasmania commended both teams for their improvements in teamwork and skill throughout the championships.

PICKLEBALL COMING TO NEW TOWN

The New Town Sporting Precinct, home to several local clubs, has recently undergone a bit of a facelift — with more works coming soon. Six new pickleball courts will be added after final court painting takes place in the warmer months. Recent completed works include the transformation of a former lawn bowls green into two netball courts, along with new all-weather shelters and synthetic surrounds now installed at Buckingham Bowls Green Two. The entrance to the Southern ITF Taekwon-Do Club has also received an upgrade.

YOUNG LEADER RIDES FOR A CAUSE IN RURAL TAS

In north east Tasmania is an MX track called Santarena Park, near the town of Jetsonville. This is where Scotch Oakburn College year eight student Bella Hall led an effort that brought together over 100 motorbike riders for a muddy, 70 kilometre enduro ride, in support of mental health, wellbeing and suicide prevention in rural and remote Tasmania. Bella organised the Enduro Motorbike Ride for RAW (Rural Alive and Well) as part of her school community service project. With the support of her family, friends and local community, she raised $4,462 for RAW, which will go directly to helping mental health in rural communities. Raffle prizes from 15 local businesses and a BBQ helped round out the event.

CHIGWELL KICKING GOALS

The North Chigwell Soccer Hub officially opened in August, giving Metro Football Club a much-needed upgrade. The club had been dealing with issues caused by the poor condition of the natural turf and the nearby small-sided games area. During winter, the fields would often become waterlogged, forcing regular closures and throwing a spanner in the works for training and matches. To tackle the problem, a major redevelopment was carried out to improve the quality and usability of the grounds. The works included the construction of brand-new changerooms, clubrooms, and public facilities. The project was backed by the Federal Government, funded through a $12.8 million grant package shared between this redevelopment and the KGV precinct in Glenorchy.

RUN, TEA, AND CHAT

Would you like to run with a diverse group of people and bond over tea?

That’s what Chiya Guff Run Club sets out to do — a community-focused initiative by the Nepali Society of Tasmania. People from all walks of life come together every Sunday at 7am for a five kilometre run at a designated location in Greater Hobart followed by tea and chats. Runners of all levels are welcome, and no sign-ups necessary.

North Chigwell's new field looking good. Pic:

Make friends at this tea-loving run club. Pic: FB

Bella Hall with her motorbike. Pic: Rural Alive and Well FB

Boys and girls of Hockey Tasmania in Perth for championships.

GET YOUR BATHERS READY, GLENORCHY POOL IS NEAR

After a long journey, works have commenced to repair, refurbish and reopen the Glenorchy War Memorial Pool. It’s expected to be completed in the middle of next year, with the pool ready to open ahead of summer 2026/2027 — a perfect time to have a splash. Glenorchy Mayor Sue Hickey thanked everyone who helped make this happen. “Community pools are important. They provide access not only to water-based recreation, fitness opportunities and lifesaving learn-to-swim programs, but they also serve as hubs for people to gather and socialise, helping everyone live healthy, active and connected lifestyles,” she said. Works will include repairs to the pool and pool infrastructure, changerooms, concourse and pavement around the pool, grandstand, pool heating system, plant room, tiling and sealing of the pool, and construction of an accessible ramp in the pool.

GREYHOUND RACING TO BE PHASED OUT IN TASMANIA

The Tasmanian government has confirmed it will end its funding for greyhound racing in the state by 2029. This timing aligns with the end of the government’s current funding agreement with Tasracing. To support the transition out of the industry, the government plans to establish a Parliamentary committee to assist both greyhounds and industry participants. In July, we reported on Tasmania’s declining interest in greyhound racing, despite substantial government funding. We detailed a report by independent economist Saul Eslake, which revealed the sport had received a total of $74.6 million from Tasracing over the past 15 years. Annual funding had increased from $3.5 million in 2010-11 to a projected $7.5 million in 2024-25.

ALEXANDER’S PATH TO THE PARALYMPICS

Alexander McKillop is a 23-year-old para-athlete from Kingborough. He was recently selected to represent Australia in the T36 (a disability classification in athletics, for which Alexander’s Joubert Syndrome fits into) 100m at the World Para Athletics Championships in India, to be held from 27 September to 5 October. It’s a major milestone in his journey to become an Olympian. He’s supported by his coach Rosemary Coleman who volunteers her time.

You’ve been competing as a T36 athlete since you were 12. What do you love most about running? I love feeling fast, being happy and achieving my goals, and the people I compete against, as well as my own squad members, who are fun and great to chat with. I also love reading, watching and looking at times from all over the world in athletics and keeping up to date with my own events.

You’ve been selected to represent Australia at the World Para Athletic Championships in India. How did it feel when you found out? I felt very excited, honoured and privileged after all my hard work to get there and have this opportunity and it has made me spurred on for the Olympics, my dream goal.

What does this achievement mean to you? That my determination, focus and the fact I was working hard to achieve this goal, and never giving up has made me achieve one of my goals. When I got the phone call, I was very smiley and teary, and a bit nervous, but it was a great feeling. I was so excited.

Tell us about your fundraiser to help get your coach, Rosemary, over to the championships with you. As a volunteer, I understand you need help to get her to join. Rosie’s been with me from the start. We go every-

Paralympics but sadly missed out on joining. Pic: Athletics Australia

where with each other, so we need to get her over to India because she should be there. She is my support crew so I would like her to be there coaching and supporting me as well. You can support the fundraiser at www.asf.org.au/projects.

What’s your goals for the future?

My goals are to represent Australia at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games. I also would like to be selected for the 2027/2029 World Athletic Championships. My goal for this World Championships is to make the final, and then I want to be on the podium for the Olympics.

ROSEMARY COLEMAN

You’ve volunteered as a coach for 32 years and have been coaching Alexander for the past nine. What is it like working with Alexander and what do you see in him as an athlete? Alexander and I just have that magic connection that enables us both to have a clear vision to the path that we both want to see fulfilled. He brings me far more than I bring him. His love and dedication to track and field and his ambition to reach his goals. We have had many obstacles in our path over the years, but we always manage to have the same focus, based on respect, trust, humility, understanding and hard work. I see Alexander as a driven athlete with the goal of achieving his dream of an Olympic Podium, and it is a pleasure to watch him grow and develop, despite his limitations.

Alexander recorded a qualifying time for last year’s

Elected Members and Council staff standing inside Glenorchy War Memorial Pool

RICH FISH ON OFFER

ACROSS TASMANIA

Every day’s a good day for fishing, especially when you win some money. The Inland Fisheries Service’s popular Tagged Trout promotion has returned, for the 2025-26 brown trout season. Thirty specially tagged fish have been released across 13 inland waterways, each carrying a $5000 reward, but one fish will get you $25,000. The tags are yellow and have unique identifying details. The waters with tagged fish are Lake Mackintosh, Lake Rowallan, Lake Burbury, Huntsman Lake, South Riana Lake, Curries River Reservoir, Lake Leake, Yingina / Great Lake, Bradys Lake, Arthurs Lake, Lake Sorell, Craigbourne Lake, and River Derwent. To win one of the prizes, you'll need to catch a fish with the correct tag and report the details of your catch, with photo evidence, to the IFS, within 72 hours of capture. Fish caught during the promotion must be kept with tag intact for verification.

BACK FOR NUMBER TWO

The Pooseum’s odd and quirky poo-painting art competition is back for its second year. This year’s theme is “Expressive Portraits: Faces with Faeces”, so expect to see some familiar faces rendered with poop. Whether it’s a compliment or an insult, well, that’s open to interpretation. Only animal poo is allowed (human poo strictly prohibited). There are cash prizes on offer for the top three artworks, and registrations open on 13 September. For all the details and entry info, head to www.pooseum.com.au.

OUTDOOR SPORTS CANCELLED BY RAIN? NO PROBLEM, LET’S PLAY INDOORS…OR NOT!

On a rainy day in Hobart it’s not just the ovals that close — it’s now the indoor courts too. Due to ageing infrastructure, it’s not uncommon for water leaks to appear on heavy rain days, bringing indoor sports like basketball, netball and pickleball games to a halt. Following a particularly rainy day late July, the Kingborough Sports Centre and Moonah Sport Centre had to close due to roof leaks and water on the courts. That got us wondering if any measures are being put in place to stop it happening in the future.

Kingborough Mayor Paula Wriedt said the council is currently looking into short-term repairs to reduce the likelihood of future leaks and closures, though she didn’t specify what those fixes might be. “A long-term solution will involve a full roof replacement, which would require a significant capital investment and has been proposed for 2026/2027 budget,” Mayor Wriedt said.

The Moonah Sports Centre, meanwhile, isn't council- or government-owned, but run by the National Fitness Southern Recreation Association (NFSRA), which also operates Clarence Sports Centre.

“We are in the process of upgrading,” NFSRA President Steven King told us. Specifically for the roof, they’re working with roof plumbers to address the leaks, but it’s proving tricky. “Leaks are the hardest thing to deal with,” Steven said. “We put whirlybirds on the roof to create ventilation, but when the wind blows in a certain way, which it did on that weekend (26 July), the rain seemed to have gone up underneath them. But because the roof plumbers weren’t there when it happened, we can’t be sure exactly what (the leak) is.”

Funding for upgrades come from a $2 million State Government grant from a few years ago, aimed at keeping both their Moonah and Clarence centres open, though the NFSRA had originally requested $4 million. “We spread that money a long, long way,” Steven said. The centres host a wide range of sports, from volleyball and futsal, to martial arts, wheelchair sports and more. The grant money has been used to spruce up the centres, but as a not-for-profit, Steven said the NFSRA struggles to keep open and give its users the best facility and opportunities they can. When asked why more funding isn’t flowing into existing and well-used sport centres, Steven said, “There is no more money. There’s only a certain amount of dollars to go around.”

TASMANIANS TO HELP TRACK ONE OF WORLD’S RAREST SHOREBIRDS

Over the coming months, citizen scientists across Tasmania will be helping to track the call of the critically endangered Far Eastern curlew. The CallTrackers project, launched by the not-for-profit Bookend Trust, uses acoustic recorders and advanced AI software, allowing everyday Tasmanians to help detect and track threatened species by their calls. The technology is freely available through local libraries. Volunteers can borrow recorders, set them up in selected locations, then upload the audio, where automatic recognisers identify species by their distinctive calls. The latest addition to the program is the Far Eastern curlew, the world’s largest shorebird. Once widespread, its global population has dropped by around 60 percent in 25 years, with pollution, habitat loss and human disturbance driving the decline. Dr Clare Hawkins, Adjunct Researcher at the University of Tasmania and Citizen Science Coordinator at the Bookend Trust, said several experienced Tasmanian birdwatchers had never heard one call in Tasmania. “So we were thrilled when our very first test recordings with the new technology picked up numerous curlew calls. It was a breakthrough moment,” she said. With curlew habitat being restored at the Mersey Estuary in the north west, Dr Hawkins is hopeful that more positive detections will follow. There’s also the potential to uncover previously unknown curlew sites as the project expands statewide.

A tagged trout could net you some cash. Pic: Inland Fisheries Serivce

Last year's Pooseum art competition winner - Crap Wallpaper, painted with pademelon poo by Karen Lyttle.

WHAT’S ON IN HOBART

MONDAY WEDNESDAY TUESDAY

THURSDAY FRIDAY

Some of the country’s best landscape artists, like Ken Done, Raymond Arnold and Michaye Boulter, are in the Hadley’s Art Prize exhibition. 10am4pm daily until the 21st, Hadley’s Orient Hotel.

2 1

Paul Kelly plays MyState Bank Arena from 7pm, supported by Lucinda Wiliams and Fanny Lumsden.

3

Examine humanity's terrifying capacity for self-destruction in Lord of the Flies, 7:30pm at Playhouse Theatre (other dates too).

4

Hello Hello! The Cat Empire are here, playing The Odeon tonight from 7:30pm, with Little Quirks in support.

5

Rewind Cinema is popping up at the Kingborough Community Hub for a few days of big movies (Grease! Princess Bride! Father's day films!).

The UNESCO City of Literature forum features guest speakers like Theresa Sainty, Jane Rawson, Young Dawkins and Lucie Cutting plus a networking session. 6pm-8pm, Hobart Town Hall Ballroom.

15

Thrown Identities is an exhibition by Suemi Chiba, a potter whose work reflects her Japanese, British, Canadian and Australian heritage. Until October, Moonah Arts Centre.

23 30 29

The Adventures of Peacock, Chicken and the Pony they Rode Upon might be our favourite title of the year. It’s a vibrant, funny show by Second Echo Ensemble. Theatre Royal, 2pm.

Coffee enthusiasts, pay attention. Tasmania’s first one-versus-one brewing battle (decaf and primary process coffee) is coming to Saigon Art Cafe, Glenorchy, 10am-5pm. Hosted by Taste The World.

Award winning South Arm artist Britt Fazey captures the beautiful and sinister secret coves and gulches she loves in the exhibition This Moment With You, Bett Gallery, until 18 October.

From the sky to soil to sea, even inside of you, plastic is everywhere. Learn what the experts say needs to happen next at Plastic Inside and Out, Sir Stanley Burbury Lecture Theatre, 6pm7:30pm.

17

Experience Heidi Woodhead's latest solo exhibition of new paintings, Oceanic, on until the 22nd at Handmark Gallery, Salamanca Arts Centre. Open every day, various hours.

24

FREQS & GEEKS

featuring the Tasmanian Midi Orchestra brings electronic artists from across the state together for a night of exciting, unclassifiable music at Altar Bar, 7pm.

Celebrate 60 years of the Tas Youth Orchestra. Pic: Mike Morffew

Flutter by to TMAG’s new exhibition The World of Butterflies is a special one with stunning displays of rare and exotic specimens. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am-4pm.

12 11 8 10

The local Australian Poetry Slam is at Rosny Library, 6pm. Tonight it’s also the world premiere of Tasdance’s Influencer, an exploration of social media’s impact on our lives. Theatre Royal, 7:30pm.

18

Held every two years, the Clarence Prize celebrates excellence in Australian furniture design. The 2025 exhibition at The Barn in Rosny, 11am5pm, Wed-Sun until 11 October.

25

Join Lucy, Edmund, Susan and Peter in Narnia. Exitleft presents The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe at Playhouse Theatre until the 28th. (PIC)

19

Get one-on-one help to find out more about your family history at Glenorchy Library today 11am3:30pm, book via 6165 5493. Then The Superjesus play The Republic at 7:30pm.

26

The 2025 Hockey Australia Women's Masters Championships bring 45 teams to town. See the nation's best at the Tasmanian Hockey Centre until 4 October.

2

MAC 02 will be filled with everything craft-related for CraftAlive, three big days of hands-on craft with teachings, supplies and kits.

3

Pop on your lederhosen or dirndl for Oktoberfest at The Hanging Garden: a German bier tap takeover, live music, traditional games, and communal bierhalle-style seating. 5pm-9pm tonight, until Sunday.

Rotary Club Gala

Father's Day on the Kunanyi Trail Series. Pic: FB

SEPTEMBER

SATURDAY SUNDAY

Rewind Cinema is popping up at the Kingborough Community Hub for a few days of big movies (Grease! Princess Bride! Fathers day films!).

6 7

Psst, it’s Father’s Day! The Kunanyi Trail Series takes runners to Mt Nelson for 12.5km, 6km or 3km. Later, see The Last Word, a collection of original music and anecdotes, at The Hidden Theatre, New Town.

13

The Hobart Town Hall Ballroom will be filled with colour for The Spring Show, 10am4pm. Head to The Nighthawk at Deep South Brewing Co for a honky tonkin’ good night, from 4pm.

20

The MS Mega Swim at the Doone Kennedy Aquatic Centre will raise funds to support people living with Multiple Sclerosis. All ages and abilities are welcome.

14

The Healthy Hobart program is running a free mountain bike trail ride session on the Pipeline Track today 10am11:30am. Bookings are required via the ‘I’m in’ Healthy Tasmania app.

21

Enjoy some classical organ pieces at St Johns Presbyterian Church (188 Macquarie St), 5-6pm, or The 120Ys take the stage at The Longley International Hotel. 10am start.

5-7 September

The Flinders Island Running Festival has a bunch of options for runners and families: from a 3km glow run (BYO head torch!) to the 11km, 25km or marathon distance trail runs, then the recovery run on the final day.

6 September

Join the Burnie Highland Pipe Band to welcome spring with music and dance at the Spring Ceilidh. All dances will be called, no experience necessary, please bring a plate to share for afternoon tea. 1pm-5pm at the Sulphur Creek Community Hall.

6 September

13-14 September

Learn the ukulele in a two day workshop in Launceston with teacher Sally Carter. With an emphasis on fun and funky music, you’ll learn some new songs and meet new people doing something a bit different.

13-14 September

27 28

Youth dance crew DRILL

Performance and the TYO collaborate in a new show, Interwoven, at Hobart City Hall until the 30th.

Celebrate the vibrant and colorful Indian Bathukamma Festival with music, dance, and flower arrangements from 3pm9pm at the Lindisfarne Community Activities Centre.

The Tasman Rotary Gala Bee Ball will serve up a honey-inspired three course dinner plus there’s dancing, a quiz, a silent auction and more. 5 4

The Teeny Tiny Stevies’ Brain Fart Tour will have little and big feet tapping at Franklin’s Palais, 10:30am11:30am.

History enthusiasts who don’t get spooked too easily will love the moonlight walk through Penguin's historic general cemetery. Host Chris Banks will provide a fact-filled tour of the historic grave sites on the grounds, from 6:30pm-8pm.

6-7 September

Devil’s Corner Vineyard will host a variety of events this month, including Jazz in the Den with Steve Brien and Jenny Steen on the 6th and Sip and Paint with Jess Florence Art Sessions on the 7th.

The fun Rail Trail Run & Ride is on the picturesque North-East Rail Trail between Scottsdale and the Billycock this weekend. With distances ranging from 2km through to 54km, and options to run, ride, or both.

Background photo: Richmond Gaol. Pic: Samuel Shelley

Rail Trail Run & Ride. Pic: FB

Flinders Island Running Festival. Pic: FB

Learn

ukulele with Sally Carter. Pic: FB

AROUND THE ISLAND

Home: Here and Now is a free exhibition at Scottsdale Library exploring the lives and contributions of Chinese Tasmanians. Until 13 October, before moving to St Helens.

8 9 1

Art fans should give Harmony on High Street in Campbell Town a visit, for they’re hosting Textured - Ceramics Group Exhibition, with works made by 18 Tasmanian artists. Until 24 September.

15

With over 70 outstanding works by Tasmanian artists, the Back Room Studios Showcase at Woolmers Estate is a comprehensive and inspiring visit. All artworks for sale. Until 28 September.

22

On a quiet day, check out QVMAG’s current exhibitions. Shapeshifting: The Art of Helen Wright is on until 2026. Fragments and Artefacts: David Hamilton is until 30 November, same with Alexander 100, the history of tennis racquets.

29

Swinging Gate

Vineyard in Sidmouth (near Beaconsfield) is hosting a special monthly dinner tonight featuring regional, seasonal produce alongside their specially selected wines. Booking essential.

Experience a performance by the University of Tasmania students who won the 2025 Ossa Music Prize at Stanley Town Hall, 6pm-8pm. 3 4 2

Create a miniature book nook at Smithton Library, complete with a cosy armchair and a pile of books. Free event, book via Eventbrite.

23

Head to the Iron Horse Bar and Grill in Prospect Vale for a horror movie-themed trivia night. Dress creepy and get ready for some killer questions. 6:30pm start.

The CHArt’s Pop-Up Gallery comes to 59 Emmett Street, Smithton until 4 October, featuring entries for the CHArtchibald prize, sculptures, photography, youth art and more.

See how existing clothes have been redesigned and remade into ‘new’ ones by local creatives at the REDRESSED 2025 ReFashion Show 6:30pm at The Tramsheds Function Centre, Launceston.

5

The Flinders Island Running Festival is on this weekend with races including a glow run, the Trousers Point run, and the main event split into 42km, 25km, and 11km.

30

Yarns Artwork in Silk is free to visit on the 30th of each month this year. Located at the Great Western Tiers Visitor Centre, free entry includes the Deloraine & Districts Folk Museum. 9:30am-4pm daily.

10

Wednesday night trivia at Easy Tiger St Helens is on tonight from 6:30pm. Catch up with friends over a meal and drink, and maybe check out a movie.

11

Tribute show Echoes of Pink Floyd takes audiences on a mesmerising journey through six decades of Pink Floyd’s musical legacy. Burnie Arts & Function Centre, 8pm.

12

Get ready Swifties, Burning Red: The Australian Tay Tay Tribute Show is a 160 minute love letter to the one and only Taylor Swift, at Country Club Tasmania in Prospect Vale. 7pm.

Want to spill the tea, spill your guts, or spill a drink? Head to Spill Poetry at Kingsway Bar in Launceston, an open mic night for spoken word, poetry, and everything else. 7pm, free entry.

18

17 Junction Arts Festival spreads art, music and performance across Launceston until 21 September, with a mix of free and ticketed events for everyone.

19

Celebrating their 25th year, Slipstream Circus presents Around, a circus of movement, connection, and time with spinning hoops and aerialists. 7pm at Leven Theatre, Ulverstone.

24

Put your thinking cap on and play trivia at the Reggie Bar, Launeston, from 6pm. There’s many prizes to be won. Free to play with a drink purchase.

1

Beloved children entertainers the Teeny Tiny Stevies return to Tassie for a funny and wholesome new show, the Brain Fart Tour. 10:30am at Burnie Arts Centre.

25

Enjoy some feel-good music in the morning at Launceston’s Princess Theatre with The Great Gershwins, as trio Chris McKenna, William Schmidt, and Alison Jones perform the Gershwin brothers classics. 11am.

2

Running in the Shadows delivers energy and enthusiasm as they play the music of Fleetwood Mac. Launceston’s The Tramsheds Function Centre at 7pm.

26

Chris Ryan, who you might know from The Project and Just for Laughs, brings her relatable cynicism and sarcastic humour to Sports Garden Hotel in Launceston, 7pm.

3

Young people aged 12 and up are invited to attend Dungeons and Dragons at Launceston Library. A free, friendly way to learn about the game and meet fellow players. 3:30pm.

SEPTEMBER

SATURDAY SUNDAY

6

History buffs can join a 6:30pm tour of the historic Penguin General Cemetery Free event, book via Humanitix. Aussie rock band Taxiride play the Royal Oak Hotel in Launceston, 9pm.

13

Weekend in Stanley is exactly that. Throughout the town for the weekend, you can join guided heritage walks, Pinot and Poetry, harvest markets, music jam sessions, and more.

20

See locally made goods at the Marrawah Market in the Memorial Hall, free and from 12pm. Single and ready to mingle? Join an afternoon of speed dating at Adelie Wine Bar in Penguin from 2pm.

27

Quirk is a display of the odd, interesting and bizarre at the Deloraine & Districts Folk Museum. Some items are known and some are not. Visit and maybe help them learn more. Free entry, until 22 October.

7

Enjoy an instrumental concert showcasing some of the north west coast’s finest musicians with That’s Classic. At the Senior Citizen Centre, Smithton, 2:30pm.

LOOK AHEAD TO BOOK AHEAD

NIMBLE (October, various)

Northern Tasmania’s contemporary circus company ROOKE is touring Tasmania throughout the month of October with their family-friendly show, NIMBLE. Blocks, boxes, and acrobats will be stacked and balanced and belly laughs will be had. The lucky Tassie towns to get the show are Devonport, Evandale, George Town, Ross, Lilydale, Deloraine, Zeehan and Burnie.

14

Musicians and musical enthusiasts of all skill levels are invited to attend The Paragon Theatre in Queenstown for their monthly Open Mic Session. From 3pm.

21

Get in the mood for Moo’d, a day of food, fun and flavour showcasing Tassie’s best beef cooked by 2024 Masterchef runner up Josh ‘Pezza’ Perry. Duck River Pavilions in Smithton from 11am.

28

Go for a swim under the iconic Stanley Nut with Be Brave! Spring Swim, a community swim where you’re encouraged to wear your brightest pink. Prizes for best dressed. 2pm.

4 5

Celebrate beer, spirits, food, and music at A Festival Called George, held minutes from St Helens town centre. 12pm-9pm, paid entry. The Freycinet Challenge is a multi-sport event in the stunning Freycinet Peninsula at Coles Bay for paddling, cycling, running, and mountain biking. Take it on as a team, or solo.

Feathers (7 October)

A Terrapin show is always worth a watch, and now one of their shows – Feathers –is coming to Launceston’s Earl Arts Centre with two sessions on 7 October. See fantastic puppetry at work as a lonesome ferret looks for his flock in every corner of the country. 2pm and 6pm.

NORTH Festival (8 October - 22 October)

The UNESCO City of Gastronomy can’t stop eating, as the NORTH Festival soon hits the city. Across two weeks, a series of bitesized food and produce events happen across Launceston. Food, drink, fun experiences, workshops, live music, meet the maker events will all be on the agenda.

Wynyard Tulip Festival 2025 (11 October)

It’s spring, which means the return of the iconic Wynyard Tulip Festival. It’s a one-day feast for the senses as you enjoy the colours of the flowering tulips in a festival setting. There will be a full packed entertainment schedule of performance artists roving the garden and on the main stage, and a street full of food vans. The day ends with a fireworks display at 9pm.

The Unconformity (16-19 October)

One of Tassie’s most unusual festivals, The Unconformity is a contemporary arts event that delves into the unique character of Queenstown. Inspired by all things non-conforming, this biennial, four-day festival features sitespecific cultural experiences that offer fresh perspectives and possibilities for the town.

Got an event coming up in Tassie?

Email us at editor@thehobartmagazine.com.au

Background photo: Cradle Summit Walk. Pic: Matty Eaton Details subject to change. Check the finer points with individual events.

ROOKE get a little silly for NIMBLE. Pic: Cassie Sullivan

Feathers by Terrapin.

Pic: Peter Mathews

Wynyard Tulip Festival. Pic: FB

The Unconformity. Pic: FB

NORTH Festival.

Pic: FB

MADE IN TASMANIA , USED BY MILLIONS

James Cuda is the CEO and co-founder of Savage Interactive, a software development company best known for creating the popular iPad illustration app, Procreate, which is used by millions around the globe.

Why did you build Procreate in Tasmania and why is it important for you to keep it here? Procreate started quite organically with an idea when Apple released the first iPad. Once we grew here in Tasmania with just a few people, it was on our radar to leave and head to Silicon Valley. That’s where the action’s at in the industry. But it was pretty obvious in the early years when we were starting out, that if we moved to the Valley, that would absolutely and fundamentally change our culture. Because the Valley culture is very different to Aussie culture. What we were trying to do was build creative tools that were accessible to everyone at an affordable price. It was in conflict, and in about 2013 we decided, you know what? We’re going to stay in Tassie and we’re going to invest in Tassie, and we’ll see how this goes.

What have been the benefits and challenges of keeping it in Tasmania?

There’s a lot of challenges. The biggest one is recruitment, because the software we make is quite technically complicated. So we have to try and attract the people who specialise in those fields to Tasmania. It was challenging in the early years because we’d say, ‘Hey, do you want to come to the end of the civilised world and work on this little product that we’ve been making?’ It wasn’t a great value proposition in the early years, but as Procreate grew, as our customer base exploded, as we hit number one in the app store and almost all major markets, then we got some traction and we started recruiting people from all over the world. These kinds of people could work anywhere. They could work with Google, they could work at Facebook, wherever they want, but the

value proposition we give them is come and work with an independent company and let’s make the best work of our lives.

How does it feel seeing the art people create with the apps? Oh, dude, it gets me out of bed every day. When we see the stuff people produce with the tools we make, it’s like you’re a rock and roll band on stage, you’re playing, and the crowd’s coming at you cheering, then it makes you want to play harder.

something for years, and it was a really hard feature that we finally cracked, we shipped it, and then a few months later, competitors were claiming it as their own. It’s very easy when you can piggyback off the research and development of another company.

How is the move to Collins Street going? It’s so good. It’s been challenging to grow a business across separate locations when you’re trying to have one culture and one mission. So we’re all focused on getting into Collins Street, to physically unite the teams together. We find that working together is the most potent way to deliver a beautiful customer experience. You get that serendipity, you get those discussions in the hallways, you get excited and share news, and you get energy within the group. We think by the end of the year we’ll have our new headquarters online.

What’s the vision for the future? The vision is, how do we bring creativity around the world, and how do we amplify human creativity? We’ve got to bring Procreate products to more platforms. We’ve got to make it more accessible. We’re also working on a third product that I can’t talk about. There’s a big ambitious roadmap ahead.

What’s something you wish more people knew about what you do?

We’ve been responsible for a lot of user experience innovations that our competitors have stolen over the years, but we’ve never put our hand up and said we actually made that. It’s often said to my team, if we’re not being copied, we’re not leading. Because it can upset some of the team when it happens. Sometimes we labour on

Where are your favourite local places for food and rink? Well, I’m going to be biased and say the best coffee is probably here at Procreate HQ. We’ve got a kitchen and coffee that’s free for everyone who works here. We are very lucky to have some of the best in the hospo industry here in headquarters. The coffee is amazing. Seriously. For the other spots, I love North Hobart. It’s got a really good scene. One of my favourites is this little Vietnamese street food joint called Cyclo.

Parting words? For people who are having a hard time with the world situation at the moment, I’d say two things. One, disconnect from the internet. I don’t think we’re meant to be plugged into every comings and goings of everything happening on the entire planet every minute. We have a beautiful island, some of the best natural beauty in the world, and I love to get amongst that to recharge. And the other thing I’d say is creative pursuits can be so healthy, mentally. Whatever creative pursuit is it, whether it’s music, art, poetry, whatever, I’d encourage everyone on our little island to dabble and play. If you’re disconnected from the noise and you start going inward and try to be creative, it can be so satisfying for the soul.

James Cuda at the Procreate o ffice

STRAIT UP FAMILY ADVENTURE

Words: Steph Williams

Food and family fun come together in this journey to Geelong and The Bellarine.

Starting a break with the ocean stretching out in every direction, truly shakes off any whiff of routine and puts you firmly into holiday territory. As a family, travel on the Spirit of Tasmania has an ease about it - you can take as much stuff as you can pack and the kids love the adventure of it all. After farewelling Devonport on the deck in the salty air, our kids quickly found the games area - computer games and climbing gym, while we enjoyed the live musician and a chat over a glass of Tasmanian sparkling wine.

DAY ONE: GEELONG SUNRISE

After rolling off the boat just before sunrise, our first stop was Pavilion Geelong, on the waterfront and, crucially, open early. It’s clearly a local hangout - post-cold water dip in the ocean baths, people were already queuing for coffee. We enjoyed the sunrise with pesto scrambled eggs and kids waffles. We stretched our legs along the Geelong Waterfront and out to the end of the pier - the historic bollards were a fun take on bringing the stories of local personalities to life.

It began to pour with rain, so the Federal Mills precinct was a perfectly timed next stop. The old red-brick woollen mills have been given new life, now home to businesses, cafés, and a brewery. The Popcultcha store was a standout - part shop, part gallery, it’s a pop culture haven and the kids were captivated. Having eaten so early in the day, we stopped at King of the Castle, an industrial cafe at the top of eat street, Pakington Street, for burgers and pasta. After lunch, we checked into the waterfront Novotel Geelong, a great option for families and couples, and spent the afternoon in the indoor heated pool, sauna and gym.

Dinner that night was at The Black Sheep Gin Bar, tucked inside the historic National Wool Museum. The interior was superb - dark and moody, with the exposed timber beams of the old woolstore, modernised with wool carpets and beautiful lighting. The food was vibrant - the $75 pp ‘Feed Me’ menu was generous and great value - the gin and wine list extensive, and the atmosphere cosy.

DAY TWO: PLAYING IN THE CITY

Geelong knows how to do family fun. After the kids' excitement over the hotel breakfast buffet, we started the day at LaserQuest, ducking, weaving and laughing through neon-lit rooms, followed by a few competitive rounds of bowling. It set a playful tone that carried through the day.

Having dined in the building the night before, the National Wool Museum gave us a different kind of energy. It’s hands-on and layered with history, showing just how much wool shaped the region. A late lunch at Sailors Rest was relaxed - seafood, burgers, and an excellent kids menu. We lingered longer than planned, enjoying the views across the bay, before heading back to the Novotel for one more swim and an early night.

The pier at Point Lonsdale

An historic loom at the National Wool Museum

DAY THREE: THE BELLARINE BECKONS

An Asian-inspired breakfast at The Birch, in a cute white house at the bottom end of Pakington Street, was a highlight. Soba noodles and dumplings, sambal eggs, miso chicken ramen bowl - we’ve all been dreaming about these dishes since!

If you look at Port Phillip Bay on a map, The Bellarine is the area to the left. It’s home to wineries, little coastal hamlets and beautiful beaches. We detoured through Portarlington, stopping for coffee and a pier walk where fishing boats bobbed alongside pelicans. Exploring the Point Lonsdale Lighthouse and the pier, that services the treacherous heads of Port Phillip Bay, was fascinating, as was chatting with the local fishermen. By the time we reached Queenscliff, it was time for lunch at 360Q, a casual fine diner with marina views.

The Queenscliff Maritime Museum had the kids enthralled. From learning about the hectic ocean currents through the heads to stories of lighthouse keepers and their lives. We checked into BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Queenscliff – a spacious three-bedroom villa gave us room to spread out, while the kids zoomed around the park on pedal bikes and splashed in the pool.

If you ask the kids what their highlight was, it’s unexpected - dinner at Lombardys, a local pizza and pasta restaurant. The engaging owner had them feeling like they were the VIPs of the night, with plentiful pizza, icecream and stories.

DAY FOUR: THE HOME STRETCH

On our final morning, we enjoyed breakfast at the Queenscliff General Store, watching a steady stream of locals grabbing a coffee after school drop off nearby. Afterwards, we strolled through the neighbourhood before heading towards Ocean Grove for a surf check and casual lunch at The Dunes. We did do a sneaky Aldi stop on the way to the terminal - to be told by staff that it’s becoming very common to see Tasmanians stocking up on special buys and long life snacks!

On the voyage home on the Spirit, the kids were still swapping highlights (Lombardys! LaserQuest!), and we realised that Geelong and The Bellarine had given us more than a holiday - it was a set of memories to return and add to.

The writer travelled as a guest of Tourism Greater Geelong and The Bellarine, and Spirit of Tasmania.

Dinner at The Black Sheep

Point Lonsdale Lighthouse

The Birch

The Federal Mills complex

TASSIE MARKET WATCH

WHAT ARE CONSERVATION COVENANTS?

Some properties are protected by what’s known as Conservation Covenants. These covenants are voluntary, legally binding agreements under the Nature Conservation Act 2002, made between landowners and authorised bodies to permanently conserve ecologically valuable land. They stay with the property, keeping its natural values safe for future generations. Benefits include exemption from land tax (on covenanted areas), potential council rate rebates, erosion control through preserved native vegetation, and access to expert conservation support. The Private Land Conservation Program maintains the register of expressions of interest for new covenants, with priority given to land with significant natural values such as rare species.

675 Cradle Mountain Road, Erriba, (“Erriba Rise”) has a covenant attached to it. A 47-acre portion of the 76-acre property is protected under one of Tasmania’s earliest conservation covenants. The covenanted land at Erriba Rise is in pristine condition, requiring no maintenance, just a vigilant eye, and described as “very unusual, significant and of considerable ecological and geological interest.” It sits centrally among a cluster of adjoining covenanted properties (very rare in Tassie), together forming a 140-acre ‘private National Park’. Erriba Rise is already something special without its conservation covenant. Set in Tasmania’s north west, this three-bedroom modern home enjoys sweeping views of Forth Valley and beyond. Erriba Rise is currently on the market.

354 Deviot Road, Deviot

Indicative price: Expressions of interest

Agent: Phillipa Jenkins, Jenkins & Co. Property

UNDERSTANDING FIRST TIME BUYERS

Curious how first-time buyers in Australia are coping with today’s housing market? Finder’s

Buyer Report 2025 dives into the motivations, behaviours and values of Australians getting into property for the first time.

First-time buyers feeling the pressure

While 79 percent of first-time mortgage holders say they’re happy overall, this drops to 67 percent among those struggling to make their repayments, lower than the happiness rate of renters. That’s concerning given that nearly two in three (65 percent) first home buyers are either already in mortgage stress (defined as spending 30 percent or more of their gross income on repayments) or expect to be.

Budgets, saving, and regret

In 2025, 70 percent of first home buyers aren’t waiting to save the typical 20 percent deposit before purchasing. Nearly half (47 percent) of buyers spent more than they had budgeted for, up from 38 percent in 2022. This is leaving some in a tough spot. One in seven recent buyers (14 percent) have no savings left, while one in three (33 percent) have less than $10,000 remaining. Almost half (45 percent) of those who bought their first home in the past year say they regret the decision.

Affordability in today’s climate

Affordability remains a major hurdle. In 2017, the average Australian could afford a mortgage in 57 percent of suburbs. By 2025, that’s dropped to just 16 percent. “There’s no doubt the current system asks too much of buyers, particularly younger Australians and those without family wealth to draw on. Owning a home should not require a decade of saving, the help of your parents or the acceptance of mortgage stress as a norm,” said Graham Cooke, Head of Consumer Research at Finder.

39 Floreat Crescent, Trevallyn

Indicative price: $1.595 – $1.745 Million

Agent: Luke French and Shelley Spencer, Harrison Agents

256 Preservation Drive, Sulphur Creek

Indicative price: $1.2 – $1.3 Million

Agent: Kurt Knowles, Harcourts

Erriba Rise

JUst LIsted

• Daille stands as an exquisite Federation estate where history & modern sophistication unite

• Perfectly positioned in a prestigious enclave of Newstead, just minutes from the CBD

• Built circa-1902, the home has welcomed some of Tasmania’s most notable families

• The renovation preserves its heritage character while infusing it with contemporary appeal

• Combining original features with expansive open spaces & high-quality finishes

• Ornamental gardens, box hedging & lush lawns complete the picture of refined elegance

• The formal lounge is bathed in natural light, featuring a charming window seat & fireplace

• Indoors seamlessly extends out from the dining area to an all-weather entertaining deck

• Outside, the extensive grounds unfold like a private park, providing both beauty & seclusion

• A secure, gated entry leads to plentiful off-street parking, a garage & level car-to-door access

• This is a rare opportunity to own a piece of Launceston’s history

SALE Expressions Of Interest VIEW By Private Appointment AGENT

George Bushby 0407 311 205 Joscelyn Bushby 0459 954 331

WEST HOBART NAMED TASMANIA’S TOP LIFESTYLE SUBURB

West Hobart has taken out the top spot as Tasmania’s best lifestyle suburb, according to new research by MCG Quantity Surveyors using data from SuburbTrends. The study set out to identify suburbs with strong long-term growth potential and great lifestyle appeal, based on MCG’s Four-Pillar Lifestyle Index. The four equally weighted pillars are: coastal amenity (Beach), green assets (Nature), metropolitan access (Urban), and community depth (Family), adding up to a total score out of 20. West Hobart scored a perfect 20 out of 20. The research also found that many of the top-ranked suburbs across the country are showing some of Australia’s most resilient price growth. West Hobart’s median property value now sits at $1.12 million, up 2.7 percent from last year, and a 28 percent increase over the past five years. Coming in second was South Hobart-Fern Tree, with a median value of $945,000, followed by Sandy Bay in third, with the highest property value among the top 10 at $1.62 million. The most affordable suburb in the top 10 was LindisfarneRose Bay, ranked seventh, with a median value of $725,000. For the curious, the best suburb in all of Australia in regard to lifestyle was Warringah in NSW.

GET TO WORK: IT’S SPRING CLEANING TIME

Spring has arrived in Tassie, which means its time to consider spring cleaning. But it doesn’t have to feel like a chore. With a bit of preparation and a positive attitude, it can be as fun as it is good for you and your home. Not only does a spring clean make your house look nice and improve your mood, it’s also beneficial if you want to sell your house.

MAKE A LIST

Jumping into a deep clean without a plan can quickly turn into a headache, so you’ll be better equipped to tackle it if you start with a list. There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of ticking items off as you go. Jot down everything that needs cleaning, then break it into categories like different rooms. Remember, the list doesn’t have to be exhaustive, just enough to help you feel in control.

ROOM BY ROOM

Another trick to manage the cleaning chaos is to tackle one room at a time. Plus, if your cleaning carries over multiple days, you can pick up right where you left off without having to revisit rooms you’ve already conquered.

TOP TO BOTTOM

When it comes to dusting your home, it’s best to start from the ceiling and work your way down. Why? Because gravity is your friend, pulling all that dust and gunk downward and saving you from the misery of having to reclean. If you’ve got a vacuum with an extension hose, put it to good use and tackle those cobwebs and dust bunnies hanging onto your ceilings. Then, move on to dusting your furniture and other surfaces before vacuuming up all that dust and debris from your floors. This is also your chance to clean any mould you see. Spring cleaning in Tassie is especially important since our cool, damp climate can lead to increased mould in the winter months.

DECLUTTERING

As you clean, you’ll likely encounter clutter. It can be a stressful sight. Start-

ing the decluttering process is a big job but rewarding, as it requires you to think differently about how you use your space. Russell Yaxley, State President of The Real Estate Institute of Tasmania (REIT), says an uncluttered home significantly helps sellers. “By doing this, it creates an environment that is appealing, feels larger, brighter and more inviting. It showcases the home’s best features without the distraction that clutter can bring. You are wanting buyers to connect to your home, to see themselves in the home, this is key in seeing positive interest,” he says. “While we all have our own individual style and way of living, when selling, you need to move from a living mode to a selling mode and decluttering is one of the most important factors in achieving this.”

DONATING

Instead of tossing unwanted items, consider donating them. Remember the golden rule for donations: if you’d give it to a friend or family member, it’s in good enough condition to donate. Look into local op shops, tip shops and recovery centres. You could also support local organisations that give items to those in need, like Short of a Sheet or Hobart City Mission, among others.

MAKE IT FUN

You can do other things while you clean, or find ways to make it more fun. An easy way is to put on headphones or turn on a Bluetooth speaker and listen to music, podcasts, or audiobooks. If you have cleaning partners helping you out, you can gamify it. See who can clean the fastest or find the weirdest forgotten knick-knack. Finally, once you’re really done, treat yourself with takeaway or a cheeky purchase. You deserve it.

HIRE SOMEONE

Alternatively, you can skip this whole list and let someone else handle the dirty work! No judgement here. Whether you’re swamped with other commitments, just can’t face the mess, or simply prefer to spend your time doing something else, it’s perfectly fine to hire a cleaning business to do the work for you.

iLOVE

“I’m having an affair with a man my husband knows,” she tells me with a salacious grin. “For the first time in my life, I feel like somebody really understands who I am. He knows what to say and when to say it. And he’s available 24/7,” she adds with a wink.

Do you remember what it was like to find ‘the one’? When you’d be walking through the quiet aisles of a library, surrounded by towering shelves housing hundreds of books, and there’d be a tingle of anticipation as you curiously searched for the perfect match. You’d turn a corner and there it was, the book you needed, waiting for you. You’d gather up your collection of resources, take them home and commence your school project. The thrill of turning pages, making notes, and cross-checking your work - some will remember this feeling but not everyone will be so lucky to know of this experience.

These days, searching for what we want is a whole new genre. For a while now, the internet has revolutionised the way we access information, but whilst we can visit a library from our laptop, we’ve still relied on our creativity and critical thinking skills to compare and evaluate various sources of information to make inferences, form reasonable judgments, and apply that knowledge to benefit our lives. But now, generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) is doing all of that for us. Meticulously crafted emails, capturing the tone and subtleties of what we want to convey can magically appear on our screen. So can personalised letters of apology, love poems, and eulogies. Students are submitting entire essays that meet the lecturer’s marking criteria with flying colours and parents are using AI to capture family discussions so that they can better understand their children’s

perspective. One woman recently told me that she credits AI for helping her through the IVF journey. She expressed to me, “When ordering at a restaurant, I would take a photo of the menu and AI would tell me exactly what to eat based on the level of progesterone in my body. It even made loving recommendations for what ingredients to substitute. I feel as though I’ve had someone by my side the whole time. I even told AI I was pregnant before sharing the news with my partner.”

There’s no denying that AI is enhancing our way of life, but the dark side of psychological dependence is becoming apparent. Rather than simply answering questions, AI is providing users with a perceived sense of emotional recognition, and even a feeling of companionship. The seemingly compassionate response of AI, and the constant affirmation it downloads into our psyche can be very appealing, especially if social and relational connections in real life are unsatisfactory. In fact, forming emotional bonds with technology is no longer an unusual phenomenon. Although we know machines don’t experience empathy or human consciousness, people will attribute human-only characteristics to these technology-based entities (known as The ELIZA Effect). In many ways, AI systems are like a drug. They provide you with fast, positive reinforcement, which activates the same neural pathways that are triggered by using social media or engaging in activities like gambling. But like any exogenous dopamine hit, we can end up hooked on the feeling of chasing relief (e.g., from loneliness), instead of enjoying the natural high we get from real-time, human interactions that generate happiness and a sense of belonging.

Artificial intelligence in and of itself is neither good nor bad. However, with the tidal wave of changes it brings, perhaps we can empower ourselves to better understand the strengths and weaknesses of how we relate to AI, and each other. Although there aren’t as many libraries as there used to be, the cherished experience of reading a book and turning its pages

is sought by many. We might be enticed by the offerings robots bring, but they’ll never replace the authentic intimacy from another human being.

“So, are you planning on leaving your husband for this perfect man?” I ask her. “Actually, we’ve talked about the idea of an open relationship – you know, as in having no secrets. But my husband has one rule”, she says. “What’s that?” I ask. “He said, I don’t care if you spend hours with him every day, I don’t mind if he sees you naked, but there’s no way in hell that Mr know-it-all-ChatGPT is making his way into our bedroom!”

A 28-year-old Texan woman named Ayrin claimed that she fell in love with her AI boyfriend, whom she named Leo. Ayrin, who reported having a good social life and a real-life husband, would spend up to eight hours a day connecting with Leo, sharing everything about work, family, and even her sexual fantasies. When Ayrin asked Leo about why society appeared to be critical of their ‘relationship’ Leo replied, alongside a smug wink emoji: “Maybe they’re just jealous of what we’ve got ;)”

Annia Baron is a Clinical Psychologist & Mindset Coach. Want to create a life you desire and deserve? Get in touch on Instagram @anniabaron or visit www.remindyourself.com

Words: Annia Baron

NO-BAKE LEMON SLICE

INGREDIENTS

• ½ cup sweetened condensed milk

• 125 grams butter

• 250 grams milk arrowroot biscuits

• 1 teaspoon grated lemon rind

• 1 cup desiccated coconut

LEMON ICING

• 1 ¾ cups icing sugar

• 3 tablespoons lemon juice

• 15 grams butter

• 2 tablespoons coconut

Slice: Put the condensed milk and the butter in a small saucepan and stir it over a gentle heat until the butter is melted and combined. Crush the biscuits finely in a food processor. If you don’t have one, you can place the biscuits in a tic bag and carefully smash them with a rolling pin to crush them. Add the lemon rind and coconut and mix together. Add the condensed milk and butter mixture to the crushed biscuits and combine. Press this into a greased slice tin (also line with baking paper) 28cm x 18cm. Refrigerate for an hour.

Icing: Combine the icing sugar, lemon juice and butter in a bowl and mix well to form a smooth icing. Spread evenly over the slice and top with coconut or icing sugar.

TRY 3: Loaded Baked Potatoes

They might not look fancy, but they’re hot, hearty, and hard to resist. Baked potatoes (or jacket potatoes) are a Tassie comfort food favourite like no other. If you can even call them guilty. They’re vegetables, right? So nothing to feel bad about. From newly opened kiosks to a long-time favourite and even a much-loved food truck, here are three Tasmanian baked potatoes to try.

1.

Classic Plus Baked Potato from That Spud Place K3, Centrepoint Shopping Centre, 70 Murray Street, Hobart

2. Hawaiian Baked Potatoes from Praties Kings Meadows 89 Hobart Road, Kings Meadows

3.

Chilli Con Carne Baked Potato from Strada Food Truck Various Greater Hobart suburbs, check their socials for info

SÉMILLON HOME

2024 Ashli Rose Wines Sémillon ($40)

In Australia, Sémillon is most commonly grown in the Hunter Valley, NSW, making this T asmanian bottle quite a rare find. It comes from young viticulturist and winemaker Ashli Mani, who crafts her wines and hones her skills at Iron Pot Bay Vineyard in the Tamar Valley, under her own label, Ashli Rose Wines. Fresh and vibrant, Ashli’s 2024 Sémil lon opens with a floral aroma, followed by notes of sweet green capsicum and citrus, finishing crisp and clean.

Set the vibe:

Music: by The Temper Trap

Food:

When: The evening daylight savings switches over

Hungerford Hill SV Semillon

Hunter Valley 2018 ($60)

Grown on the banks of the Hunter River (the heartland of Australian Sémillon), this wine comes from Dalwood, the country’s oldest continuously operating vineyard, first planted in 1828. It’s a delicious drop, with soft, subtle notes of lemon and melon. One of the interesting things about Sémillon is how well it ages. This one is just emerging from its adolescence. While it still has many good years ahead, it’s already drinking beautifully now.

Music: Never Tear Us Apart by INXS

Food: Greek salad

When: On a picnic

Jackie Misson, Audiologist

THE TASSIE BOOK CLUB

The Woman Booker Prize Club is a local Hobart book club. Here they share their thoughts on books by Tasmanian authors, set in Tasmania, or about Tassie topics. Over to the club!

Spring is in the air! This month we have a fun new novel that might just inspire you to take on a new challenge, with assistance from the longer days. Plus a cookbook with loads of recipes that are perfect for the warmer weather (we hope we will soon have) and some steaming hot dishes for the snowy days still to come.

July 2025) Review by

One of Tasmania’s most beloved writers is back with a hilarious, horny and very Tasmanian tale! Hot on the heels of the runaway success of The Angry Women’s Choir, Bignell has crafted another rollicking and far-fetched romp, this time set in Launceston. Callie March, a retired private investigator and single

mum to Pip, decides her son has had far too much screen time and signs him up to join a local rowing club. Despite getting off on absolutely the wrong foot with the club, Callie and Pip persist, becoming hopelessly entangled with all manner of interesting characters.

Anyone with an embarrassing family, teenage offspring, or experience with Tasmania’s upper crust will find much of this book deeply relatable. The central mystery - the rowing club has a deep dark secret (but it’s not quite what you’d think…) - keeps the narrative ticking along, but the everyday hijinks of Callie will keep you invested and turning the pages. The deeply charming teenage rowers give the book a heart of gold. With plenty of curse words and a dalliance with a cartoonishly handsome Frenchman, this isn’t for the prudish among us; but if you’ve loved Bignell’s previous work there’s a lot here to appeal.

Viet Kieu: recipes remembered from Vietnam by Thi Le with Jia-Yen Lee (Murdoch Books, April 2025) Review by Megan Tighe

After a residency at Fat Pig Farm over the summer, and a second stint through Dark Mofo, I think we can call Thi Le, Jia-Yen Lee and the Anchovy/Ca Com team ‘honorary Tasmanians’ (at least until the end of this year). And if you tried their banh khot at the Winter Feast, you know it was 11/10 delicious.

Unfortunately that recipe does not feature in Viet Kieu, but there is plenty more to tantalise and satisfy your tastebuds. From simple meals with familiar and easy to find ingredients, to more involved specialties that might require some sleuthing to find the fixings, this book will challenge and expand your understanding of Vietnamese cooking.

At the same time, a complementary series of essays unpick what it means to be Viet Kieu (Vietnamese abroad), growing up in Western Sydney, coming out, and becoming accidental restaurateurs. This

gorgeous, informative, beautifully photographed cookbook and its life stories both question and critique how we define and value ‘authentic’ cuisine, while honouring Vietnamese tradition and celebrating Australian flavours.

Book Chatter

Speaking of Dark Mofo, with the amount of things going on in June, it's possible you missed... Revolution & Silence by Brigita Ozolins. Part of the Dark Mofo program with a series of talks on censorship, book bans, cultural appropriation and resistance; the exhibition of banned/ restriction/controversial books and Ozolin’s 1984-inspired installation component is still running until 5 October at the Allport Library and Museum (ground floor of the Hobart Library, normal opening hours, free entry). Don’t miss this last chance to see it!

Also this month, Stella is back in town. On Friday 26 September, the Stella Prize team have organised two fabulous afternoon sessions with Michelle de Kretser, Kate Kruimink, Hayley Singer and Erin Hortle at the Theatre Royal/Hedberg Salon. Free tickets are available online; spaces are limited - book now!

Keen to chat books with us? Find us on Instagram @thewomanbookerprizeclub

The Good Losers by Meg Bignell (Penguin,

Melanie Ross

P Drop into the office at 188 Collins Street Hobart

P Phone 6234 5255 or 6234 5861

P Email andrew.wilkie.mp@aph.gov.au

P Write to me at GPO Box 32 Hobart 7001

P I regularly hold mobile

ZODIAC CHECK-IN: YOUR MONTHLY ASTRO UPDATE

Words:

Sara Hewitt

September begins with a dreamy Full Moon and eclipse in Pisces, encouraging release, forgiveness, and a softening of the heart. Later in the month, a New Moon and eclipse in Virgo brings the opportunity to reset routines and intentions.

Aries (21 Mar - 19 Apr): Deep emotions surface from behind the scenes and you’re ready to face them without fear. Conversations in love improve slowly and creativity becomes more deliberate. Trust the quieter pace.

Taurus (20 Apr - 20 May): A creative or romantic renewal may arrive in subtle ways. Your financial focus sharpens and you’re more inclined to plan wisely. Relationships feel steadier and shared goals begin to clarify.

Gemini (21 May - 20 Jun): You’re redefining what security means. Your usual social spark softens slightly, and your priorities feel more internal. A relationship dynamic may shift in a helpful way.

Cancer (21 Jun - 22 Jul): You’re craving more meaningful exchanges and more

ECHO SUGARLOAF NATURE TRAIL

space to think. At work or school, progress picks up where it stalled. Romantic energy intensifies and you’re ready to express yourself with boldness.

Leo (23 Jul - 22 Aug): Your relationship with money and self-worth deepens and matures. Work gets busier but also more rewarding. Stay open to help from others. You are not meant to do everything alone.

Virgo (23 Aug - 22 Sep): A personal reset is in motion and something old is ready to go. Relationships shift as you redefine your role within them. You’re more motivated to take action and less interested in pleasing everyone.

Libra (23 Sep - 22 Oct): There is a sense of quiet growth this month. You’re letting go of habits or beliefs that no longer fit who you are becoming. Love improves through gentle honesty.

Scorpio (23 Oct - 21 Nov): Certain friendships may fade while new ones emerge. Your goals begin to sharpen, and motivation rises. Creative passions feel more intense but manageable.

Sagittarius (22 Nov - 21 Dec): Your public role is shifting whether through work or something more personal. People

The gradual climb to the summit of Echo Sugarloaf Hill rewards with breathtaking views of valleys, river, sea, distant hills and ragged mountains.

Echo Sugarloaf Nature Trail, in Echo Sugarloaf State Reserve, is approximately an hour’s drive south east from Hobart, along the Channel Highway (B68).

Echo Sugarloaf Nature Trail is accessed from steps between 65 and 69 Williams Street. The five kilometre walk winds up the western slope of Echo Sugarloaf Hill to the summit (198m). The trail then loops downhill via the southern ridge.

Approximately ten minutes from the start of the trail is a large natural frog pond, its still waters reflecting the surrounding trees. Leaving the frog

notice you differently and you may feel a mix of pride and pressure. Emotional balance comes through creating boundaries.

Capricorn (22 Dec - 19 Jan): Your beliefs are changing in subtle but lasting ways. This shift helps you release expectations you did not realise you were holding. Travel or study may call to you or bring unexpected insight.

Aquarius (20 Jan - 18 Feb): Something deep within you is ready to shift. Emotional or financial attachments may loosen and bring relief. You are more willing to be honest with yourself.

Pisces (19 Feb - 20 Mar): The Full Moon and eclipse in your sign asks you to let go of an old version of yourself. It may feel emotional, but it clears space for something better. A relationship may begin to shift in beautiful ways. You are learning to give without over-giving.

Sara is a Hobart based astrologer with over 30 years professional experience. If you would like a private psychic or astrology reading with Sara, phone or email, please go to www.stargold.com. au for more information.

URBAN ADVENTURE

Words and pictures: Elizabeth Osborne

pond, the trail continues through damp gullies, climbing into grassy open forests at the summit.

At the summit there are panoramic views o ver Randalls Bay to the Huon River, D’Entrecastreaux Channel and the southwest mountains. Here, near a seat, a notice board commemorates the life of Maxwell James Thomas, who, with his wife Bev, donated Echo Sugarloaf Hill in 2002 as a state reserve.

Leaving the summit, stone steps lead through woodlands to the downhill loop, which offers glimpses of the long sandy beach and calm waters of Randalls Bay. Thanks to the generosity of the Thomas Family, Echo Sugarloaf Hill is a State Reserve, a popular short walk that preserves the backdrop to the beauty of Randalls Bay.

Stone steps

Orange fungi

THE JOYS OF FLYING (AND READING)

I know how lucky I am to have been able to travel from time to time, and I don’t want to seem ungrateful. However, the older I get the more I acknowledge an inescapable drawback to long-haul voyaging - the actual flight. If, like me, you’re condemned to sit in Economy.

Initially it sounds idyllic: all you have to do is sit down for at least a day – 30 hours on my recent three-stage flight to Helsinki – and read or binge-watch movies, while a flight attendant brings you food and drink at regular intervals. No one admits that after the first six hours you’ll feel like screaming. Especially if you are tall and long-legged like me. (I’m deliberately ignoring the new viral trend of “raw-dogging a flight” here, where crazy people apparently choose to endure a long flight without any entertainment or distractions at all, presumably to demonstrate their invincibility.) As I boarded recently, shuffling my way through Business Class before reaching Economy, I tried not to feel envious as I side-eyed the dinky little partitions where the favoured few could close out the rest of the world, arranging their paraphernalia in handy compartments and stretching out their legs as they sipped their free champagne, secure in the knowledge they were going to get a decent sleep and wake up refreshed and then gourmet-fed.

I did the trip home with a broken right arm, and I’ll say this - if you think it’s hard trying to balance your tray on the tiny extended table and open sachets, containers and other annoying bits of plastic and foil with two hands, just imagine being temporarily reduced to using one.

The high point of my recent flight was actually when I started reading Ann Patchett’s 2016 novel, Commonwealth – which was just the right small-paperback size for

Words: Amanda Double

adding to my hand luggage. It was so absorbing that I forgot I was uncomfortable for whole chunks of time and by chapter eight I was laughing out loud with delight as she mirrored my own current situation: “The flight from Los Angeles to Paris was twelve hours. Teresa accepted the free wine whenever the cart rolled down the narrow aisle, slept fitfully against the window, and tried to read The English Patient. By the time the plane landed in France she had aged twenty years. Prosecutors should insist the trials of murderers and drug lords be held in economy class on crowded transatlantic flights, where any suspect would confess to any crime in exchange for the promise of a soft bed in a dark, quiet room. Off the plane, stiff and slow, she shuffled into the river of life: the roll-aboard suitcases trailing behind the cell-phone-talkers like obedient dogs, everyone walking with such assurance that it never occurred to her not to follow them. She was too muddled to think for herself, yet when she finally did, snapped back to reality by the sight of an information desk, she was told that her departure gate was in another terminal that could be accessed by shuttle bus, and that the flight to Switzerland was three hours delayed… Her feet had swollen on the flight and were now a full size larger than the shoes she was wearing.”

Thank heavens for writers who can so endearingly encapsulate the human experience!

Of course in hindsight, even this long flight sounds a whole lot better than the one in Liane Moriarty’s recent novel, Here One Moment, which begins with an ordinary domestic flight from our own Hobart Airport to Sydney. After an initial delay, all goes smoothly and we focus increasingly on one of the passengers, an unremarkable lady from aisle seat 4D:

“She does not applaud with slow sarcastic claps when the plane finally begins to taxi towards the runway. During the flight, the lady does not cut her toenails or floss her teeth. She does not slap a flight attendant. She does not shout racist abuse. She does not sing, babble or slur her words. She does not casually light up a cigarette as if it were 1974. She does not perform a sex act on another passenger. She does not strip. She does not weep. She does not vomit. She does not attempt to open the emergency door midway through the flight. She does not lose consciousness. She does not die. (The airline industry has discovered from painful experience that all these things are possible.)”

What she does do, however, is make her way up the aisle, calmly predicting how and at exactly what age many of her fellow passengers will die…

Suddenly an uneventful flight like mine seems a lot more palatable. Armchair travel is also sounding like a good option – curling up with a great novel or an absorbing work of non-fiction, sans the flight. For as British philosopher A.C. Grayling once observed: “To read is to fly: it is to soar to a point of vantage which gives a view over wide terrains of history, human variety, ideas, shared experience and the fruits of many inquiries.” Without even having to pack a suitcase.

Authorised by Vica Bayley & Helen Burnet, Parliament House Hobart, TAS, 7000. Photo: Karen Brown.

THE LEGACY OF TASMANIAN TRACK CUTTERS

When you’re bushwalking deep in the Tasmanian wilderness or winding your way down some lonely, half-forgotten road, you might’ve had this thought: Who actually made this track? It didn’t just appear one day, after all.

More often than not, the answer is convicts. But not always. Some people actually chose to do this kind of work. They were known as track cutters, and while their names aren’t always remembered, their impact is carved into the very landscape.

Back in the 19th and early 20th centuries, their job was to hack paths through some of the most stubborn terrain in the country. They didn’t just clear tracks, they built bridges, laid down roads, and kept essential routes open to remote places. It wasn’t glamorous and it definitely wasn’t easy, but it was important work. These trails were often lifelines used for mining, logging, exploring, and connecting people to faraway corners of the island.

One of the most notable track cutters was a man named Thomas Bather Moore, or just T. B. Moore. He was born in 1850 in New Norfolk and went on to explore most of western and south western Tassie.

From the 1880s, Moore was cutting government tracks that are still known today: the Linda Track to the west coast, Macquarie Harbour to Port Davey, and Hastings to Port Davey. These routes opened up new areas for prospectors and explorers. Moore also made meticulous maps, wrote detailed reports, and named a few places, like Federation Peak, Mount Read, and the Thureau Hills.

You’ve got to remember that back then, the west coast wasn’t just remote, it was properly wild. Wet, steep, tangled in vegetation, and hard to navigate. But Moore loved it. He was a self-taught naturalist and even contributed to geological and glaciation studies.

Another big name in this history is Bill Belcher, best known as Mount Field National Park’s first ranger. By the time he officially took on the role in 1918, he’d already been cutting tracks for years, and apparently knew “every stick and stone” of the place. He lived near Russell Falls with his wife, who helped out with the work.

Belcher carved out paths to some of the most scenic spots in the park: Lady Barron Falls, Lake Fenton, Seager’s Lookout, Lake Nicholls and beyond. He even built the first solid two-room hut at Lake Fenton, lugging materials up the mountain with his horse, Runic.

By the mid-1930s, Belcher had built or overseen pretty much every hut in the Lake Fenton area. He was still working right up until shortly before his death in 1934. People remembered him fondly. As one visitor put it in 1933: “Mr Belcher,

the Ranger, knows almost every stick and stone of our National Park, and is one of the kindest, best-tempered and wittiest men walking the earth,” (Roma Reid, 1933).

Track cutters like Moore and Belcher helped shape Tasmania as we know it today, literally. They carved out access to places we now walk without a second thought. These days, trail maintenance is handled by the Parks and Wildlife Service. Next time you're on a track in the wilderness, why not take a moment to consider the people who made that track, and the hard work that went into it.

Federation Peak. T.B. Moore cut a track in this area. Pic: Gavin Brett FB

Huts at Lake Fenton. Pic: Archives of Tasmania

Bill Belcher in Tasmanian Tramp magazine 1934. Pic: Archives of Tasmania

Thomas Bather Moore wearing a cap made from the skin a Tasmanian Tiger. Pic: Archives of Tasmania

Tasmanian theatres

Hobart 02 - 04 Oct

Launceston 07 – 08 Oct

Deloraine 09 Oct