Local People: Lynsey Smith

by Stephanie Williams

She has a long job title of ‘Regional Manager/Teacher/Client & Family Support Specialist (Tasmania)’ at The Shepherd Centre, but at Lynsey’s core is helping Tasmanian children experiencing hearing loss.

Where did you grow up and where do you live now? I grew up in Clifton Beach, and I don’t live far away from there now! I live in Sandford with my husband and two boys, still close to the beach and the bush.

What is The Shepherd Centre and how do they help Tasmanians? The Shepherd Centre is a not-for-profit providing specialised programs for children with hearing loss and their families. Our programs support children of all ages, from world-leading early intervention for babies and toddlers through to ongoing support for school-aged children and teenagers. For over 50 years, The Shepherd Centre has helped children with hearing loss develop listening and spoken language, literacy, and social skills, supporting them to thrive and reach their full potential.

The Shepherd Centre has also supported Tasmanian families for over a decade through telehealth and fly-in, fly-out services, and has had a physical presence in Tasmania since January 2022. In Tasmania, we provide audiology, listening and spoken language therapy, and child and family counselling through a coordinated, parent-coaching approach, working closely with Hearing Australia, the Tasmanian Health Service, and Teachers of the Deaf to ensure consistent, well-coordinated care for each child.

What effect does early intervention have on children with hearing loss? Early intervention is crucial because the early childhood years are when children develop the foundational skills for listening and spoken language. We support families from the moment of diagnosis with specialist listening and spoken language therapy, helping children build the language, communication and social skills they need to confidently participate in everyday life. We work closely with parents, empowering them to monitor and develop these skills at home, because supporting families is a vital part of what we do. With early and consistent support, children are given the best start in life, building confidence, thriving at school, and reaching their full potential.

You recently opened a big upgrade to the centre. What will this mean for kids with hearing loss? Our newly upgraded Hobart Centre has been thoughtfully designed to feel warm, welcoming and inclusive for families, staff and the wider community. It reflects the care, connection and collaboration at the heart of our work while supporting the continued delivery of high-quality services. A key feature of the upgrade is the new audiology booth, generously funded by Ms Yvonne Le Fort, which enables more seamless, on-site hearing assessments for children and families. The upgraded space also allows children and families to access group programs and a range of audiology services in one central location, supported in person by our multidisciplinary team.

What’s something you wish more people knew about what you do? How important the early childhood period is for learning and development, and the important work that families, early childhood educators, allied health professionals and teachers do.

Who do you admire? Jane Goodall.

Favourite podcast or tv show? Mindhunter, a series on Netflix.

Secret vice? Nachos. My all-time favourite meal!

What are you reading now? The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah.

What was your first job? My first job was working as a weekend receptionist at a real estate agency.

What are your daily news/social media habits? I check ABC News daily, but I’m trying to avoid social media for news purposes. My feed is full of gardening and dog content!

Your favourite place for…

Breakfast: Marla Singer or Gastown East in Bellerive.

Lunch: Anything from Little Missy Patisserie in Hobart.

Dinner: Bar Wa Izakaya.

Dream holiday destination? Italy – all of it.

Favourite Tasmanian secret? I’m not sure how secret it is, but Bicheno is our favourite family holiday destination. Swimming at Redbill Beach, visiting Denison Beach to look for cowrie shells, and admiring the beautiful white sands and turquoise water of the east coast.

Parting words? Kindness is everything.

How can our readers help the work of the centre? Readers can support our work by visiting our website to learn more about what we do, joining workplace awareness and fundraising activities such as Loud Shirt Day in October, or following us on social media to stay connected. Donations can also be made directly through our website: tsc.org.au

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Hobart Happenings

by Steph Williams

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by Steph Williams

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Stay up to date with everything happening at the Hobart Magazine.

Worker shortage is currently universal, there isn’t an industry that’s exempt. For Kelvin Smith, four years ago he decided there was a very obvious solution to the shortage facing the construction industry, and all that was needed was a little time, empathy and a helping hand. Integrate Workforce is a Hobart-based labour company with one requirement: a refugee/ migrant background. He’s also the outdoor piano man in his free time.

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Need a laugh? Check out @theinspiredunemployed feed on Instagram.

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Just when you think your cousins are alright. NZ Opposition Leader Judith Collins took aim at Tassie during her recent (unsuccessful) campaign, calling us Australia’s “poor cousin.” She also seems worried about us nabbing tech businesses, “It’s a lovely part of the world but do you necessarily want to go there with your high- tech business? Possibly not,” she said. We beg to differ!