Local People: Scott Harris

by Stephanie Williams

Beacon Foundation CEO Scott Harris wears a few hats. As we approach Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month in February, we spoke about how S.H.E Gynae is making a difference for Tasmanians living with cancer and how it helped his own family.

Where did you grow up and where do you live now? I grew up in the northern suburbs of Hobart, in Rosetta. My mum still lives in the family home there. I now live in Sandy Bay.

You lead Beacon Foundation, you chair S.H.E. Gynaecological Cancer Group, and sit on the JackJumpers board — three very different organisations. What connects this work for you? If anything, it’s that all three make a meaningful contribution to Tasmanian society and provide support and hope for Tasmanians of all ages. I’ve been CEO of Beacon for 26 years. We aren’t perfect, but we genuinely strive to ensure young people can reach their true potential.

S.H.E. is about creating something for Tasmanians who are doing it tough, and ensuring there is a suitable facility – as exists in all other states – that provides emotional care, support and navigation in a peaceful, sanctuary-like setting. Hobart has been sadly lacking this type of facility, which is why we’ve been the driving force behind building the Wellness Centre. My late wife Jo found it appalling that Hobart didn’t have such a facility, having witnessed firsthand the difference it made in Melbourne during her treatment. It’s been a tough journey – knockback after knockback and plenty of frustration. There were times I could have given up, but it’s simply too important to let go. I’m incredibly grateful for the support of former Premier Peter Gutwein, and then Health Minister, now Premier, Jeremy Rockliff and the Tasmanian Government. I’m also deeply thankful for my close network who never lost faith – Greg, Kate and Ben especially – and now Alex and Mike, who are driving the project forward. Thanks to the University of Tasmania, we have a perfect location in the former Theatre Royal Hotel.

Lastly, but no less importantly, the JackJumpers provide Tasmanians with hope and joy by competing on a national stage. They send a clear message that no matter where you come from, you can mix it with the best — living in Tasmania should never limit what you can achieve. The JackJumpers have also played a critical role in my own personal journey. When life became incredibly tough, they wrapped their arms around my family and brought us joy during a time of deep sadness, while Jo was fighting for her life. The friendship and generosity of Christine, Steve, Scott and Larry, and the broader JackJumpers family, will never be forgotten.

After the loss of your wife Jo in 2023, how has your advocacy for gynaecological cancer awareness and support evolved? It was an incredibly sad time and, in many ways, it gave me a renewed sense of purpose — one that feels closely aligned with Jo. The focus hasn’t changed greatly: building the Wellness Centre and continuing to raise awareness about these insidious diseases. I still find it staggering that ovarian cancer has the same five-year survival rate today as it did in 1975. That’s simply unacceptable.

How is S.H.E. improving early awareness and support for women and families? By being more public about the work we do and openly talking about these diseases, we’re helping create awareness. Simply having the conversation can change lives. For some reason, women’s health issues can be difficult to talk about, but breaking that silence is crucial. The Teal Game hosted by the JackJumpers has been a powerful awareness driver. So many women have stopped me in the street to say that, because of this awareness, they went to their GP for a check-up.

I think the most animated I’ve seen JackJumpers coach Scott Roth is when there has been a win during the JackJumpers Teal Round! What does this reaction mean to you? It’s deeply personal for Scott. He’s lost family members to cancer and was personally impacted by Jo’s journey. Jo very much embodied the JackJumpers spirit of “hungry and humble”. Scott has been pivotal to the success of the Teal Game — it means a great deal to him. The players and staff have all bought in; many sat with Jo as she shared her story, a journey faced by so many men and women.

Who do you admire? My fiancée, Jo Viney – a successful businesswoman and mum.

Favourite tv show? Yellowstone.

What was your first job? A porter at the Southport Townhouse in Hobart.

Your favourite place for…

Breakfast: Ginger Brown

Lunch: Bento

Dinner: Shippies

Dream holiday destination? Barbados.

Favourite Tasmanian secret? Redbill Beach, Bicheno.

Parting words? Life is short — make the most of it and worry less.

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Hobart Happenings

by Steph Williams

Bits and Pieces- June 2026

Hobart Happenings

by Steph Williams

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Bits and Pieces- May 2026

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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