WITH Tas Committee 2018-2019

The 2018-2019 Committee again includes women from a great range of backgrounds and businesses who have equally varied skills. From Tourism Tasmania to a boutique hotel, event management and and businesses of all sizes, this small group of women all have two things in common - true commitment to tourism in our beautiful state and supporting other women in the industry.

Jill has been a member of WITH Tas since it’s beginning, holding the positions of treasurer, general committee member and membership and database coordinator.

Jill operates her own conference and event management business – Jill Bannon Corporate Event Management (Tas) www.jbemtas.com.au – which specialises in boutique and mid-size conference and event management.

She also works for one of Tasmania’s foremost charities – Cancer Council Tasmania – organising and coordinating the fundraising events in southern Tasmania.

With over 37 years in the hospitality, tourism and event management industry, and having lived and worked in the north, on the west coast and in the south of our island, Jill is a passionate advocate for developing the conference and event business within Tasmania.

This is Rita's fourth year on the Committee and she has worked in tourism for several decades across retail travel, tourism marketing and industry development. Her current role is Policy & Industry Manager at Tourism Tasmania.

Rita has remained in the industry because she genuinely believes that tourism provides economic and social benefits for Tasmanians, and it is an industry that is sustainable into the future.

She is also involved in T21, check out the strategy at www.t21.net.au

Rita says she's fortunate to be working in such a positive industry. Visitors love Tasmania and the people who work in the industry are passionate about what they deliver.

Helen and her daughter Meg own Sandy Bay Apartment offering short term holiday accommodation. They have lived in Tasmania all of their lives but travelled extensively intrastate, interstate and overseas. Helen is passionate about tourism and has been involved with WITH Tas since its inception in 2009. Helen has a an extensive knowledge of Tasmania and the wonderful tourism opportunities in our beautiful state.

Helen has been a member of WITH Tas since its foundation.

Cally Lyons is an entrepreneur who works with the adventurous sharing Rathmore Tasmanian rural retreat. Passion, energy, positivity, vision & grit have shaped her fascinating lifetime of growing up on a Queensland sheep property, successful business ventures including travel consultancy in the 70s, corporate catering, events, hosting 70 bed international accommodation.
An authentic country experience at Rathmore with elegant heritage or rustic chic accommodation for up to 28 and perfect retreat, workshop or seminar venue is now offered.
At 19 she ventured overseas for almost 4 years, working in London and travelling through Asia, Europe, North & South America, culminating in an Ecuadorian archaeological dig, living in the jungle on the equator and 3 months in Bermuda.
Completing Diplomas in Financial Planning & Technical Analysis, a Graduate Diploma in Finance & Investment & a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Cally has worked in communications, equities, financial planning, philanthropic investing and with charities.
Rathmore offers a memorable experience, exceeding people’s expectations, encouraging guests long to stay a while, “to look out, look up & look within”, to cook campfire or messroom meals or dine elegantly in the 1828 sandstone homestead, toast marshmallows over the fire, enjoy nature and wildlife under millions of stars, explore, hike, trout fish or commune with platypus in the Dew Rivulet.
Cally is a passionate advocate for raising the bar of the guest experience in Tasmania, regional dispersal of tourism and longer stays for guests, collaborating, supporting, inspiring and networking with tourism organisations & operators.
Having received wonderful welcoming and invaluable support from WITH TAS, Cally is keen to make a contribution on the committee.

Mary has had a long association (and love affair!) with the Tasmanian tourism industry over a couple of decades. It all started in 1993 with the publication of a book , A Guide to Heritage Accommodation in Tasmania and grew from there.

After setting up the Tasmania Travel Company with a local travel agent, one of the first online inbound booking agencies in Tasmania, Mary then moved into Tasmania’s South Regional Tourism as Marketing Officer for the Southern region for 6 years. Following that she sold Tasmanian tourism properties through Roberts Real Estate.

Putting her passion for heritage into action, in 2004 she reconfigured an attractive old commercial property into Roxburgh House Apartments offering boutique accommodation.

"The Rox" is Mary's exciting landmark on the cusp of being built adjacent to Roxburgh House this year. Comprising 16 generous apartments and a ground floor retail area, it will replace Godfreys store and extend into the carpark in front of Godfreys, with an open courtyard separating the new from the old precinct. Opportunities are available for people interested in the tourism industry to buy an apartment to invest in tourism in this project.

Diane re-joined the WITH Committee and is looking forward to reconnecting with the vibrant tourism and hospitality sectors.

Diane has over 30 years’ experience working in the Tasmanian tourism and events industry. Following her ‘retirement’ in 2012 at Tourism Tasmania, Diane worked as Tasmanian Branch Liaison Officer at Meetings & Events Australia for 3 years. She currently works part-time in a State Government politician’s office which she says helps to fund her passion for new travel experiences.

In her spare time Diane is devoted to grandparenting duties, and she also works as a volunteer for several Tasmanian community events and festivals.

Diane is a passionate and strong believer in helping to create a healthy and positive workplace culture, and she is always open to taking on new opportunities within the Tasmanian tourism industry.

Tania is an experienced chef and catering professional with food and design knowledge. She is constantly updating her knowledge and experience in the industry and enjoys networking.

She has worked for various organisations, mainly in the corporate scene, which has allowed Tania to cook for various executives, eg Prime Ministers, Bill Gates and Cate Blatchett to name a few. Her biggest event was the James Packer wedding to Jodie Meares.

Tania has a passion for all areas of the hospitality industry, loving the fact she can be innovative and creative and can constantly change her ideas and grow.