Our Dark Past
Nov 20In the film The Hunter, a villain refers to the thylacine as “the rarest, most elusive creature on the planet.”
When we asked, you told us that the last known thylacine died in captivity at Beaumaris Zoo in 1936.
Yet in modern day Hobart, the thylacine is everywhere: on our beer labels and state government business cards, on buildings, on books, on ties and scarves, on aprons and T-shirts, in art galleries and museums. On our license plates it goes with the words “Explore the Possibilities” and “The Natural State.”
How about “Remember”?
We hunted the thylacine to extinction, for money.
In our interviews, you often referenced the state’s dark past, from convict history to settlers’ monstrous treatment of Tasmanian Aboriginal People.
You talked about errors in your city’s development. While there are instances of gorgeous architectural heritage and beauty in the city, enormous sources of pride, you also spoke of regrets and abominations.
When you spoke metaphorically you often called Hobart a jewel, a gem, something precious and fragile. You’ve already lost too much, in seeking short-term gains. A city like this is rare. Now that the world has noticed Hobart, now that change is in the air, you want to be patient and careful — to say yes to the right ideas.
November 22, 2017 at 2:48 pm
Carrie RiseleyWe must remember the Aborigines (cos they’re still here&deserve respect), the convicts (cos they built the place), the Thylacine&the whale (cos we must make sure we protect ecosystems). We must remember Empress Towers, the Grand Chancellor,&Reverend Knopwood’s cottage on Montpelier Retreat (now the ugliest street in Battery Point) which was demolished hurriedly to avoid opposition. We must remember how the Henry Jones buildings were saved by the art hotel and Salamanca was saved by the market. We must re-use old buildings and build new ones that fit in with heritage streetscapes.
November 22, 2017 at 4:53 pm
JulieYour use of ‘we must’ is spot on – remembering our past helps us understand change and how our society came into being. Our society is flawed because of our mistakes. Our society is also stronger and better because we reflect on our history
November 22, 2017 at 4:48 pm
tonyI recall reading once that those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.
Based on that, we must remember all our history – the good, the bad and the ugly!
November 25, 2017 at 10:38 am
DavidWe must remember our past, take steps to right the wrongs and celebrate and protect the good things (of which there are many). Our history and our environment (both natural and built) have formed who we are and need to be acknowledged and protected. We do not need to become like other places; the Hobart region and Tasmania in general are very special jewels. As Olegas Truchanas said, “Tasmania can be a shining beacon in a dull, uniform and largely artificial world.” One of the most special things about Hobart is kunanyi/Mt Wellington and it should be protected from cable cars and major tracks.
December 10, 2017 at 1:08 pm
John WalshPeople in Hobart go over the top about it being special, wonderful etc. It’s the same with ‘our’ mountain – magnificent, majestic, sacred etc. Our mountain is really only the bluff end of a high plateau. There are more dramatic mountains.. Build the cable car, it will add to the city.
Crammed between the river and the mountain, the city will never be anything until the traffic problems and congestion are resolved. A bypass route from south to north may have to be found. Increase the bus services – why have so many large buses (with few passenger) on few routes. Run smaller buses more frequently.