Edwin Johnstone - Hobart Advocate

06/06/2026

As winter sets in across Hobart, a number of local charities are launching their annual appeals to support people doing it tough.

The Hobart City Mission Winter Appeal and the Vinnies Tasmania Winter Appeal are reporting growing demand for help with housing, food, power bills and other essentials.

Many of us are fortunate to have a warm home, a full pantry and family around us. Not everyone in our community is so lucky.

If you’re in a position to help this winter, consider supporting one of these appeals. Even a small donation can make a real difference for a Tasmanian family facing hardship.

A strong community is one that looks after its most vulnerable members.

Links to charties: edwinjohnstone.com.au/winter2026

03/06/2026

Awards Nominations Close 5 June - businessgreaterhobart.com.au/awards

BGH invites small businesses from all sectors to showcase their achievements and be recognised among Greater Hobart’s leading operators.

The awards celebrate excellence in innovation, customer service, community impact and business leadership.

Businesses can nominate themselves or nominate another local business they believe deserves recognition.

02/06/2026

In today's Mercury: edwinjohnstone.com.au/bike-lane-trial

The Council’s monitoring reports have not yet demonstrated the increase in cycling numbers many supporters anticipated, while the current design has reduced road capacity on one of Hobart’s most important commercial streets.

The removal of turning lanes, the placement of bus stops in the middle of the road and the overall traffic layout have made Collins Street less practical for many of the people who rely on it every day.

It’s time for an honest assessment of whether this design is delivering enough benefits to justify its ongoing impacts on access and movement through the city.

31/05/2026

As the Collins Street trial approaches the halfway point of its two-year duration, Hobart City Council should begin planning to remove the separated bike lanes and restore this important CBD corridor.

The Council's monitoring reports have not yet demonstrated the increase in cycling numbers that many supporters of the project anticipated.

Article: edwinjohnstone.com.au/bike-lane-trial

By working with business, community, and government, I aim to support a city where commerce, culture, and community thrive.

27/05/2026

Adaptive reuse is key to faster CBD housing. For years, there has been discussion about how to make Hobart’s CBD more vibrant, safer after hours and more supportive of local businesses.

One of the most effective ways to achieve that is simple: more people actually living in the city.

Hobart’s former Tasmania Police headquarters on Liverpool Street could soon be transformed into 17 apartments and a ground-floor cafe under a $5 million proposal now before Hobart City Council.

24/05/2026

The former Tasmania Police headquarters on Liverpool Street could be converted into 17 apartments and a ground-floor cafe under a $5 million proposal now before Hobart City Council.

This is exactly the sort of adaptive reuse Hobart needs, taking an existing CBD building and giving it a new purpose.

More people living in the city means more foot traffic, more customers for local businesses and a stronger, safer and more active CBD after hours.

With public comment open until 9 June, it will be interesting to see how this proposal progresses.

Article: www.edwinjohnstone.com.au/47liverpool

21/05/2026

Great to host last night’s Business Greater Hobart networking event with Tom Miller from Florage Tasmania and see another strong turnout of local business owners and professionals.

It was great hearing more about their approach to sustainability and the practical ways businesses can rethink waste, packaging and everyday operations.

Small business plays a huge role in Greater Hobart creating jobs, backing local communities and helping keep our city vibrant and active.

Events like this are a great reminder of the value of connection, collaboration and supporting each other through challenging times.

businessgreaterhobart.com.au/may-2026

20/05/2026

May Newsletter: Topics this month include Hobart retail pressures, the end of the e-scooter program, medium density housing, TasWater price rises, the Cadbury Chocolate Experience and Incat’s electric ferry.

View: mailchi.mp/edwinjohnstone/may-2026

Subscribe at: www.edwinjohnstone.com.au

17/05/2026

This week marks National Volunteer Week, recognising the huge contribution volunteers make to communities across Australia.

I’ve seen firsthand the value of volunteering through groups I’m involved with including Choir of High Hopes Hobart and Rotary Club of Salamanca.

These organisations do far more than provide services or run events they create connection, friendship and community. A big thank you to everyone across Tasmania who volunteers their time to help others and support their local community.

14/05/2026

My article in today's Mercury - The CBD is not 'dead' but it needs its confidence restored.

Full article: edwinjohnstone.com.au/cbd-pressures