Winter continues to be a season of small projects, unexpected conversations, and steady growth.

This week I spent time working alongside Priscilla on Woodcraft Adventures Tasmania. We are introducing a few new products, including heart brooches and a new tourist-focused gift item. The heart brooches are especially interesting. They showcase the beauty of Tasmanian timbers in a wearable form, bringing the grain, colour, and character of local timber into jewellery that can be worn or displayed. It is exciting to see the project continue to evolve as both a creative outlet and a developing side hustle.

A new small project also began this week. I met with Ange and we talked about recovery, community, and the role that meaningful projects can play in people’s lives. From that conversation came a plan to begin distributing clothing through No-Bux, one of Hobart’s largest soup kitchens. Fleur, one of our major supporters, is happy to provide clothing for the project, and Ange has already arranged our first drop, which is scheduled for this week. It is another example of how opportunities emerge when people with shared values sit down and talk.

Pete was open to meeting this week. He continues to move between sleeping rough and staying in shelters. We met in the evening and I was able to provide him with one of Pete’s Treats packs. He was planning to try and get into the shelter that night. From what I understand, gaining entry can be a difficult process, especially without prior arrangements. It was encouraging to hear from him unexpectedly with a plan and a sense of direction. Sometimes a simple conversation and a small gift pack can help create momentum for the next step.

Karen’s Really Free Shop returned this week after a brief pause. The project continues to grow rapidly and is becoming an important part of our Saturday gatherings. Unfortunately Karen experienced some abuse from Zac at the end of the day, something we will need to address. Karen contributes an enormous amount to the community and ensuring volunteers feel supported remains a priority.

The white goods project continues to have a challenging beginning. There are still appliances sitting on my front lawn waiting for homes. The difficulty is rarely finding people who need them. Instead, plans often fall through, creating storage and transport challenges. For now, the project remains a work in progress. To be continued.

Music remains a constant thread through the week. We are currently preparing jazz pieces for the Hot August Jazz Festival performance next Sunday. At High Hopes I recently moved closer to the centre of the circle and the difference in energy has been remarkable. There is a sense of connection and momentum that is hard to describe. Singing continues to play a role at Food Not Bombs Hobart as well. Zac remains one of the most enthusiastic participants, always ready for a dance and helping create an atmosphere that draws people into the hall and into community.

The Jutland Village distribution also took place this week. By chance I encountered three members of the resident committee together while passing through and we were able to discuss the project. Together we agreed to move the distribution to an earlier time of day so more residents can participate and assist. The project now distributes around 100 kilograms of food into one of Hobart’s most disadvantaged housing communities. Taking surplus food from places of abundance and moving it directly into the hands of people who need it most continues to feel like a simple and worthwhile act.

Summary

Food Not Bombs Hobart received another donation this week, including one through the new online donation facilities at FNBHobart.org. Every contribution helps.

Attendance at Food Not Bombs Hobart continues at a new level, with between 30 and 40 people regularly attending. The additional support we have received from Foodbank this year continues to be a major factor in this growth, allowing us to provide more food and welcome more people to the table.

Meanwhile, Priscilla’s Woodcraft Adventures Tasmania continues its steady development through the winter months. Growth is slow but encouraging, and the project continues to demonstrate its potential as a meaningful side hustle built around creativity, local timber, and community.

• Community Food Partnerships Hobart | Newsletter | Notes in the field #34 – week ending 28th Sep 2026
• Community Enterprise | Mutual Aid | FNB Hobart Makers
• Notes In The Field #33: Week Ending Monday 20th Sep 2026 – How things have changed and not changed
• Acts of Kindness | Mutual Aid | Petes Treats
• Notes From The Field #32: Week ending Sun 13th Sep 2026 – Small threads come together