Steven J Phipps
banner
stevenjphipps.bsky.social
Steven J Phipps
@stevenjphipps.bsky.social
Climate science, sustainability and climate solutions - International relations and humanitarianism - Tasmania and Japan - Order of the Rising Sun (Japan) - Optimist, problem solver

Location: Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
Website: stevenphipps.com
I was delighted to attend a reception hosted by the Consul-General of Japan in Melbourne, Mr Tokuro Furuya, in honour of the 66th birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan.

It was a wonderful opportunity to make new connections and to celebrate the relationship between our two countries.
February 19, 2026 at 5:32 AM
On Sunday, I was delighted to attend the Japanese Arawa Festival in Latrobe. Held alongside the Mersey River on a perfect summer's day, the event brought the local community together to celebrate Japanese culture and the connections with Tasmania.
February 17, 2026 at 3:28 AM
Japanese Economy, Critical Minerals and the Energy Transition
Tuesday 17 February, 2-4.30pm AEDT
In-person and online

This free seminar will examine Japan’s economic outlook and its strategic position in the global energy transition.

Further information: sydney.jpf.go.jp/events/econo...
February 16, 2026 at 10:35 AM
Reposted by Steven J Phipps
Bluesky is the new science Twitter, new study by @whysharksmatter.bsky.social and Julia Wester concludes!

"Results show that for every reported professional benefit that scientists once gained from Twitter, scientists can now gain that benefit more effectively on Bluesky than on Twitter."
Scientists no Longer Find Twitter Professionally Useful, and have Switched to Bluesky
Synopsis. Social media has become widely used by the scientific community for a variety of professional uses, including networking and public outreach. For
academic.oup.com
February 13, 2026 at 10:08 PM
What do current geopolitical challenges mean for the Australia-US alliance? The Australian Institute of International Affairs Tasmania is hosting the @usstudiescentre.bsky.social for a moderated conversation. Please join us and share your thoughts.

Registrations: aiiatas.glueup.com/event/4-marc...
February 10, 2026 at 1:36 AM
Red Connect Tasmania is a FREE community summit bringing together stories, music and practical ideas that show how small actions can make a big difference across Hobart and Tasmania.

Further information: events.humanitix.com/red-connect-...
February 8, 2026 at 4:24 AM
The Japanese Arawa Festival is a free, community-based cultural festival. Activities include a yakisoba food stall, Japanese dance performances, an origami experience and a calligraphy booth. Everyone welcome!

Facebook event page: www.facebook.com/events/14352...
February 6, 2026 at 7:31 AM
From 20 February to 24 May 2026, the Maritime Museum Tasmania will present Prevailing Gales by Tasmanian-born artist Sue Pedley. This exhibition invites visitors into an atmospheric reimagining of the 1830 meeting between Tasmanian convicts aboard the brig Cyprus and samurai from Japan’s Awa Domain.
February 5, 2026 at 9:23 AM
Please join the Australian Institute of International Affairs Tasmania for this event with Anna Hansen. In discussion with Jeffrey McGee, Anna will reflect on challenges for middle powers and developing nations in a "might is right" world.

Further information: aiiatas.glueup.com/event/17-feb...
February 3, 2026 at 7:54 AM
Extreme Heat Awareness Day 2026: Australia needs a heatwave plan

Join this webinar at 2pm on Wednesday to hear from people delivering frontline support for communities and to be part of setting the agenda for a heat-safe Australia.

Register here: events.humanitix.com/extreme-heat...
February 2, 2026 at 7:20 AM
Award-winning Japanese comedian Takashi Wakasugi will be performing in Hobart on 21 March as part of this year's Hobart Festival of Comedy.

The first show at 6pm is sold out, but tickets have now been released for a second show at 4pm.

Get tickets here: www.moshtix.com.au/v2/event/tak...
January 31, 2026 at 11:53 PM
The Youth Advisory Committee at Australian Red Cross Tasmania is looking for passionate young people from across the state to help shape the future of youth action.

Apply now by following the link below or email tasvolunteer@redcross.org.au to find out more.

jobs.dayforcehcm.com/en-AU/ausred...
January 31, 2026 at 4:56 AM
On 2 January, I had the privilege of attending the Imperial Palace in Tokyo for the traditional New Year’s greeting. His Majesty The Emperor expressed concerns for those who have experienced difficulties during the past year due to natural disasters. He also wished for a peaceful year ahead.
January 30, 2026 at 6:58 AM
I welcomed the Year of the Horse at Zojoji Temple in Tokyo. Following the Buddhist tradition of joya no kane, the temple bell was rung 108 times at midnight to cleanse everyone of their worries and allow them to begin the new year afresh.

Wishing you all a happy and healthy year ahead.
January 1, 2026 at 8:35 AM
I'm back in Japan for the next five weeks and enjoying the crisp, clear weather. At Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, the last lingering traces of the autumn colours look gorgeous in the winter sunshine. It's definitely one of my happy places in Tokyo.
December 28, 2025 at 9:38 AM
I’m deeply honoured to have had my contributions towards scientific research and the Australia-Japan relationship acknowledged in the Tasmanian Parliament.

Tasmania and Japan have so much in common. I look forward to continuing to build bridges between them for many more years to come.
December 23, 2025 at 9:25 AM
The Australia-Japan Society of Tasmania held a reception at Government House last night to celebrate its 55th anniversary. Our members and friends gathered together to celebrate not only our long and extraordinary history, but also the strength of the relationship between Tasmania and Japan.
December 16, 2025 at 8:09 AM
I enjoyed a tour of the world’s largest battery-electric ferry as part of today’s open day at Incat. The China Zorrilla will enter service next year between Argentina and Uruguay.

It’s wonderful to see Tasmania play a world-leading role in the transition towards zero-emissions transport.
December 14, 2025 at 7:58 AM
It's been a while, but it was great to dust off my ikebana skills today.
November 29, 2025 at 9:09 AM
The Australian Institute of International Affairs Tasmania held its annual Government House Lecture on Monday. We were delighted to welcome @lgflake.bsky.social, CEO of the @perthusasia.bsky.social, who spoke on the topic of "One Year of Trump Two: Implications of an Epochal Shift for Australia".
November 26, 2025 at 2:02 AM
On Wednesday evening, I was deeply humbled to be presented with the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette, by Consul-General Tokuro Furuya.

It was a beautiful ceremony that allowed me to thank my family, friends and mentors for believing in me and for supporting me over the years.
November 14, 2025 at 10:14 PM
I was honoured to represent Australian Red Cross at this morning's Remembrance Day Service at Kingston Beach. Lest we forget.
November 11, 2025 at 1:54 AM
The fourth South Hobart Resilience Fair took place today, celebrating community, resilience and sustainability. In a changing climate, it's more important than ever to understand the risks and prepare for extreme weather.
November 8, 2025 at 9:05 AM
I'm in awe of the work done by JP Miller and countless staff and volunteers from Red Cross to care for others, exposing themselves to considerable danger in the process. Last year, 385 humanitarian personal were killed while working in areas of conflict.
Scenes from a Red Cross Field Hospital
Australian Red Cross delegate JP Miller speaks to the realities—and risks—of nursing in conflict at a time when the dangers facing humanitarian workers have never been greater.
www.redcross.org.au
November 4, 2025 at 7:27 AM
I joined the monthly meeting of Guess My Accent last night. GMA began as a language exchange group in Hobart, but has gone from strength to strength and is now taking on a much broader mission of helping people of all nationalities to connect, grow and thrive. Please support them if you can!
October 31, 2025 at 4:41 AM