The Hobart Magazine March 2023

INDEPENDENT + LOCAL

ELLIOTT NIMMO

ARTIST AND CREATIVE FORGES A PATH FROM LONDON TO HOBART

NEWS FROM YOUR COMMUNITY

HOBART HOUSING STRESS BITES

IS YOUTH CRIME ON THE RISE IN HOBART?

CONVICT CITY ROLLERS REPRESENT AUSTRALIA

HOBART EVENTS: THE RETURN OF THE WEST HOBART BOWL JAM SKATE EVENT IN MARCH

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Editorial

Stephanie Williams editor@thehobartmagazine.com.au

Advertising advertise@thehobartmagazine.com.au

0422 148 622

www.thehobartmagazine.com.au

Creative Taylor Stevenson

Cover image: Twisty Images.

This page: Stephanie Williams.

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, feedback or submissions, email editor@thehobartmagazine.com.au.

The Hobart 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.

WELCOME TO THE HOBART MAGAZINE

It’s the start of Autumn, how did that happen? Summer is over for another year and now we settle into cooler nights, shorter days and everything beautiful that this season holds for us in Tassie.

This month we feature artist and all round creative person Elliott Nimmo on the cover. After spending years living in London, he moved back to Australia and took a chance on Hobart. Read the story, but it sounds like it’s been a winning move for Elliott…and Hobart.

There’s a lot happening right now in the space of youth crime, so we had a chat with David Higgins, the CEO of Crimestoppers about what might be going on. Housing stress is also in the spotlight - Ben Bartl of the Tenants Union of Tasmania shares his thoughts on one way that might help alleviate some of the pressure. There’s also stacks of local news, people and events to keep you reading.

Get in touch if you have any suggestions on what you’d like to see in future editions. As always, thank you for taking the time to read The Hobart Magazine.

All the best, The Hobart Magazine editor@thehobartmagazine.com.au

BRIDGET, LILLY AND FLORENCE COUSENS

Interview: Stephanie Williams

This mother and daughter singing trio are set to appear in the upcoming production, Women of Troy.

Where did you grow up and where do you live now? We all grew up in Hobart and we still live in Hobart!

Tell us a little about your work? Lilly (grade 9) and Florence (grade 6) are both students and I am a singing teacher.

Have you always sung? How did you get into it and how does it hold your attention? I have always loved to sing. My parents are musical and that followed through to the rest of the familywe are all musical whether it’s instruments and/or singing. My main love is musical theatre and folk, but I will give anything a go! I have performed in many theatre productions over the years. Some of these include Invidu with The Old Nick Theatre Company, My Fair Lady with the Gilbert and Sullivan Society, The Remedy with the Tasmanian Conservatorium of Music, South Pacific with Gilbert and Sullivan Society. I am a singing teacher and I have owned my own singing school, Island Song Singing School, for 25 years now. I really love what I do. I teach singing from our family home because it allows me to be “Mum” and support people in their singing, song writing and performance.

You’re about to appear with your daughters in Women of Troy this month. Tell me a little about what it means to sing with them. It’s wonderful having the opportunity to perform in a show with them - it is a really empowering experience. Performing with our daughters always keeps me real, true to myself and relaxed. You always know that someone has your back, and we cover each other well if needed (especially if I forget the words, they step in). In Women of Troy, we are encouraged to act our real-life relationships, so we will be acting as mother and daughters. We are absolutely honoured to be a part of Archipelago’s Women of Troy. Directed by Ben Winspear, musical direction by Amanda Hodder and an incredible cast that includes Marta Dusseldorp, Sarah Peirse, Jane Johnson, Angela Mahlatjie and Guy Hooper.

What is the show about? Women of Troy compares old with new. The old script by Euripides’ adapted by Tom Wright and Barrie Kosky, with new score by Katie Noonan and libretto by Behrouz Boochani. The comparison between what women and children experienced in times of ancient war to now - the current situation in our world right now. It is like time standing still. This script is still relevant now, why? Because human behaviour has not changed.

A major theme that resonates with us in Women of Troy is the strength of women, both as individuals and in a group. We have some amazingly strong women in our life, our Nan who recently passed, my mother, my sister, aunties, friends. Also, our foremothers who were strong and smart Tasmanian Aboriginal women who have pathed the way here for Lilly, Florence and myself. We will be on stage singing to honour them, to make an impact and to shape a better, more just future.

What do you love doing outside work? Spending time with family, musical theatre, anything musical, going to the beach, playing sport and reading.

Who do you admire? The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

Favourite podcast or tv show? We don’t have one, although we do enjoy watching quiz shows as a family.

Secret vice? Reality TV…

What are you reading now? Florence is reading The Worlds We Leave Behind by A.F. Harrold, illustrated by Levi Pinfold. Lilly is currently waiting for her next read. My reading does not get more exciting than uni textbooks.

What gets your goat? Dishonesty and inequality.

What was your first job? Singing teaching. I have also worked a lot in the community service industry.

What are your daily news/social media habits? We watch the SBS News as a family in the evenings.

Your favourite place (in Hobart) for…

Breakfast: Home!

Lunch: Liv Eat Fresh

Dinner: Fish Frenzy

Favourite team? The Blues in AFL, the Roses and Diamonds in Netball and Manchester City in football.

Favourite Hobart secret? We do have a favourite beach that’s beautiful, but we won’t share that...ha ha!

Parting words? Come to Women of Troy!

What makes our exclusive Tasmanian cool climate lichen print a bestseller?

Captured in the wilds of Tasmania, the lichen print represents all that we love about Tasmaniaearthy tones, rugged textures, pure nature! This Autumn 2023 we have a limited run of frocks, tops, scarves and homewares all made in our factory in Launceston from natural organic cottons, linens and hemps.

Each garment is slightly different to the next (depending on where it is cut) making them as unique as you are.

Strictly limited, take home some Tassie!

ELLIOTT NIMMO

Interview: Lily Whiting

Landscape artist and creative Elliott Nimmo is enjoying discovering Hobart’s vibrant art scene and local environment after relocating here from London to pursue his art.

Where in Hobart do you live? Currently kinda North Hobart/Lenah Valley, but I’m moving soon closer to the city, so I guess it’ll be more North Hobart. Basically, a five minute walk to everything.

Tell us a little about your work? Tassie has always been a bit of a pipe dream, and when I got back from living in London, Mona was looking for senior creatives. So, I applied… and got the gig! It’s been a wild 18 months — it’s the dream job, really, because you’re working across a multitude of brands and briefs: music festivals, wines, beer, new products for Mona, the museum itself.

How has living here informed your art practice? It’s funny, in London I made work about the Australian landscape because I was pining for it. I painted memories to pin down the feeling for each

place. Since living in nipaluna/Hobart, the landscape has enveloped me: mountains roll to my left, the ocean sweeps to my right. My painting has expanded physically with this change to canvases 2m wide, for example, and also in terms of subject matter. It’s less an idea of ‘horizon line and a figure/ground relationship’ and more about the scent, the light, the temperature of the air in the painting. The subjects are remembered feelings still, but much more recent. Like the sound of the waves at Long Beach the other morning.

Do you isolate your creative pursuits or do they flow into one another? I don’t isolate different ways of being creative because for me that would be like isolating my brain. I have to paint, I have to write, I have to think about these things on rotation. I’ll go for weeks when all I do is write and then I’ll get a deep need to paint and then I paint for weeks and weeks. For me it’s a primordial need: the work must be made at any cost.

What’s the Hobart art scene like, compared to other places you’ve lived? Moving to a new place is always nerve-wracking - meeting new friends, let alone other artists. But in the last few months I’ve been meeting more and more

peers and it’s been wonderful.

How is your week structured with the juggle of making and working? I think about painting when I’m not painting, so it kind of cuts out any hesitation when I’ve got a brush in hand (great for time management!). Depending on how many shoots there are at work, or how hectic projects are, I’ll paint early in the morning or in the evening. It really depends on the day.

What do you love doing outside work?

I’m lucky that my day job is super creative, so I’m not drained when I get in the studio. Which is pretty much every day. I work on several paintings on rotation, so they feed into each other. If I’m not painting, I’ll either be stretching canvas or doing art admin (the Virgo side of me loves this organisational behindthe-scenes stuff). Other than painting I do 26+2 yoga (also known as Bikram): a 90 minute class in 40 degree heat. You either love it or hate it but after my first class several years ago I was hooked.

Who do you admire? There’s a big list, but currently it’s painters like Aida Tomescu, Otis Jones, Wolf Kahn, Elisabeth Cummings. Amazing painters

who elicit so much with the brush and make it look like a walk in the park.

Favourite podcast or tv show? Ooh, The Last of Us is my fave show currently. I love ancient history, so I listen to The Emperors of Rome.

Secret vice? I’m pretty simple: a block of Cadbury’s Top Deck. The whole block.

What are you reading now? I go through phases where I’m nerding out on art (i.e. For the Love of Painting by Isabelle Graw) but I’ve recently been binging fantasy. I inhaled The Lies of Locke Lamora and am currently reading Godkiller by Hannah Kaner.

What gets your goat? Wilful ignorance.

What was your first job? Working at Industrie at Robina Town Centre on the Gold Coast. I was hopeless. Couldn’t

upsell, couldn’t fold the t-shirts. Ah, what a time.

What are your daily news/social media habits? I’m trying really hard to minimise my news/social media because it hijacks valuable real estate in my brain, which is better devoted to the problems of painting. Honestly, the first thing I do is check BOM ha! If it’s a sunny day I’m straight to the beach.

Your favourite place for…

Breakfast: I don’t normally eat breakfast, but when I do I go to The Duchess in Sandy Bay. Their eggs benedict is the best in town. The eggs arrive overflowing with sauce—the dream!

Lunch: Bar Wa! The ramen is next levelactually everything on the menu is. Great cocktails too.

Dinner: Aloft is hands down my fave place for dinner. It’s right on the water and the view is bliss. The staff are superb

and the food is just so good. Before dinner, go to Mary Mary for some dirty martinis.

Favourite team? The Pelicans, my trivia team. We consistently come fourth.

Favourite Hobart secret? The beaches. There’s never anyone there (even on a hot day), which blows my mind. Suffice to say my fave beach is tucked between Sandy Bay and Taroona *winks*.

Parting words? I’ve felt so welcome by so many in the relatively short time it’s been. You kind of get enveloped by goodwill here, and it’s so rare.

Where can Hobart view your work?

I’m moving into a new studio warehouse space, which is super exciting. Get in touch with me on Instagram and we can arrange a studio view. There’s gallery news afoot too, so watch this space.

BITS AND PIECES

More than 830,000 (more than 11%) of Australian women, girls, and those who are gender diverse suffer from endometriosis at some point in their life with the disease often starting in teenagers.

Symptoms are variable and this may contribute to the average six and a half year delay in diagnosis. Common symptoms include pelvic pain that puts life on hold around or during a person’s period. It can impact fertility for some but not for all. Whilst endometriosis most often affects the reproductive organs, it’s frequently found in the bowel and bladder and has been found in muscle, joints, the lungs and the brain.

NEW NEW NEW

After a big, beautiful reno, Lazy Brunch (279A Argyle Street, North Hobart) has opened its doors, serving up traditional Asian and Australian food, promising a brand new experience in fusion cuisine. In Battery Point, Salento Cafe (69 Hampden Road, Battery Point) has popped up in the old Kombi Cafe space. They’re serving Colombian coffee and international food, with an emphasis on Tasmanian and Colombian products, seven days a week. Are we truly a world-class city now with the opening of a 24 hour convenience store, American Convenience (120 Liverpool St, Hobart) in the CBD? While we’re told it’s not actually open 24 hours a day yet (we haven’t dropped in at 4am), there are plans afoot. Still on Liverpool Street is the new Liverpool Kebabs (135 Liverpool Street, Hobart), open from 11am - 6pm daily, next to Medici Pizza. The Skin Care Clinic has moved to their new location at 4 Gregory Street, Sandy Bay, where they consult, examine, diagnose and treat all sorts of skin concerns in all ages. Still on all things beauty and skin, Stella Arden have opened their new clinic at 290A Murray Street, North Hobart, on the corner of Murray and Warwick Streets. Head there for brow and skin treatments including their unique brow tattooing style, skin needling, brow laminations, lash lifts and saline brow tattoo removal. A new urban yoga sanctuary, Sanara Studio (Suite 7, 221 Macquarie Street, Hobart) has opened with yoga, meditation and mindfulness classes, and workshops in their studio. They offer smaller class sizes and embrace diversity and the idea that you can “come as you are”.

TOGETHER, LET’S CELEBRATE THE RESILIENCE OF ENDO WARRIORS IN MARCH

Endometriosis is a common disease where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows outside it in other parts of the body.

This month is Endometriosis Awareness Month and on 26 March, a high tea is being held to celebrate the resilience of endo warriors in Tasmania. Heading along to the high tea will support Endometriosis Australia to help the endo community through awareness, education and research programs. Enjoy an afternoon of high tea with inspirational speakers who are paving the way in women’s health and advocacy. It’s on Sunday 26 March from 1- 4pm at Rydges Hobart (393 Argyle St, North Hobart). Tickets are $135 each. For more information, visit www.endometriosisaustralia.org/high-tea-events

BYO ARTIST TO SCHOOL

Applications are now open for the Education Residencies program - offering Tassie artists the chance to focus on their practice within a school environment and therefore encouraging young people to engage with art. Eight funded residencies (including two designed for Tasmanian Aboriginal artists) are available right now at schools across the state. Find out more via www.arts.tas.gov.au (head to the grants and funding link).

WINTER COVID REMINDER

The Australian Medical Association has warned authorities to prepare to ‘scale up’ vaccine efforts, mask wearing and case reporting as we head towards winter. Reported covid case numbers are now at their lowest levels since our borders reopened in December 2021, but AMA state president John Saul said the virus continued to circulate and cause concern. “Winter is coming. Whether we like it or not, Covid is still out there. We are still certainly seeing significant amounts of disease. We need to be prepared and we need to be ready,” he said. State-operated clinics for COVID-19, flu and RSV closed on 31 January, so to get a PCR test now you need to call your GP or contact the GP-led Respiratory Clinics.

TASSIE ROAD TOLL WORRIES

New statistics have revealed Tasmania now has one of the highest per capita road death tolls of any state in Australia. The report by the Australian Automobile

Association (AAC) put Tasmania second only to the Northern Territory in terms of the per capita road death toll. The most recent quarterly update on the National Road Safety Strategy showed Tasmania’s road toll was 8.75 per 100,000, well above the national average of 4.57.

RV INVESTIGATOR IS MINTED

In happy news, the RV Investigator, which calls Hobart home, is now featured on a 2023 collector coin made by the Royal Australian Mint. The coin showcases the vessel and its deep towed camera technology, with deep sea creatures like gold coral, brittle star and the king crab. In less good news, the Investigator recently had to cut short its trip to Antarctica due to a participant becoming unwell. The illness was not related to the trip and polar medical support services determined that the person required further advanced medical care and they were medevaced for more help. The vessel stopped all science operations and returned to Australia.

The Investigator was on a 47-day research voyage in Antarctica led by Geoscience Australia, investigating Antarctic bottom water production and how this might change with a warming climate.

NO LOVE FOR TOXIC FOXGLOVES, THEY’RE OUT OF CONTROL!

Foxgloves, a cottage garden favourite for some but an overwhelming weed when out of place, have had a bumper year around Hobart. They’re going to seed now, so it’s a great time to de-head them into a bag then bin them to try to stem their spread next season - one single plant can produce over a million seeds! They thrive in cleared land and are well adapted to our climate. They’re also toxic, so wear gloves and be careful with young children as ingestion of any parts of the plant can cause severe poisoning. If you’re concerned about foxgloves and would like to chat to others who feel the same way, you might like to join Bushcare or a local clean-up group. Online, there is also a local Facebook group called Tasmanian Foxglove. Currently hosting over a thousand members, the group exists “for people who are concerned about the problem of foxglove overtaking huge areas of the bush” and if you join you can add sightings to their map and work with others to help.

BITS AND PIECES

a week by calling Healthdirect on 1800 022 222. They can provide advice on whether you should manage the condition at home, see a local GP, or visit an emergency department. If needed, you may be offered a call back from a GP. While taking a visit to Dr Google isn’t always a good idea, the Healthdirect website also provides trusted information on symptoms, services, medicines and more. Head to www.healthdirect. gov.au.

VEGGIE PATCH THIEVES STILL AT IT AROUND HOBART

HOBART STREET ART CELEBRATED IN NEW WEBSITE

In the same week that Hobart’s Bidencopes Lane project won the Bronze award in the Best Street Art Laneway category at the Australian Street Art Awards, we were alerted to a cool website that documents local murals and street art. De Dory Amore, the creator of the website, said the site included an interactive map showing 30 locations in Hobart that feature street art. It’s for locals and visitors, and was started thanks to a tourist. “I designed this website as I had a tourist ask me (while I was in Bidencopes Lane) for directions to go and visit other pieces of art work around town. Since I couldn’t refer him to a web site, I decided to make my own!” De created the website as part of a creative mentorship with Joel Imber from Create Crew, facilitated through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). All the map locations are within walking distance of the CBD and the artists are credited, so it’s a great way to learn about the Hobart street art scene. Have a look at www.hobartmuralsandstreetart.com.

NEED HEALTH ADVICE NOW?

We all know how bloody hard it can be to get in to see a doctor in Hobart right now. Are you feeling unwell but you’re not sure what you can do? You can get expert health advice from a registered nurse 24 hours a day, 7 days

With the cost of living - including groceries - continuing to climb, locals are noting thefts of produce from private gardens and community spaces. We’ve heard of it happening in residential yards from South Hobart to Mornington, at the New Town Community Garden and most recently at the Source Community Cafe and Garden at UTAS, where an entire crop of pumpkins was nicked. If you’re facing food insecurity, emergency food relief is available through Loaves and Fishes Tasmania (loavesandfishestasmania. org.au), Loui’s Van (vinniestas.org.au), Foodbank (facebook.com/foodbanktas), Hobart City Mission (hobartcitymission.org.au) and other charities.

HOBART YOUTH CRIME AND THE POLICE RESPONSE

It feels like we’re seeing or hearing about youth crime in the CBD and suburban shopping centres every day at the moment. Tasmania Police have reinstated Operation Saturate - a taskforce that monitors known offenders closely and adds high vis police patrols to key shopping precincts and the waterfront. It’s led to a bunch of arrests but given the frequency of further offending in major shopping areas during broad daylight what more can be done in prevention as a response? You can also read our interview with David Higgins, CEO of Crimestoppers on what’s happening in this space right now.

Now it’s the month before Easter, it’s finally acceptable to buy hot cross buns (that have been for sale since Boxing Day).

Tasmania JackJumpers for their defence of the island in their incredible second NBL season.

Bargain Rental Properties of Tasmania Facebook page. If asking the government politely to spend money on housing and health doesn’t work, try humour.

THUMBS UP THUMBS DOWN

Late fees for things that aren’t actually that late. In the current economic times, a little leeway should be afforded by big organisations.

Anti-trans protests.

Tassie is well behind the rest of the country in the rate of bulk billing.

Metro Tasmania bus cancellations leaving public transport users high and dry.

Visibly more rough sleepers on Hobart streets as costs of living and housing stress bites. You can help by making a donation to a local charity such as Hobart City Mission or St Vincent de Paul.

PUPPIES IN PRISON BRING JOY TO JAIL

We were chuffed to hear about the Pups on Parole program, in which prison inmates in Southern Tasmania help train and socialise dogs who are then adopted in the community. The Tasmanian Prison Service has been working with the Dogs Home of Tasmania on the foster care program for more than a decade, with hundreds of dogs successfully rehomed as a result. Occasionally, certain good dogs get to stay, adopted by the prisoners themselves and providing animal therapy in return for pats. Win win!

BEWARE! SCAMS ON HOBART DIGITAL MARKETPLACES

Tasmanians are being urged to be alert to PayID scams amidst an increase in the dodgy practice. Scammers are posing as buyers on online secondhand marketplaces and asking sellers if they can pay using a PayID - a method of instant bank transfer. If the seller agrees, scammers will ask for their PayID email to complete the payment. Scammers then send a fake PayID email to the seller. This fake email states there was an issue receiving payment because PayID limits exist on non-business accounts, or that that account does not exist at all. The seller is then convinced to transfer funds to increase their PayID limit so they can receive the payment, with the promise that they will receive a refund and the buyer’s payment…but you can probably guess how it ends. PayID is managed by your bank, so you will never be contacted directly by PayID if an issue is legitimate. If you think you’ve been scammed, contact your bank immediately, and report it to the ACCC via www.scamwatch.gov.au/report-a-scam.

MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS ON THE RISE

New research has found that the number of people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in Australia is rising, as is the rate of growth. MS is a degenerative disease that progressively damages nerves, making it difficult for the brain to send signals to the rest of the body. New research by MS Australia has found that the number of Australians living with the condition has increased by 30 per

cent in the four years to 2021, up from a 20 per cent rise in the prior research period. They’ve found that obesity (particularly in childhood), less sun exposure and lower pregnancy rates are thought to be contributing to the rising numbers. It’s thought that pregnancy and sun exposure can be somewhat protective against the disease. Tasmania unfortunately has the highest number of MS diagnoses in Australia, with approximately 138.7 people diagnosed per 100,000, according to the local Menzies Institute for Medical Research. This could be largely down to our short, cold winter days which lead to less UV exposure.

TASSIE STUDENTS LAGGING IN NAPLAN RESULTS

A recent report shows Tasmania has the second lowest proportion of students at or above the minimum standard for reading and numeracy across all age groups (after the Northern Territory). The Productivity Commission’s Report on Government Services revealed we have the worst NAPLAN results of any state for all year levels in reason and numeracy, and close to worst for writing. It also showed that the rate of students completing year 12 has gone down (from an already low rate compared to the mainland). 57.6 percent of Tasmania’s potential year 12 population achieved a year 12 certificate in 2021, falling from 59 percent in 2020. Should more money and resources be directed toward the education system?

machi machi Hobart: 86 Liverpool Street

WITNESS THE WORLD’S BEST MOUNTAIN BIKERS RIDING IN TASMANIA THIS MARCH

The 2023 UCI Mountain Bike World Cup will kick off the global Enduro World Series in Maydena for Round 1 from 25 to 26 March. This is the first time ever the UCI Enduro World Cup (EDR) will be held, and Maydena is where the first event will be raced. This is the first of two rounds to be held in Tasmania on consecutive weekends. Athletes from over 25 countries are set to line up, to compete in both round one and round two here in Tasmania.

The event will attract 500 riders, thousands of spectators and a strong contingent of international media. Event Director Ian Harwood said, “To host the first ever UCI Enduro World Series event right here in Australia is a massive accomplishment and would not have been possible without the support of the Tasmanian Government and the

NO SMOKE NEAR VINEYARDS

If you live or own land near a vineyard, you’re being urged to chat to your neighbours before doing any burn offs at this time of year. Cooler temperatures over the season have caused a delay in the ripening of this year’s vintage, with most vineyards harvesting about two weeks later than usual.This means harvest time is crossing over with the traditional burning off a non-permit period for fires, and no-one wants smoke-tainted grapes! Wines made from grapes that have been exposed to smoke can end up unpalatable and unsellable. Burning off is, of course, super important, so Wine Tasmania is currently researching whether smoke-tainted grapes could successfully be turned into sparkling wine instead. Silver linings!? Landowners can learn more about how they can reduce the potential impact of smoke taint by going to winetasmania. com.au and downloading the TasVine resource.

community in Maydena and Derby. We just love coming to Tasmania.” The UCI Mountain Bike World Series Enduro World Cup is about finding the best mountain biker in the world. Riders will tackle a range of stages, like a car rally with combined times determining the overall winner. To be successful, riders must be able to manage their bikes with limited outside assistance, be physically fit enough for 7 hours of riding, whilst having a high level of technical skills.

Previously known as the Enduro World Series, Derby hosted in 2017 and 2019, stamping the region in the top tier of mountain biking destinations internationally. This month, Tasmania will again showcase to the world why it is one of the world’s best riding destinations. The event is not all about the professional riders, this year amateur riders can enter into the Enduro of Tasmania event and race on similar stages to that

E-SCOOTERS ROLL ON IN HOBART

Hire-and-ride e-scooters are sticking around, with Hobart City Council voting to continue the service after the initial trial period. We know not everyone loves them, but data from the trial revealed strong public uptake, low incident rates and majority community support. Elected members voted to continue the services under a licence arrangement, with conditions to be reviewed by Council before the licences are finalised to make sure issues like the parking of the scooters are addressed. City Mobility Portfolio Chair, Cr Ryan Posselt, said electric scooters provided an environmentally friendly transport option. “More than 20 percent of car journeys in some of our most congested suburbs are travelling within the same suburb, with many trips under one kilometre, which makes e-scooters a perfect alternative,” Cr Posselt said. “There were more than 604,516 rides taken on e-scooters during the trial. The data shows that more than half of these

of the elites. The Enduro of Maydena and Enduro of Derby entries are now open. The Enduro of Tasmania Maydena will see practice start on the Friday with racing on Saturday. Then Sunday the professional riders will battle it out on the Maydena mountain to crown the first ever UCI Enduro World Cup podium winners.

replaced car travel – that’s 66 tonnes of CO2 averted from our atmosphere.”

COLONIAL CLOTHES AND BOOTS FOUND UNDER BARRACKS

A builder’s discovery of a dirty old boot under a floor at the Anglesea Barracks has led to the recovery of about 1800 nationally significant artefacts from the colonial era. The items include numerous boots, clothing items and remnants (such as red military coats), ceramics, and everyday pieces made of wood, metal and bone and were probably worn and used locally by British soldiers, convicts and settlers more than 180 years ago. It’s thought the site may have been a cobbler’s, perhaps with a tailor’s workshop, before the barracks building was erected in 1827. The rare items will now be catalogued then stored at the Army Museum of Tasmania, which is on the Angelsea Barracks. You can head there to take a look yourself. Head to www.armymuseumtasmania.org. au for more details.

BITS AND PIECES

HOBART MISSING FLAMINGOES

NEW HOBART CINEMA PROMISES UNDERGROUND HITS

Interview: Stephanie Williams

Film buff Jess Murray recently started the Underground Cinema Club, showing films at Wide Angle Tasmania in South Hobart.

What makes your new cinema underground? We play older, lesser known and strange movies rather than blockbusters most people would have seen (e.g. Love Actually, Jaws, Avatar, etc.). We are also interested in showing off local movies which have gone under the radar.

What’s your interest in cinema?

Why have you started it? I recently graduated from AFTRS (the Australian Film, Television and Radio School) in Sydney and have since moved back to Hobart, my home town! As a filmmaker myself, I am running the film club to foster a creative community of fellow movie buffs and share movies with people who might not have watched them otherwise. Basically, I just love movies.

What can cinema-goers expect from the experience and program?

The cinema club provides a laid back atmosphere to meet people, grab a

snack, watch movies, talk about them, and make like-minded friends. The current lineup of films ranges from the Australian claymation, Mary and Max to the silent slapstick Safety Last!. We are also hoping to hold special Q&A events with filmmakers.

How can our readers find out more?

You can find out more about the Hobart Underground Cinema Club on our Facebook page at HobartUndergroundCinemaClub or www.facebook.com/ HobartUndergroundCinemaClub.

Hobart is believed to be the only Australian capital without a dedicated LGBTIQ+ bar. Flamingoes, which used to fill that gap, closed more than two years ago and the licensee, Gary Quilliam, is still searching for appropriate new premises. Mr Quilliam believes homophobia may have contributed to the difficulty in finding a suitable venue. “It’s beyond desperate, it’s embarrassing,” he said. “Ever since closing, we have been contacted on a weekly basis by locals and tourists alike searching for a safe space in Hobart to catch up with other like-minded people for a drink and to socialise. To the best of my knowledge, Hobart is the only capital city in Australia that has no dedicated LGBTIQ+ bar or club. As we were the only permanent dedicated safe LGBTIQ+ venue in Hobart, it means members of the LGBTIQ+ community, either locals or tourists, no longer have a safe space to go to on a weekly basis, should they want to.” Flamingos first opened in Argyle St in 2005 before moving to 251 Liverpool St in 2007 and 201 Liverpool St in 2010. Sadly, Flamingoes founder Thomas Williams died suddenly at the age of 39 on 30 December, 2022.

A BIT OF THE BEATLES IN HOBART

A console used by The Beatles at the famous Abbey Road Studios now lives at MONA’s new Frying Pan Studio. The REDD.17 console was developed at Abbey Road and is a piece of music historythere are only four of its type in existence. The new studio is run by Chris Townsend, a producer and sound engineer who has worked with the likes of Silverchair. Frying Pan Studio was built especially to house the iconic mixing desk, and if the studio is in use when you next visit, you can peer through the window and watch the creative process in action.

OOPS

In the January edition of The Hobart Magazine an image of AFL young gun Tom McCallum was miscredited. The image was taken by the talented Linda Higginson of Solstice Digital.

SLOW DOWN FOR ROAD WORKERS

Everyday hundreds of our road workers risk their safety on Tasmanian roads. If you ignore speed limits or traffic instructions for road works, you are putting lives at risk.

Please, SLOW DOWN FOR ROAD WORKERS. Your speed is our safety.

IS YOUTH CRIME IN HOBART ON THE RISE?

If you’ve read media reports lately, there seems to be a rise in youth crime, particularly youth knife crime, in Hobart right now. We spoke to David Higgins, CEO of Crimestoppers for his take on the current situation.

From what you are seeing via Crimestoppers, is there an increase? We don’t see what Tasmania Police see, we’re a notfor-profit, so I’m ultimately seeing the same as what the community would see. Clearly in the last three weeks, yes. We’ve seen some significant matters come to rise. Government agencies and local councils, particularly in Hobart, are experiencing some delinquencies like youths who are causing public disturbance. Crimestoppers did a Shop Safe campaign with Hobart City Council just before Christmas, to try and raise the awareness and keep retailers safer in their workplace. And sad to say it is, at times, youths who are creating those disturbances, threats of violence, shoplifting, and violence.

What do you think is going on? Certainly the concentration increases when school concludes. End of year tends to be a bit of a hotspot and then warmer months get youths out onto the streets. You’ll probably see in winter it drops because it’s freezing, it tends to keep them in their houses. These things become generational issues that are specific to family matters. Clusters of families who are maybe not able to manage their children as well as we would like. All of a sudden you see an increase in frequency and concentration within a particular area. These things are not just unique to Hobart, they’re experienced throughout cities all around the world and all throughout Tasmania, but sometimes the concentration is far less. I used to be a police officer 20 years ago, and there were periods when I was patrolling the streets in Launceston that the youths became a bigger problem and then they disappeared again.

What can the community do? If they see a disturbance or some form of public disorder that’s occurring then and there, they should call the police. If it’s a serious matter like an assault, call triple zero.

Like if you see a knife or something similar? Absolutely. First thing, you ring triple zero immediately and speak to the operator the whole time giving them information because they’ll communicate that with police real time and the police officers will definitely prioritize and they’ll be making a beeline for such

a matter, wherever they are. If it’s a matter that is more about information, they can call Tasmania Police via their 131 444. If they have information with regards to say a group of shoplifters that are storing property…

Or trying to sell stuff on Facebook Marketplace? Yes! Contact Tasmania Police or you can go to Crimestoppers online or you can report it by the 1800 333 000 number. That’s recorded and sent to Tasmania Police as well.

If you have a kid of your own who is causing trouble, or you suspect is causing trouble, where can parents go to for help? Oh, that is a challenge, isn’t it? In the past Crimestoppers had really strong engagement back in the ‘60s, ‘70s, ‘80s, and ‘90s with the PCYCs. They are a fantastic space for youths that are struggling to be able to be part of something and governmental supported.Their CEO, Scott Wade, is bringing that back in, trying to really amplify it back into that space. Find kids an activity that takes them off the street. Sadly sometimes there’s those kids out there that are just not ever going to do anything like that. We’re stuck with them falling into the youth justice system. You’ve seen the way that governments grapple with that issue. Is it the parents’ responsibility? What level of responsibility do parents have? When do they pull the lever to say their kids are just delinquents? Do they care? Or are they part of it?

Interview: Stephanie Williams

WHAT’S ON IN HOBART

Get nutbush ready for tonight’s Tina Turner singalong at Irish Murphy’s, from 6:30pm. Tonight head along to try Contra Dancing at St James Hall, North Hobart, 7:15pm for a 7:30pm kick off.

Happy International Women’s Day! The Movenpick Hotel is hosting a special breakfast from 7:15am. Or head along to Tasmania’s longest-running IWD breakfast, fundraising for the RHH Foundation, from 7:30am.

Beloved string quartet Kronos are in town, playing Federation Concert Hall from 7:30pm for Ten Days on the Island.

copyEnjoy delicious local food and music at the Hobart Twilight Market Brooke Street Pier, 4:309pm.

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Enjoy live music, market stalls, facepainting and of course the amazing play equipment at A Day at the Park, Kingborough Community Hub. Or head along to the Underground Cinema at Wide Angle in South Hobart tonight.

Tassie writer Meg Bignell is the guest speaker at New Norfolk Library today, 10:30am, with morning tea. Tonight Balfolk Dancing is on at St James Hall, North Hobart, 7:15pm for a 7:30pm start.

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Behind the Layers: Authenticating the Stories of Paintings showcases conservation treatments at TMAG, open every day til April 30.

Take the littles to Bush Play in Collinsvale and meet some new friends. 10-12pm, more on tasmania.events.

Tassie take on Queensland in the cricket at Blundstone Arena today from 10:30am.

Hide The Dog, a cheeky yet deep kids play by palawa writer Nathan Maynard, is on for one night only, Theatre Royal, 6:30pm.

Unwind at a 1.5hr free-dance session led by Marjolein at Moonah’s Multicultural Council of Tas, 6:30pm.

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Hobart Town Hall will host a riot of colour for the Dahlia Show, today 1-5pm and tomorrow 104. Later, pop partway up the mountain to see Israeli performer Schmone at the Fern Tree Tav, 7:30pm.

Kate Vermey gives a talk on the Jane Austen-esque diaries of Mary Morton, Allport’s mother, at the Allport Library and Museum, 1-2pm.

Opening tonight, Velvet Rewired fuses disco, burlesque and circus, featuring Marcia Hines and other stars at the Theatre Royal, until 9 April.

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The 2023 Tasmanian Festival of Bridge starts today at MyState Bank Arena.

Class Clowns, the national stand-up comedy comp for 14-18 year olds, is on today. Workshop: 4pm, show: 7pm at The Polish Corner.

The Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra’s Obscura 1 is on tonight at The Odeon, 6-7pm.

Catch the last days of Pat Brassington’s Strike photo-media exhibition at Bett Gallery, open 10-5:30pm.

Lego lovers get along to the Lego Club at Rosny Library this afternoon after school, 3:15pm. Alternatively the Simple Complex is hosting Life Drawing, 6-8pm, 189 Elizabeth St.

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Car lovers, get to the Automotive Obsession Car Show And Shine, 6-8:30pm, Legacy Park Community Hub, Queens Domain.

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SATURDAY SUNDAY

Moonah Sounds of the World is back, 7:30pm, info at humanitix. Also, the Ocean Film Festival World Tour comes to the Friends’ School, 7pm.

The Tasmanian Wine Festival is on all weekend at the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, plus The Gesualdo Sixaward-winning British vocal ensemble - perform at the Nolan Gallery tonight from 7:30pm.

The Big Weekend of Sustainable Living Ideas goes all weekend at the Brighton Civic Centre and the Botanical Institute in Bridgewater.

CarnaTassie - The Brazilian Carnaval - is also on today at Town Hall.

Catch Tones And I and others at a Day on the Lawn at the Botanical Gardens from 2pm. Tix via Oztix. Warm up the hammies for the Hobart Airport Marathon Festival (with shorter events too!), at the waterfront.

Make your own fairy garden in a pot in Cascade Gardens, South Hobart. Various sessions. Or, explore the history of Mornington and Warrane on a public walk from Warrane Community Garden, 11am-1pm.

The Let’s Go Surfing, Pure Joy event for kids and adults with disability is on at Carlton Beach today, hosted by Disabled Surfers Association Tasmania.

FURTHER AFIELD

12-13 March

Happy Birthday to A Taste of The Huon, 30 years old this year. Celebrate delicious local produce, fine food, wine, entertainment, arts and crafts from the Huon Valley and Channel region. There’s always heaps for the kids too. BYO picnic rug or chairs and settle in at the Ranelagh Recreation Grounds. From 10am.

19 March

31 March - 2 April

The East Coast Harvest Odyssey, known as ECHO Festival, celebrates all the senses in picturesque wine country on the fringes of Swansea. Featuring chefs, winemakers and producers, along with artists, musicians, storytellers, scientists, entrepreneurs and thought leaders. See echofestival. com.au for tickets and info.

Raise awareness and funds at the tenth ‘Put Your Foot Down’ walk for Pancreatic Cancer today. Or, learn the fundamentals of Mountain Biking with the Healthy Hobart program, at Tolman’s Hill.

Learn to make pysanky, traditional Ukrainian dyed Easter eggs, with botanical artist Dr Tanya Scharaschkin. Ukrainian Catholic Church, Moonah, 10-2pm.

For even more events in Hobart and further afield this month head to www.thehobartmagazine.com.au/marchevents

change. Check in with individual events for further details.

Celebrate all things fishy and delishy at Dover Seafest: a community festival with a particular emphasis on seafood local to the area. Music, free kids activities, makers and growers and lots of local food and drink will all be on offer. Situated on the foreshore on Kent Beach Road from 11am-4pm.

1 April

Cross the state to experience the beauty of the cosmos at Table Cape. Stargazing plus incredible food by Chef Simon Bold, with Tassie wines, local whisky and a talk by astronomer Dr Martin George titled Great Discoveries in Astronomy. 6:30pm-10:30pm, Table House Farm overlooking Bass Strait. More info on Humanitix.

31 March - 2 April

19 March

Explore two of our most delicious seasonal foods at the Tasmanian Garlic and Tomato Festival, with tastings, produce, guest speakers, competitions and more. 9:30am-4pm at Four Springs Rd, Selbourne.

Ukulele enthusiasts: head to Launceston for the Launceston Ukulele Jamboree, 2023. There’ll be performances from folk favourites - including The Thin White Ukes with their David Bowie show - and workshops. Held at the historic Pilgrim Church in Paterson Street. Find them on Facebook for more.

COULD EMPTY HOBART PROPERTIES BE THE SOLUTION TO EASING THE HOUSING CRISIS?

As principal solicitor with Tenants Union of Tasmania, Ben Bartl works closely with people living with housing stress. The Union, supported by 12 local community organisations, is calling on the Tasmanian government to maximise the use of existing residential premises in inner-city municipalities to help address the current shortage of appropriate and affordable housing.

You shared that data from TasWater found that there were 900 residential properties in the Hobart municipality and 600 in the Glenorchy municipality that sat empty for at least 12 months in 2021. What effect does this have on local housing pressures? Median rents across Tasmania have gone up by $150pw over the last five years. Over the same timeframe, the wait list for social housing has increased from 2962 to 4598 applicants (55%) and the average wait time has more than doubled from 48 to 101 weeks (110%). We need to increase housing supply if we want to see rents drop and a roof over the head of everyone who needs one. In Tasmania, a small increase in supply can have a significant impact where the rental market is as tight as it is. For example, a recent study found that the return of just 113 short stay accommodation properties to the long-term rental market in the Hobart City Council municipality during COVID-19 resulted in a 9 per cent reduction in rents.

A letter was signed by twelve community organisations was sent to the Premier mid February, calling for the State Government to introduce an empty homes levy to encourage investors to return these empty properties to the long-term rental market. What sort of numbers are you proposing and how quickly could this happen?

In Vancouver, an empty homes levy has been in place since 2017. The levy has

seen a 36% drop in the number of empty homes and more than $115M raised for affordable housing. Using Vancouver as a guide, a 36 per cent drop in vacant properties would see 326 homes in the Hobart City Council municipality, 429 in the Launceston City Council municipality and 219 in the Glenorchy City Council municipality returned to the long-term rental market municipality in the short-term.

If implemented and people choose to pay the levy rather than lease their property, where could that money raised be used? A levy rather than a tax on empty homes means that the revenue raised would be exclusively used to build and acquire more affordable housing rather than a tax where monies raised go into general revenue. Millions of dollars could be raised for new affordable housing. But ideally, no money is raised because investors instead make their investment properties available to longterm tenants.

The government has promised to build and acquire 10,000 new and affordable homes by 2032. How does this levy play into that? We loudly and enthusiastically applaud the Government’s commitment to new, long-term affordable housing supply.

But, most of those homes will not be built for another 8, 9 or 10 years. We strongly believe an empty homes levy would make more homes available sooner and relieve housing stress in Tasmania.

2032 is a while away. Is there any other ‘low hanging fruit’ that the government could quickly implement to help people under housing stress right now? The Residential Tenancy Act 1997 (Tas) needs to be reformed so that rent increases are not left to market forces, so that tenants cannot be evicted without a good reason and so that tenants can treat their property as their home by being allowed to have pets or make minor modifications such as hanging pictures on their walls. We also need better regulation of short-stay visitor accommodation. Whilst people should be able to rent out rooms in their principal place of residence (the ‘sharing economy’) we do not believe investors should be able to buy up existing longterm rental properties and turn them into short stay accommodation. Studies have found that more than fifty per cent of short stay accommodation in the Hobart City Council and two-thirds of short-stay accommodation in Launceston City Council used to be long-term rental accommodation.

Interview: Stephanie Williams

GET READY FOR THE LEGACY CENTENARY COMMEMORATION TORCH RELAY IN 2023

Words: Digby Ross

The Legacy Centenary Torch Relay is a six-month campaign to pay homage to and acknowledge veterans’ families, saluting their sacrifice. Legacy has its roots in a battlefield promise, from the trenches in Pozieres, on the Western Front in World War I. A promise from a soldier to his dying mate to “look after the missus and the kids” is one that has been revered since the first Legacy Club was established.

Honouring the promise to the thousands of veterans, Major General Sir John Gellibrand formed the Remembrance Club here in Hobart to help widows and children left behind. Records show and reports in the Mercury establish that the Remembrance Club Hobart was formed in 1922. Lieutenant General Sir Stanley Savige, another returning soldier, visited his mate Gellibrand in Hobart and saw the work of the Remembrance Club. He

was inspired to establish a similar club in Melbourne in 1923 named Legacy. This year, to commemorate the centenary, the Legacy Relay begins on 23 April, 2023, in Pozieres, France where the torch will be lit at an opening ceremony at the military cemetery. On 25 April, 2023 the torch will arrive at an Anzac Day Ceremony at the Australian War Memorial at Villers Brentonneux. From there the torch travels to Menin Gate in Belgium for a Last Post Ceremony and on to London Legacy. This starts a total of 45 Legacy Club stops. It will be flown into Albany and travel via Fremantle to Perth.

The torch will travel over 55,000 kilometres through 100 locations, carried by 1,500 Torch Bearers. In addition to paying homage it aims to raise $10 million for Legacy.

The torch will be carried from Adelaide to Darwin then down the Queensland coast via eight Legacy clubs through Brisbane

and then through NSW 19 Legacy Clubs.

The torch is in Canberra for the National Legacy Week Launch in the last week of August, then via 11 Clubs in Victoria before flying to Launceston. Legacy Week was started in 1942 as the War Orphans Appeal to raise funds for widows and children of soldiers who did not return.

From Launceston the torch relay visits Ouse, the birthplace of Sir John Gellibrand, then onto Hobart. From Hobart it flies to Melbourne to pay homage to the birthplace of Sir Stanley Savige. The torch is carried along the main streets of Melbourne on Friday 13 October, 2023.

Around Australia Legacy currently supports 40,185 widows and widowers, 1282 children and youths, and 107 beneficiaries with disabilities.

Legacy is inviting people to register as volunteers to assist with the local torch bearers. Applications for torch bearers have closed but you can cheer them on when they visit here.

Live a life By Design.

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HOT POTATOES

Words: Ollie Benson, Sprout Tasmania

Pictures: Mel Ryton-Benson

Tasmanians are known for their love of the humble spud, and this year at Springdale Farm they are embracing the rainbow.

Mel and Luke Ryton-Benson run a market garden at Springdale Farm, in Collinsvale. They moved there five years ago from Queensland with no experience of market gardening and set about developing their green thumbs using chemical free, no dig practices while figuring out what grows well in Collinsvale’s microclimate.

Over the last year they have doubled their growing space and on average now supply weekly veg boxes to 10 families in their community. They also sell vegetables to Glass and Brown Paper Pantry in New Norfolk and to a selection of restaurants and cafes in Hobart. At this time of year, a typical Springdale Farm veg box will contain lettuce, spring onions, zucchini, snow peas, beetroot, onions, carrots, herbs, and potatoes.

For Mel and Luke, including staples such

as onions and potatoes in their boxes is a must, and alongside more popular varieties such as pink eyes, they love growing a range of colourful and unusual spuds. They are currently harvesting purple sapphires, a stunning vibrant purple potato packed full of antioxidants. Burgundy blush are also a favourite, while the nutty, smooth La Ratte is a unique potato they’ve tried growing this year.

In Tasmania, most seed potatoes are planted after the last chance of frost (although pink eyes can often go in a little earlier) and are harvested once the tops of the plants begin to die back. This ranges from 90-120 days after planting. However, Mel and Luke have successfully grown them through winter in their polytunnel.

There are many ways of planting potatoes. Mel and Luke practice no-dig methods so for them they make a small a hole for each potato and once the leaves break the surface, they cover them with compost. This year they have also experimented using straw bales, a technique that makes for an ideal way to grow potatoes at home in the backyard. The seed potatoes were simply planted deep inside square bales of straw and although they are yet to harvest these and see the results, Mel reports that the plant growth has been better than the ones which were planted directly in the ground.

Mel’s favourite way to eat them is simple: rainbow roast potatoes! She’ll take a selection of purple sapphire, burgundy blush, and pink eyes, drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper and add garlic (while Mel loves potatoes, it’s no secret that garlic is her main passion!). These are then roasted until crispy.

MEL’S TRUSTY POTATO SALAD RECIPE:

Ingredients:

A mix of freshly harvested potatoes

2 eggs

4 bacon rashers (optional)

¼ cup mayonnaise

¼ cup Greek yoghurt

1 garlic clove (who am I kidding, I never use just one clove of garlic. More like 3 or 4!)

30g chopped gherkins

¼ cup finely chopped fresh dill

4 spring onions

1 tbsp finely chopped capers

Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

Bring potatoes to boil and boil till tender (approx 10 mins). Drain then allow to cool. Cook eggs till medium-hard boiled, peel and set aside. Chop and cook bacon in frying pan until crisp, set aside. In a bowl, combine mayo, greek yoghurt and garlic. Cut potatoes and eggs in half and place in large serving bowl. Add bacon, gherkins, dill, spring onions and capers to potatoes and gently toss. Add mayo and yoghurt mixture to potatoes and gently combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

in association with The Theatre Royal presents

The Carbon Neutral Adventures of the Indefatigable Enviroteens

By First Dog on the Moon

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- 29 April 2023

Open 7 days & Pet friendly!

THE WALL OF VAGINAS

Words: Annia Baron

Plutarch, the ancient Greek Scholar, tells the story of a battle between the Persians and Medes.

The Persian men were losing. Feeling hopeless, they retreated. Upon hearing this, the women of the village gathered to form a wall so that when the men came back, the way forward was blocked. In one collective swoop, the women raised their dresses to reveal their vaginas. The men, in awe of this astonishing spectacle were filled with vigour and returned to face their enemies. They won.

Your vagina is the most beautiful, inimitable, and powerful sexual organ. But it’s also seriously misunderstood. For centuries the role of the vagina has gone through a succession of inaccurate, subjective constructs full of misinformation. The vagina has been held sacred by the Chinese Tao and Indian Tantric philosophies, deduced to mere flesh by the Elizabethans, and associated with hysteria by Freud. The vagina has been adored, feared, shamed, and reconstructed over and over, leaving us with an incoherent and disharmonious relationship to this life-giving organ, and in turn our psychological health and wellbeing. But to comprehend the vagina and harness its transformational power, we need to understand the role of the pelvic nerve, the autonomic nervous system, and the importance of connecting to the living, delicate threads that make up this network.

To begin, science has proved that the vagina and brain cannot be considered separate (Basson, 2005; Komisaruk et al 2004). The ocean of intricate neural pathways between the sex organs, spine, and brain extends throughout the entire pelvis. This dense set of pathways are consistently lighting up with electrical impulses, integrating and relaying information all the time. Among one of the

many wondrous things about your pelvic nerve system is that like your fingerprint, it’s completely unique for every woman on earth – no two are alike. This means that for some women, neural pathways may be dense in certain areas or closer to the surface of the body, making it easier to reach sexual pleasure and for other women, the innervation may be sparse or lay more submerged below the surface, requiring additional time and attention. The point is, although culture and upbringing have an influence on how you relate to your vagina, a lot of it may have to do with your physical wiring. And just as Norman Doidge, the author of The Brain That Changes Itself proved we have the power to physically change the neuroplasticity of our brain, so too can we recalibrate the way we think, feel about, and experience our vagina.

But where do we start? This is where the autonomic nervous system (ANS) comes in. The ANS prepares the way for these neural impulses that travel between the vagina and the brain. It regulates how we respond to relaxation and stimulation, but it’s responsible for things we can’t consciously control, like blushing, flushing of skin, and perspiration etc. So how do we change something we’re not consciously able to operate? We know the ANS ‘listens’ to the mind. This means the subconscious narratives we have about our vagina, particularly negative self-talk (e.g., I don’t like it, I wish it looked different etc) will determine the state of the ANS-brain-vagina cycle and allow or inhibit connection to the wisdom and strength residing there.

How do we reconnect? Easy. Talk to your vagina. Yes, speak to her regularly. No matter what you’ve experienced in your life, appreciate everything your vagina has gifted you – adventures, sensations, orgasmic treasures, opportunities to learn about yourself, birthing magnificent children – and all that it’s been able to absorb, hold, transform, and release.

Practice reconnecting to the vagina and the pelvic nerve through physical exercise, especially core work that

strengthens the muscles of these systems. Learn how to engage your transverse abdominus muscles and engage muscular tissue in and around your vagina and perineum. The more aware you are of the subtleties, the more you can isolate or combine muscle activation and learn to influence your sensual experiences. If you’ve been avoiding or misunderstanding the connection you have with your vagina, it isn’t your fault. You’re not responsible for a lot of the subconscious priming that has negatively influenced our relationship with it. But it’s never too late to reclaim your freedom. If it helps, seek out a trusted holistic worker or health practitioner who can support you on your journey. But above all, remind yourself that no matter what society has made you feel about your vagina, like the women who raised their dresses to shape the course of history, don’t underestimate the ability you have to strengthen your life-revitalising lady parts, to recalibrate your gorgeous brain-vagina connection, and create the healthy and happy life you desire and deserve. When you reconnect with your vagina, you touch the truth. You ignite your heart and begin living more from a place of courage, kindness, and compassion.

My incredible women (and all who care about their wellbeing) let’s celebrate, honour and love our vaginas. By doing so, we pave the way for a new era of relating to this remarkable part of who we are and how we bring our best selves out into the world.

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

DO YOU NEED GOOD MOOD FOOD?

Words: Serena Hodge, Accredited Practicing Dietitian (APD)

If a friend came to you in the woes of a mental health slump asking for advice on how to manage it, what would you tell them?

Perhaps to seek out a psychologist, initiate pharmacotherapy, or to spend some time away from the office to regroup. Kudos to you! These are all great suggestions. But what if I told you that there might be more to it. What if food can play an important role in impacting our mood and overall mental health status too?

In 2020-21, the Australian Bureau of Statistics reported that over two in five Australians aged 16-85 years had experienced a mental health disorder at some time during their life. In 2017-18, 10% of Australians had depression or feelings of depression; an increase from 9% in 2014-15. To top it all off, the World Health Organisation has predicted that by 2030, depression will be the leading cause of disease burden globally. Pretty crazy stats, huh?

As our modern lives have become increasingly fast-paced and productivity-driven; our dietary patterns have had to follow suit to accommodate. The result? An increase in reliance on processed, packaged and, well...you’ve heard it all before. Otherwise known as a ‘Western dietary pattern’, the current diet of a typical Australian represents a vast contrast to dietary patterns that are thought to promote mental wellbeing.

The science behind good-mood food

The link between diet and mental health is a rapidly growing area of research. Currently, the research on eating well for mental health can summed up with two pieces of advice:

1. Eat plenty of vegetables, fruits, wholegrains, fish and seafood.

2. Limit red meat, highly processed foods and added sugars.

More commonly known as the Mediterranean style diet, this eating pattern has gained traction over recent years for its positive associations in reducing risk of depression and overall severity of symptoms among sufferers.

It is now understood that depression is associated with a chronic, low-grade inflammatory response in the body. The anti-inflammatory properties that a Mediterranean style diet exerts is one proposed mechanism for its positive effects on mood. Regular consumption of oily fish (think: salmon, tuna, mackerel) provides a rich source of dietary omega-3’s. A type of fatty acid that is thought to play an important role in overall brain health and anti-inflammatory pathways in the body. Not a fan of seafood? You can still get your fix of omega 3’s through plant-based foods. Good sources include linseeds, hemp seeds, walnuts and even miro-algae such as spirulina or chlorella.

Following a Mediterranean style diet naturally equates to eating an abundance of fibre; a key nutritional component of supporting a healthy gut. It is well understood that there is a two-way street of communication that exists between our gut and brain. With the types of microbes that reside in our gut having the potential to influence our mood in a big way. The best way to support a healthy gut microbiome? Focus on variety with fruit, veggies and grains.

Where to from here?

Am I proposing that a mere handful of walnuts or a side salad at dinner with quell you of major depression? Absolutely not. Like any nutrition-related condition, food is only one piece of the (much bigger) puzzle. Therefore, adopting a holistic approach is a must. Think about it like this: alongside medication, psychotherapy, physical activity and (dare I say) an audit of your current lifestyle; what

you feed your body (and subsequently, your mind) should certainly not be overlooked in mental health management.

A realistic approach to eating well for mental health

If experiencing episodes of low-mood is something you can relate to, it is here that I want to remind you to take a gentle approach when it comes to food and your mood. Because during the throes of a depressive episode, the subpar level of motivation to undertake menial daily activities (such as whipping up a nutritious meal) can feel very, very real.

Maybe looking after yourself nutritionally means ordering an Uber Eats Zambrero meal instead of a Big Mac on the days where you can’t bring yourself to get out of bed. Maybe it means reaching out to a loved one for support, instead of skipping meals on days where your appetite has evaded you. Remembering that although the subtlety of these positive dietary changes might not feel immediate or profound in relation to your mood, they do have the potential to physiologically support the holistic management of depression and overall mental health status.

If this article has triggered anything for you around mental health, I strongly recommend Lifeline on 13 11 14. This article is not intended to provide medical or individualised dietary advice.

Follow Serena on Instagram @coconut_ mason or head to www.coconutmason. blogspot.com for more.

FIRST TIME DIRECTOR DEBUTS IN HOBART WITH THE BEAUTY PROJECT

Words: Stephanie Williams

Tasmania’s award-winning performance company Second Echo Ensemble (SEE) premieres a show this month, called The BEAUTY Project. Led by Elise Romaszko in her directorial debut, The BEAUTY Project is a pop-up catwalk performance that asks, ‘what is normal?’, ‘what is beautiful?’ Dedicated to reflecting the diverse world we live in, The BEAUTY Project celebrates difference, champions equity, and confronts our assumptions.

What is The BEAUTY Project and who is behind it? Elise: The ‘who’ is easy, that would be me. The idea of The BEAUTY Project came from watching the TV. I watch the news and entertainment, and something that intrigues me are lots of dresses that are really spectacular. Beautiful garments on the TV inspired me, and I wanted to do my version of clothes because every celebrity wears so many glamorous clothes. I wanted

to do my version because I want to use recyclable fabric instead of the glamour and the bling. I think this challenges the idea of beauty - everything is always based on the appearance and not what’s inside, personality and what you feel, part of why I’m making the show is to reveal inner-beauty.

Why is the work significant? Elise: Beauty is a broad thing, why it is important is so I can show the clothes I want to show, and nature. Nature and beauty are together, the audience will learn about the environment and how to protect it more, it’s not just clothes, it’s about nature and the environment. I see some people throw rubbish out the car window. I see people throw rubbish in lakes, so that’s something I want to change. By getting the audience to interact they learn more and are more engaged. It’s about changing people’s perspectives and how they think about nature and seeing it in a new light.

This is your first work as director. How does it feel to have it out in the world this month? Elise: Empowered, confident, nervous. As the director and a performer, it is nerve wracking because I haven’t directed a project like this before.

I really want this to be out there in the public. Growing as a director has meant learning leadership, confidence, and independence. Kelly (Creative Director of Second Echo Ensemble) wanted me to be a director, that really helped me, the more she talked about it, the more I grew. It has affected me as a person as well as a creative.

What does the Second Echo Ensemble do? Elise: For me Second Echo Ensemble is collaboration. It’s good to hear others’ ideas and perspectives with Beauty. I have been a part of the ensemble for a long time and it’s more than socialising, it’s about performing and being professional with them as well.

From the SEE team: Second Echo Ensemble is an award winning, multi-arts organisation based in nipaluna/Hobart. We have created 16 major works, toured nationally and internationally. Our work celebrates the unheard stories of our artists, leading to meaningful societal change. We proudly employ and are led by people who have lived experience of disability, diversity and/or faced employment barriers. We challenge the status quo and unconscious bias. We are committed to reimagining how art is made, who can make it and where it happens.

How can our readers see The BEAUTY Project? The BEAUTY Project is being presented at Ten Days on the Island. You can view it at the Railway Roundabout in nipaluna/Hobart 9-11 March, or in Wynyard at Gutteridge Gardens 16-18 March. Tickets at www.tendays.org.au/ program/the-beauty-project.

A SHORT GEELONG GETAWAY

Words: Stephanie Williams

Since the Spirit of Tasmania terminal moved from Melbourne to Geelong late last year, a visit to Geelong has been on the radar.

During the school holidays, while on a visit to Melbourne, we decided to spend a few extra days exploring Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula. Geelong is a harbour city set on Corio Bay, an inlet of sorts from Port Philip Bay. According to ABS numbers, Geelong’s population sits at around 290,000 (whereas Hobart, for comparison, is around 250,000). It has a similar feel - vibrant waterfront, coastal vibes, period architecture and while we were there….lots of rain. We wore warm jumpers for most of our early February trip, which we were a little unprepared for, but being good Tasmanians, we had packed for all seasons, always!

street or so back from the bay and on the edge of the CBD. Our two bed apartment was perfect for what we needed - kitchenette, laundry and comfortable beds, all with a nice balcony view looking out to Eastern Beach.

The rain definitely put a dampener on taking in the city on foot, but this is a great city to explore in that way. The Geelong Gallery, the National Wool Museum, which is housed in a restored 1872 bluestone wool store, the Botanic Gardens, and Little Malop Street with boutiques and restaurants were on our hit list.

Heading out of town, the surf coast was pulling us in. Even with the rain, we loved stopping in at the beaches, watching the skilled surfers negotiating the waves, and just enjoying the expansive coastline with golden cliffs and grey ocean swell. It would have been criminal to be in these parts without taking a look at Bell’s Beach, home of the world famous Rip Curl Pro. It’s the longest running event in competitive surfing, and an important stop on the World Surf League Championship Tour. If you win, you get to ring the Bells Beach bell…the saying goes, ‘you have to win it to ring it!’” Nearby the Jan Juc surf club was an epic spot to dry off and take in yet more surfing action.

you’ll miss it, town full of homeware and clothing boutiques and cafes. Had I not been there with children, I could’ve spent a decent few hours combing through the stores. But we were on a mission to get to Ket Baker (377 Grubb Road, Wallington) a backyard sourdough bakery with a cult following. Started by Miek Paulus, a Belgian born, French trained baker and chocolatier, the bakery is a timber hut on her property. Each delicious croissant takes five days to make - “Each one takes on the natural elements of our shed kitchen – our sourdough culture, our weather, our moods,” according to Miek. There was a steady stream of shiny SUVs and hire cars heading out on weekend trips the day we were there, all in on this delicious secret.

With such a pretty waterfront, we booked into R Hotel (10 Bellarine Street, Geelong), a newish apartment hotel a

Barwon Heads (home to Australian cyclist and Tour de France winner Cadel Evans for the past 20 years) is a pretty, blink and

On our final morning the sun finally came out and it was time to properly explore the waterfront. After breakfast at Pavillion, the beautifully restored 1927 building which I’d say has the best location on the waterfront, the water beckoned for a dip. Little kids will love the paddling pool, while just behind that are the ocean baths. The swimming enclosure has been around since 1939, when it was built as a shark-proof enclosure following a shark attack in which a woman lost both her arms. It was the last stage in the development of the waterfront, leaving a livable, useful waterfront space for the people of Geelong. The toy train was the perfect way for us to cover more waterfront ground - covering a couple of kilometres, ambling past the famous Baywalk Bollards (huge timber bollards painted to represent different people), the Carousel and yacht club. The friendly driver even let our youngest pop up the front once we’d stopped, to sit in the driver seat and ring the bell - a definite highlight for a four year old!

The dining options abound. While we should’ve booked ahead to secure some of the hotter seats in town, ‘eat streets’ such at Pakington Street and Little Malop Street had us covered. Little Creatures Brewery is a big part of Geelong so that was a must, and perfect for an easy

dinner. On different days of the week you can also visit the home of Furphy Beer and White Rabbit Brewery, each with their own dining and bar areas within the same complex.

Watching the Spirit of Tasmania come and go across Corio Bay was out of place at first, but soon it felt normal. The next trip we take we now know what to expect in the Victorian port, with much more now on our list to explore next time. The writer’s accommodation was supported by Tourism Greater Geelong & The Bellarine.

More incentive for Tasmanian property owners

If you have a property you can rent to someone who needs a hand up, we can help you.

The Private Rental Incentives Program: pays property owners $6,600 or $9,900 when leasing an eligible property to Tasmanians on low incomes provides guaranteed rent to the owner for a two year lease provides all property and tenancy management services.

More information is available by phone on 03 6166 3625 or by emailing housing.privaterentals@homes.tas.gov.au

Words: Stephanie Williams

TASTE OF MALAYSIA

80 Elizabeth Street, Hobart

As a lover of char kway teow, the smoky and savoury rice noodle dish from Malaysia, I’m always keen to try new places that serve it. Recently, I even enjoyed lunch at Lulu’s Char Kway Teow in Melbourne, a restaurant dedicated solely to the dish. I hadn’t tried the version at Taste of Malaysia, on Elizabeth Street in the city, so it was time to knock it off my list. It’s an unassuming space that feels relaxed and like you could be in Kuala Lumpur for a quick city lunch.

We ordered the char kway teow ($17.90), of course, and a serve of nasi lemak ($17.90), with beef rendang and chicken curry. The nasi lemak came out almost as quick as our server left with the order. And it looked so good. A plate with steamed rice, the two curries, egg, peanuts, fried anchovies, sliced cucumber and sambal. The meat was tender and the curry spot on. I could spy other diners with the whole chicken leg variation of nasi lemak, which seemed their most popular order, but I was in for a quick lunch and not up for picking meat from the bone today, so I stuck with the curries. The char kway teow (called fried kuey teow on their menu) was a steaming pile of rice noodles, sweet, spicy and smokey, with beanshoots, egg, king prawns and calamari. Our medium level of chilli was perfect and was a nice match on a hot day with a cold teh tahrik ($6), black tea with condensed milk over ice.

BANGKOK CITY THAI STREET FOOD

Shop 2/40 Elizabeth Street, Hobart

We’re always on the lookout for good quality lunch food in the city. Since opening in November 2022, Bangkok City has delivered just that - good value, well made, quick Thai.

Tapping into family favourite recipes, the menu is a mix of street food classics to order, then a buffet of meat and vegan dishes. For $12.25 you can choose your base (steamed rice, egg rice or noodles) then add three toppings. I chose crispy chicken cashew nut, pork with beans and massaman curry.

It was a generous serve and the flavours were clean and delicious, which we enjoyed eating. The space is kitted out beautifully with a wall of shutter doors and artistic fish sculpture swimming across the roof. For a quick Thai meal I’d be happy to make Bangkok City regular thing.

HOW THE THREAT OF WAR LED TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF KNOCKLOFTY RESERVE

Words and pictures: Elizabeth Osborne

In World War Two young Australians were fighting in Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Families with sons serving overseas waited for news, dreading the arrival of a telegram that meant the worst news. In 1942 and 1943, after the fall of Singapore on 15 February 1942, many feared Australia was in imminent danger of invasion. This fear was heightened when a Japanese submarine launched seaplane flew a reconnaissance mission over the Hobart area in March 1942.

What did the Hobart City Council do when everyone was anxious, fearful for the future of Australia? The Hobart Council found time, in 1942 and 1943, to establish the Knocklofty Reserve, 140 hectares of bush, two kilometres from the CBD, for the “pleasure of future citizens of Hobart.” Isn’t that incredible? I wondered what I would do if Australia was about to be invaded, like Ukraine? Would I think to provide for future generations to enjoy the bush and peace of nature? Not likely. I mulled over this as I walked to the summit of Mount Stuart with the conversational walkers, on the track through the Knocklofty Reserve, the Reserve that was established in those worst years of World War Two.

It’s a popular walk, easily accessible, with a variety of tracks. We chose to leave from the Mount Stuart Lookout, at the base of the stone steps. After a short climb, we sat for a while on a

welcome seat to enjoy the view spread below, to Bridgewater and beyond. The peace of the bush enveloped us. Butterflies and white moths fluttered along the track. Wallabies watched, before bounding away into the bush. We caught glimpses of kunanyi/ Mount Wellington through the trees. As the track goes higher up Mount Stuart you can see over the city, North Hobart, and the distant hills across the river. Halfway up the track to the summit is a carved wooden seat. Native bees and bumble bees buzzed in the tea trees around us. A lizard sunning itself slid into a rock crevice. At the summit the track opened out to a flat grassy area, surrounded by woodland. We could see across the northern suburbs to the river glinting in the sun, blue hills and the surrounding mountains.

We followed the downhill track to the picnic area, where we enjoyed the view over Sandy Bay, framed by a flowering banksia. Refreshed and ready to ‘rock and roll’, we discussed whether to follow the Glover Track or go to the Reflecting Pond. However, the lure of coffee at the Lansdowne Café found us walking through West Hobart, down Forest Road.

Rather than retrace our steps, we walked back up to Mount Stuart Road to our car at the Lookout. We enjoyed the contrast between the bush and the adjoining streetscapes. Had the Council not had the foresight to create the nature reserve in the 1940s, the whole of Knocklofty Reserve might now be just another suburb. Instead, the reserve is a popular recreation area of pristine bush, a sanctuary for wildlife and home to over 300 native plant species.

Thanks to the Hobart City Councillors of 1942 and 1943 for the vision to establish the Knocklofty Reserve for the “pleasure of future citizens of Hobart.” It is indeed a pleasure in the bush, so near yet so far from the bustle of the city.

LOCAL ROLLER DERBY SKATERS SELECTED FOR ALL AUSTRALASIAN TEAM

Words: Jess ‘Slay’ Gulliver

When you hear the words “Roller Derby” you most likely think of the 2009 hit film starring Elliot Page and Drew Barrymore, Whip It and the Hollywood portrayal of Roller Derby – fishnet tights, badass women on skates doing dangerous stunts and a lot of violence. The reality of Roller Derby is something completely different. Sure, it’s fast-paced and some say that it resembles “rugby on skates without the ball”, but the rules of contact in Roller Derby are strict, with seven referees on skates needed to ensure rules are followed.

If you’ve never heard of Roller Derby before, it is a full-contact game played on roller skates where two teams of five people are on the track at any one time. The aim is for the point scorer (jammer) to score points by getting past the opposing team’s defensive skaters using their bodies, brains, and strategy. It sounds like quite a lot, but the people on the track are athletes, who spend years training their bodies to be used as shields, weapons, and blockades – all in the safest and most strategic way possible.

Whip It did get two things right – Roller Derby is a game of strategy; and the community it creates and promotes is one you won’t find anywhere else. Step into any Roller Derby team training and you’ll find lawyers, teachers, students, architects, parents, government workers, and people from all walks of life, coming together to skate and learn new skills and gameplays.

Roller Derby is a growing community in Tasmania. There are currently four teams state-wide, including Convict City Rollers, who train from their own home track, C-Block, in North Hobart. CCR welcomes children as young as five in their learn-to-skate classes, with no maximum age at which you can join.

CCR has taken their sport nationally, currently ranked 13 in the Australia Pacific region, and in 2022 took out first place in Division 2 at The Great Southern Slam tournament in Adelaide – the first tournament back after COVID. Since then, two skaters from CCR were selected for the ‘Australasian All-Stars’ team and flew to Melbourne to play against the best players nationwide. In February 2023, a further six skaters were selected to play on the

World Team at Sydney World Pride, with two CCR players being awarded the Most Valuable Player.

Roller Derby is a small community in Tasmania, but it packs a mighty punch with players often committing their time to advocate for issues close to their hearts. You will frequently see teams at the Pride March, at Invasion Day Rallies, and supporting the trans community and equal rights for all humans and animals.

Roller Derby is a safe space for all, no matter your age, gender, sexuality, body shape, socio-economic or parental status – everyone is welcome. You can go anywhere in the world with Roller Derby and be welcomed to a training session with the local team and immediately have new friends and family.

6th March for Contra Dancing with Ross Smithard and Up Jumped Trouble

7:15pm St James Hall 462 Elizabeth Street New Town

20th March for Balfolk Dancing with La Voie de Wallaby

Live music, all dances taught, no dancing experience or partner required and all ages welcome.

Stella Arden is an established beauty business situated in North Hobart. We recently purchased and renovated our own heritage shopfront to include homewares, gifts, makeup, skincare, cleaning products, plants, greenery and so much more

290a Murray Street, North Hobart (Corner Murray & Warwick Streets) 0438 789 454 stellaarden com au

Sunrise at Taroona Beach by Minji Hur

Huon River reflections by Trixie Berry

Flowers at St David’s Cathedral @kelvin196517

Windsurfer at Sandy Bay by Liz Osborne

Evening skies - view from Rose bay to kunanyi, by Wendy Fehlberg

Wooden Boat Festival by Shane Rayner of South Hobart

Rainbows by @luxbreaks kunanyi by @thuc.creative

A seal at Swansea by Trixie Berry

Cascade Brewery by @sabrina_pocketsize

Australian Wooden Boat Festival by Fiona Du

Evening at Gypsy Bay, Primrose Sands by Mary Beven