Lady Gowrie celebrates 80 years at educating young Tasmanians

Named after an advocate for the development of nursery schools, Lady Zara Gowrie, the not-for-profit early learning and care provider is celebrating its 80th anniversary in Tasmania.

Twins Imogen and Xavier Nahodil 4, left, Helen Stephen who was a kinder teacher for 25 years at the Battery Point service, Thomas Lovell 4, Ros Cornish CEO Lady Gowrie Tasmania, Lilli Saward 3, and Elsa Schwan who was administration manager for 22 years at Battery Point. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

EIGHTY years ago, Battery Point was chosen as the location for a new model in child care due to it being a poor area with great need.

While the suburb’s circumstances have changed, the needs of young children have not, says the head of Lady Gowrie Tasmania.

Named after an advocate for the development of nursery schools across the country, Lady Zara Gowrie, the not-for-profit early learning and care provider is celebrating its 80th anniversary in Tasmania.

The first Lady Gowrie was established at the Battery Point site in 1939 and the organisation has grown today to have more than 35 locations and more than 450 staff across the state.

Chief executive officer Ros Cornish said one of the greatest challenges over the years had been the ongoing government policy changes.

“Some of the most rewarding things have been being able to see little people grow and develop into really responsible community members,” she said. “You feel really proud that you’ve been a small part of that.”

Ms Cornish said the organisation invested any surplus back into children and families.

“We do work at the prison — our volunteers go there on days when children go in to visit mostly their dads,” she said.

“When we first started going there, the activities and environment wasn’t great so we invested a significant amount of money to upgrade it so it was much more family friendly. Those dads will get out of jail and go back to their family home so we want to help them maintain their relationships.

“We also underwrite three rural centres that aren’t financially viable, but we know if we’re not there they’ll close and the little people in those communities won’t have access to early learning.

“Those are the things that make me want to be the leader.”

Kindergarten teacher of 25 years Helen Stephen said many things had changed over the years, but young children were fundamentally the same.

“I think children these days are probably under more pressure though, so it’s important this is their sanctuary,” she said.