The Tasmanian Canine Defence League Inc. (TCDL) Board and Sub-committees
The 69th Annual General Meeting was held on Tuesday 15th October 2019. All Board Directors are elected at the AGM and are supporting the Dogs’ Homes of Tasmania in a voluntary capacity.
Carol Hughes - President
Carol Hughes has over 30 years’ experience as a legal practitioner, in both private practice and senior management positions within the State and Commonwealth Public Service. She has served on a number of professional and community boards, including Hydro Tasmania, Colony 47, Hobart Women’s Health Centre, and Terrapin Puppet Theatre.
Carol joined the Board of Dogs’ Homes of Tasmania in 2014 and has served as President since October 2015, as well as contributing to a number of committees during that time. She has a strong commitment to social justice and firmly believes in advocating for those unable to speak for themselves. Carol recognises that promoting and protecting the welfare of animals is as important as safeguarding the rights of vulnerable people.
Carol has adopted dogs from Dogs’ Homes of Tasmania since moving from Sydney in 1979 and is currently “owned” by two former DHoT residents, Hunter and Juliet.
Denise Bower – Vice President
Denise Bower has been a lifelong advocate for the welfare of dogs and has served as a Director of Dogs’ Homes of Tasmania since 1977. She has played a key role in supporting the development and upgrades of the Burnie, Devonport, and Launceston Dogs’ Homes, and was actively involved in establishing the current Hobart Dogs’ Home.
Awarded Honorary Life Membership in 2014, Denise currently serves as Vice President. She strongly believes that every dog deserves a caring home for life and is committed to ensuring all dogs in need receive appropriate medical care and the opportunity for a happy and secure future.
Jencie Harrington- Treasurer
With tertiary qualifications in Farm Management, Commerce (Finance and Accounting) and Law, Jencie has had a long career working as an Accountant and as a Lawyer in a range of areas including Project Accounting, Estate Planning and Commercial Law.
Jencie is proud dog mum to Caspar an Australian Shepherd and Bear a Smithfield , and loves to spend time with them training for dog sports including Herding, Agility, Obedience, Rally, Tracking and Scent Work.
She is also an instructor at the Hobart Canine Obedience Club, a board member of Womens Sport and Recreation Tasmania and treasure of Canine Performance Association of Tasmania.
David Jackson - Secretary and Public Officer
David has worked in the private sector as an accountant since 1997. During his career he has held senior management roles and worked in the construction, retail and financial services industries.
David has completed a Diploma of Management, a Bachelor of Commerce Degree at the University of Tasmania and has been a Member of the Australian Society of Certified Practising Accountants since 2001.
David joined the Dogs’ Homes of Tasmania Board in 2004. During his time with the Board he has held the roles of Secretary and Treasurer. Over the years David has provided a home for three prior residents of the Dogs’ Homes of Tasmania.
Megan Alessandrini - Director
Megan Alessandrini has served on the Board since 2002. She holds a PhD in Political Science and Public Policy from the University of Tasmania, where she was a senior lecturer for 18 years.
Megan is the Vice President of the Companion Animal Network of Australia and represents Tasmania on its board. She also serves on several other boards and committees, advocating for animal welfare. Megan is committed to advancing policy and regulatory reform to improve the lives of all dogs, and to maintaining and enhancing the human–animal bond in Tasmanian households.
Geoff Williamson - Director
Geoff Williamson has significant accounting and management experience, with over 30 years working across a wide range of industries and sectors, including manufacturing, agribusiness, government business enterprises (GBEs), and not-for-profits. He has specific expertise in management accounting, financial analysis, budgeting and forecasting, systems development and implementation, finance administration, and change management.
Originally from Burnie, Geoff studied at the University of Tasmania and has worked across Tasmania, Victoria, Queensland, and South Australia. He currently resides in Hobart with his family and their Dogs’ Homes of Tasmania–adopted pets.
Anthony Speed - Director
Anthony Speed holds tertiary qualifications in public policy and administration and has over 30 years’ experience in senior policy and regulatory roles within the Australian Public Service.
He also has professional experience in the health and community services sector and has volunteered in both board and operational support roles. Anthony is passionate about promoting responsible companion animal ownership within the community and recognises their unique contribution to overall health and wellbeing.
He lives with his partner and their two miniature dachshunds, who run amok and live very much in the moment.
Craig Foster - Director
Craig Foster is a veterinarian by training, with experience in general practice followed by a 30-year career in aquaculture and animal feed manufacturing. A graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, he has held roles as CEO, Managing Director, and Director of publicly listed companies, as well as research and development organisations. His experience also includes chairing national aquaculture industry organisations.
Craig’s skills and experience include the ability to resolve challenges and develop pathways for improvement, as well as successfully implementing those strategies. During his tenure, he aims to assist the Dogs’ Home in achieving its goals of continuing to support dogs in need.
Constitution
The current Constitution can be downloaded from the following links: