We were delighted to welcome guests to our Hobart centre opening celebration on Friday, 17 April, marking an exciting occasion for our community.
The event brought together Federal, State and Local Government representatives, with the centre being officially opened by the Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, The Hon Rebecca White MP. We were honoured to share this special moment with our supporters, partners and the wider Tasmanian community.
A highlight of the celebration was hearing from two young people from our Hobart centre, Milly and Ted, who shared their personal experiences of growing up in Tasmania with hearing loss. They spoke about their journeys and the support they and their families have received from The Shepherd Centre, providing a powerful reminder of the impact of early intervention and the importance of accessible, local services.
View more moments from the day in our photo gallery here.
Supporting children and families in Tasmania
The opening marks an important step forward for our services in Tasmania, which continue to grow and provide more children with access to early intervention care. This support helps children with hearing loss develop essential listening and spoken language skills, setting strong foundations for lifelong communication skills and connection.
Our presence in Hobart means families can access expert care locally, helping them achieve the best possible outcomes for their child.
A thoughtfully renewed space
Our newly upgraded Hobart centre has been carefully designed to create a warm, inclusive and welcoming environment for families, staff and the wider community. The refreshed facilities support the continued delivery of life-changing services in a space that reflects the care and connection at the heart of our work.
A key feature of the upgraded centre is the new audiology booth, generously funded by Ms Yvonne Le Fort, enabling more seamless, on-site hearing assessments for children and families.
Collaboration at the heart of impact
This project reflects the power of collaboration and shared commitment. We extend our sincere thanks to the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, Hansen Yuncken and Ms Yvonne Le Fort, as well as our local Tasmanian partners, consultants, suppliers and donors, whose expertise and support made this possible.
We also acknowledge the vital role of ongoing partnerships with Hearing Australia, the Tasmanian Health Service and Teachers of the Deaf, working together to ensure each child receives coordinated, high-quality support.
At The Shepherd Centre, we believe it takes a village for children to grow and thrive, with families at the heart of everything we do. We are proud to walk alongside families during these critical early years, supporting them every step of the way.
Dignitaries in attendance:
- The Hon Rebecca White MP
- The Hon Eric Abetz MP
- The Hon Julie Collins MP
- The Hon Jacquie Petrusma MP
- Rosalie Woodruff MP
- The Hon Luke Edmunds MLC
- Senator Richard Dowling
- David O’Byrne MP
- Deputy Mayor of Clarence Council Clr Allison Ritchie
Centre supporters and contributors:
- Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
- Hansen Yuncken
- Ms Yvonne Le Fort
- Access for Life – Bianca Pope
- Access Hardware – Andrew Crosby
- ADG Engineers – Brian Loughlin
- B&H Industries – Brendon Nicholas
- BT Bricklaying
- City Glass – Justin Quinn
- City of Clarence Council
- Contact Group – Annah Fromberg
- Cranfield Plaster – Tim Cranfield
- CSR – Kurt Brown
- Digitalink – Ben Britten
- FTA Fitness Management
- Goodwins Welding – Jason Goodwin
- Island Recreation
- Jettech – Sam Jeanneret
- MK Drafting & Design – Matt Kennedy
- Red Sustainability – Steve Watson
- Reece – Shane Reardon
- The Carpet Company – Andrew Rubenach
- Top Coat Painters – Steve
- W D Booth Charitable Trust
