Mr Don Jones (Chairman)
As one of our most prominent Launcestonians, Don has served our community in many different formats over a career spanning over 45 years. From commencing his working life as a solicitor, Don has proudly served Tasmania as both a Magistrate and Coroner. The list of community organisations that have benefitted from Don’s expertise is extensive and encompassing of many varied interests especially the plight of the most needy members of society.
Don has been married to Patricia for 45 years and has four adult children and 6 grandchildren. In any spare time Don enjoys a game of golf, gardening, reading and computers.
Board
Robert Anderson (Vice President)
Currently a Property Consultant with Ray White Launceston, Rob has many years of experience across various committees and boards, including the Northern Tasmanian Football Association (General Manager for over 17 years, St Kilda's Supporters Group, Newnham Neighbourhood Treasurer for 16 years and is a Life Member of numerous sporting clubs. Enjoys spending time with his partner Deb and loves cooking a BBQ while entertaining family and friends.
John Stevenson (Treasurer)
Born Launceston in 1944 and married to Janet, with 2 children and currently 6 grandchildren, John was educated at Launceston Church Grammar School then worked in a Chartered Accountant's office for 10 years followed by 40 years as an accountant and estate clerk for a firm of Solicitors.
He is a former LBS Board Member and presently volunteers at the Eskleigh Foundation, and a JP at HJAT office in the CH Smith Centre.
His other interests include golf, tennis, gardening and spending time as a grey nomad.
Brian Faulkner
Born in Launceston in 1939 and married to Wendy with 3 children and 6 grandchildren. Brian was educated at the Launceston Church Grammar School and had a long and successful career at C. J. Weedon & Co as a Stock and Sharebroker.
He is a former Board Member of Tasmanian Trustees and The Hobart Stock Exchange and is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Brian enjoys time with family and helping others through his involvement in a number of charities. He is a Life Member of the Launceston Benevolent Society.
Norm Hills
Born in Sydney, Norm moved to Tasmania in 1973. Norm has enjoyed a varied working life as an electrical contractor, in industrial electronics and serving 10 years with Ramset Fasteners. He spent the last 10 years of his working career owning a manufacturing clothing company which made clothes for nursing home residents.
Norm has served on the State Alzheimer’s Committee and has been a volunteer and Board member with the Launceston Benevolent Society since 1998.
Norm enjoys golf and spending time with family and is very passionate about his work at the Society.
Michelle Clark
Born in 1967 and raised in Georgetown Tasmania. Married to Ross Clark with 2 adult children and 2 perfect grandchildren. Michelle joined the Board of the Launceston Benevolent Society in April 2022.
Michelle’s background was hospitality until 2007 when she purchased Capri, an iconic long-standing business in Launceston becoming the 3rd only owner over a period of 67 years. Michelle also sits on the board as the Tasmanian director of Frontline Australia - Australia’s largest retail buying group, a position she has held for over 10 years.
Michelle enjoys downtime at the lakes in the central highlands fishing, reading and relaxing. Her love is discovering and staying over in beautiful parts of Tasmania. Michelle feels absolutely honoured to be part of the board for the LBS.
General Manager:
Introducing Kate Ross, the compassionate leader serving as the General Manager of Launceston Benevolent Society. With an impressive career spanning over 30 years in the Welfare Sector, Kate is dedicated to creating positive change in the lives of those facing adversity. Kate's extensive expertise encompasses a broad spectrum of social issues, including homelessness, family violence, disability, mental health, youth at risk, and long-term unemployment. Her versatile experience extends across local, state, and commonwealth government levels, showcasing a deep understanding of the welfare sector.
Kate is acutely aware of the issues facing individuals and families grappling with financial stress and economic hardship. She understands the profound impact of these challenges on people's access to quality food, clothing, and support. Kate firmly believes that any one of us can find ourselves in situations requiring support, understanding, and compassion to navigate through crisis. She champions the idea that giving is a way to change a person's well-being, instil dignity, and build meaningful relationships. She believes that genuine support and compassion should be at the core of all efforts to assist those in need and that the goodwill of others should never be used to an end.
She believes fervently that everyone has the right and capacity for economic and social participation. Kate emphasizes the importance of ensuring that policies, procedures, and public spaces are designed to consider the rights and needs of all people.
As a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a member of multiple boards of management, Kate brings strategic leadership to her role. Her vision for communities revolves around creating a cohesive and compassionate environment, fostering collaboration between community organizations, government agencies, and the private sector.
Since joining Launceston Benevolent Society in 2021, Kate has remained focused on initiatives that embody compassion, resilience, and inclusivity fostering a community where everyone has the support they need to thrive.
For more information on how Launceston Benevolent Society is contributing to the positive changes in people's lives and our community please contact Kate on 63 444213 or email her at:kross@lbs.org.au.