Media release – City of Hobart, 10 December 2024

Celebrate kindness and inclusion on Human Rights Day in Hobart

The City of Hobart invites everyone to join in celebrating Human Rights Day, a global occasion honouring the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).

With this year’s theme focused on Acts of Kindness the event will showcase Hobart’s diversity, inclusion, and community spirit.

The event will feature live musical and dance performances, cultural activities, and hands-on opportunities for everyone to get involved.

From floral arranging with Still Gardening to collaborative chalk art, there’s something for all ages.

Visitors can also learn more about local programs like Hobart Respects All and connect with organisations such as the Office of the Anti-Discrimination Commissioner.

Highlights include performances by local artists, including Street to Stage 2024 winner Josh, the Women’s Voices Project, and cultural dance groups.

This year’s Human Rights Day also offers a chance for participants to join in the Taste of Summer action.

The Taste will again feature the City of Hobart sponsored Community Day with free daytime entry to the Taste on December 31.

At the Human Rights Day celebration, participants will have the opportunity to take part in a lantern-making workshop, with the results to feature in a lantern parade and ‘The Long’ on December 31, a dragon display that originated in Fujian province in China.

The celebration will also feature interactive activities like portrait-making, a tree giveaway to promote environmental kindness, and opportunities to share your thoughts through a vox pop session.

Join us in the Elizabeth Street Mall on 10 December to celebrate Human Rights Day and experience the magic of kindness in action.

For more details, visit the City of Hobart website.

Quotes to be attributed to Acting Hobart Lord Mayor Dr Zelinda Sherlock:

“Human Rights Day is an opportunity to embrace what unites us — kindness, compassion, and respect for all people.

“Through music, dance, art, and conversation, we’re celebrating the power of kindness to build stronger, more connected communities.

“It’s a day to inspire hope and action, reminding all of us of our shared humanity.

“This event reminds us of the importance of kindness, not just as an action but as a way of living that nurtures harmony and inclusivity in Hobart.”

Quotes to be attributed to Taste of Summer General Manager, Katharine Dean: “Tasmania’s Taste of Summer is all about family-friendly fun and we want to see as many people as possible participate in the lantern parade and the The Long on 31 December this year.

“We want people to really feel like they are a part of the Taste and this is a great way to involve the whole family by making a lantern and being part of the parade.

“With the support of the City of Hobart, there will be free entry to the daytime session at the Taste on 31 December as well.

“The Long is an initiative of Tony He, from Hejo’s Restaurant, which has been a regular at the Taste for ten years.

“Tony says The Long symbolises unity, strength, protection, prosperity and good luck.”

Quotes to be attributed to Housing with Dignity Reference Group Co-Chair Tyson Montgomery:

“Kindness is something we are all capable of, even just a smile to someone goes along way.”

Quotes to be attributed to Women’s Voice Project Hrisanthi Dokos:

“Human Rights Day reminds us of the power of kindness in building a more inclusive and compassionate world.

“Print Radio Tasmania’s Women’s Voices Project aligns perfectly with this year’s theme, as it celebrates women coming together to share their stories and songs — amplifying voices that deserve to be heard.

“Through music and storytelling, we create connections, foster understanding, and honour the resilience and strength of women.

“PRT are proud to contribute to the City of Hobart’s event, sharing the voices of two incredible groups of women in celebration of this important day.”

Media release – Taste of Summer, 10 December 2024

The Taste and City of Hobart lighting up the city this summer

Tasmania’s Taste of Summer, in partnership with the City of Hobart will be lighting up the city this summer as part of Community Day on 31 December.

Community Day is a free event at the Taste and a great way for visitors and locals to spend time together with family and friends.

This year, Community Day will also feature a lantern parade and The Long, which is a dragon display that originated in Fujian province in China.

At a lantern-making workshop today to mark Human Rights Day, Taste of Summer General Manager, Katharine Dean, said it was a great way for the community to become part of the Taste of Summer.

“Tasmania’s Taste of Summer is all about family-friendly fun and we want to see as many people as possible participate in the lantern parade and the The Long on 31 December this year,” Ms Dean said.

“We want people to really feel like they are a part of the Taste and this is a great way to involve the whole family by making a lantern and being part of the parade.

“With the support of the City of Hobart, there will be free entry to the daytime session at the Taste on 31 December between 12 and 4pm as well.

“The Long dragon will be on Salamanca Lawns during the day, with an eye dotting ceremony taking place on the Taste main stage at 1.00pm.  There will also be lantern-making workshops on during the day in the Kids’ Area at the Taste.

“The lantern parade will start from Parliament Lawns straight after the 9.30pm fireworks display and will take in the waterfront before finishing back at Parliament Lawns.

“The Long is an initiative of Tony He, from Hejo’s Restaurant, which has been a regular at the Taste for ten years.  Tony says The Long symbolises unity, strength, protection, prosperity and good luck.”

For more information or to register email [email protected] or visit – tasteofsummer.com.au