Ashleigh Thompson – Chair
I have been living in Blackmans Bay for the entirety of my life and enjoy working within my local community. In my working life, I am admitted as a lawyer and have experience in various areas of law. Currently I work for the Tasmanian Industrial Commission in the area of workplace relations. I enjoy applying my skills learnt throughout my professional career to assist in my role as Chair on the Board of Directors. Outside of work I love to spend time with my dog Jax, as well as participating in team sports and cycling
Jennifer O’Farrell – Deputy Chair
I have spent most of my career practising law in Melbourne, in the area of commercial litigation. Prior to this, I was a judge’s associate in the Federal Court of Australia. When my husband and I had our second child, we decided that it was time to move home to Tasmania. We moved to Kingston Beach and (having grown up on the Eastern Shore), I am a Channel convert. I am now a lawyer at a Hobart law firm, in commercial litigation.
My two young boys attend Adventure Patch’s Mountain View service. They both love the ‘hands on’ programs at the service and my eldest son especially loves going on the Adventure Patch bus to bush camp.
I have a wide range of experience, including board advisory and regulatory work. I look forward to supporting Adventure Patch both as a parent and board member.
Edward Burrows-Cheng – Company Secretary
Hello, my name is Edward and I live in Kingston with my fiancé, daughter and two fur babies, Millie and Hunter.
I attended University on the Gold Coast before moving back home to Tasmania to start my career in law. I practice in the area of commercial litigation in a Hobart law firm.
My fiancé and I were blessed to welcome our beautiful daughter into the world in October 2021 and are excited to join the Adventure Patch family.
I look forward to applying my skills that I have gained from my previous involvement serving on associations and boards.
Monica Baker – Director
Hello my name is Monica I live in Blackmans Bay with my husband, son and two beautiful golden retrievers, Lottie and Louis.
I am an intensive care paramedic working at Ambulance Tasmania, currently in the role of Operations Supervisor. I have been working with ambulance for the past 27 years.
My background is in health and public sector management, and I am looking forward to contributing to the community through the Adventure Patch Board.
My son, Will has been attending Adventure Patch since he was 18 months old and is still attending outside hours care and vacation care programs. Through these experiences I have been totally impressed by the energy, thought and care Adventure Patch invests in the children in their care, ensuring that every child is embraced and encouraged.
Fiona Felmingham – Director
Having grown up in Blackmans Bay, watched my parents and their fiends establish the original care child centre from which Adventure Patch grew, and having had my own children cared for and nurtured by the centre, I am passionate about Adventure Patch’s philosophy.
Professionally, I bring to the Board both financial and strategic management skills together with governance experience, both from my accountant roles and my board directorship experiences.
Having a seat on the Board of Adventure Patch allows me the opportunity to contribute my skills and experience to the organisation that has given my family so much.
Rowena Lamond – Director
Sam Loader – Director
I’m a Chartered Accountant with two decades of experience in both public practice and the private sector. Currently, I serve as a Finance Manager in the Aged Care sector for a local not-for-profit organization.
My roots are firmly planted in the Kingston area, where I live and work. I’m a proud parent with a daughter enrolled at Adventure Patch’s Mountain View, and our family is excitedly awaiting the arrival of another addition.
Outside of work, I enjoy sports, CrossFit sessions, and strumming the guitar. I’m genuinely enthusiastic about the chance to contribute meaningfully to Adventure Patch and its community.
Sarah Woolley – Director
I am life-long resident of the Kingborough area, now raising my own family in our favourite part of the world – Kingston Beach.
In 2011, I Co-Founded the Raine & Horne Kingborough Rentals Real Estate Agency and was a Director/Partner until I stepped down from the role when I had my first son in 2017. I have been in the Real Estate industry for over 14 years now, currently employed as a Department Manager for a large city-based agency.
As a busy mum to two beautiful little boys, working full time – it is of utmost importance to my husband and I that our children receive loving, nurturing and educational care whilst we are working, and not able to be with them ourselves. We have been part of the Adventure Patch (Mountain View) family for over 4 years and have cherished our time here. I have watched my sons thrive in the beautiful, enriching environment created by Adventure Patch, and feel honoured to be part of this wonderful organisation moving forward.
In my free time, I enjoy keeping fit and healthy; taking our dog to the beach; traveling/exploring, and going on adventures with our family.
Looking to join the Board?
Adventure Patch is a community based not for profit organisation with a long and proud history of providing children’s services in the community. The Board plays a significant role in monitoring and guiding the strategic growth of the organisation in the community we serve.
Serving on the Board as an effective director requires:
- Your time – to prepare for, attend meetings and undertake relevant actions.
- Active engagement in Board discussions and debates, including occasional electronic communication between meetings.
- Be prepared to represent Adventure Patch.
- Have an understanding of the services that Adventure Patch provides.
- Be willing to develop skills in being an effective director.
Meeting frequency:
- Monthly meetings for approximately two hours.
- Annual Strategic plan review for approximately half a day, usually in conjunction with facilitated Board retreat.
As well as possessing attributes to be an effective director, we are particularly seeking potential directors with skills in the areas of accounting, finance and/or business development.
A director position enables Board members to enjoy further professional growth by having access to professional development opportunities. You will participate in an induction program and have access to training for new directors.
If you feel that you have the desire, and qualities to serve on the Board, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible using the nomination form. Nomination Form
Annual General Meeting 2024
Notice of Annual General Meeting