Relationships Australia Tasmania

Today we proudly launched a Connected and Respectful Tasmania - a movement shaped by the voices of more than 1,600 Tasmanians across 78 communities We stood with community partners, local organisations and Tasmanians who contributed their stories. Hearing their perspectives again reminded us why this work matters. Connection grows through small acts of care, inclusive spaces and communities where everyone feels they belong. And while today's launch was a milestone, it’s just the beginning. We’re excited to continue working with communities to support local action, celebrate local stories and help create safe, welcoming and inclusive spaces across our state. Thank you to everyone who contributed their voice, time and heart to this movement, which now belongs to all of us. For more information or to learn how you can get involved visit: https://lnkd.in/g6hXV_kv #connectedandrespectful Michael Kelly Le-ella Doyle ROJINA TAMRAKAR

Last week, our Relationships Australia Tasmania team came together from every corner of the state, a valuable opportunity to pause, reflect, and look forward together. We’re proud to be an organisation that makes the time and space for these moments - to connect, share ideas, and strengthen the way we serve our communities. At the heart of everything we do is a clear purpose: creating a connected and respected Tasmania. That purpose helps us to deliver impact-driven services, to grow thoughtfully and with intention, and to keep evolving to meet the needs of Tasmanians. This gathering was also a chance to celebrate the incredible people who show up every day with genuine care for the individuals, families, and communities we work alongside. We left inspired, united, and ready to create a positive change. #ConnectAndRespect #Teamwork #Tasmania

At last week’s TasCOSS Conference, we were proud to host a workshop on our 75 Conversations in 75 Places initiative, focusing on where to from here. Over the past year, we’ve engaged with communities across Tasmania to better understand what a more connected and respectful state looks like. This workshop marked the next stage , moving from listening to turning insights into action. We shared how the findings from the 75 Conversations initiative are already shaping our thinking and discussed the opportunities ahead for embedding these learnings into policy, practice, and collective action. A big thank you to everyone who joined the workshop and added to the conversation. Together, we’re strengthening the foundations for a more connected and respectful Tasmania.

75 Conversations Update! We set out to connect with 75 community groups across Tasmania - but incredibly, we facilitated 78 rich and meaningful conversations about what a connected and respectful Tasmania looks like to communities across the state. We’ve heard what’s working, what’s missing and what matters most - in towns, families, workplaces, schools, neighbourhoods, and beyond. To every individual and community group who welcomed us, shared their stories, and took the time to participate, thank you. Your voices, honesty, and generosity have helped shape a deeper understanding of what it means to live in a connected and respectful Tasmania. We are truly grateful for your contribution. As a small thank you, all 78 community groups who hosted a conversation were entered into the draw to win one of two $500 vouchers. We’re excited to announce our winners: Circular Head Men's Shed and Geeveston Community Centre! Thank you again to everyone who took part , we can’t wait to keep moving forward together on our mission to create a more connected and respectful Tasmania. https://lnkd.in/gD9-Fxwa

This Saturday, Tasmanians will head back to the polls. This will be our second state election in less than a year, coming at a time when many people are feeling stretched financially, emotionally, and socially. Conversations are growing, especially around important issues like the proposed Macquarie Point stadium. At Relationships Australia Tasmania, we believe staying connected and respectful even when opinions differ, is more important than ever. How we listen and speak to one another shapes our communities just as much as the election outcome. As the election approaches, let’s choose kindness and curiosity in our conversations. Small acts of respect can ease tension and help build trust. Together, we can create a more connected and respectful Tasmania. For more insights, read today’s edition of The Mercury featuring an article from our CEO, Dr Michael Kelly or visit: https://lnkd.in/gJVUWmed

We’re pleased to welcome Rachel Chong to the Relationships Australia Tasmania Board as an Intern Director. Bringing a unique perspective as both a practitioner and strategic people leader, Rachel is passionate about navigating technological, social, and systemic change to support the delivery of responsive, evidence-based services that meet the needs of Tasmanians. Welcome, Rachel – we’re so glad to have you on board! 

This morning, we proudly sponsored and attended Working It Out Inc.’s IDAHOBIT breakfast and The Dorothies Awards. These events celebrate and recognise Tasmanian workplaces that go above and beyond to create inclusive environments for the LGBTIQA+ community.   IDAHOBIT stands for the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism, and Transphobia, and is recognised globally on 17 May. It marks the date in 1990 when the World Health Organisation declassified homosexuality as a mental disorder.   More than a day of recognition, IDAHOBIT is a reminder of the ongoing work needed to address discrimination and promote acceptance, visibility, and inclusion for LGBTIQA+ people.   Congratulations to all the nominees and award recipients - your leadership is helping to build safer, more inclusive workplaces across Tasmania.

We’ve just locked in Conversation #70! As part of our 75th anniversary, we set out to partner with seventy-five communities across Tasmania, asking the question, ‘what is a connected and respectful community to Tasmanians?’ With only a handful left to go, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the journey so far. The conversations we’ve had over the past few months have been rich, meaningful, and powerful. They’ve taken many forms and have been tailored to meet people where they’re at and have extended far beyond our traditional circles. We’ve created space for marginalised voices to be heard and made it a priority to reach every corner of the state. We’ve heard about the power of community, the strength that comes from shared experience, and the barriers that still prevent too many people from feeling a part of a connected and respectful community. What we’re learning is already shaping how we design services, extend our reach, and build stronger partnerships. We also hope these insights will inform policy and advocacy for years to come, all with the goal of creating a more connected and respectful Tasmania. We’re deeply grateful to every group that has taken the time to speak with us. Your insights are not only informing our work — they’re helping shape a better future for all Tasmanians. Pictured above are some of the incredible community groups and locations we've visited so far.

This Sunday is Neighbour Day! The theme for this year is 'Create, Share & Grow Belonging', encouraging people to reach out to those around them and build an inclusive community, one relationship at a time. Whether through a cuppa, a picnic in the park, a message of support or a simple act of friendship, connection can, and should be something we all strive for whenever we can. Take some time this weekend (and every day!) to connect with those around you and start a conversation. We can all benefit from the power of connection. From left to right: Executive Officer of RA National, Nick Tebbey, CEO of RA Canberra & Regions, Dr Stephanie Hodson CSC PSM, and CEO of RA Tas, Dr Michael Kelly, celebrating all things neighbourly! #NeighbourDay2025 #GrowBelonging

Neighbour Day is just around the corner! We believe strong communities start with small, meaningful connections. Whether it’s a friendly conversation, lending a helping hand, or simply checking in on a neighbour, these small acts can have a big impact in reducing loneliness and creating a sense of belonging.   This year, through the ‘Neighbours Every Day’ grants, we’ve seen firsthand how communities across Tasmania are coming together to create connection—whether it’s through shared meals, local events, or small acts of kindness.   In the lead-up to Neighbour Day, our CEO, Dr. Michael Kelly, shares insights on the importance of neighbourly connections and how they contribute to stronger, more connected communities.   🔗 Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gH47bumG