EDITORIAL
Labor Leader Josh Willie
While it’s taken a bit longer to get here than usual this year, the cooler weather of a Tassie winter is finally settling in. These quintessentially Tasmanian conditions traditionally bring challenges for hospitality businesses, but also increasingly, are bringing opportunities too. We all know how special winter can be in Tassie, and thanks to experiences like Dark Mofo in Hobart, more and more visitors are also finding out about it. As I write this, event organisers are busily preparing Princes Wharf and other venues across the city to welcome thousands of people coming to enjoy the festival, and I hope that brings optimism and good trading conditions for businesses across the state. It’s an exciting time to be in Hobart, made even more exciting by the entry of the Devils into the VFL, which has provided a tantalising entree before the AFL and AFLW teams enter the national competitions over the next few years. And while the Devils continue to kick goals both on and off the field at both ends of the state, it is important to recognise and reflect on the contribution made to the north by Hawthorn following the announcement of their departure. Hawks games have been such a strong economic driver for Launceston, filling up not only York Park, but cafés, pubs and surrounding hotels too.
hopeful that with the right support they can provide strong economic benefits, as our entire state gets behind our very own team. That support will be even more important after the shock announcement that the iconic Boag’s Brewery will be shutting its doors later this year. As someone who grew up in the north, I have many a fond memory with a Boag’s in hand, and my thoughts go out to all the workers who are set to lose their jobs. The brewery itself is an iconic landmark in Launceston, and with a strong community determined to make up for its departure, I’m hopeful there’s an opportunity for something exciting emerge in its place. While it might be cold comfort for those in the north, I was buoyed by the news that Cascade will continue to brew locally in South Hobart. I note the comments of Steve Old, who pointed out the role that declining beer consumption volume played in the closure of Boag’s. Wherever I go I encourage people to continue to support local businesses, and local food and beverage whenever they can, because it’s such an important part of what makes Tassie great. So please, when you next get the opportunity please responsibly raise a glass to thank the workers at Boag’s, raise a glass for the Devils, and raise a glass to celebrate winter in Tassie too.
The Devils certainly have big shoes to fill, but I’m
17 Tasmanian Hospitality Review June/July Edition
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