Look I don't like Behrakis that much but I'll take him over Elliott tbh.

Seriously though, Hobart and Tasmania in general is such a scattershot of different drivers and abilities. I’ve only lived here a year or so and I’m constantly amazed. The traffic in this town flows in the weirdest ways and it’s not the roads. It’s the way people drive here that causes a lot of the congestion.

I’ve driven cars all over the world and this place is truly mind boggling at times. Otherwise, it’s a great town.

Hi,
I'm Joe and I've been playing a sport called Ultimate Frisbee for nearly 30 years. I reckon it's the best sport in the world. There's a small community that play it here in Hobart, and I'm running a a beginner social league that starts this Monday, so that more people can experience how awesome it is.
All the details can be found at this facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/share/1esy9SXjtb/

But I can also give you details here:
Soldiers Memorial Oval on the Domain, from 6pm to 6:45
No cost, totally free
There'll be an ASC accredited coach (that's me) teaching skills and techniques for the sport before we get into a short casual game. Each in the 6pm-6:45 pm timeslot will be the beginner league, so if you WANT to sign up for that, you can, and when you pay your registration fee you get a free frisbee if you're a new member. These are proper 175g ultrastars, not the cheap crap you get at kmart. https://tasmania.ultimatecentral.com/e/hobart-spring-social-2026

Everyone is welcome, all ages, all genders, all political persuasions, and even if you like pineapple on pizza.

Great way to meet new people.
Great way to get some fresh air...
A little bit of exercise, but nothing that will stress you too much. Go as hard or as soft as you want.

Anyway, I hope to see people there, feel free to AMA.

Possible Elected candidates:

WOOLEY, Charles

KELLY, John

HARVEY, Bill

POSSELT, Ryan

LENNON, Harvey

ZUCCO, Marti

DUTTA, Mike

BEHRAKIS, Simon

ASHDOWN, Tiffany

If you were looking to supplement a public education (a nice but small local school) to add some sporting/social/extension activities that are maybe not realistic to expect from a government school environment, what sort of activities/opportunities have you found to be great for your kid? It doesn't need to be academic or intense, just something that might increase a social group where the school is very small, or provide some fun and valuable experiences without over-scheduling or getting too production line about childhood?

Can anyone please recommend a person or business that does website maintenance? I already have a website: i just need someone to make some changes / make sure it's functioning well. Thanks heaps 😊

And now, a game of preferences

I've looked and just can't seem to find it. Can anyone help me find the subreddit for the other side of the river please?

With Anna Reynolds finishing her eight years as Hobart's Lord Mayor, I thought it would be good to look back on what was actually delivered.

The biggest question is whether Hobart is a better city than it was eight years ago.

THE GOOD:

1. COVID-19 Financial Support

During the pandemic, council provided rates freezes, rent concessions and other assistance to businesses and residents. Good support through a difficult period.

2. Post-COVID Financial Management

Council has returned to operating surpluses following the COVID-era deficits.

Reynolds inherited a council already recording a $3 million underlying surplus in 2017–18. Despite some tough years, the latest budget projects a $3 million surplus for 2026–27.

3. Food and Organic Waste Collection

Council's food and garden organics program has diverted waste from landfill. That's a big positive.

4. Single-Use Plastics Reform

Hobart introduced restrictions on certain single-use plastic takeaway products, becoming an early Australian leader in this area. A great win.

5. Urban Greening and Public Spaces

Council has invested in street trees, parks, playgrounds and public spaces.

In 2024–25, it planted 1000+ trees and installed new equipment across 50+ playgrounds.

.

THE BAD

1. CBD Retail and Nightlife

The condition of Hobart's CBD is a major concerns.

Retail researcher Dr Louise Grimmer reported that shopfront vacancies increased from 5% in 2024 to 12% in 2026.

After eight years, I think it's reasonable to question whether council has done enough to maintain an accessible and vibrant CBD.

2. Relationships with Local Businesses

Several major Hobart business organisations have publicly opposed council decisions, particularly around Collins Street.

Concerns have included parking, customer access, traffic congestion and consultation. They have been ignored.

3. Traffic Management

Perhaps one of the most contentious aspects of Reynolds' tenure has been the changes to Hobart's CBD traffic network.

Changes to Elizabeth Street, the scramble crossings, and Collins St changes have all affected traffic movement. Concerns about congestion, parking and business access were raised before construction, ignored. Council reports increased cycling movements.

But almost one in three Hobart adults is aged 60 or older, making accessibility and convenient vehicle access particularly important considerations.

4. Breaching Privacy Laws

In 2025, Tasmania's Ombudsman found that Reynolds breached privacy legislation by disclosing information concerning another councillor request.

That was an official finding. For someone holding Hobart's highest elected office, that is a serious failure of judgement.

5. Leadership and a Divided Council

Over the last eight years, HCC has become increasingly divided, with personal disputes, public disagreements and repeated code-of-conduct complaints.

During the latest term, more than $100,000 was spent handling complaints.

Leadership isn't about getting your preferred policies implemented. It's about bringing people together, respecting different perspectives and maintaining confidence in the institution.

To me, the CBD feels more congested, yet there are more empty shopfronts in parts of the city. The streets don't seem as vibrant as they once were. We've also seen some longstanding pubs and hospitality venues close.

Is Hobart a better place to live, work, shop and visit than it was in 2018?

For me, the answer is no.

A Lord Mayor should be judged not only on the policies they champion, but on the outcomes they deliver and their ability to bring the community together.

My Overall Grade: C

So, is Hobart in a better spot than 2018? If so, how?