Small town feel with a big heart
A celebrated site in the heart of the city, Mathers House is dedicated to fostering meaningful connections and helps to build resilience, especially as we age. We offer a secure setting where you can meet people you might not otherwise engage with.
The power of community cannot be underestimated. A sense of belonging when you are struggling can be a life saver, a reprieve from the stresses of life – like a warm blanket on a cold day can have a profound impact on your life!
At Mathers House we provide a variety of classes focused on health and wellbeing, all delivered with care and kindness. Many of our programs are run by dedicated volunteers who understand the importance of giving back and the fulfilment it brings –creating a sense of helping and connection.
PUBLIC HOLIDAY CLOSURE
• Kings’s Birthday – Monday 9 June
Our goal is to provide a space that truly matters. Come and talk to us, sit on the couch and have a coffee, stay for lunch, go to an activity that interests you. It’s all here, waiting for you.
So, escape the hustle and bustle of daily life, or if you’re feeling lonely and unsure how to fill your day, come to Mathers House. Even if only to catch your breath, you might find yourself staying a little longer next time.
Message from the Mathers House Coordinator
As the Dalai Lama once said “The purpose of life is to increase the warm heart.”
We are a capital city with a small town feel where people smile and say hello to one another.
As you read this issue, I hope you get a sense of what Mathers House is about and what those who come to the centre feel when they walk through the door.
Welcomed from the moment you step in to
Calendar highlights
The Long Table Lunch Returns to Mathers – A Midwinter Feast to remember
Get ready, the beloved Long Table Lunch is making its much-anticipated return on Friday, 13 June at 12 pm. This time we’re embracing the heart of winter with a seasonal celebration called the Mathers Feast – and you’re invited!
the centre, we provide a vibrant environment that is sometimes quiet and sometimes full of chatter and activities.
Our theme in this issue is ‘Warm Hearts’ which to me means providing kindness, compassion, understanding and support not only by caring staff and volunteers but by the people who use the centre.
‘Warm Hearts’ is part of the City of Hobart’s campaign to draw awareness to the City’s community services and programs and the staff and people who are working together to make Hobart a better place for the community.
– Denise
For just $20 per person, you’ll enjoy a hearty, warming lunch inspired by the spirit of Dark Mofo and the traditions of winter feasting. Expect delicious comfort food, a welcoming communal table, and the joy of shared stories and laughter – all under the gentle glow of mid-year magic.
Whether you’re a regular at Mathers or a newcomer looking for connection and good food, the Mathers Feast Long Table Lunch is the perfect way to spend a winter’s afternoon.
Bookings are essential, so don’t miss out –call now to reserve your seat at the table. Let’s eat, connect, and celebrate winter together!
When: Friday 13 June, 12–1.30 pm
Where: Mathers House Cost: $20
All information is correct at time of printing. For bookings call 6234 1441 or email mathersplace@hobartcity.com.au
Weekly activities
Day Activity
Zumba
Stronger for Longer
Monday
Tuesday
Digital/ IT Basics
Description
Low intensity exercise. With Ashley.
Cardio/strength class suitable for all levels. Hiroko will run the class until Manu is back
1:1 basic technology coaching. With Rosa.
Mah Jong Monday For those who know how to play.
Five Crowns An easycard game. With Priscilla.
Hobart Ukulele Group
Digital/ IT Basics
Core, Balance & Stretch
T’ai Chi
Line Dancing
Knitting Group
Mah Jong
Wednesday
Thursday
Any ability welcome. Request in advance to borrow a uke. With Paul.
1:1 technology coaching. With Richard.
Jenn will run the class until October when Manu comes back
Improve health and wellbeing. With John.
Low impact aerobic workout. All levels. With Ngaire. Away 10 June & 22 July
A casual group with their own projects.
A game of skill. Starting 11 June.
Yoga Improve your health. With Jenn. Scrabble with Friends Meet at noon for lunch first (at own cost)
Broadway Boogie
Low impact musical theatre. With Ashley. Pilates Great for your fitness journey. With Hiroko.
Serenity in the City 30 minute guided meditation. With Helen
Friday Midcity School for Seniors or S4S
Popular speakers’ program. Includes morning tea. No classes 11 & 18 July
LM = Lower Mathers, UM = Upper Mathers, CH = Criterion House
Calendar highlights
The Breed – 60s Pop and Rock music
Come and enjoy a great afternoon as The Breed recreate the sounds, fun and excitement of groups such as The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and The Kinks and more.
Booking essential.
When: Friday 25 July, 2–3.30 pm
Where: Mathers House
Cost: $12 (includes nibbles and first drink)
Yoga Class – changes
Do you need a midweek boost? Jenn leads a revitalising community yoga class.
This 45-minute session is the ideal midweek break intended to uplift your spirit and revitalise your body.
When: Every Wednesday at 1.45–2.30 pm
Where: Criterion House Cost: $8 (equipment provided)
1.30–3.30pm UM
per lesson. Must book by text only 0427 055 170 1.45–2.30 pm CH
– Limit 10 1–3 pm UM
New Class
Classical art
Yilian Basser is a professional teacher and practicing artist, specialising in classical painting, drawing, and art of the human body. She founded Art From Scratch (AFS) in 2018 as a platform to share her love of art, and foster community connections. Since then, she has
built trusting relationships with a broad range of students and organisations, as a skilled and compassionate tutor and group facilitator.
When: See program for dates
Where: Criterion House Cost: $8 (equipment provided)
Bookings for Calendar Highlight events are essential. Call 6234 1441 or email mathersplace@hobartcity.com.au
What’s On
June Program
All information is correct at time of printing. For bookings call 6234 1441 or email mathersplace@hobartcity.com.au
Lifelong learning Fitness Health and wellbeing
Date Activity
Sun 1
Great Balls of Fibre
Mon 2 Quiz
Wed 4 Art Class
Fri 6 IT Learning Club
Fri 6 Book Club
Fri 6 Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea
Mon 9 Closed for Kings Birthday
Wed 11 Art Class
Fri 13 The Ukulele Experience
Description
Knitting, crochet etc for men.
A knowledge test. With Francis and Paula.
Classical art. With professional artist Yilian. Class started on 7 May. 5– week blocks.
Apps, smart phones and tablets. With Rosa.
A new book to discuss each month.
To raise funds for the Cancer Council.
Classical art. With professional artist Yilian. Class started on 7 May. 5– week blocks.
Basic playing and singing. Includes morning tea. With Sally and Te.
Fri 13 The Feast – Long Table Inspired by Dark Mofo and The Feast.
Mon 16
Lifelong Respect Walk Against Elder Abuse
Thurs 19 Coffee Walk
A community event raising awareness and showing support for older Tasmanians.
Walk from Waterfront Hotel in Bellerive to Hurricanes Cafe.
Fri 20 IT Learning Club Apps, smart phones and tablets. With Rosa.
Fri 20 Friday Films
Wed 25 Dementia Friendly Cafe
A Libraries Tasmania collaboration – We of the Never Never (2hrs 8 mins).
Creative and social activities for those affected by dementia and/or memory loss.
LM = Lower Mathers, UM = Upper Mathers, CH = Criterion House
Hobart Older Persons Reference Group
The Hobart Older Persons Reference Group (HOPRG) has been meeting every two months since 2013. The reference group cultivates a relaxed and friendly opportunity for older community members to provide feedback to City of Hobart staff on the City’s services and programs. Recent consultation with this group has helped to inform the City’s Climate Ready Hobart , Transport Strategy and Positive Ageing Commitment.
The group also recommends, supports
and provides feedback on the programs, events and activities that take place at Mathers House. This could be helping to organise concerts, long table lunches, dances and other special events, as well as recommending menu improvements or suggesting new health, arts and wellbeing programs.
We want to ensure that we are consistently engaging with members of our older community, to ensure that what we offer at Mathers House and elsewhere in the
Council meets people’s aspirations, expectations and needs. If you are you keen to share your life experience to help guide the City of Hobart’s work with older people, or you would like to learn more about HOPRG please contact Denise at Mathers House on 6234 1441 or Mark Joseph on 6238 2772 or at mark. joseph@hobartcity.com.au
All information is correct at time of printing. For bookings call 6234 1441 or email mathersplace@hobartcity.com.au
July Program
Date Activity
Fri 4
The Ukulele Experience
Fri 4 IT Learning Club
Fri 4 Book Club
Fri 4
Sun 6
Sound for the Senses –Long Table
Great Balls of Fibre
Mon 14 Quiz
Wed 16 Blood pressure test
Thurs 17 Coffee Walk
Fri 11 Christmas in July (Ausmus)
Fri 18 The Ukulele Experience
Description
Learn the basics. With Sally and Te.
Apps, smart phones and tablets. With Rosa.
A new book to discuss each month.
Festival of Voices Pop-Up concert over lunch. Have a delicious meal while listening.
Knitting, crochet etc for men.
A knowledge test. With Francis and Paula.
Check your health and avoid serious problems with a free check by Menzies staff.
Meet at Seagrass Long Point, Sandy Bay then walk to Blac Fig for coffee and return.
A heart-warming 3 course lunch. Spread some holiday cheer with your friends.
Learn the basics. With Sally and Te.
Fri 18 IT Learning Club Apps, smart phones and tablets. With Rosa.
Fri 18 Friday Films
Fri 25 The Breed Music Concert
Wed 30
Dementia Friendly Cafe
A Libraries Tasmania collaboration – The 39 Steps
Come along and rock to the sounds of the 60s with The Breed.
Creative and social activities for those affected by dementia or memory loss.
LM = Lower Mathers, UM = Upper Mathers, CH = Criterion House
Keep your heart happy this winter with free blood pressure checks at Mathers House
This winter, Mathers House is all about warm hearts and well-being. What better way to show your heart some love than with a free blood pressure check?
Drop by on Tuesday, 16 July or Monday,19 August between 2–3.30 pm for a quick, nofuss check-up. It’s completely free, and no bookings are required. Come in and take a few minutes to look after that all-important ticker. Whether it’s peace of mind or simply part of your regular health routine, our
friendly team from the Menzies Centre will be here to help. Let’s keep those hearts beating strong this winter. See you at Mathers House! Warm Hearts welcome.
8.45 am – 9.45 am
(includes morning tea) Not required 10 am –12 pm
(includes morning tea) Required
(includes morning tea) Not required
(includes morning tea)
(includes nibbles and first drink) Required Essential 10 am
(includes morning tea) Not required
You’re not alone
Loneliness can significantly impact mental health, contributing to cognitive impairment and increase the risk of dementia, impacting brain health and overall wellbeing. Additionally, chronic loneliness can lead to unhealthy behaviours and physical ailments, further compounding its impact.
Feeling isolated and alone is a common experience that can stem from various life factors, including social isolation, changes in life, or mental health conditions. It’s a normal human emotion, but if it persists or causes distress, seek help or community support.
You can get help through the Access Mental Health Hotline on 1800 332 388, Lifeline on 13 11 44 or Recovery College on 1300 793 011 all providing support service.
What’s On
All information is correct at time of printing. For bookings call 6234 1441 or email mathersplace@hobartcity.com.au
August Program
Date Activity
Fri 1 Book Club
Fri 1 IT Learning Club
Lifelong learning Fitness Health and wellbeing
Description
A new book to discuss each month
Apps, smart phones and tablets. With Rosa. Sun 3 Great Balls of Fibre Knitting, crochet etc for men.
Wed 6 Art Class
Fri 8 The Ukulele Experience
Sun 10 Tune Up @ 2 Concert
Fri 22 The Ukulele Experience
Fri 15 IT Learning Club
Fri 15 Trash and Treasure Swap and Sell
Tues 19
Blood pressure test
Thurs 21 Coffee Walk
Fri 22 Friday Films
Wed 27 Dementia Friendly Cafe
Wed 27 Spring Planting
Classical art. With professional artist Yilian. Runs for 5– week blocks.
Learn the basics. With Sally and Te.
The Australian Army Band Tasmania’s second Tune Up @ 2 concert for 2025.
Learn the basics of playing and singing. Includes morning tea. Sally and Te.
Apps, smart phones and tablets. With Rosa.
Book your table to swap or sell good quality clothes and nic naks.
Check your health and avoid serious problems with a free check by Menzies staff.
Meet at C3 Church outside café then walk along Rivulet Track.
A Libraries Tasmania collaboration – Mad About the Boy: The Sir Noël Coward Story
Creative and social activities for those affected by dementia or memory loss
With professional gardening team Monique and Chloe from Still Gardening.
Fri 29 IT Learning Club Apps, smart phones and tablets. With Rosa. LM = Lower Mathers, UM = Upper Mathers, CH = Criterion House
Community Program Spotlight:
Pets in the Park – a heart-warming community initiative
Have you heard about Pets in the Park? This wonderful community service is organised by local vets who dedicate their time and expertise to check on the health of pets belonging to those in our community who do not have a home. It’s held every month at Criterion House, and we at Mathers House feel absolutely privileged to host them.
This initiative is a shining example of the caring and compassionate spirit that makes Hobart such a special place. It’s heartwarming to see our community come together to support those in need, and we are incredibly grateful to our local vets for their dedication and kindness.
If you love Hobart and our wonderful vets and pets as much as we do, consider dropping
off some pet food at Mathers House, dry food only is best and unopened packets. Pets in the Park is on the first Saturday of every month so donations during the week prior would be appreciated.
Go digital and stay up to date with what’s on at Mathers House
BATHURST STREET
Stay up to date by joining our email newsletter. You’ll receive:
• New events that didn’t make it into print
• Updates to any major changes to the activities listed
• A PDF of the program you can view on your device or print at home
Fill in the form at: hobartcity.com.au/ positive-ageing or email:
mathersplace@hobartcity.com.au
If you have already gone digital please let us know so we can remove you from the hard copy post list.
The trees will thank you.
Room bookings available for community groups, commercial groups and individuals. Visit hobartcity.com.au/venues
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Opening hours: 9.30 am – 3 pm, Monday to Friday Mathers House Mathers Lane 108 – 110 Bathurst Street Hobart