Staff News
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
Huihui Yuan, Katherine Hill, Crystal Maccabe, Kate Iles, Keelyn Bogert, Joanna Kaine, Melissa Barker, Emma Gould, Racquel Aram, Jessica Poland, Shashi Bala, Tiarna Blair, Amandeep Kaur, Nida Shah, Crystal Tyler, Natalie Cowie, Amy Carlyon-Loveless, Sophie Muir, Lisa Coles, Alison Dowd, Emily Godfrey, Olivia Jackson, Sharon Salter, Courtney Hobbs, Samuel Wesson, Stacey Rodgers, Xinrui (Bella) Song, Kathleen Uren, Chloe Bernardis, Terri Murphy, Pauline Benson, Ganiek Pulford, Angela Sands, Kate Kean, Alma Bartle, Emma Marshall, Liliarna Springfield.
10 Years
Toby Fishwick, Ian Wierenga, Alissa Hall, Keetah McConchie, Alice Wong, Sarah Hatton, Meaghan Kearnes, Bosiljka Brooks, Tracey Munday, Brooke Harriss, Nakita Walker, Kate Beckett.
15 Years
Stephanie Mitchell, Patricia Thomas, Tanya Cowen, Naomi Reynolds, Sarah Brumby.
20 Years
Robin Ballard.
*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 Caitlin Allen (previously Scolyer-Gray) and family on the arrival of Fox on 19th June 2024.
Congratulations to Cassy and family on the arrival of Isla on 23rd May 2024.
Congratulations to Sophie and family on the arrival of Evie on 18th September 2024.
ENGAGEMENT
Congratulations to Jed Wallis (Bowen Road) and Maggie, who got engaged earlier this year at the Shipsterns Bluff lookout after being college sweethearts. There are lots of things to look forward to in 2027, including their nuptials!
From everyone at LGT, we wish Jed and Maggie a lifetime of happiness together!
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
Lauren Kelly, Natasha Tatnell, Sarah Everest
CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
Kylie Bailey, Liliarna Springfield
Congratulations to all Lady Gowrie Tasmania graduates this year!
POWERLIFTING GOLD FOR KELLIE!
I recently competed in the 2024 World Powerlifting Championships at the Sydney International Convention Centre (October 11–13). The event was part of the AusFitness Expo, which saw over 20,000 attendees across the weekend – it was huge! I’m thrilled to share that I earned a Gold medal in my weight/age class and a Bronze medal in my overall weight class. I also hit competition personal bests in all three lifts and achieved a lifetime (so far!) personal best in my final deadlift. I exceeded all my own expectations, had an amazing time competing alongside so many strong women and men, and feel incredibly proud of my performance.
For those wondering, powerlifting is a competitive strength sport where athletes aim for their maximum weight across three lifts: squat, bench press, and deadlift. It’s not just about the weights—it’s about grit, growth, and community. I started training in mid-2020 when gyms reopened after COVID. After trying a few gyms and sports, I found my home at Raw Strength in Moonah. The gym might not have the fanciest equipment, but it has the essentials: good people and a supportive environment. Everyone—regardless of age, ability, or strength level—is treated with respect, and there’s a healthy dose of fun mixed into the hard work.
Powerlifting has been a game-changer for me. It’s not just physically empowering—it’s also helped me grow mentally and emotionally. I could go on (and on!) about what I’ve learned about the mind, body, and self through training and competing. At 53, I’m living proof that it’s never too late to try something new, push your limits, and discover your potential both inside and out. I highly recommend giving it a go—yes, to everyone!
Why Powerlifting is Amazing!
Physical health – It boosts muscle mass, bone density, and overall strength while reducing the risk of injuries later in life.
Mental health – It can improve mood, cognitive function, and self-esteem and even help manage mental health challenges like anxiety or depression.
Community – It’s a chance to be part of a truly supportive community that lifts each other up—literally and figuratively!
If you’re curious and in southern Tasmania, why not give it a try? I’d love to invite you to a complimentary session at Raw Strength. Whether you’re looking to gain strength, confidence, or just have fun, this could be your thing!
Feel free to email me at kellie.watson@gowrie-tas.com.au—I’d be more than happy to share more about my powerlifting journey and answer any questions.
STAFF Q&A
Name: Ratti Sagar
Service/Program: Corporate Services
What is your role at LGT? Finance Officer
What do you love the most about your job?
The people at LGT, my collegues. The social interaction that I get from being at work, I am very grateful for that. I look forward to coming to my office everyday and getting some work done, If I am not too chatty! Plus, my office never runs out of coffee, which is pretty heroic in its own right.
What song would you choose to turn up the volume and sing out loud to?
Flowers By Miley Cyrus- ‘I can buy myself flowers, write my name in sand…’
If you could pick any superpower, what would it be and why?
Being a woman is a superpower in itself. As an add on I would like to have a superpower of instantly finding the lost item especially the other sock from the pair that was put in washer together but didn’t make it to the dryer with its significant other. Very mysterious!
What is your favourite memory during your time at LGT?
My favourite memory is when I cooked butter chicken and wheat Roti’s bought it in for lunch on my collegue Kate’s birthday for everyone to enjoy. Everyone sat down together to relish it, asked me about the recipe and complimented for my OG cooking skills.
Name: Tamika Hannah
Service/Program: Norwood Education and Care Service
What is your role at LGT? Room Leader of the Hilton Room (18 months to two and half years old)
What do you love the most about your job?
I love being able to support children’s development, providing fun learning oppotunities, and watching children grow and support verbal and non verbal language development.
What does the perfect weekend look like and why?
My perfect weekend is going to watch the Jackjumpers and going to the beach with my dog, Tuco.
What song would you choose to turn up the volume and sing out loud to?
Any Amy Shark songs.
Do you have any pets and what are their name/s?
I have a 2.5 year old Groodle whose name is Tuco.
Name: Simone Carr
Service/Program: Penna Road Education and Care
What is your role? I am a Certificate III educator at Penna Road Educaiton and Care Service
What do you love the most about your job?
I love walking into work everyday with a smile on my face, a plan in my head, full of coffee beans ready for what the day might bring – everyday is a new day.
What would your perfect weekend look like?
Waking up to a wholesome breakfast, followed by a walk along Park Beach.
What is the best trip you’ve ever been on and why?
For my 40th birthday we did a caravan trip starting at Bridport, moving along the North East coast to Little Blue Lake, then on to the Bay of Fires and Freycinet. The trip was filled with beautiful Tassie scenery, fresh air and family time.
