Tasmanian Association of Community Houses

North West Region

Kate Beer—Devonport Community House—TACH Vice President

My first contact with Neighbourhood Houses was in Victoria 22 years ago when my daughter was born and I used our local house for art/craft activities.  I moved back to Devonport 20 years ago and utilised DCH’s school holiday program for my daughter as well as doing some work experience at the House for my Diploma in Community Services.  I joined the Management Committee in 2005, then secured the job as Coordinator when it became vacant in 2006.  I feel I have found my niche, as I still really love my job four years later and the diversity it offers.

I joined the TACH Board two years ago as I’ve always been interested in having a say and particularly to promote Community Houses (and the North West Coast)!  I asked for the position of Vice President this year as so that I could feel confident to step up eventually if needed, and am more than happy to be guided by Simon’s leadership. 

Rachael Morris —Ulverstone Community House—TACH Secretary

6ft tall; blonde; blue eyes; gsoh (great sense of humour)  – oh not a dating profile – sorry. I’d better start again then. 

Not blonde, or 6 foot tall; but I have been the Coordinator at Ulverstone Community House for nearly 3 years and love the job. I had not long started when I was approached to join the TACH Board by an outgoing NW Rep and Ann Harrison. So essentially, I was thrown in at the deep end – but very grateful for the experience. I have been on the TACH Board for 2.5 years, and enjoy having an input; developing a greater understanding of other House needs/issues/successes; learning opportunities – e.g. how to invest lots of money wisely; and the support and friendships of other Coordinators and TACH staff.

I have a background in Community Development and Youth Work, and have worked at Kentish and Devonport Council’s; and was excited to leave the bureaucracy and red tape within Local Government behind….LOL I just love all this reporting!! Aside from that, the interaction and involvement with members of the community; seeing their personal growth; and the growing profile of House’s State-wide, are contributing factors to my job satisfaction.

Joanne Ring—Devonport Community House

Hi all, my name is Joanne Ring. I am happily married and live in the beautiful little country town of Latrobe on the N.W. Coast of Tassie. I have 3 children, all grown and living independent lives, no grandchildren yet.
I have been involved with the Devonport Community House for about 20 years as a participant, volunteer and Board member. I work in the community services industry and am passionate about people and our communities. I am honoured to be making a contribution to the TACH Board.

Northern Region

Michelle Anderson – Northern Suburbs Community Centre

Therese Page – Beaconsfield House Inc.

Eleanor Taylor—St Helens Neighbourhood House

I was born in Scotland, grew up in a steel mining town in England and my family migrated to Australia in the late 1960's. I am married, have 3 daughters and 4 grandchildren and have lived in Tasmania for 25 years. 

I previously worked at Karinya Young Women's Service for  almost 20 years and have been Coordinator of St Helens Neighbourhood House for only a year and a half.

Southern Region

Leanne Doherty —Warrane Mornington Neighbourhood Centre – TACH Treasurer

I was a volunteer at Risdon Vale Neighbourhood Centre for 11 years till 2005 when I went to work at Warrane Mornington Neighbourhood Centre.  I’ve been at Warrane Mornington for 5 years now and since I’ve been there, I’ve completed Community Services Certificate 4.  I thoroughly enjoy my work and the community I work with.  I see being on the TACH Board as an extension of this.

Suzi Edwards —Pittwater Community Centre

Happily married to  the gorgeous John, I have seven sons and nine and a half grandchildren. 

I have been involved with Community Houses for almost 20 years, first at Burnie,  as Family Support Worker, then as Coordinator of Pittwater for 9 years.  This is my 4th (non consecutive) year on the TACH Board.  I have learnt much and hopefully contributed as well.

Working for the state-wide “big picture” gives me a better perspective to work in my own community.

Simon Paul —Clarendon Vale Neighbourhood Centre—TACH President

I am married with 2 children aged 3 and 5, have a giant mortgage, a couple of brooding chooks and a keen interest in seeing the lives of people in Tasmania improved.  I first started working in Neighbourhood Houses in 2005 as assistant coordinator at Clarendon Vale employed by TACH after finishing a post graduate degree in Community Development.  It was a great start for me to be guided by TACH staff and also allowed me to gain a good working knowledge of TACH.  At Clarendon Vale we helped the community take over management of the Neighbourhood Centre and since our incorporation I have been the coordinator.  I first joined the TACH Board to be selfish and further the voice of our community but in so doing it highlighted to me we are all in the same boat.  This is my third year on the Board and it has really helped me to gain an excellent statewide perspective of the issues and needs of Neighbourhood Houses and enabled me to advocate strongly, whenever I get the chance, the great work and essential function we play in Tasmania and the need to better listen to the voice of our communities and to better resource the achievement of their goals.

Eddie Rogers—Maranoa Heights Community Centre