Public Holidays
2026 – We are closed on Public Holidays
Australia Day
Monday 26th January
Hobart Regatta
Monday 9th February
Eight Hour Day
Monday 9th March
Good Friday
Friday 3rd April
Easter Monday
Monday 6th April
ANZAC Day
Saturday 25th April
King’s Birthday
Monday 8th June
Hobart Show
Thursday 22th October
Christmas Closure 2026/27: Monday December 21- reopens Monday January 4th
Support Groups
All Ostomates are invited to attend their nearest support group meetings held regularly around the state. These meetings are especially recommended for new ostomates, providing valuable support and information. These meetings can often have Stomal Therapy Nurses and/or company representatives in attendance to discuss the most up to date advice on new products and the latest medical developments. Refer below for dates and more details.
There are also All Cancer and Bowel Cancer support groups in Hobart – see details below.
Sonia bids farewell!
It was with some regret that we got to farewell one of Tassie’s long standing Stomal Therapy Nurses recently, for whom many of our member ostomates will be familiar.
Sonia Hicks, who has served the Tasmania community in the area of stoma support over several decades, finally retired in June of 2026. From Ostomy Tasmania’s persective Sonia was always very professional to deal with, had an extensive knowledge of stoma related requirements and systems, always had the best interests of her patients in mind, and was well regarded by her medical collegues at the Royal Hobart Hospital, and beyond. We wish Sonia and her family all the best in her future endeavours.
Sonia is pictured with Ostomy Tasmania President, Ross De Little, receiving a gift voucher in recognition of her service to ostomates at the latest AGM in September.
Ostomates Northern Support Group 2027
10 am – 12 noon: Legacy House, 59 York Street (entrance at the back of Elizabeth St Carpark).
Wednesday 3rd March (contact Gwenda Larner 0412905647);
Wednesday 2nd June
Wednesday 1st September
Ostomates North - West Support Group 2027
10 am – 12 noon: Ulverstone Bowls and Community Club, 41 Water St, Ulverstone. Contact Michelle Emin (STN) 0488 329210 for further information.
Wednesday 10th March,
Wednesday 9th June,
Wednesday 8th September
Wednesday 1st December – 2027 Christmas Lunch
Ostomates South Support Group 2027
10 am – 12 noon: District Nurses Centre, 2 Birdwood Ave, Moonah. Contact Helen: 62396223 or 0416200452
Thursday 4th March;
Thursday 3rd June;
Thursday 2nd September
November 25th 2027 Xmas function
Christmas Function Date & Venues 2026
South: Thursday 26th November; Cooleys Hotel, 45 Main Rd, Moonah, 12 for 12.30pm start – RSVP 23rd November (Helen Dowd 62396223)
North: Wednesday 25th November; Old Tudor Hotel, 229 Westbury Rd, Prospect, 12 for 12.30pm start – RSVP Gwenda Larner [email protected]
North West: Wednesday 2nd December: River Arms Hotel, Ulverstone – RSVP 23rd November please (Michelle Emin 0488 329210)
(12 noon – 3pm)
All Cancer Support Group
All Cancer Support group meetings are scheduled on the fourth Tuesday of every month – 2pm to 4pm, at 15 Princes St Sandy Bay. People can contact support services on 61691900 to register their interest, or Cancer Council helpline on 131120
All Cancer Support Group offers support and information for men and women (with or without ostomies) in Southern Tasmania who have been impacted by Colorectal (and other) Cancer.
Bowel Cancer Support Group
Bowel Cancer Support Group runs on the second Thursday of each month, 2 to 4 pm at the Southern Support Centre – 15 Princes St, Sandy Bay. Please call 61691900 to register your interest
MyState no longer accepts cheques
MyState Bank cheque issuing facility has changed. They no longer accept cheques drawn by their members (after November 29 2024). If you are inconvenienced by this policy we recommend those who currently bank MyState to consider the following: 1. Obtain a Money Order...
Ostomy Support Bears
If you are interested in purchasing an Ostomy Support Bear (particularly good for educating children with stomas) please contact Kelly Moss via details below (WA Ostomy). Kelly will happily post direct to you (at cost price only). This initiative is completely non...
Me+ Recovery program
The me+™ recovery series, provides information and support about the importance of movement and physical activity after ostomy surgery. Too many people are worried about harming themselves by doing physical activity, when in fact there are so many benefits to being...
ABC Spreads the word about Ostomates
Here is a link to a youtube short video from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC Science) about someone with a stoma and Crohn's disease. Abbey's account is very empowering and informative. Please feel free to share with your friends and family...
Peer Support Champions!
Coloplast Ostomy Care now offer Peer Support in a new initiative. According to their promotional material... “Living with a stoma can bring unique challenges, and sometimes the best support comes from someone who has been there too. Our Peer Support Champions are...
National Stomal Therapy Week – June 22 – 28, 2026
More information at stomaltherapy.au/australian-stomal-therapy-week/ Ostomateship merchandise can be purchased from Redbubble, link: https://www.redbubble.com/people/AASTNmerch/shop?asc=u Here are the key messages: Living with a stoma is not just about adapting, it’s...
ACSA Ostomy Feedback Survey results
Click here to downloadOther NoticesOther
Sunflower Lanyard To Assist Travelling Ostomates
Pictured above Jessica (with friend Emma) demonstrates wearing the new SUNFLOWER lanyard now available to Ostomates who wish to travel interstate and overseas. The lanyard is available from all major Australian airports - whose staff are trained to recognise the...
Management Committee Meeting (and AGM)
The next Management Committee meeting will be held on Thursday, March 4th 2027 at 1.30pm, to be held in our office at St John Park. Company Representatives sometimes attend, so come along and check out their new appliances. All welcome. Click the link to download the...
Survey for Ileostomates
Hydration and Ileostomy SURVEY LINK: https://redcap.link/ileostomyhydrate Living with an ileostomy can have significant impacts on a persons’ health and well-being. For example, ileostomates may be more likely to experience symptoms of dehydration. Over a long time,...