Staff News
A MESSAGE OF THANKS TO MAT ROWELL
Lady Gowrie Tasmania CEO 2021 – 2024
Mat, on behalf of the children, families, staff and Board Directors at Lady Gowrie Tasmania we wish to express our sincere thanks to you for your calm and steady leadership during the past three years. Your exceptional support of the Board, Senior Leadership Team and your colleagues ensured that the organisation continued to thrive and remained focused on ‘Children First ’ in our work.
Your extensive knowledge of, and passion for, the Tasmanian community-based sector was highlighted in your successful advocacy for children, families, educators and the sector at both national and state levels of government. This knowledge and passion was also evident when you represented Lady Gowrie Tasmania in the media and in the community.
Mat, we all wish you well as you embark on the next chapter of your career and you will be greatly missed by everyone at Lady Gowrie Tasmania.
Regards,
Board and Senior Leadership Team – Lady Gowrie Tasmania
CELEBRATING ANNIVERSAREIS
To the people who have reached significant anniversaries at LGT this year, thank you for your passion and dedication to the children, families, clients and learners in our services and programs. We truly value you and your commitment to our organisation.
5 Years
Alison Dowd, Alma Bartle, Angela Sands, Annalise Bradshaw, Chloe Bernardis, Courtney Hobbs, Emily Godfrey, Emma Marshall, Ganiek Pulford, Hayley Jones, Jacqueline McGuinness, Janelle Browning, Kate Kean, Kathleen Uren, Laura McCarthy, Liliarna Springfield, Lisa Cole, Olivia Jackson, Pauline Benson, Sam Wesson, Sharon Salter, Stacey Stacey Rodgers, Terri Murphy, Xinrui (Bella) Song
10 Years
Cassie Kidd, Eka Kissy, Brooke Harriss , Kate Beckett, Kerrie Hansen, Nikita Walker, Tracey Munday
15 Years
Meagan Shea, Naomi Reynolds, Sarah Brumby, Sarah Piepiora, Tanya Cowen
20 Years
Nicole Dransfield, Rebecca Hayes
25 Years
Kelly McDermott
*NB – Anniversary letters and vouchers will be distributed to staff at the end of each quarter of the anniversary date i.e. end of March, June, September and December.
BIRTHS
Congratulations to Katie Brighella (Finance Team) and family on the arrival of Zoe on the 20th April1 2024.
Congratulations to Alyse Fogarty (Uni South) and family on the arrival of Miles, who was born 7lbs11oz on 12th April 2024 at 11:50pm.
‘He loves swimming, being in the water and have just leant how to roll over.’
MARRIAGES
Congratulations to Veronica (Pedder Road) and her husband, Jimmy, who exchanged vows on 28th June, 2024.
Congratulations to Olivia McKay (Acton) who married her partner, Dominic, on the 24th August, 2024.
GRADUATIONS
Since the last Gowrie Gazette was published, we extend a congratulations to the following staff who have completed their qualifications in Early Childhood Education and Care:
CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood
Education and Care
Somayeh Ebrahimkhani Ghazi (Battery Point), Veronica Creeley (Pedder), Shakira Robertson (Midway Point), Liliarna Springfield (Integrated)
CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood
Education and Care
Erin Brooks (Norwood), Taylah Gray (Swansea), Louise Webb (Swansea), Jemma Sullivan (Wellington Street), Kylie Bailey (Uni North)
Heather Mains (Education and Care Manager at University North) shares her reflection below about Kylie and Winnie’s recent graduations:
Kylie Bailey has been studying with Lady Gowrie Training and has successfully completed her Diploma in Early Childhood Education. Kylie has shown dedication and perseverance over this time and her Diploma is well-deserved. We would like to congratulate Kylie on her achievement and the positive influence she is having on young children’s lives.
Winnie Huang has recently completed her Bachelor of Education Early Childhood through UTAS. Winnie came to the centre on placement to complete a component of her degree and is now a permanent part-time educator. We congratulate Winnie on her success and are happy to have her as part of our team.
STAFF Q&A
Name: Lisa Youd
Service/Program: Children’s Services
What is your role at LGT? University North LDC, Pedder LDC and Pre-School West Programs
What do you love the most about your job?
I thoroughly enjoy the role of Service Support Officer and helping Managers and Educators where I can. I love being able to help new families start their education and care journey and being able to help with any issues or questions that may arise in making their transition as smooth as possible. When finally being able to offer a place, after knowing a family have been waiting for care for some time, is very rewarding especially over the last few years with the waitlist growing at a crazy pace!
What does the perfect weekend look like and why?
I love camping, going on little holidays and spending time with my family. My family consists of my partner Andrew, my two grown up sons Daniel and Callum and a grandson Chase. I also have two stepdaughters, Emily and Amy, and a large extended family. I recently took my boys and grandson on a family trip to the Gold Coast. We had a lovely time together at the theme parks and some of the local attractions around the area.
What is the one thing you can’t live without and why?
Actually, I have three things I can’t live without! I love eating chocolate, listening to music and watching AFL football. I’m a Carlton Blues fan through and through!
Name: Andre Bennett
Service/Program: Goulburn Street OSHC and Lansdowne Crescent Vacation Care
What is your role at LGT? OSHC Child Educator (RP)
What do you love the most about your job?
The connections I get to build/have with the little people I work with and how comfortable the LGT staff have made me feel since day dot.
What is the best trip you’ve been on and why?
My family and I spent a week sailing around the British Virgin Islands in the Caribbean many years ago, it was the best trip as I had my family there with me and just remember feeling so free, happy and at peace. It was also in the tropics so I can’t complain, it was the best!
Describe an experience that has had a lasting impact on you?
Spending the greater portion of my childhood growing up in the Cook Islands, South Pacific, has left a lasting impact on me for many reasons. Mainly because of the incredible life experiences I had while living there and the profound impact the people and culture of the Cook Islands had on me, which deeply enriched my life.
Do you have any pets and what are their name/s?
Yes I do! I have a 15 (soon to be 16) year old Spoodle named Rufas. He’s probably had the biggest impact on my life to be honest!
Name: Jane Richardson
Service/ Program: Registered Training Organisation (RTO)
What is your role? RTO Administration Support Officer
What do you love the most about your job?
I get great satisfaction seeing learners succeed with their studies and achieve successful outcomes which can be life changing for them. I also enjoy the positive team environment within Lady Gowrie Tasmania.
What would your perfect weekend look like?
My perfect weekend would start with a leisurely wake up with no set agenda. Read the paper back to front over coffee and poached eggs on toast. I’d then stroll down to the beach (the weather is warm and sunny) maybe go for a dip in the Derwent. Throw in a yoga class, read a book and a catch up with close friends for dinner.
What is one things you can’t live without and why?
My Dyson hair dryer! It travels everywhere with me and has just been on an overseas holiday. If you saw my hair in the morning, you would understand why I can’t live without my hairdryer!
Do you have any pets and what are thier name/s?
I have a 13 year old black Labrador named Elsie. We got Elsie when both my children were living at home and going through High School. Elise is tiring out now but she has brought so much love happiness and chaos into our household and lives. She is a very special old lady.