Hobart City Council - Hobart.com.au

The City of Hobart, the capital city of the Australian island state of Tasmania, is a lively tourist destination rich with natural resources and a laid-back atmosphere. The City, established as a penal colony in 1803, is the second oldest city in Australia; only Sydney was founded earlier.

The Hobart City Council, comprised of twelve aldermen, one of whom is chosen as Lord Mayor of Hobart, has responsibility for local governance, including both leadership initiatives and city services. The Council's annual budget of $85 million administers more than 300 services, and is proud of its history as one of Australia's oldest councils. In 2010, the Australian Conservation Foundation named Hobart as Australia's sixth most sustainable city. The Council gauges that, on weekdays, close to half of Greater Hobart's population is in the City for "working, shopping, education, personal business or leisure purposes." (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hobart)

The City of Hobart is home to a variety of public events, and some, such as the Hobart Summer Festival and its adjunct event the Taste of Tasmania, are co-sponsored by the Tasmanian State Government and the Hobart City Council. Other events, such as the weekly Salamanca Market, the Myer Hobart Christmas Pageant, or the Spring and Autumn Floral Shows, are hosted exclusively by the Council.

The Taste of Tasmania, also billed as Hobart's Waterfront Celebration, brings together the best beverages and foods of Tasmania, and results in one happy culinary experience. Visitors can also enjoy entertainment throughout the festival's seven days, ranging from bands to buskers to soloists. Family activities are also available, such as cricket, cooking classes, face painting and movies at twilight.

The Salamanca Market provides a relaxed atmosphere for customers and vendors alike each Saturday. Salamanca Place, bordered by historic warehouses and plane trees, is home to one of the best outdoor markets in Australia. Items available for sale include such arts and crafts as ceramics, clothing, hand-worked glass, and woodwork--all with a uniquely Tasmanian flavor. In a market with hundreds of stalls, shoppers can take their pick of fresh fruits and vegetables, bakery goods, breakfast to go; and they can soak in local music. Salamanca Place is centrally located, with quick access to St. David's Park, or a brief hike up Kelly's Steps to visit Battery Point. Salamanca's lawns border the dock area, too, a great place to do some ship watching.

The Council has also supported such events as the Australasian Police and Emergency Services Games 2010; the Italian Festival North Hobart; Estia Greek Festival of Hobart; the Hot August Jazz Festival; the Soundscape Festival 2010; The Mountain Festival; the Waterworks Harvest Fair; the City of Hobart Eisteddfod; the Royal Hobart Regatta; and the Sandy Bay Regatta