Edwin Johnstone – Hobart Advocate
I’m Edwin Johnstone, Chair of the Confederation of Greater Hobart Business and a passionate advocate for our city. I work to keep Hobart vibrant, accessible, and prosperous by ensuring local businesses have a strong voice in shaping its future. By collaborating with business owners, community leaders, and government, I aim to build a city where commerce, culture, and community thrive together — a Hobart that is welcoming, dynamic, and full of opportunity for everyone who lives, works, and visits here.
Latest News
Education is key in battle to save city’s soul
8th October 2025 – Hobart’s heritage is both fragile and irreplaceable. In recent months, two incidents have highlighted just how vulnerable our most cherished public places are: the theft of bronze plaques from Soldiers’ Memorial Avenue, on the Queens Domain, and the damage inflicted on Kelly’s Steps, in Battery Point, by e-scooters.
Sing With the Boss 2025
7th October 2025 – I’m excited to be singing with the Choir of High Hopes Hobart for our annual “Sing with the Boss” fundraising event. Join us In The Hanging Garden on 15th October at 5pm for a free, one-hour singalong where Hobart’s CEOs and business leaders take the stage alongside the choir.
Rotary Salamanca Bookfest
6th October 2025 – Join the Rotary Club of Salamanca Sunrise for a treasure trove of books, generously donated by our amazing supporters. Every dollar raised goes to worthwhile local projects. Don’t miss out, come find your next great read!
Markets play an integral role in driving economy
17th September 2025 – As the days lengthen and Hobart’s streets warm under the first sun of spring, the city’s markets are once again bustling with energy, colour and fresh local produce. From the Salamanca, Farm Gate and the Hobart Twilight markets to suburban pop-ups, these vibrant gatherings are more than weekend markets, they are a vital force in Hobart’s economy and community life.
Hobart’s CBD Must Retain Function and Accessibility
29th August 2025 – Hobart’s CBD can be lively and attractive, but must retain function and accessibility a vibrant and thriving Hobart means finding the right balance so the city works for everyone.
Bike lane bullies
29th March 2025 – When the bike lanes in Collin St debate first started many businesses in the area vocalised their opposition to the proposal, but they quickly stopped being public about it. Behind the scenes support from businesses did not stop but they were genuinely concerned about tactics being deployed by those in favour of the proposal.
Practical Solutions for Bike Lanes and Traffic Needed
10th Febraury 2025 – Debate raging over bike lanes in the CBD must be steered towards practical solutions it’s time the cycling lobby put the brakes on its ideological approach and listened to the views of all stakeholders.
Scrambling to Hurt Hobart Businesses
12th December 2024 – A majority of Hobart councillors voted to continue the scramble crossing trial indefinitely. Why call these things a trial? The outcomes are predetermined and never put in place with local businesses in mind, just ideology.
Business Wants Data on Cycleway Impact
9th November 2024 – Last week over 100 concerned business owners and residents of Hobart attended a public meeting on the bike lane proposal for Collins St. The event was organised by the Confederation of Greater Hobart Business.