Our board

Amie is an experienced finance and operational leader who brings more than 20 years' expertise in organisational stewardship, strategic planning and governance across Tasmania's creative, cultural, construction and social impact sectors. She has held executive roles including Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer, and now works as a trusted advisor to a number of small to medium organisations across Tasmania. 

Amie is committed to values-based governance and creating the systems and clarity that enable frontline teams to focus on their critical work. She brings a strong regional lens, paired with deep experience in navigating complex funding environments, government relationships and multi-site service delivery. Amie holds a Bachelor of Business (Accounting) from QUT and is a Fellow of CPA Australia. A resident of Nipaluna/Hobart since 2008, she is deeply connected to community, our natural environment and spends as much time as she can being creative in her kitchen.

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David Appleton is an experienced technology executive and ICT leader with a background as a national Chief Information Officer, where he led digital strategy, cybersecurity, and ICT governance in complex, regulated environments.

He brings deep expertise in strategic planning, risk management, and governance, and has successfully overseen major transformation initiatives and business improvements across multiple industries. David is recognised for his collaborative leadership style, values-driven decision-making, and ability to align technology with organisational objectives and care outcomes.

Personally committed to purpose-led work that supports vulnerable communities, David brings integrity, empathy, and a strong ethical compass to every role he undertakes. He is passionate about using technology as a force for good and thrives in environments that require strategic foresight, resilience, and collaboration.

Outside of work, David enjoys spending time with his family and mountain biking.

Jemma Ower is a qualified social worker based in Northern Tasmania. With over a decade of experience in the community services sector, she has worked primarily in homelessness and housing, progressing from case management to leadership roles in crisis assessment, training, and project management.

She was awarded Anglicare's Jerrim Fellowship in 2019, enabling her to study Housing models in the UK, and has completed programs including Housing First training with Homelessness Australia and Tasmania Leaders' I-LEAD. Jemma serves on the Tasmanian Women's Council providing Independent advice to the Tasmanian Government on issues of importance for women and brings both professional expertise and personal insight for gender equality and systemic change.

In her spare time, Jemma enjoys spending time with her young family, gardening and baking.

Nicole has a background in Finance, Governance, Community Services, and Strategic and Risk Management. She is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and currently works for Volunteering Tasmania. She is past Treasurer of Laurel House and Playgroup Tasmania. She is passionate about making a difference, particularly in the areas of equity and human rights, and was inspired to join Laurel House to ensure local Tasmanians had access to the best possible services and support. Nicole has more than twenty years' experience in business and financial management in a diverse range of organisations including local small business, government, large corporations and not for profits. Nicole holds a Masters in Financial Planning and a Bachelor of Business. In her spare time Nicole loves to read, bush walk and travel, and is looking forward to her next adventure.

Jane is currently the State-wide Manager of the Family Violence Counselling & Support Services (FVCSS) within Department of Communities. She has held that position since 2012. This position entails Jane travelling to all regions of Tasmania and supporting FVCSS work practice and service development and more widely maintaining a community awareness of matters relating to family violence. Jane has held other senior roles including within Student Support Services in the Department of Education (DoE).

Victoria is an experienced social worker who enjoys helping people to achieve their goals for change through identifying barriers to wellness and articulating strategies to overcome and balance these. Victoria is a born and bred Tasmanian, and has lived extensively in rural and remote areas both in Tasmania and the mainland, and understands what it is to live rurally in Tasmania and the complexities and gifts of living in a small community. In her spare time, Victoria likes being at the beach, bushwalking, reading and playing music.

As a proud Palawa woman, Darisha has more than two decades of experience in the community sector, working across various services to support individuals and families. For the past six years, Darisha has served as the Manager of Counselling and Support Services at Relationships Australia Tasmania, overseeing a diverse range of programs that cater to an even broader community profile. With a degree in social work, a Graduate Diploma of health, and nearing completion of a Bachelor of Psychological Science, Darisha has developed expertise in trauma-informed practice, clinical supervision, counselling, community and group work. Darisha is passionate about fostering meaningful change.

Sarah is an experienced Human Resources Consultant who is passionate about supporting organisations to meet their strategic objectives and individuals to reach their professional goals. Sarah has worked and across a diverse range of sectors and has developed a generalist skillset through her employment and volunteer activities supporting the Tasmanian community. Holding a Diploma of Leadership & Management and a Diploma of Community Services, Sarah is currently studying a Bachelor of Human Resources (Psychology) and is also an Accredited DiSC and Five Behaviours of a Cohesive Team Facilitator. Sarah enjoys traveling, spending time at the beach and hiking.