Some are Tasmanian born and bred, others have moved to our beautiful state from various parts of the globe, for all sorts of reasons – whether that be for work, for love, for safety, for the pristine landscape, or purely for a new adventure.

But one thing that unites them all, is their pride and passion for their home state.

When Tasmanian author Heather Rose released her best-selling book Bruny in 2019, she described the novel as “a love letter to Tasmania”. And earlier this year, actor Marta Dusseldorp referred to her TV series Bay of Fires – which was filmed entirely in Tassie – as her love letter to Tasmania.

So to wrap up 2023, we decided to ask a bunch of well-known Tasmanians, including Rose and Dusseldorp, what it is that they love about Tasmania – why it’s so special, why they choose to live and work here, where their favourite places are, and what they might write in a love letter to Tasmania. And here are the results.

BOB BROWN

The environmental activist and former Greens leader grew up in NSW and was working as a doctor on a passenger ship in Fiji when he opened a medical journal and spotted an ad for a three-month job in Launceston as a locum doctor.

So Brown – who also wanted to “look for the Tasmanian tiger and see Lake Pedder before it was flooded” – applied. He moved here in 1972, at age 27, and says he’s “never looked back”.

“Dear lutruwita/Tasmania, you’re the sweetest spot on Earth. Sure, your freshest air is getting hotter, those fires more destructive, your wild forests are being flattened and your seas more squalid with industrial cages every day. But, for all of our human shortcomings, you have a resurgent palawa culture, remain delightful for kids as well as grannies and offer great job opportunities (not least for artists, chefs and environmental activists). Then there’s Liffey’s taytitikit-heeker mountain (Dry’s Bluff), the Cygnet Folk Festival and the best Christmas cherries in the Universe. We all love you, Bob.”

MARTA DUSSELDORP

Originally from Sydney, Marta Dusseldorp met her Tasmanian husband – actor and director Ben Winspear – 20 years ago.

The theatre, film and TV performer has been connected with Tasmania ever since, with the couple and their two daughters making the move to Hobart to live five years ago.

“Tasmania is a reminder of how good it is to breathe. The pulse and flow of the waters, the air and the people keep you grounded whilst also encouraging you to fly. There is an epicness in the landscape that made me realise it’s worth daring to dream, to create and to listen and learn from all this place has to offer. It has been home for a while now and I so appreciate what it gives to myself, my family and our art.’’

TOM WOLFE

The Wolfe Brothers captured the nation’s attention in 2012 when the band – then an ensemble of four – made it to the final of TV show Australia’s Got Talent. Fast forward 10 years and the award-winning band is now just brothers Tom and Nick Wolfe, who tour for a living and have released six albums.

Tom still lives on the family farm at Neika, with his wife and their two young daughters.

“Tassie is without a doubt the greatest place in the world – beautiful beaches, bushland and so much more. But most of all, people are what make it. They’re not afraid to lend a hand or help out when needed. It’s God Country.’’

ROBERT PENNICOTT

The philanthropist and tourism ­industry leader established his award-winning business – Pennicott Wilderness Journeys – 24 years ago. He grew up at Tinderbox and spent weekends and school holidays fishing and camping with his family on Bruny Island, where he later lived. He says Tasmania will always be home.

“I am a passionate Tasmanian and truly believe we are so fortunate to call this island state home. From the spectacular mountains to myriad waterways, and the bush and rolling hills in between, our stunning backyard provides the perfect place to raise a family and create business and lifestyle opportunities that are simply ‘the good life’. Let’s not forget, around every corner is an artisan producer of some of the world’s best food and beverages and the island’s arts and cultural scene is thriving. Tassie may be little in size but it has a big heart and I wouldn’t live anywhere else.”

CHRISTIE HAYES

Moving to Tasmania early last year felt like a serendipitous homecoming for Christie Hayes, whose late father hailed from Tasmania.

The Hit100.9FM radio host and former Home and Away star has since purchased a home here, with her husband Justin Coombes-Pearce and her two young sons Harley and Hendrix.

“I smile each time we land over Seven Mile Beach, boasting to friends – even strangers abroad – that I live in the best place in the world, in Tasmania. The mountains; the beaches; and even the cold. I love it all. What warms me up is the cosy fire in my Derwent Valley home, the sounds of my family as I walk through the door. The warm smiles of the Tassie people. They say there’s No Place Like Home. Well, I say, there’s No Place Like Hobart.’’

JOHN KAMARA

The 2023 Tasmania Australian of the Year moved to Tasmania as a refugee in 2004 after escaping civil war in the West African nation of Sierra Leone. He works with various community organisations to support other refugees and migrants. Kamara lives in Hobart with his wife Mavis and their four young children.

“I asked my family why they loved Tasmania. My wife said Tasmania is beautiful and it is an unspoiled island, a place for young families and for raising children. My children said that they loved Tasmania because it is calm, green and peaceful, unlike bigger cities where everybody is running around. I love Tasmania because, regardless of the many challenges I have faced as a person of colour, I have found allies who have helped me through those challenges. Tasmania has allowed me to achieve many dreams; to marry and live beyond poverty, to own a home, to inspire my community, give my own children a great educational experience, and to be able to help others in the community.”

JEREMY ROCKLIFF

Premier Jeremy Rockliff grew up in Tasmania’s North-West and says the best part of his job is meeting Tasmanians and hearing their stories every day.

“What I love is how Tasmanians make our challenges a strength. We work harder, on the land and in our sheds and factories, our studios, just to compete with the rest of Australia and the world. It’s made us humbler, more inventive, more determined. It’s the best part of my job, meeting these people and hearing their stories every day. This is the quiet pursuit of the extraordinary, special people in a special place. While there is so much natural beauty all around us, the most special to me is our family farm at Sassafras, waking up and having a coffee in my own quietly extraordinary place.’’

JEANETTE JAMES

Some of Jeanette James’ earliest childhood memories involve combing remote Tassie beaches and collecting tiny iridescent maireener shells with her family.

Now in her early 70s, the Tasmanian artist and palawa woman continues to share the ancient Aboriginal art of shell-stringing, collecting shells from remote Tasmanian beaches and stringing them into beautiful, handcrafted jewellery.

“My beloved Tasmania. I love your beautiful countryside and many miles of pristine coastline and isolated beaches. Living and working in Tasmania has kept me centred and content.”

SCOTT ROTH

When Tasmania JackJumpers head coach Scott Roth first heard about our island state, he thought he was headed to Tanzania. But he quickly discovered what a welcoming and geographically-stunning place Tasmania is to live and work and says the state will forever hold a special place in his heart.

“People make it the place that it is for me. They’re not pretentious, they’re extremely authentic and they’ve done nothing but welcome someone like myself who’s not from here and made me feel like this is home. That’s a rare thing to find, especially when you’re a foreigner coming into a place and you have no idea what to expect. It took me 58 years to find Tasmania, and feel like I could be myself. Especially in the sporting world, you’re not in a lot of places very long, so to feel entrenched in the community and the state, that’s an unusual; thing. Tasmania is one of the only places, that once I leave here, I’ll feel like I’m leaving a piece of myself behind, because that’s how much Tasmania means to me and my family.’’

HANNAH MOLONEY

She’s a permaculturalist, Gardening Australia TV presenter, best-selling author and climate activist who lives in a hot pink house on an urban farm at South Hobart.

Hannah Moloney moved to Tasmania in 2012, inspired by the state’s amazing natural resources, and now spends her days teaching others practical skills for living “the good life” in Tasmania and beyond.

“Dear lutruwita/Tasmania, I love how you’re not just a place, you’re an attitude. All wild and woolly and wonderful. It’s no coincidence that you’re love-heart shaped. Us folks who live here whisper on the reg’ how lucky we are to breathe your fresh air, grow in your soils and swim in your waters. Love Hannah.”

MOHAMMAD ALDERGHAM

The Variety Tasmania chief executive was born and raised in Jordan, in the Middle East, and moved to Australia in 2003. He is passionate about his work – helping support Tassie kids who are sick, disadvantaged or have additional needs – and also about his adopted home state.

“To my dear Tasmania, I can’t believe I finally have the chance to tell everyone how I feel about you. You found me when I was lost in life’s journey. I bet you heard me walking up that hallway wondering which door I should knock on. I also think you knew every other door would be shut, because when I got to you the door was open and the kettle was on! I still remember our chats in the early days. You listened intently with reassuring eyes. Then you would nod and, with a gentle smile, nudge me to get on. You never promised me anything, but you always have delivered. You opened your arms and embraced me for who I am. You helped me find my feet again. Your rugged nature taught me resilience, and your untamed beauty showed me kindness. But my favourite must be hearing your stories on our road trips together – always real and inspiring, so much so that you encouraged me to start scribing my own. To me you are not just an island on a map; you are the chapter of my life that I’ll forever hold dearly. Tasmania, thank you for being here for me. Talk soon xx’’

RICHARD CLARK

As the owner of The Westerway Raspberry Farm, Richard Clark and his family supply Tasmanians – and customers right across Australia – with fresh, juicy berries as well as the farm’s famous blackcurrant cordial.

He was born and raised in Tasmania’s Derwent Valley.

“Tasmania. I love you. Your majestic mountains and verdant valleys. Your precious produce and beautiful beers. You hold my history and are the inspiration for my future. You are home to my family and will always be in my heart.

MICHAEL MCWILLIAMS

An award-winning landscape artist, who has previously won the Waterhouse Natural History Art Prize – twice – and the prestigious Glover Art Prize, Michael McWilliams was also commissioned by Tasmanian-born Crown Princess Mary of Denmark to paint a landscape as a surprise for her husband Crown Prince Frederik’s 50th birthday in 2018. He paints from a home studio at Western Junction, in Northern Tasmania.

“I feel very lucky and privileged to be living my life as a Tasmanian in Tasmania. The state’s incredible beauty, its magnificent forests, mountain ranges, river systems and valleys are all part of what makes Tasmania a great place. Unfortunately times are changing. We continue to chop down our native forests, pollute our waterways and clear more land for cropping and development, with often little regard for the island’s long term future. My wish for Christmas is that we could slow down development, take time to appreciate what makes Tasmania great and celebrate our unique island.’’

KATINKA DINEEN

Midtown gift store Lily & Dot is popular with tourists and locals, and owner Katinka Dineen says she loves the friendships she’s formed through her business and is also heartened by the way Tasmanians support each other.

“There’s a sense of community in Tasmania that’s pretty special. Perhaps it’s an island mentality, but Tasmanians are great at supporting one another’s endeavours and choosing locally-made first, whenever they can. I get a little burst of pride when I’m in a mainland restaurant and I see Tasmanian wines on the list! I’m grateful for all the ‘shop small, shop local’ love for my gift store, Lily & Dot, and the friendships that I’ve formed with people who I’ve met as customers. It’s a wonderful and unique part of living in a smaller city that we can take the time to chat. I still give my wonderful postie a six-pack at Christmas – I don’t think this would happen if I still lived in Sydney.’’

MASSIMO MELE

Celebrity chef Massimo Mele left his home state of Tasmania 22 years ago and was happily running restaurants in Sydney.

But he says getting married and having children changed his perspective and the Peppina culinary director has loved rediscovering the state since returning to live in Tasmania seven years ago.

“Tassie – I love you!! I love you because you have a way of reminding me wherever I am that I am surrounded by extraordinary people, a supportive, inspiring community surrounded by absolute beauty. La Dolce Vita is Tasmania.”

RHYS MULDOON

Veteran TV star Rhys Muldoon had been visiting Tasmania – a place he describes as “staggeringly beautiful and unique” – for many years before deciding to move here almost two years ago. He lives with his Tasmanian wife at Opossum Bay.

“I love Tasmania for her unrealised potential. For her almost tyrannical beauty and for strange humility. We were in Melbourne during lockdown. It was just unspeakably unbearable. We came down here (to Tasmania) and for the first time I realised I could still have a career and live here, I didn’t have to actually live in Melbourne or Sydney. I could live in Tasmania and fly up for jobs. And I suddenly felt free. I really love Tassie, and just having that freedom to live somewhere you love and go to other places for work, is just the dream.’’

HEATHER ROSE

Heather Rose was born and raised in Hobart. Now one of Tasmania’s most acclaimed and well-loved authors, she has described her best-selling novel, Bruny, as a “love letter to Tasmania and fellow Tasmanians”.

“Dear Tasmania, do you know how rare you are in all the world? Stay fearless in the face of those who would destroy more of your wonder. Know we love you. Thank you for being my heartland and wellspring. With love, Heather.”