Introducing: Members’ Voice Advisory Committee

At New Horizons Tasmania, our members are at the heart of everything we do. Their experiences, ideas and perspectives help us understand what’s working, where we can improve and what opportunities our community would like to see next.

That’s why we’re proud to introduce Members’ Voice – a dedicated group giving members with disability a stronger voice in shaping the future of New Horizons Tasmania.

Members’ Voice brings together members from across our community to share their lived experience, provide feedback and offer their perspectives on the sport, recreation and social opportunities we provide.

Why Members’ Voice matters

We believe the people who participate in our programs should have a genuine opportunity to help shape them.

Members’ Voice creates a direct connection between our members and NHT, helping us better understand the needs, goals and experiences of people with disability across Tasmania.

The group will help NHT by:

• Sharing member perspectives, ideas and lived experience
• Helping ensure our programs are inclusive, accessible and centred on participants
• Identifying barriers, gaps and opportunities for improvement
• Providing valuable input to support decision-making
• Exploring new ideas and opportunities for our community
• Helping NHT continue to improve and grow

Shaped by our members

Members’ Voice is about listening, learning and making sure lived experience continues to play an important role in the decisions we make.

As New Horizons Tasmania continues to grow, so too should the ways our members can contribute to its future.

We’re excited to introduce Members’ Voice to our community and, most importantly, to hear what our members have to say.

So, let’s get to know our committee members across the state!

Dean Foreman, Committee Member (North)

NHT programs you’re involved in?
Dinner Club

Favourite food/drink?
Coffee!

Hobbies/activities you enjoy?
Spending time with family and friends and helping people with disability being meaningfully involved in their communities.

Fun Fact
I work at Speak Out as a Community Educator, teaching other people with intellectual disability about their rights and how to stand up for themselves.

What are you most looking forward to about being a part of Members’ Voice?
Helping to create more opportunities for people with disability – making sure they have accessible sporting and social opportunities and outcomes.

Hannah Syms, Committee Member (North)

NHT programs you’re involved in?
Craft
Song & Dance
Choir
Ballroom Dancing

Favourite food?
Spaghetti Bolognese with Garlic Bread

Hobbies/activities you enjoy?
Tenpin bowling on the weekends and playing games on Wii-Sports.

Fun Fact
I like to play bowling on Wii-Sports!

What are you most looking forward to about being a part of Members’ Voice?
Helping out other members if they have any problems and find out how we can help them.

Nick Milner, Committee Member (North)

NHT programs you’re involved in?
Craft
Dinner Club
Boccia

Favourite food?
Pasta – all pasta!

Hobbies/activities you enjoy?
Horse racing
Country music
Lego

Fun Fact
I own 50 lego sets!

What are you most looking forward to about being a part of Members’ Voice?
Giving my opinion and representing members.

Lachlan Johannesen, Committee Member (South)

NHT programs you’re involved in?
AFL
Cricket
Touch Football

Favourite food?
Pizza

Hobbies/activities you enjoy?
Playing sport and spending time with friends and family.

Fun fact
I am a twin, and I led Tassie to their first Inclusion Cricket National Premiership.

What are you most looking forward to about being a part of Members’ Voice?
To help every member have a voice and to make our programs and state trips go as smoothly as possible.

Jarrod Connelly, Committee Member (North-West)

NHT programs you’re involved in?
Wednesday Activities
Dinner Club

Favourite food?
Mexican

Hobbies/activities you enjoy?
Judo
Going to the gym
Music

Fun fact
My nickname is “The Tasmanian Devil”

What are you most looking forward to about being a part of Members’ Voice?
Working well with others and the team environment.

Lisa Granger, Secretary (North)

Favourite food?
Anything Mexican!

Hobbies/activities you enjoy?
Spending time with my friends and family
Going to pilates and walking my dog Albi!
Watching sport – particularly soccer and AFL

Fun fact
I was named after Elvis Presley’s daughter – Lisa Maree Presley!

What are you most looking forward to about being a part of Members’ Voice?
I’m looking forward to working alongside the members and supporting them every step of the way, so they feel confident to do their best and help make New Horizons the best it can be for all members.

Kath Tanner, Chair (North)

Favourite food?
Chocolate eclairs with real cream!

Hobbies/activities you enjoy?
Playing golf, gardening, travelling and seeing new places, meeting people and laughing lots.

Fun fact
I have done the nude solstice swim in Hobart twice, and can’t wait to do it again next year.

What are you most looking forward to about being a part of Members’ Voice?
Working together with all the members and ensuring the voices of our members are heard.

If you would like to hear more about our Members’ Voice Advisory Committee, please direct any questions and enquiries to Lisa at lisa@newhorizonstas.org.au