Youth Workshop

Envisioning the future of Greater Hobart.

On Friday, September 29th, a quite extraordinary event took place. Students representing seven schools from across the Greater Hobart area were joined by members of the Tasmanian University Student Association. They converged on MONA— one of our proud Foundation Members—for a special workshop.

Identifying Core Themes

The aim was to explore the major themes affecting our region and what the priorities should be from the perspective of our youth. For the better part of a four-hour session, the students were divided into six groups. They tackled some thought-provoking questions such as “What do you love about living in Greater Hobart?” and “What issues are affecting you and your friends right now?”

Thought-provoking conversations unfolded, revealing a collective appreciation for our region’s unique sense of community and connectedness. However, some pressing concerns emerged as well:

  • Public Transport: Quite a few students felt somewhat cut off from the region due to limited transportation options, especially those who don’t drive;
  • Environment: There was a lot of enthusiasm about protecting our natural beauty and considering the larger implications of climate change;
  • Access to Services: When it comes to services, the conversation gravitated towards the availability, cost, and location of health services, particularly in the mental health sector;
  • Workforce Development: Concerns were raised about the availability of work opportunities, extending beyond just current jobs to include internships and a broader youth employment strategy;
  • Affordable Housing: A topic that resonated for our region’s students as they talked about the impact it was also having on those wanting to move here;
  • Recreation and Culture: Students felt there should be a greater focus on youth activities in the arts and community events.

When asked to vote on their top three concerns, a consensus emerged around Public Transport, Access to Services, and the Environment.

Participants in the workshop were invited to envision what Greater Hobart might look like two decades from now. The exercise asked them to be specific about what they could see, hear, do, and feel in this future Hobart. Framing questions guided the groups, such as “If you could enhance other people’s lives, what steps would you take?” or “What constitutes a successful life in Hobart for you?” The groups used magazine cut-outs to ‘paint’ their visions on butcher paper. This led to the emergence of numerous shared themes:

  • Focusing on greening the region, especially with native plants, and also integrating more green spaces into our buildings and streets;
  • Sustainable energy production and consumption as well as leveraging our renewable energy resources more effectively;
  • Councils and organisations should play a role in promoting and incentivising sustainable behaviours.
  • Expanding ferry services and light rail using existing infrastructure to ensure in the future there are shorter wait times for public transport;
  • A genuinely interconnected region made possible through more effective public transport;
  • Increasing bike lanes and making bike accessibility a priority;
  • Adopting more electric cars, facilitated by more accessible charging options.
  • Spaces and events for young people that focus on community connection, rather than
    alcohol—think free music festivals or more venues like YARC;
  • A future where fun isn’t confined to the digital sphere – it happens in the real world;
  • Government-funded communal spaces and community sports opportunities that also act
    as a magnet for younger people to move here.
  • A future of higher population density that makes services more accessible while fostering
    a stronger, more affordable, less car-dependent city, all without losing sight of the natural environment;
  • Innovative architectural designs that move away from repetitive subdivisions.

It’s worth highlighting that there was a lot of overlap in what the different groups envisioned.
After identifying these visions, the groups discussed immediate actions and cultural shifts necessary to realise them.z

  • Communal Will: Education and media must be used to inform and engage communities;
  • Changing Attitudes: A shift in perception about change is crucial;
  • Creating Understanding: The need for everyone to get involved and understand the issues at hand;
  • Empathy and Open-mindedness: A more inclusive culture with empathetic communication and the courage to embrace new ideas;
  • Youth Involvement: Their voice should be part of any decision-making processes;
  • Enhanced Connection: A community where love, care, and a genuine sense of belonging are at the forefront.

We extend our deepest gratitude to all the participating schools: Huonville High School, Taroona High School, St. Michaels Collegiate, The Fahan School, The Hutchins School, Elizabeth College, and Hobart College.  We all learned so much from you. And of course, a special thank you to our energetic facilitators, Elly and Megan from Slow Radicals.

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