Michael Hangan (Chair)

Michael has lived in West Moonah for 16 years, but his Tasmanian family history goes back to 1803. He has worked in Government, Local Government and Statutory Bodies around Australia. He is presently the Office Manager for St Therese of Lisieux Moonah Lutana Parish, and Chaplain for St Therese’s Catholic School, Moonah.

He holds a Bachelor of Theology and a Diploma in Information Services.
Michael is married to Eva, with four children.
He is on a number of State and National Board, including:

  • Board Member and Treasurer, Australian Parents Council;
  • Board Member and Treasurer Parents Australia;
  • Deputy President, Tasmanian Catholic Schools Parents Council:
  • Parent Representative, Guilford Young College:
  • Webmaster, National Association of Deacons

Susannah Slatter (Vice Chair)

Susannah is new to the West Moonah Neighbourhood House board, but she and her family have taken part in various activities and programs over the years.

Susannah’s background is in marketing and communications, including running her own preloved fashion markets, swaps and other events. After 15 years working for local advertising agencies she completed the Tasmanian Leader’s Program in 2020 and decided to pursue her passion and make the move to not-for-profit retail. Susannah is currently Retail Coordinator at Hobart City Mission, managing seven City Mission Op Shops.

Susannah holds a Bachelor of Commerce and Diploma of Languages.

Helen Willis (Secretary)

Helen joined the board in December 2020 and then went on to become secretary in August 2022.

Helen is currently assisting in the development of the Houses Reconciliation Action Plan.

Helen has previously worked as a course coordinator for a small registered training organisation for nearly 20 years. During this time completed various training courses, including a Diploma in Business Management. In 2016, Helen enrolled into a Bachelor of General Studies with the University of Tasmania, on successful completion enrolled into Bachelor of Social Work with honours.

Helen now works as a social worker supporting community members with chronic health conditions to continue to remain in their homes.

Helen is looking forward to working with the board, staff, and community.

Keith Ellis- Public Officer (Treasurer)

Keith has been a long term volunteer and for a wide variety of organisations.

He was involved in his children’s Parents & Friends association and helped to set up afterschool care at their primary school. He has held various position, in a variety of organisations as President, Secretary, Treasurer and general committee.

He was Clarence Plains Community Shed, coordinator for 10 years, which is part of the Clarendon Vale neighbourhood House. Where he has attended numerous Neighbourhood House conferences, courses and meeting. This has helped him to understand the benefits and roles that they provide to their communities.

He was previously President of the Tasmanian Men’s shed Association and will continue in the role for the 2020-2021 years. Prior to this he was Secretary of the association.

In both these roles, he was/is extensively involved in securing funding (both Government & other), working on sustainability, health initiatives, day to day management (as coordinator) and at a board level (as Secretary & President). He continues to work with all parties from the Government, State based Organisations, local businesses and may other organisations, to foster the benefits of being part of a community.

He is now retired after running a successful company over the past 23 plus years and also volunteers at FoodBank.

Peter Bobbi (Board Member)

Peter Bobbi has worked in the horticulture industry over his entire working career.

This has included running his own propagation nursery over the past 30 years, providing specialist plants to the nursery industry across the state.

He has also established and maintained a range of contracts to supply specialist plants the broader horticultural industry.

Early years saw Peter complete a Certificate of Horticulture at TAFE, followed by a Bachelor of Science majoring in Plant Science at UTAS. In addition, he held positions at Westland Nurseries, Forestry Tasmania Nursey and Department of Plant Science UTAS.

Peter has been involved with training in horticulture for the last 15 years, initially with TAFE and over the last 10 years with GlobalNet Academy.

For Peter, where people and plants interact there are opportunities for sharing, growth and enrichment. He continues to share his experience, passion and joy of plants throughout the industry and community.

Kylie Murphy (Board Member)

Over the years, Kylie has taken part in varies activities and programs at the West Moonah Community House. Participation in these experiences provided her with many wonderful memories and now living within the area, she is pleased to be a board member.

Her skills and passion lie within Community Development and Community Engagement.
Kylie has over 20 years’ experience combined in the area of community services, education, leadership roles, community development, community engagement, community liaison, working with children, youth, families, project development and project management in large cities and rural communities.

She holds a Graduate Certificate in Participatory Development from the University of Tasmania and a Bachelor of Teaching Degree (Early Childhood Education).

Kathryn (Kat) Whitton (Board Member)

Kat, her husband and children have been residents in the West Moonah area for many years now.
She has five children and another on the way.
After leaving school Kat worked full time in aged care for 10 years and is now a full time mother and doing part time in aged care.

Her children attended the preschool at the House and Kat has attended classes and loves being involved in the House activities.

Morris Malone (Board Member)

Morris was raised across the highway in Lutana and has rented in West Moonah since 2020. During and throughout this time they have been continually connected with the wider Moonah community, relying on its bus routes and local shops and services. Morris feels that as they’ve grown up, they’ve experienced the Moonah community grow alongside them. “It’s fantastic to witness the increased vibrancy in our community, with all the new restaurants and events which are choosing our community as their home. We need to ensure no one if left out or left behind and this is the critical work the West Moonah Neighbourhood House undertakes and contributes towards.”
Morris studied economics at the University of Tasmania, graduating in 2014, and has a diverse and varied work history. With previous roles in the retail, corporate and government sectors, Morris currently works in aged care in the compliance and risk space. Morris joined the Board after responding to an EOI advertised on Facebook and has enjoyed the opportunity to become involved with the House. “It’s great to be able to serve on the Board with other dedicated community members, and assist the House implement its programs and services which are delivered by a committed team of staff and volunteers.”