iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Steven J Phipps @stevenjphipps.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

I'm writing this post on flight FJ920 from Brisbane to Nadi. I've been privileged to spend more than two decades working in climate science. During that time, I've watched temperatures increase and climate change start to become part of our daily reality.

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Steven J Phipps @stevenjphipps.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Thank you to @news.abc.net.au for this wonderful coverage of Sunday's Hanami Trail festival. Organised by the Australia-Japan Society of Tasmania, the event brought together people from all over Tasmania for a celebration of Japanese culture and the strong bonds between #Tasmania and #Japan.

abc.net.au

Love of soba noodles is reason cherry blossoms bloom in Tasmania

Thirty years ago, a Japanese love of Tasmanian new-season soba noodles led to a cross-cultural gift of hundreds of cherry blossom trees, now celebrated at the annual Hanami Trail festival.

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Steven J Phipps @stevenjphipps.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

At its recent Annual General Meeting, the Tasmania Division of Australian Red Cross came together to celebrate all of the inspirational work being carried out by its staff and volunteers.

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Steven J Phipps @stevenjphipps.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

The City of Hobart, Kingborough Council, Huon Valley Council and Brighton Council have partnered with ZapCat to offer free, independent energy advice to residents and small businesses across southern Tasmania. The service provides instant online estimates for costs, savings and available rebates.

zapcat.com.au

Southern Tasmanian Councils - Free, independent energy advice - Main - ZapCat

Free, independent home energy advice for Southern Tasmanian Councils residents.

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Steven J Phipps @stevenjphipps.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

The Australia-Japan Society of Tasmania is excited to be bringing you the 2026 Hanami Trail this Sunday. Please join us for a joyous day of cherry blossoms, nature, aikido, taiko drumming, shakuhachi and more! Further information and registrations: www.ajstas.org.au/event-6848208

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Steven J Phipps @stevenjphipps.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

According to the latest analysis by @zekehausfather.com and @carbonbrief.org, the 2026 El Niño event remains on track to smash the all-time record. As of 19 September, the sea surface temperature anomaly in the tropical Pacific Ocean has tied the all-time record.

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Steven J Phipps @stevenjphipps.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Please join the Australia-Japan Society of Tasmania for our Annual General Meeting this weekend. It's your chance to meet our members, learn more about our activities and help us to shape the future of the Tasmania-Japan relationship.

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Steven J Phipps @stevenjphipps.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

Why do you live in Tasmania? To better understand what Tasmanians need, Brand Tasmania is investigating the experiences of people who live here: where they live, what is easy or hard about living in Tasmania, how connected they are to their communities and why they may leave.

tasmanian.com.au

Why do you live in Tasmania?

The more we understand about why people live in Tasmania, the more we can improve wellbeing for current and future generations.

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Steven J Phipps @stevenjphipps.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

Thanks to @carbonbrief.org, a detailed explainer of El Niño and its effects on the world's weather. El Niño events have global-scale impacts on temperature, rainfall and tropical storms, bringing increased risks of droughts, floods, wildfires and damaging typhoons.

interactive.carbonbrief.org

Explainer: How the ‘super El Niño’ will reshape the world’s weather

The world is currently experiencing what is expected to become the strongest El Niño on record – dubbed a “super El Niño” by many.

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Steven J Phipps @stevenjphipps.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

Sister cities are at the heart of the Australia-Japan relationship. They help to build bridges, create new friendships and enhance mutual cultural understanding. The sister city relationship between Hobart and Yaizu began in 1977, making it one of the oldest between Australia and Japan.

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Steven J Phipps @stevenjphipps.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

At a beautiful ceremony in Hobart yesterday, @emeraldlking.bsky.social was presented with the Foreign Minister’s Commendation by Consul-General Tokuro Furuya. Dr Emerald King is a Lecturer in Humanities at @utas.edu.au and a member of the Board of the Australia-Japan Society of Tasmania.

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Steven J Phipps @stevenjphipps.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

A perfect day for admiring the MV Black Marlin and the China Zorrilla (Hull 096) on the River Derwent. I'm so proud that Incat Tasmania was able to build the world's largest electric ferry right here in Tasmania.

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Steven J Phipps @stevenjphipps.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

The City of Hobart has launched the new Climate Ready Hobart platform. Head to the website to learn more and to explore the actions that you can take to help create a zero emissions and climate resilient city. Climate Ready Hobart: www.climatereadyhobart.com.au/Home

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Steven J Phipps @stevenjphipps.bsky.social · 02/08/2026

Tasmanian Whisky Week is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. Since 2016, the festival has been showcasing Tasmania’s world-famous whisky industry and the people behind the scenes that make it all possible.

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Steven J Phipps @stevenjphipps.bsky.social · 02/08/2026

Fun, games and grammar at this month's Japanese language exchange session at the State Cinema Cafe in North Hobart. A group of 21 people from Australia, China, Japan and Vietnam gathered to improve their language skills and to make new connections.

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Steven J Phipps @stevenjphipps.bsky.social · 01/08/2026

The first Taiko Master Taster Workshop with Makoto Sekine has sold out. Fortunately, a second session has been added. This is a rare opportunity to learn from one of Japan's leading taiko drummers. At the time of writing, only 15 spots are left. Book now while you still can!

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Steven J Phipps @stevenjphipps.bsky.social · 01/08/2026

Some excellent reporting from @tomsaundersabc.bsky.social and @news.abc.net.au on what the developing El Niño event might mean for Australia. Short answer: the prospect of the hottest spring on record and a summer of extreme heat, with a heightened risk of drought and fires.

abc.net.au

Record-smashing El Niño points to spring of drought and fires

Despite El Niño being months away from peaking, it could potentially trigger Australia's hottest spring on record.

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Steven J Phipps @stevenjphipps.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

The Australian Institute of International Affairs Tasmania welcomed Julia Flint this week. Julia is Crown Counsel at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and Chair of the Tasmanian International Humanitarian Law Advisory Committee of Australian Red Cross.

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Steven J Phipps @stevenjphipps.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

According to this analysis by @zekehausfather.com and @carbonbrief.org, 2026 now stands a 35% chance of being the warmest year on record. The best estimate is that the average global temperature will be 1.51°C above pre-industrial levels.

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Steven J Phipps @stevenjphipps.bsky.social · 24/07/2026

The remarkable story of Rita Richards, who has been a volunteer with Australian Red Cross for 77 years. I first had the pleasure of meeting Rita when I joined Australian Red Cross and became a member of the Tasmanian Divisional Advisory Board in 2021.

youtube.com

77 Years with Australian Red Cross Rita's Story

YouTube video by Australian Red Cross

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Steven J Phipps @stevenjphipps.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

There’s still time to have your say on the future of Tasmania’s Antarctic and Southern Ocean sector. Consultation on the next Tasmanian Antarctic Gateway Strategy closes on Sunday 2 August. Have your say here: engage.building.tas.gov.au/tag-strategy

engage.building.tas.gov.au

Tasmanian Antarctic Gateway Strategy

We want your feedback to inform the new Tasmanian Antarctic Gateway Strategy

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Steven J Phipps @stevenjphipps.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

Please join AIIA Tasmania for this event on Wednesday 5 August. Ray Ming-Tse Lu is Director-General of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Melbourne and oversees Taiwan's engagement across Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania. Register here: aiiatas.glueup.com/event/5-augu...

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Steven J Phipps @stevenjphipps.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

I’ve recently completed the online microcredential on "Australia and the Indo-Pacific: Understanding our strategic connections to Asia", which is delivered by @perthusasia.bsky.social in partnership with the University of Western Australia.

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Steven J Phipps @stevenjphipps.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

Seasonal forecast models now predict a greater than 90% chance that the current El Niño event will become the strongest on record. The median prediction is that ocean temperatures in the tropical Pacific will peak a full 0.8 degrees above anything that we’ve observed over the past 150 years.

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Steven J Phipps @stevenjphipps.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

It’s important that we’re guided by best practice when working with people and communities. I was therefore happy to have the opportunity to attend a training session at the Hobart Office of Australian Red Cross today.

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Reposted by Steven J Phipps

Chatham House @chathamhouse.org · 12/07/2026

Chatham House experts and researchers are available to follow on Bluesky. Connect with our experts here and follow them for their analysis on key international events and major global trends. ⬇️ go.bsky.app/UKHXrog

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Steven J Phipps @stevenjphipps.bsky.social · 12/07/2026

AIIA presents this talk on Australia’s war crimes challenges. Julia Flint is Crown Counsel at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and Chair of the Tasmanian International Humanitarian Law Advisory Committee of Australian Red Cross. Registrations: aiiatas.glueup.com/event/28-jul...

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Steven J Phipps @stevenjphipps.bsky.social · 11/07/2026

What does it take to build a traditional Japanese farmhouse by hand? In this presentation from the 2025 Australian Wooden Boat Festival Symposium, master carpenter Yuji Kanesada shares his deeply rooted passion for sustainable forestry and the timeless art of minka construction.

youtube.com

How a Master Carpenter Built His Own Traditional Japanese Home - Yuji Kanesada - AWBF Symposium 2025

YouTube video by Australian Wooden Boat Festival

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Steven J Phipps @stevenjphipps.bsky.social · 10/07/2026

The newly relaunched Tasmanian International Humanitarian Law Advisory Committee of Australian Red Cross held a film screening and panel discussion at the State Cinema in Hobart last night.

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Steven J Phipps @stevenjphipps.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

Thank you to the Taiwanese Association of Tasmania for inviting me to attend a screening of A Chip Odyssey at TasTAFE last week. The documentary tells the remarkable story of how Taiwan went from zero to being the world’s leading producer of semiconductors within just a few decades.

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Steven J Phipps @stevenjphipps.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

I was delighted to visit Sea Forest recently and to be given a tour by their Head of Research and Development, Masayuki Tatsumi. Founded here in Tasmania by Sam Elsom and Stephen Turner, Sea Forest aims to combat climate change by enabling sustainable approaches towards agriculture.

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Steven J Phipps @stevenjphipps.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

Today (7 July) marks the Japanese seasonal festival of Tanabata. It celebrates the one day of the year when the star-crossed lovers Orihime and Hikoboshi are able to meet. Represented in the heavens by the stars Vega and Altair, they spend the rest of the year separated by the Milky Way.

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Steven J Phipps @stevenjphipps.bsky.social · 05/07/2026

The world’s oceans are now hotter than has ever been observed at this time of year, exceeding the records previously reached during 2023 and 2024. With an El Niño event beginning in the tropical Pacific Ocean, we can expect to see further extreme weather events and increases in global temperatures.

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Steven J Phipps @stevenjphipps.bsky.social · 05/07/2026

The 2026 @lowyinstitute.bsky.social poll highlights ongoing shifts in how Australians feel about the world around them. The results reveal that a record number of people feel unsafe, with low levels of trust in the major global powers.

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Steven J Phipps @stevenjphipps.bsky.social · 04/07/2026

It may have been a cold winter's day in Hobart, but that didn't stop people from joining us for our monthly Japanese language exchange session at the State Cinema Cafe.

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Steven J Phipps @stevenjphipps.bsky.social · 04/07/2026

Thank you to the Australia Japan Business Co-operation Committee and the National Federation of Australia-Japan Societies for organising a Gala Dinner at Parliament House in Canberra to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between Australia and Japan.

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Steven J Phipps @stevenjphipps.bsky.social · 16/06/2026

Tasmania Whisky Events are hosting a Japanese whisky tasting event in Hobart. The evening will explore Japan's beautiful landscapes and the distilleries that make it one of the world's great whisky tourist destinations. Further information and tickets: www.eventbrite.com.au/e/whisky-jou...

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Steven J Phipps @stevenjphipps.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

The art of Dark Mofo. Free installations and exhibitions, featuring artists from around the world, are spread throughout Hobart. In Absence (Yhonnie Scarce, Aaron Roberts and Kim Bridgland)

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Steven J Phipps @stevenjphipps.bsky.social · 14/06/2026

Light and dark. Silence and noise. Stillness and motion. Red and black and white. Contemplative and often incomprehensible. Always fascinating.

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Steven J Phipps @stevenjphipps.bsky.social · 13/06/2026

I last met Kirk Pinner from Island Coast Spirits in April, at their Japanese product launch in Tokyo. It was great to catch up with him again yesterday at a tasting event in Hobart. The highlight was their new Haskap Berry Gin, which I was able to try for the first time.

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Steven J Phipps @stevenjphipps.bsky.social · 12/06/2026

This is one of my favourite times of the year to be in Tasmania. Dark Mofo transforms the cold and dark of the Hobart midwinter into two weeks of joy and celebration. Nowhere else in the world could embrace such a festival or pull it off in quite the same way that we do here.

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Steven J Phipps @stevenjphipps.bsky.social · 10/06/2026

One of Japan's leading taiko drummers, Makoto Sekine, is visiting Tasmania in August. This workshop is a rare opportunity to learn from a true master. All levels are welcome, with no prior experience required. Book here: www.trybooking.com/events/landi...

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Steven J Phipps @stevenjphipps.bsky.social · 07/06/2026

The Hobart community celebrated the end of an era this week. The Red Shed at Macquarie Point has been the home of the Hobart Brewing Company for the past 11 years. However, the building is now being dismantled to make way for the stadium.

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Steven J Phipps @stevenjphipps.bsky.social · 06/06/2026

We enjoyed one of our largest-ever language exchange sessions at the State Cinema Cafe in North Hobart today, with 29 people from Australia, Japan, China and Vietnam coming together to make new friends and to practise their Japanese and English.

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Steven J Phipps @stevenjphipps.bsky.social · 06/06/2026

Through Australian Red Cross, I was deeply privileged to take part in an overnight visit to Bruny Island as part of National Reconciliation Week. Murrayfield was purchased by the Federal Government in 2001, before being returned to the Nuenone people in 2016.

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Steven J Phipps @stevenjphipps.bsky.social · 31/05/2026

I enjoyed a tour and tasting today at the new home of Lark Distillery in Pontville. Lark are the pioneers of the Tasmanian whisky industry, obtaining the first modern licence back in 1992. Their whiskies are exported internationally and they recently entered the Japanese market.

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Steven J Phipps @stevenjphipps.bsky.social · 30/05/2026

Tasmania’s whisky industry is getting a lot of attention on the global stage at the moment, including this article in Whisky Magazine. Modern whisky production began here just three decades ago, yet there are already more than 80 distilleries.

whiskymag.com

"I just want people to drink Tassie whisky": The trailblazers behind Tasmania's flourishing whisky community | Whisky Magazine

How a handful of unlikely pioneers transformed a small Australian island into one of the world’s most celebrated whisky regions

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Steven J Phipps @stevenjphipps.bsky.social · 29/05/2026

As the world becomes an increasingly complex and fractured place, it’s more important than ever that we find ways to engage with each other constructively. Last night, I was therefore delighted to attend the launch of a new discussion paper on Facilitating Dialogue Through Leadership.

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Steven J Phipps @stevenjphipps.bsky.social · 28/05/2026

The Australia-Japan Society of Tasmania has three major events planned for the second half of the year, starting with an Antarctic and Maritime Networking Event during the winter. Further details will follow shortly, but we look forward to seeing you at one or all of these events!

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