03/09/2026
AGM WRAP-UP
As advertised, the Association's AGM was held at the Panorama Hotel on Monday, 31 August 2026 and was well-attended by approximately 150 people.
After a period of instability and uncertainty it was a significant day for the House that was characterized by good will, an abundance of positive energy and shared optimism for the future of the House and its community. The success of the day is attributed to the collective effort of many individuals working towards a common goal, and it is a pleasure to offer thanks to so many whose presence and efforts, contributed to the success of the AGM:-
To Karina Smith, Director of Community Services and Kristy Broomhall, Assistant Director of Community Services from the Department of Premier and Cabinet. Thank you for your time and effort taken to travel from Hobart to St Helens for the AGM, answering questions and lending your presence to such an important day for the Association. In addition to the considerable support that has been provided behind the scenes by the Department.
To Senior Inspector, Andrew Coyle and Cindy McLean, Safety Specialist from Worksafe Tasmania, thank you for your presence, active participation at the AGM and thoughtful address on the importance of Occupational Health & Safety and setting the tone for such an important day. And to Tasmania Police, who heard word of the gathering and whilst on the beat dropped-in to say hello, it was great to see you.
To Tim Hankey, Acting-CEO of Neighbourhood Houses Tasmania and Michelle Ewington, President of the Board of Neighbourhood Houses Tasmania, thank you also for taking time out of your busy schedules to travel to St Helens and to lend your presence, support and resources to the AGM and its success. We greatly appreciated your presence.
To Jayne Richardson, Executive Assistant Break O'Day Council and Vaughan Oldham and Barry LeFerve, Councillors, thank you for your attendance and presence on behalf of Break O’Day Council and lending the support of the Council and the community to the AGM.
To Jean Rosevear for accepting the invitation to Chair the meeting, and after election by the Members, conducted the meeting with such composure, grace and good humour.
To Roxy Cowie and Dana Smith who generously offered their time, support and good humour to man the registration table, keep everyone in line! and oversee the count of the votes for the new Board, we are incredibly grateful for your efforts and for making us all laugh.
To Big Shed Studios, Simon and Natasha for being so willing to help out the House and provide a photographic record of the day that captures the beginning of the House’s new story, thank you kindly.
To Mathew Fagan, Independent Intermediary appointed by the Department of Premier and Cabinet who facilitated the AGM and voting procedure, thank you for running such a clear and professional AGM that left Members and Board candidates with certainty as to the process and fostered confidence in the outcome. Mathew will continue in the role of Independent Intermediary until June 2027.
To all the staff, who are all now fully back on deck and who worked so incredibly hard to be everywhere, and do everything, and succeeded on all counts, thank you.
To the Volunteers, you are the measure and weight of the House. To see the House volunteers in action and to recognise the time, energy and effort that is dedicated by you, is a humbling experience and gives meaning to the word ‘community’. Thank you on behalf of the House and community for everything that you do.
For me, it has been a pleasure to support the House and community during a difficult period and to lend my assistance with the aim to bring stability and direction. In the short-term, I will stay on at the House to support the transition of the staff, Bec and the new Board to return-to work, or settle into their new roles – no title, simply as Alison.
And so it is at this point that I am thrilled to hand ‘all the reins’, the baton and the kitchen-sink back over to Rebecca Tuck – Bec - who has returned to her role as Manager of the House, from 1 September 2026 after some time away.
Welcome home Bec.
Bec’s return and the election of the new Board marks the beginning of a new chapter for the House, and I wish Bec, the staff and the new Board all the very best for the future.
Kind regards,
Alison
