Healthy Hobart to brighten up winter

Published on 13 April 2023

The City of Hobart’s popular Healthy Hobart program has been extended and will now run all year round – and with an event that even Harry Potter would love.

In a first the city has added an autumn/winter program to compliment the spring/summer campaign.

Healthy Hobart is a free program of sport and other exercise activities presented by the City of Hobart and Healthy Tasmania.

The popular program is designed for all ages and abilities, from experts to first timers.

Making its program debut is quadball, the sport inspired by the fictional game Quidditch from the popular Harry Potter book and movie series.

It combines a unique mix of elements from rugby, dodgeball and tag.

While the game can appear chaotic to the casual observer, once familiar with the basic rules, quadball is an exciting sport to watch and even more fun to play.

No experience is required, and Harry Potter fans are most welcome.

The autumn/winter program will also include free sessions for archery, dance, laser tag, orienteering, petanque, pickleball and yoga.

City of Hobart Strategic Recreation Program Planner Kellie Williams said the spring/summer program had been a great success and it was hoped this extended campaign would follow suit.

“The recently completed program saw 39 sessions offered for yoga, dance, Tai Chi and others and attracted on average 31 participants each class,” Ms Williams said.

“Since January 2017, Healthy Hobart has delivered 256 separate sessions using over 31 different community and commercial venues located in the City of Hobart municipality.

“The total attendance for Healthy Hobart so far is 5863 and more than 34 unique local providers have been involved in delivering the sessions.

“In the past 12 months, children’s dance has been big winner, but Tai Chi also more than doubled in attendances and we are hopeful the autumn/winter program can have similar success.”

Ms Williams said there would be 51 free sessions on offer for this program, inspiring people to get out and try new sports or hobbies that were beneficial for the individual and the community.

“These free sessions are a great opportunity to try something completely new or return to a sport after a bit of a break,” Ms Willilams said.

“Getting out and active when the weather is a bit cooler is not only a great way to improve the body and the soul, but a chance to make new friends and leave behind the winter doldrums and have some fun.

“Healthy Hobart makes it fun and easy to be healthy, and every activity is free.”

Hayden Reeve will be providing come and try taster sessions for the unique sport of quadball.

“Quadball is fast paced and tactical, with elements of netball, rugby, dodgeball and tag all rolled into one,” Mr Reeve (pictured with some junior quadballers) said.

“It’s a mixed gender sport and the quadball community is very welcoming and inclusive.

“It’s a fun way to stay active and make new friends.

There are four unique positions to choose from, so there is a spot for everyone no matter what fitness level or previous experience you bring to the team.

“If you’re looking for a new casual sport, this could be for you.

“We are aiming to start a social league for both kids and adults in Hobart.”

The free sessions will run from 28 April until 29 September.

Get the full Healthy Hobart program and sign-up for your favourite activities at hobartcity.com.au/healthyhobart.