The Hobart Magazine January/February 2019

FREE THE HOBART MAGAZINE / JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019: ISSUE 05

I N D E P E N D E N T + LO C A L

REBECCA WHITE ON POLITICS, LIFE AND LOV E .

JA N UA R Y/ F E B RUA R Y 2 0 1 9

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Road Trip to Goats Beach - Samuel Shelley.

W E LC O M E TO

Editorial Editor: Stephanie Williams Art Direction: Mark Cleary

THE HOBART MAGAZINE

Advertising advertise@thehobartmagazine.com.au Publisher Stephanie Williams Contributors Genevieve Morton, Sarah Ugazio, Darren and Jeanette Radley, James Marten, Qamar Schulyer, Marie Barbieri, Iain Todd.

Publisher Information While all care has been taken, some information may have changed since publication. The Hobart Magazine regrets it can’t accept liabilities from errors or omissions contained in this magazine. The publisher reserves the right to refuse, withdraw or amend all advertisements without explanation.

Reproduction in whole or part without permission is prohibited.

The views expressed in articles and advertisements are not endorsed by the editor or publishers. We welcome any questions or feedback, email editor@thehobartmagazine.com.au.

Happy new year and congratulations on coming out the other side of the silly season. It’s now time to relax, put your feet up and enjoy the summer from the beach, the bush, the backyard or the balcony.

This issue we’ve done the hard work for you, exploring the best summer bars and cocktails around Hobart (tough gig!), chatted with the CSIRO about ocean plastic and how we can help the situation in our everyday lives, as well as checking in with Rebecca White, our cover person and the leader of the Tasmanian Labor Party.

And we’d like to take this opportunity to thank our loyal supporters as we enter 2019 - you, the readers, and our advertising partners.

We couldn’t do this thing we love without you. As always we value your feedback, so send me an email at editor@thehobartmagazine. com.au.

All the best, Steph

Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra

Benjamin Northey conductor

Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens Saturday 16 February 7pm

Sometimes the best seat in the house is your very own picnic rug.

Settle back with family and friends and enjoy a night of live orchestral music at RACT Symphony under the Stars.

Relax, unwind and let the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra serenade you.

And remember, it’s free!

Entry by ticket (FREE) available at tso.com.au | 1800 001 190

L E T T E R S TO T H E E D I TO R Hey, I only just discovered the mag. I picked up a copy at the Aquatic Centre. Why isn’t it everywhere?

Just really wanted an opportunity to say ‘great mag’. It’s actually got personality. So refreshing to see something that has that rare combination of integrity and a sense of humour, and steers away from the touristy stuff which does nothing to celebrate the Hobartian way of life or Hobart’s idiosyncrasies. Love it.

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Mike Kelly Old Beach

Just picked up The Hobart Magazine at the Austins Ferry Store. Congratulations on your article on Andrew Inglis Clark. So good to see him mentioned outside the academic press!

However, may I whisper a couple of words in your ear?

'Australian Constitution!' Clark's principal contribution to Australia was his initial draft of the Australian Constitution. Something like 90% of Clark's draft is in the current Constitution. Unfortunately he was sick when other contributors to the Constitution did further work on it. Clark complained they had 'messed with it'.

Indeed, we would have avoided the recent problems with MPs eligibility had they stuck with Clark's version of that section.

Bob Holderness-Roddam Austins Ferry

0474 321 784 | hello@shyam.net.au | www.shyam.net.au

(Hint: the link is case sensitive)

From 5PM. Pot of tap beer or cider only. Limit one per customer. Valid from 01/ 01/ 19 - 28/ 02/ 19

LOCAL LAD Tell us a little bit about your work?

I present the ABC TV news bulletin. If people look at me blankly when I explain what I do, I tell them, “I’m the new Peter Gee” and then they seem to understand! I had been a journalist at the ABC’s Melbourne newsroom for 18 years before becoming the Tasmanian newsreader in October. It’s a privilege to present such important information to the state and the ABC takes the role of telling Tasmanian stories very seriously.

Where's your favourite eatery?

I don’t really have a favourite anything whether it be food, song or movie. How can you say cheesecake is better than a Thai curry, or prefer The Godfather over Finding Nemo? We all have different preferences at different times depending on our moods. However, I do like the way the food is lovingly prepared and (very) casually eaten at Small Fry and you’ll struggle to find a better eggs benedict than the one at Spencer’s in Lindisfarne.

GUY STAYNER FROM LINDISFARNE Interview Genevieve Morton Picture Stephanie Williams

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elf-confessed Hobart ‘newbie’, Guy Stayner recently replaced Peter Gee as the ABC TV news presenter last year. When he’s not exploring the city’s cafés in search of the best coffee, he’s revelling in the view from his home in Lindisfarne.

Where do you live and what do you love about it?

I’m a newbie to Hobart and Tasmania. I have just moved into a house in Lindisfarne and I think it’s impossible not to love the view looking back to the bridge and the city. I also like the village atmosphere of Lindisfarne.

What's the best thing about Hobart?

The clean air and hills. The city is a great merger between the urban and natural environments and there’s always something visually interesting on the horizon.

And the worst?

Being away from my two children who live in Melbourne.

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Where do you head for a coffee?

I’m still enjoying my Hobart café exploration, so I head wherever I sniff the aroma of freshly ground coffee. I used to live in Degraves Street, Melbourne, which is the heart of Melbourne’s coffee culture and I can honestly say Hobart’s cafes are very good.

Favourite Hobart secret?

If I told you it wouldn’t be a secret!

Which team?

I spent 30 years describing myself as a “longsuffering Richmond supporter”. These days I no longer say ‘long-suffering’. I really look forward to one day watching The Devils play in the AFL. It’s Australia’s greatest sporting travesty that the AFL continues to deny Tasmanians an AFL team.

What do you never leave home without?

Clothing…which always has my wallet and keys in a pocket.

And outside work?

I really enjoy golf and no matter how badly I play it never completely spoils the good walk. I’m yet to play Lost Farm so I look forward to returning to Barnbougle soon.

A quote to live and die by?

Live simply so others may simply live. ■

LOCAL LADY

BEC OWENS

FROM WEST HOBART Interview Stephanie Williams

A

s a senior property rep with Ray White, Bec Owens knows Hobart.

She's also a past winner of the Tasmanian Telstra Young Business Women Award, started baby wear label Mizzle and is mum to two rowdy boys.

Where do you live and what do you love about it?

We live in West Hobart. We love the beautiful views, central location and easy access to Knocklofty Bush Reserve, North Hobart restaurants and our local butcher and grocer. My work takes me all over southern Tasmania and West Hobart is such a central base for that.

What's the best thing about Hobart?

Apart from our cool climate wines, how accessible everything is! We live in a stunning city that has bush and beaches within 15 minutes drive. Nowhere is far in Hobart.

And the worst?

Everyone knows everyone...but that can also be a good thing!

Why do you stay here?

I love to travel, but there is nothing better than flying into Hobart, taking in the scenery and stepping off the plane to our crisp fresh air. It’s safe and stunning, the perfect place to bring up our family.

Tell us a little bit about your work?

After a career in finance and a small business ownership, I joined Ray White as Senior Property Representative two years ago. I have bought, sold, built and renovated properties over the years and this is a natural progression for me. I love taking the stress out of the sales process for my clients and helping people with the huge decisions regarding property.

Where's your favourite eatery?

This is a tough one! I love a casual meal at Kosaten with friends, you can't beat The Glass House for a night out with my husband and then there is All Thai takeaway on a Friday night eaten by the fire at home with a glass of wine.

Where do you head for a coffee?

My first one for the day is always on the back deck at home in the morning sun, and my several others throughout the day depend on where I am work wise. I drink a lot of coffee and have a few favourites – Shake a Leg Junior, Room for a Pony and Yellow Bernard would be my top three.

Favourite Hobart secret?

The walking tracks in Knocklofty Bush Reserve.

I love to hang out there with my kids riding bikes or walking the dog. It’s minutes from our house and takes in beautiful views, we are so lucky to have it as our "backyard".

Which team?

Hawks of course!

And outside of work?

I'm really bad at relaxing, so when I manage to switch off it’s chasing the boys around on their mini bikes, catching up with friends or looking for a sunny spot to read a book.

A quote to live and die by?

Know your values and the rest of your decisions are simple. ■ 5

HOBART HAPPENINGS GET YOUR CANS OUT Perth comedian, Sean Conway is bringing his Canned Comedy concept to Hobart and teaming up with Tasmanian comedian Andrew Greeley for the first Fringe at the End of the World Festival. Their show Rabble Rousers, on January 4, will just cost patrons a can of food which will help support Foodbank Tasmania.

SUNDANCE NOD The Nightingale, shot in the Derwent Valley, has been selected for the Sundance Film Festival in 2019. The drama tells the story of a woman and an Aboriginal tracker in Tasmania in the 1820s and stars Aisling Franciosi, and Baykali Ganambarr.

GARDEN MATES Did you know the Hobart City Council runs a fabulous program, Still Gardening, to give older people a chance to stay active in their homes and gardens. Volunteers, or Garden Mates, work with an older person for one or two hours a week in their garden helping them with jobs like weeding, pruning and lifting heavy weights.

GO THE DISTANCE The full North South MTB track, which was damaged in the May 2018 storms has reopened. Repairs to the New Town Rivulet crossing on the North-South Track have been completed and it is now open for its whole route from The Springs to Tolosa Park.

GATHER YOUR GRUNDIES! Love running almost naked? Want to raise money for The Children’s Tumour Foundation of Australia? On Sunday 17 February get your butt down to the Lower Sandy Bay Foreshore near the Sandy Bay Sailing Club for the annual Cupid’s Undie Run - a 1.5 kilometre dash in your finest. If you #Dare2Bare, it’s $70 which includes some Calvin Klein undies, a t-shirt and some fun pre and post event entertainment.

SAVE THE HANDFISH Three species of rare Tasmanian handfish are at risk of extinction, one species is down to a population of only 70.

Only found here, they're at risk from climate change and other invasive species. You can help with a donation via handfish.org.au

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GOING UP Flu jabs. Last season had the lowest flu rate in five years.

Auslan exercise classes. Hats off to fitness instructor Jarran Harris and Hobart’s PCYC for creating the first exercise class in Australia led using Auslan.

Twilight. We’re loving the evening hours spent at markets, barbecues and events. #letherspeak. A review of an archaic law in Tasmania is gaining momentum, backed by Hollywood celebs. It’s currently a crime to identify a victim of sexual assault, even with permission. Well done Jane Doe for your resolve in creating change.

New park. Check out the new nature-based Playscape at Queens Domain.

Parents travelling on Jetstar are now charged $30 to have their baby (under 2 years) sit on their lap.

Hobart rents. We’ve eclipsed Sydney as the most unaffordable capital city to rent a home.

Bad tattoos. It’s one thing to get a tat. But when it’s bad permanent art, you’re a sucker.

Petrol prices. In the face of lower wholesale prices, we’re getting shafted paying well above the national average.

GOING DOWN

BAR SCENE Willing Bros. Wine Merchants In the middle of the North Hobart strip, Willing Bros Wine Merchants is a neighbourhood wine bar with an impressive list of French, Spanish and Italian wines alongside some beloved locals.

Hungry drinkers will love small plates such as pork and fennel meatballs, duck ragout and pan-seared calamari. While there’s always a late afternoon buzz at Willing Bros, you’ll still find a quiet moment to perch yourself at the end of the bar and watch the chefs at work.

390 Elizabeth St, North Hobart

Society Salamanca This cocktail, gin and whisky bar sources locally and from around the world. The popular Salamanca nook boasts Hobart’s largest spirit library. Gin lovers are treated to gin tasting platters with a splash of house-made tonic and a garnish to match. Bite-size pintxos start at just $2. Creative cocktails include The PPP with Pisco, pineapple, pomegranate and pink peppercorns, and for chocolate lovers; The Caramello with Tasmanian vodka, milk chocolate liqueur and salted caramel.

22 Montpellier Retreat, Battery Point

HOBART BAR SCENE LET'S GO OUT

Words Genevieve Morton Picture TourismTasmania

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ummer is here and Hobart’s bar scene has never been hotter. Tassie nightlife hits its peak when the weather is warm and our city offers intimate and quirky watering holes like no other. Here are our top picks for Summer.

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Rude Boy Rude Boy has such a large collection of rum they created a side menu titled ‘Rum Journal’. Fun, colourful and irresistible, Rude Boy is a little Caribbean haven in the CBD with casual and spicy eats. Brazen cocktails include the Poor Tony with Tanqueray, Cocchi Americano, blood orange, lemongrass, rhubarb and anise. Watch out for Thursday’s Bottomless Bubbles between 5pm and 7pm this Summer.

130 Elizabeth St, Hobart

Dier Makr Named after the Led Zeppelin song D’yer Mak’er, Dier Makr is an intimate bistro and wine bar in the CBD celebrating wine produced with minimal intervention from the winemakers. With small to zero amounts of added chemicals, wines are produced with organic and/or biodynamic vinification practices. Sweetly-styled accompanying wine bar ‘Lucinda’ opened in November last year. Dubbed by the bar’s owners as “the prettier sibling” Lucinda is a welcome addition to the city’s bustling boutique bar scene.

Preachers When it comes to cosy, this is the spot. Grab a seat on the couch inside the bar. If you like things quirky, head outside and take a seat on the bus.

Preachers – a former preacher’s home in Battery Point – brings quality quirkiness with a bus parked in the beer garden alongside its mix-and-match retro furniture. A generous list of craft beers from around Australia are on tap along with a range of ciders and wines. Preachers is a popular twilight destination in Salamanca in the Summer months. You can even take your dog and follow along @pooches_of_ preachers on Instagram.

121-123 Collins Street, Hobart

5 Knopwood Street, Battery Point

A CONVERSATION ON DEA

WITH

STEVE MURPHY & JAVIER PENA AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND A CONVERSATION ON THE CAPTURING OF PABLO ESCOBAR AND THE CALI CARTEL WITH THE REAL DEA AGENTS JAVIER PENA AND STEVE MURPHY, WHO INSPIRED THE HIT NETFLIX SHOW NARCOS.

SUN 21 JULY ODEON THEATRE LIVENATION.COM.AU

Presenting partners

DEVELOPMENT before it even begins. It feels like it needs to go back to the drawing board, so to speak, for another round of changes, or ten, before the DA hits the council desk.

THE WELCOME STRANGER A NOT SO WELCOME SIGHT Words Ms Development

A

little while back I heard the news that Hexa Group is planning to develop The Welcome Stranger site on the corner of Davey and Harrington Streets into a proposed 13 storey, 45 metre building for commercial and residential use.

In case you don’t know, Hexa Group are a property development group headquartered in Melbourne and founded by an Australian developer collective and Quan Jun Da, an industrial giant with a multibilliondollar annual turnover.

Development, when done sensitively and appropriately, can benefit a community. Old buildings may need to be rebuilt, or greenfield sites be utilised to offer better services and amenity to residents. But there’s a difference between objecting to development and objecting to bad design. I’m objecting to bad design. Looking at the renders of what the proposed building is to look like, well, frankly, it made my eyes hurt.

The bottom half of the new building is fine. Not amazing but non-offensive in the grand scheme of development - simple red brick structure, which is pretty much what is there now. But the top half the building goes rogue and seems to have been taken over by architects who seem to think “movement” in a building’s design is something to visually aspire to. The lines don’t match up, up top. That’s there to create “movement”, but in my opinion it makes the building feel just a bit cheap, temporary and dated

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According to the Hexa Group website, “the height of the building is unremarkable in the context of Hobart - there are already 10 buildings that are 45 metres or taller in the CBD.” Well unremarkable that may be to a Melbourne development group but to a person living, breathing and working in Hobart having that height of building is one thing, but seeing it being played out with questionable design aesthetic is another.

This is the opposite of what Hobart needs right now, particularly given The Welcome Stranger corner is such a high profile site for visitors to our city, as well as being a landmark for locals travelling to the southern suburbs. We’re doing such a good job of putting out a vibe of being creative thinkers, and attracting interesting people, festivals and businesses to our shores, so why should we let ourselves down in the way our architecture comes to life?

People are coming here because we do things differently, because of places like Mona that show genuine creativity and the hard working small business operators who strive to create interesting and engaging products and services. We have an opportunity to shape this city into something unique, like the low rise European cities that people travel from everywhere to enjoy because they’re not highrise or ugly and because they have their own character and personality. Our goal should be to be a point of difference to larger cities like Sydney and Melbourne and strive for quality and timeless design that will last our lifetimes and those of our younger generations.

We need to demand better design from the architects and property developers who have the privilege of shaping our skyline, as well as the councils charged with approving the heights and structures. These buildings are legacy buildings and Hobartians deserve to enjoy quality architecture and design when moving about the city.

And don’t get me started on Macquarie Point. We have an incredible opportunity there to shape that part of our fabulous city, let’s not mess that one up now shall we. ■

SCIENCE A scientist with the contents of a turtle's stomach

of litter on the ground?” or “Is there more plastic in commercial areas than in parks or beaches?” I study how wind and water move plastic through our environment and ultimately to the sea. I evaluate the effectiveness of laws and regulations aimed at stopping plastic on its way to our oceans. And once that plastic has made it to the ocean, I look at how it affects wildlife like turtles and seabirds.

So what have we found? Well, you may have seen some of our recent work in the news. We reported that when turtles eat 14 pieces of plastic, they have a 50% risk of dying from that plastic. Perhaps even more alarming is the fact that about half of all turtles worldwide are estimated to have eaten debris!

PLASTIC MATTERS, WITH DR. Q Words Qamar Schuyler Picture Supplied

H

ave you ever heard of the Great Pacific Gyre, aka the Great Pacific garbage patch? These days, chances are you have.

You may have also watched YouTube videos of turtles with plastic straws up their noses, or albatross carcasses laden with plastic.

When you go to the grocery store, you have to pay a small fee for a new bag if you forget your reusable one. In some states, though not yet Tasmania, you also have the opportunity to recoup those costs by returning your plastic Coke bottles for a deposit.

Whether you realise it or not, all of these things are connected. And it is my job to make the connections.

I am a Research Scientist at the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), here in Hobart. I study plastic pollution; where it comes from, where it goes to, and what impacts it has. I ask questions like “Does the average income of a local population affect the amount

Fortunately, the news is not all bad. By analysing data from Keep Australia Beautiful, we showed that container deposit laws (CDL), already enacted in five Australian states (SA, NT, NSW, ACT, QLD), and soon WA (2019), have a real environmental benefit. These regulations mean that a consumer receives 10 cents for every beverage container returned. That keeps cans and bottles out of the waste stream, and off our coasts. States with a CDL had a lot fewer beverage containers along their coastlines than states without such laws. So the good news is, although current estimates put the amount of plastic entering the world’s oceans annually at about 8 million tonnes (!), there are lots of promising solutions already being enacted.

Ultimately, plastic is not just a problem for wildlife, it’s a problem for all of us. 25% of the fish sold in a San Francisco fish market had plastic in their digestive systems. We know that chemicals in plastics can transfer into the tissues of animals that eat them, though it’s unknown whether this will ultimately result in harm to humans. Small amounts of water caught by discarded plastic bags provide breeding spaces for mosquitos, potentially carrying diseases such as Zika virus. Beaches and parks littered with debris cost communities through lost tourism revenue as well as increased cleaning expenses.

As dire as it sounds, there are specific, hands-on actions that each one of us can take, ranging from cutting back on single use plastics (e.g. straws, bags, coffee cups) to influencing manufacturers through our purchasing power. But most important of all, stay engaged and keep putting pressure on politicians to act in the best interests of our environment! ■ 11

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Our Complimentary Buyers Guide will start you on the right foot and provide practical tips and advice along the way.

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COVER STORY

Greeting the public

REBECCA WHITE

R

Interview Stephanie Williams

ebecca White is a Member for Lyons and the leader of the Tasmanian Labor Party.

She recently took time out to chat with The Hobart Magazine about her busy life.

You were only 27 when you were elected to the seat of Lyons in 2010. How did your first day feel?

It was really exciting. The chamber seemed smaller than I imagined. You feel very close to one another, which in an adversarial system like we have it can sometimes be quite confronting. I remember the first time the parliament was in session, being in an environment that small and shouting at one another.

It wouldn't happen anywhere else. It can be a bit of a ruthless place.

How do you get used to that?

For me, the more I do something the easier it gets. It was the same for me with public speaking, which I found terrifying and it took a really long time to feel comfortable doing that.

I'm sure now it feels you can do it with your eyes shut.

Yes. And I think people probably wish that I would stop talking!

You studied Journalism and Politics. Do you think that has helped you navigate both the pressures and the value of the media?

It does help me understand more about what it

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means to be in front of the cameras, and what people behind the cameras are trying to elicit from you. I studied commerce too, it's a balance between understanding how our society works, how I best represent the people who elected me and how I convey to them those messages in a really concise and sensible way so that they understand what I'm talking about.

During your most recent campaign it was hard not to draw comparisons with New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Adern. I hear you reached out to her. Are you still in contact?

I haven't been in touch with her for a little while.

She's a very busy world leader and doing a magnificent job. I could only wish to be good as Jacinda. I think she's inspirational. She's stayed true to her values and does a wonderful job of explaining why things matter to her and what it means for her country to pursue those particular agendas.

Are you a naturally organised person?

I'm a lists person. I like feeling organised and having a sense of predictability about what's to come.

Particularly in politics where it's so unpredictable— day to day you really don't know what's going to happen next.

You were elevated to the party leadership when your daughter Mia was under one. Every parent

COVER STORY knows how hard the juggle is at the best of times let alone in a role as public as yours.

She was four months actually. It was a bit of a crazy time. You can't choose the timing for these things so when an opportunity presents you just have to take it. And I have no regrets. Trying make sure she's included in as much as possible is really important.

Mia will come to weekend events where it's child friendly and she loves it. She's very sociable. She's adaptable and we’ve got terrific family support.

My husband has his own business so he has pretty flexible hours but getting busier, so it is a juggle.

He's a chef right, and operates a catering business?

He does, Wattlebanks Catering is his business. We are very grateful to have family close by who help out a lot and amazing educators at childcare who provide support as well. One of the first questions I was asked when the leadership change occurred was, “How are you going to balance having a baby and a job?” Because apparently I'm the first woman to ever do such a thing! We still have very gendered stereotypes that need to be challenged and I’m no different than any other woman who has a job and a family. I feel obligated to always answer those questions by stating I'm very well supported by family, I'm no different than any other woman or we’re no different than any other family because there needs to be a push back of those questions being asked of women in leadership positions.

At home with Mia and husband Rod.

I felt it would be remiss of me if we didn’t discuss parenting. It's important to ask to get across that it's actually not an unusual situation.

A big change for the Labor Party and this parliament since the election is the number of working parents who have been elected. The parliament has shifted from being a place for people who have had children already or had another career and then been elected, to more accurately representing our population.

There are so many more working parents in the parliament now and they’ve got children ranging in ages from just a couple of weeks right through to adults. That’s a true representation of the population and the general workforce.

Why do you think it's escalated in the last few years?

I can only speak on behalf of the Labor Party— we've actually sought to preselect candidates to run who are reflective of the community. We've actively sought to encourage women and younger people.

We've done that because they haven't been present in these roles and I think that’s an issue if decisions are being made on behalf of people when they're not in the room.

Traditionally many young people leave the island to train or work and on the flipside migration here has been heavily represented in the older demographic. Things are changing and there's a stronger growth in the 25 to 50 age group migrating or returning. How can we use this population growth to Tasmania’s advantage?

It's a good thing to see people returning to Tasmania.

Living on an island, there’s a natural curiosity about seeing what else is out there. People do choose to travel or work interstate or overseas, but I think they also want to come home when the time is right. And especially for my age group or your age group, I see more of that occurring. So, how do we encourage that and take advantage of the opportunity that’s presented? I think comes down to how we plan for growth in Tasmania. Population growth is, I believe, to be welcomed and encouraged. But it has to be supported by investments in infrastructure so we have livable cities and places, so we have job creation, so people can move back to Tasmania, find housing and have confidence the public transport system is going to support them, that the education is going to be provided for their children, that there's going to be work for them and their partner and for their children when they grow up.

Inevitably this puts pressure on the health system, which feels broken right now. What do you think the government should do in the short and long term to make us feel confident in our healthcare again?

Gosh, how long do you have? Short term we need to be easing the pressure on the hospital. Tasmania has one of the lowest rates of bulk billing in the country 15

COVER STORY but about 25 percent of our population are in the lowest quintile for income. There's a huge shortage.

Supporting access for people to health services in their own community would be a great start to take pressure off the emergency department, which is where people feel they have to go now because they've got no other option.

At a federal level, women in politics are calling out sexist and misogynistic behavior. What has been your experience in the Tasmanian parliament and Labor Party?

I've been supported and encouraged from the moment I joined the Labor Party. 70 percent of our members in the parliamentary Labor Party are female. We've had a really strong focus on affirmative action for a long time in the Labor Party, deliberately to encourage women to stand and to support them. In the parliament I’ve never felt intimidated or treated differently because I’m female. There have been attempts made, I suppose, to point out that I’m female and I’m younger, like references made to me being inexperienced and calling me “Bec” rather than “Rebecca” which is how I prefer to be known in politics. In case anyone didn’t realize already that I am female and younger, I think it's pretty obvious for people!

I do remember door knocking as a first-time candidate when I was 26 and people asking me what does my husband think of me doing this? I wasn’t married then and if I was, it's my decision!

Or commending me for having a go so soon after finishing school! There were lots of funny remarks made.

If you weren’t in politics what do you think you'd be doing?

That’s a good question. When I was at college I was desperate to become a vet but I realised it wasn’t just about loving animals, you actually had to operate on them and sometimes euthanise them. That wasn’t quite as attractive to me! I honestly couldn’t tell you.

How do you navigate your constituents and a two-year-old? What are your tips for keeping he entertained and engaged?

She’s still at an age where she can be easily distracted. But her attention span is very short. It's a matter of finding lots of different distractions. She really enjoys reading, colouring in and animals, so if there's an animal somewhere that she can have a chat to, that’s great! She's a very outdoorsy kid which is 16

nice because we spend a lot of time outdoors, so I'm pleased she is happy to run around and just play. She does a lot of singing and dancing too which is highly entertaining. All those things are just so beautiful.

How did you meet your husband and how does he go as ‘first bloke’ of Tasmanian Labor Party?

We have a very typical meeting story. It was the last week of work in December and we met in a pub in Salamanca. I wouldn't say it was particularly romantic but it was instant for me. He’d only just returned back to Tasmania after being overseas for about five years. We spent a lot of time together that summer. It was the same year the Dunalley bush fires occurred. That’s part of my community where a lot of people I grew up with are and my family live.

I was quite involved during that process and he was working in Bicheno then and he would drive down and help. We’d only known each other for less than a month and he was incredible and supportive, so that was a pretty good start for him in my eyes. He's a local boy—grew up in Rosetta and Dodges Ferry.

We knew of each other when I was at uni and we met again in 2012.

Early life on the farm

What do you like to do outside work?

I love horses. I've always had horses in my life.

Growing up on a farm we had them for stock work and then Mum got me involved in competitions.

I still have a horse and I've got a horse for my daughter—a pony—but I really haven't had very much time to ride over the last 18 months and I do miss that. I'm hoping this summer to be able to get out and see my friends in the riding community, who I miss very much. We have just moved house so there's a lot to be done in the garden, which I enjoy, and just catching up with my girlfriends. I've got the best friends and we've all got kids who are about the same age. I love spending time with them because they don't have anything to do with politics and they're a really good barometer in regard to what actually matters day to day in people’s lives. ■

JANUARY 01

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Happy New Year Hobart!

We hope you’re waking with good resolutions and no hangovers!

Catch comedian Matt Harvey at Republic Bar in his show I Got Bit By A Monkey Once.

Like penis jokes? Get yourself to Jon Bennett’s comedy show tonight, Pretending Things Are A Cock at Republic Bar.

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Melbourne comedian Nick Capper is bringing his sell-out show, Pig In The City, to Hobart for one night only.

The Hobart International tennis comp kicks off today with some of the world’s best women competing at The Domain Tennis Centre.

Are your immunisations up to date? Head to Town Hall today from 10am-12pm for the Monthly Immunisation Clinic. Kids are free.

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The Cygnet Folk Festival starts today. Now in it’s 37th year, the festival attracts talent and visitors from around the world.

Enjoy an evening of chanting, chai and kirtan at South Hobart Yoga & Meditation from 6.309pm. $10 at the door.

Take the kids to TMAG for the dino-themed School Holiday program, running over 2 weeks from 14 – 25 Jan.

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Happy 150th birthday to F. Matthias Alexander, the Tassie boy who developed the Alexander Technique to aid movement.

Get along to The Goods Festival today at City Hall with SAFIA, Client Liaison, E^ST and Bootleg Rascal headlining.

Charge your glasses for Ginuary is on today, the annual festival of Tasmanian gin, at The Goods Shed.

FEBRUARY 01

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Kids will love the Dinosaurs by Night event as part of Dinosaur rEvolution at TMAG with food trucks, fossil digs and more.

Rev your engines for the Wheels in the Park Car and Bike Show in Geeveston with over 200 vehicles vying for honours.

See the Hobart Hurricanes in action at Bellerive Oval against the Melbourne Renegades from 7:40pm tonight.

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From today until the 11th get salty at the biennial MyState Australian Wooden Boat Festival, a four day festival of maritime culture.

Get to the GG’s. The Hobart Cup is run today, with kick off from 10am at Luxbet Hobart Park.

Enjoy an evening of music at the RACT Symphony Under The Stars at the Botanical Gardens, a free but ticketed event.

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The Clarence Jazz Festival starts today, for eight days of twilight concerts and cosy cabarets on the Eastern Shore.

Celebrate the joy of garlic at the deliciously original Koonya Garlic Festival on the Tasman Peninsula.

The legendary singersongwriter and self-taught guitarist Rodriguez brings his blend of folk and psychedelic rock to Hobart today.

The Candlestick, Cape Hauy - Jason Charles Hill.

RELATIONSHIPS

Take it back to basics

THE VOYEUR Words: Darren and Jeanette Radley

A

m I not enough for him? Maybe I should get a labiaplasty and a boob job! Maybe then he’d think I’m attractive enough to stop watching porn!” My client sobbed desperately. She was an attractive 40-something, well groomed, intelligent professional, yet at this moment she seemed more like an insecure teenager.

Consensual couple porn viewing can often be utilised by couples to enhance sexual pleasure in their relationships. However, many couples struggle with porn in their relationships, especially when it becomes an obsessive solitary behaviour.

Research indicates that porn addiction is an unhealthy use of porn that is a very real and distressing problem often starting during teen years. Unfortunately, a choreographed and an often non-consensual view of sex and relationships is exposed to the developing pre-teen and teenage brain that can then be carried into adult relationships. Teens are curious and teaching teens about healthy relationships should include open discussions at home about pornography and the unrealistic images and relationships that are portrayed. All phones should be put away at night in an agreed and secure place so both parents and teenagers can get a good night’s sleep.

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Managing, and hopefully eliminating, a porn addiction in adult relationships should include taking full responsibility of the issue and sharing with your partner how you will beat your addiction.

For example, establish clear mutual boundaries and transparency around computer and phone usage.

Share passwords, use and leave phones/laptops in plain sight. Do not delete history. Share with your partner what is sexually pleasurable and negotiate what you are both willing and excited to try. Deal with other relationship issues or underlying mental health issues, recognising porn may be an escape or coping strategy.

If your partner’s porn misuse is upsetting you it is important to self-care and recognise that the misuse is not about inadequacy in you. Porn sites exist that depict sex in a healthier way with realistic looking couples engaging in enjoyable sexual acts. Healthy porn use can enhance your sexual relationship by adding eroticism, fun and excitement as well as providing ideas you may like to try together.

Darren Radley, Relationship Counsellor & Sex Therapist ; Jeanette Radley, Psychotherapist / Counsellor & Mediator The EPICentre at 160 New Town Road, New Town.

P: 6228 5535 www.theepicentre.net.au

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CHEF'S DAY OFF

Ingredients: (serves four) 2 fresh buffalo mozzarella balls 1 large wedge of Jap pumpkin 2 cups pepita pumpkin seeds 2 tbsp Champagne vinegar (or good quality vinegar such as Apple Cider or White Wine vinegar) 1 clove garlic Salt and pepper Extra virgin olive oil 1 lemon

IAIN TODD

EXECUTIVE CHEF, SAFFIRE FREYCINET Words and Picture Iain Todd

"This is a really nice early summer dish using buffalo mozzarella, it’s the most delicious thing! I remember when I was a first year apprentice in my first few weeks of working in a little restaurant in Melbourne after I had just moved there.

My head chef gave me a little slice of buffalo mozzarella to taste when the cheese van had come around to the back door of the kitchen. It was one of those moments where the world stood still.

So simple yet so delicious.

That’s when I knew that I was going to be stuck in the kitchen forever."

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BUFFALO MOZZARELLA AND BAKED PUMPKIN WITH PUMPKIN HUMMUS Method: Scrape the seeds out of the pumpkin and cut it into four pieces, all equal in size. Drizzle them with a decent amount of oil and season well.

Place in the oven at 140 degrees for about three hours.

Meanwhile, spread the pepitas onto a baking tray and put into the oven at 140 degrees for 30 minutes while the pumpkin is in there.

When the pepitas are done place half into a blender and keep the other half aside. Add the two tablespoons of vinegar and the garlic to the blender and enough warm water to cover the seeds. Then add enough olive oil to cover 1cm over the top of the seeds. Blend on high speed.

You’ll probably need to scrape the sides down as you go.

You should end up with a thick, emulsified paste a bit like hummus.

Adjust the seasoning with salt and a little more vinegar if needed.

After three hours remove the pumpkin from the oven and turn the oven off. Tear each mozzarella ball in half and place on a tray in the still hot, but turned off, oven. Place a blob of the pumpkin seed hummus on each of four plates. Place a piece of pumpkin down on each blob of hummus laying flat. Then sprinkle with more salt and the remaining pumpkin seeds.Remove the mozzarella from the oven and place one piece next to the pumpkin. Drizzle with more olive oil and a squeeze of lemon. ■

DINING OUT

BAR WA IZAKAYA Words Stephanie Williams

S

itting at the bar on a busy Friday night, my partner and I immediately have flashbacks of a ski trip we took to Japan a couple of years back. After skiing all day, the izakaya, (a Japanese version of a pub) became our go-to each night for dinner, drinks and fun. Bar Wa Izakaya, on Elizabeth Street between the city and North Hobart, is a cranking little spot which feels about as close to authentic as you can get this side of Tokyo.

Spying Sapporo on tap, my partner grabs one of those to start while I spy the wine list, heavy on the Tassie grapes. I end up ordering a mojito, which ends up matching well with the bar snacks to come.

The menu is designed to be shared. Traditionally izakayas are all about pairing drinks with snacks think delicious morsels that go well with a cold one.

We start with the Bar Wa take on salt and pepper calamari ($16), this time dusted with black powder with a little salad of zesty yuzu soaked bean sprouts, cucumber and spring beans. Next up it’s the house pickles ($8), a colourful plate of pickled cucumber daikon and cabbage sprinkled with sesame. It’s refreshing and sets our tastebuds up for the next dish, pork gyoza. The pork gyoza ($12) is a generous five dumpling serve which comes with a chilli oil and dipping sauce. A drizzle of the oil elevates the gyoza to proper drinking food with just the right amount of heat to leave you wanting a sip of your chosen drink.

By this stage my partner has moved to a Japanese rum which he describes as ‘flatter’ than an Australian rum but enjoyable nonetheless. Yakitori skewers are next and we try the Nichols Chicken thigh with house made soy tare ($4.50 each) and the pork belly with Sansho pepper salt ($4.50 each).

Both are satisfying but my preference is for the less fatty chicken skewer.

I can’t go past a dessert that features salted caramel so I order the house made shiro miso ice cream with salted caramel sauce and yuzu biscuit crumb ($7).

Shiro miso is sometimes described as ‘sweet’ or ‘mellow’ miso, probably because it’s been fermented for a shorter time than darker varieties and is lower in salt. But in this pairing it brings a beautiful saltiness to the ice cream, which isn’t overly sweet.

I’d be heading back for that dish alone, and not sharing any of it!

While it’s a good idea to make a reservation, we did nab a couple of bar seats on a busy Friday night so walk ins aren’t out of the question. Sitting at the bar added to the genuine izakaya feel, but I’m reliably told Bar Wa works just as well for a group too. ■

Bar Wa 216-218 Elizabeth Street, Hobart, 6288 7876 barwaizakaya.com

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WELLBEING

BENEFITS OF A DIGITAL DETOX

DIGITAL DETOX

• Better sleep • Healthier relationships • Boosted productivity

4 STEPS TO SWITCHING OFF

• Less stress

Words Genevieve Morton Ho, Ho, Goji Berries

W

e are all guilty of over-indulging our screen time. The average person reportedly checks their mobile phone 150 times a day and 68% sleep with their devices next to their beds.

According to mobilecoach.com, we also read our texts straight away – 90% are read within three minutes of receiving them.

While our gadgets have made our lives easier and better in many ways, technology has a way of taking over the dinner table – and our relationships.

Your mobile can now make you indefinitely ‘busy’ but is all the ‘busy’ robbing you of time better spent?

A digital detox is simply about fasting from your technology.

It’s a period of time spent not engaging with your devices. If January is the perfect time for you to switch off, here’s how to do it.

1 Put your digital safety net in place Before you officially go off-line, let your family, friends and colleagues know you’re taking a break from technology. Set up an out-of-office away message for emails with a return-to-work date. If you need to post on social media for your business during your tech-break, create an automatic posting schedule so you can set and forget. Let people know you won’t be checking your mobile or responding to texts during the day.

2 Create tech-free zones More than half the population use their mobile phones as alarm clocks or at least sleep with their devices next to their beds. If late night scrolling and notifications are robbing you of sleep, buy a regular alarm clock and keep your mobile in another room. Create spaces that are strictly tech-free around your house such as the dinner table, the kitchen bench and bedrooms. Pile family devices - mobiles, iPads and laptops in a large box, put the lid on and try leaving it alone for extended periods of time.

3 Stop the buzzing The average person reportedly spends 135 minutes a day on social media.

Studies show we’re increasingly addicted to social media but we’re also simply responding to the notifications that pop up on screen. Turn off notifications from not only social media apps but anything that gives you an alert message when someone likes your post or sends you a message.

If you’re wasting time on Facebook simply because the app is on your mobile and at your fingertips – delete it. Check Facebook (and other social platforms) on your laptop instead – and set a time for it.

4 Cut the appeal Finally, go retro. Switching your mobile to ‘greyscale’ and draining the colour from your screen will take most of the fun out of Instagram and Snapchat. Make your mobile less appealing – and your real-life relationships will thank you for it. ■ Follow Genevieve @genevieve.writes (before you take your tech-break!)

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“My job is to represent and help the people of Denison which includes Hobart, Glenorchy and Taroona.

Feel free to get in touch to speak with me or one of my staff.�

Andrew Wilkie MP Independent Member for Denison www.andrewwilkie.org andrew.wilkie.mp@aph.gov.au Telephone 03 6234 5255 Authorised by Andrew Wilkie MP 188 Collins Street Hobart 7000

TRAVEL ON THE ISLAND

Hells Gates in a calm day

GETTING WILD ON THE GORDON RIVER Words and Picture Stephanie Williams

T

he evening before we’re due to take a day trip on the new Spirit of the Wild vessel in Strahan, we take a slow wander along the waterfront to check it out as the sun sets. An imposing charcoal grey and reflective glass structure, the boat was purpose-built to take passengers across vast Macquarie Harbour and down the glassy Gordon River. It’s an impressive sight and we’re now excited to board in the morning.

We arrive bright and early at 8am and quite a crowd have beaten us there. Our tickets are for the Premium Upper Deck - a luxurious space with leather recliner seats, private viewing platforms and snacks, meals and Tasmanian wines, beer and soft drinks to the heart’s content all day. We’re shown to our seats and offered coffee and pastries while we disembark.

Just to get technical for a minute, the Spirit of the Wild is a 33.8m catamaran that was constructed in Hobart by Richardson Devine Marine. It features twin diesel engines but also runs twin electric engines which allows for almost silent cruising when needed. As we race across Macquarie Harbour with all engines on full blast, it’s a comfortable ride, even on the choppy, rainy day that we’re experiencing.

We near Hell’s Gates, the narrow passage that all boats in and out of the Harbour must pass. It’s easy to imagine the terror that would’ve been felt by convicts who had been sentenced to life on Sarah Island, a small island penal colony in the middle of the harbour, as the boat passes through the chop.

Patches of fog dance across the dense forest that lines the shore and an icy cold wind whips at us as we brace ourselves on the outdoor deck. Back inside, the stories of the prisoners, pioneers and

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protectors of this area are brought to life on the screens in the cabin, which further sets the scene.

We set a path for the Gordon River. Once we hit the lower reaches, the almost black water starts to become glassy and reflective. It’s at this point I realise how incredible the electric engines actually are. Practically silent, all you can hear are birds in the distance. We glide through UNESCO Tasmanian World Heritage Wilderness Area and moor at Heritage Landing to follow a short boardwalk track to see ancient Huon pines, some being several thousand years old.

Back on board, lunch has been prepared - think Tasmanian salmon and steamed trout, delicious salads and frittata, followed by dessert. Lots of couples are having celebratory bubbles, with at least one anniversary and one honeymoon being celebrated among the group. I nip downstairs to check out their buffet, and it looks great too with lots of cold cuts, smoked salmon and salads.

Our last stop of the day is a guided walk on Sarah Island. From 1821 the tiny windswept island was used as a penal settlement where convicts laboured under the harshest conditions in the rainforest, felling Huon pines for boat building.

We glide back into Strahan six hours after we left.

Even though the day went quickly, I got a real sense of the vastness of Macquarie Harbour, the extraordinary wilderness of the Gordon River and an appreciation of the harshness of the penal years in the area. All while sipping fine Tassie wines and eating delicious food from the comfort of my seat or viewing area. ■ More information and bookings at gordonrivercruises.com.au

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MADAME SAISONS APRICOT CHICKEN Ingredients: (serves four) 500g Fresh apricots, pitted and sliced thickly 2 Tbsp Dried apricots, finely chopped 1.5 Tbsp Apple cider vinegar 3 Tbsp Sugar 1kg Chicken thigh fillets, cut into 4cm pieces

A good handful

Flour to coat

SUMMER LOVE

A NEW TAKE ON CLASSIC STONEFRUITS Words Sarah Ugazio

T

he Aussie summer comes with two big advantages.

While we take an opportunity to relax and enjoy time with friends and family, the kitchen garden peaks in full swing. The abundance of growth and colour nods to a positive start to the new year. Resolutions to address expanding waistlines acquired over the festive season are buoyed by an array of choice to inspire creative salads, with bulging garden beds and pops of fruiting colour beckoning one to get moving outdoors and start picking summer’s harvest.

With winter far behind us, steady crispness has moved from the air to the palate, found in delightful crunch of fresh lettuces, crunchy cucumbers, capsicums and sugar snap peas. The fruit basket is a fiesta of colour with berries continuing to flourish, while rays of the summer sun present us a with the seasonal gift of stone fruits, including peaches, plums, apricots, nectarines, cherries and quinces.

The ending of one year and beginning of the next triggers much reflection for many of us, and though it’s not ideal to dwell, reflecting on the past can reveal a sense of who we are. From a culinary perspective, as a sun-loving country nothing says it more than summer fruits. Where would we be without a beloved pavlova topped with a tower of fresh fruit and cream?

Peach Melba is an iconic old classic, whereby smashed avocado (technically a fruit) is a new one – both intrinsically Australian nonetheless.

Another Australian classic, and childhood favourite of many, is the beloved Apricot Chicken. This popular casserole recipe, that gained momentum from the 1970’s, calls for canned apricots and packet French Onion Soup. But in our current age of connecting back to using real food, try this old classic using fresh apricots and chicken stock. Because beginning a new year is a chance to start afresh, and take the old and make it new. ■

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1 Tsp Cinnamon 1 Tbsp Butter 2 Tbsp Oil 1 (large) Onion, thinly sliced 250ml Quality chicken stock 1 Tbsp French tarragon, chopped Salt and pepper to taste Method: Toss fresh apricots in cider vinegar and sugar and leave to marinate for at least two hours.

Mix cinnamon into flour, then use this mix to coat chicken pieces. Heat butter and oil in heavy based sauté pan over med-high heat until butter is melted. Brown chicken pieces and set aside. Sauté onions and dried apricots until onions are slightly translucent (add a splash of oil if needed).

Deglaze the pan with stock.

Puree 1/3 cup of the marinated apricots together with marinade liquid. Add chicken and pureed apricots to the pan and bring to the boil, then simmer for 20 mins until sauce thickens. Add remaining fresh apricots to pan and simmer for a further five minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir through tarragon, holding back a big pinch to garnish. Serve with rice and enjoy!

Follow Sarah at @madamesaisons

EliseArcher Archer MP MP Elise Elise Archer MP “She’llbe be “She’ll “She’ll be apples” apples” apples” if not, not, please contact if if not, please please contact contact contact

EliseArcher Archer Elise Elise Archer

on 6212 2210 or onon 6212 6212 2210 2210 oror or elise.archer@dpac.tas.gov.au elise.archer@dpac.tas.gov.au elise.archer@dpac.tas.gov.au elise.archer@dpac.tas.gov.au

Liberal Member Clark Liberal Liberal Member for forfor Clark Clark LiberalMember Member for Clark Authorised by: Elise Archer MP, 62 Main Road, Moonah Tas 7009 Authorised Authorised by: Elise by: Archer Archer MP,MP, 62MP, Main 6262 Main Road, Road, Moonah Moonah Tas Tas 7009 7009 Authorised by:Elise Elise Archer Main Road, Moonah Tas 7009

HAVE PROJECTIDEA? IDEA? HAVEYOU YOUGOT GOT A A GREAT GREAT PROJECT In 2018 thethe City ofofHobart grant requests, requests,helping helpingtoto make In 2018 City Hobartsupported supported over over 170 grant make ourour community anan active, placetotolive liveand andwork. work. community active,creative creativeand andsocially socially connected connected place Have you got a greatproject projectidea ideafor for 2019?

2019? The this February Have you got a great The first first round roundofofgrants grantsopen open this February include Small(up (uptoto$5 $5000) 000)and and Medium Medium (up andand include Small (up to to $20 $20000) 000)grants grantsforforCommunities, Communities, Creative Projectsand andEvents, Events,as aswell well as as special special programs Creative Projects programsfor forShopfront ShopfrontImprovement Improvement (up to $5 000) and Local Trader marketing support (up to $8 000).

There are also five (up to $5 000) and Local Trader marketing support (up to $8 000). There are also five Quick Response grants open all year for smaller amounts.

Quick Response grants open all year for smaller amounts.

To access the guidelines and application form, visit

To access the guidelines and application form, visit hobartcity.com.au/grants hobartcity.com.au/grants

TRAVEL OFF THE ISLAND

The view from Mt Tamasua

SOUTH PACIFIC DREAMING Words and Picture Marie Barbieri

I

magine hiking to view a volcanic archipelago; plunging into the chilly waters of a limestone cave; and dining with locals in remote island villages. That’s a nirvana found in Fiji.

I recently enjoyed a 4-day voyage through the Mamanuca and Northern Yasawa Islands aboard Captain Cook Cruises’ boutique ship. The MV Reef Endeavour journeyed 130 of us northwest of Viti Levu in search of narrow, shallow passageways inaccessible to larger liners.

Tivua Island had me snorkelling alongside juvenile blacktip reef sharks just weeks old. Paddleboards and kayaks slid off the beach while tanks led divers down to the MV Raiyawa wreck—a decommissioned government ship reincarnated as a thriving artificial reef.

While gazing through a glass bottom boat, marine biologist, Amos Daniel, pointed out digitate coral, fire coral, cauliflower coral, blue devil damselfish and scissortail sergeants, who were not shy in shining. And when back on board, Amos led a reef-talk on why Picasso triggerfish nibble you when breeding and why sea cucumbers vomit their guts up when threatened (before sucking them back in). Lovely.

We visited subsistence-farming families in remote Gunu village. Ladies offered handmade ornaments and jewellery from mats on the lawn before we presented to the island’s chief the customary wrapped sevusevu gift of yaqona root. From it, a traditional kava-drinking ceremony was performed for passengers (let’s just say kava is an acquired tipple!).

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Canapés arrived in time for happy hour, before the nightly buffet or à la carte meal brought the colours and flavours of Fiji to the table.

One night, we shared a traditional lovo feast with the islanders. This Fijian-style subterranean earth oven is lined with stones heated by firewood. Food wrapped in banana leaves is then placed in the pit in the order in which they cook. Lidded by cloth and sand, dinner slow-cooked for 90 minutes, until pork, chicken, fish, kumara and coconut cream-marinated taro leaves were unearthed and devoured beneath the stars. The locals then danced their traditional meke and sang in those famous Fijian harmonies.

One misty dawn, we climbed Yasawa Island’s Mt Tamasua before visiting Ratu Namasi Memorial School at its foot. After presenting our gifts and donations to the teachers, tiny hands fervently led us around classrooms, fiercely proud of their rudimentary resources—these are moments that remain with me.

That afternoon we plunged into the neighbouring island’s Sawa-i-Lau caves, where Brooke Shields famously frolicked in the movie, The Blue Lagoon.

The waters in and around Sawa-i-Lau effervesce in iridescent aquamarines.

Then came Drawaqa Island, and a drift snorkel that led us into the path of manta rays filter-feeding on plankton. Your life changes when you sway before these sublime creatures. And if they barrel-roll before you, your heart skips a beat. Mine certainly did. ■ Visit captaincookcruisesfiji.com for more information

HOBART HISTORY

The enclosures

THE HOBART ZOO Words Genevieve Morton Pictures Tasmanian Archives

T

he Hobart Zoo was started by a passionate socialite described as a “human dynamo” and was famously home to the last living thylacine.

Also known as the Beaumaris Zoo, it was opened in 1895 by wealthy socialite Mary Grant Roberts who not only wanted to provide a breeding program for Tasmanian devils but attract scientific interest in all native animals. She is credited as the first person to breed Tasmanian devils in captivity. Mrs Roberts started her collection on her property in Sandy Bay and housed more than 100 species of native birds along with wallabies, bandicoots, possums, echidnas, kangaroos, quolls and wombats.

Mrs Robert’s passion and hands-on approach - even in her early 70s - was well known and in 1967 even The Australian Women’s Weekly looked back on her as a “human dynamo”.

Mrs Roberts owned and operated the zoo until her death in 1921. The Roberts family then gifted the zoological collection to the Hobart City Council and, with a subsidy from the Tasmanian State Government, the zoo was moved to the Queens Domain.

With sweeping views of the Derwent, the site underwent a restoration to house more than 100 animals and 220 birds and was opened in 1923.

Elephants, bears, tigers, eagles, zebras, ducks, rabbits and spider monkeys featured as attractions.

But the zoo is most famous for being home to just one animal.

The last captive thylacine nicknamed “Benjamin” was trapped in the Florentine Valley, near Mt Field in 1933 and sent to the Hobart Zoo where it lived for three years. “Benjamin” features in the last known footage of a living Tasmanian tiger - 62 seconds of black and white film showing the thylacine pacing its enclosure. It is widely believed the animal died of neglect, forced to spend a night in freezing conditions locked out of its enclosure, after which it developed pneumonia.

While the zoo was a popular destination for Hobart families in the 1920s, by the 1930s and the start of The Great Depression, attendance dropped dramatically.

The zoo closed due to financial collapse in 1937.

The site was acquired by the Royal Australian Navy and converted into a fuel storage depot for the HMAS Huon shore base. The Navy used the site from 1943 until 1991 when it reverted to the Hobart City Council and was used as a storage depot.

These days, all that remains of the zoo is crumbling concrete structures in a grassy field. Visitors will however note the Beaumaris Zoo gates installed in 2000 to commemorate Benjamin’s death on September 7, 1936. National Threatened Species Day has been held annually on the same date since 1996. ■ 31

PHOTOS Wet Hobart at night @islandabovephoto

Peak Nana @Lily_and_dot

Joined the toy run @belleparkerroberts

Silliness on the side of the road from James

Little Santa at the @breamcreekfarmersmarket

Queenstown by Mike Kelly of Old Beach

GET FEATURED

Tag #thehobartmag or @thehobartmagazine to be featured, or send your pics to editor@thehobartmagazine.com.au.

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RACT

Built with a unique hybrid drive system for quiet cruising, Spirit of the Wild is the ultimate way to experience the tranquility of the Gordon River.

Our state-of-the-art vessel also offers uninterrupted views, which means you can savour this World Heritage wilderness in all its beauty. Plus, you’ll receive an accommodation discount at Strahan Village if you’re an auto club member.

Step aboard Spirit of the Wild

RACT4354 • BC

Book now at gordonrivercruises.com.au or phone us on (03) 6471 4300

Tasmania's only all-female, multi-disciplinary obstetrics, gynaecology and women's health practice.

Dr Kirsten Connan is excited to welcome Women’s Health General Practitioners to the TasOGS team!

PAP Smears · Contraceptive Advice · IUDs Well Women Checks · STI Screening & Treatment Menopause · Pelvic Pain · Sexual Health Women’s Mental Health · Pregnancy Planning By women · For women

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APPOINTMENTS 6214 3333