Tasmanian ‘local hero’ Jay Chip nominated for 2022 Australian of the Year award

A woman behind an organisation that helps cancer sufferers and their families go on holiday is one of 16 Tasmanians nominated in the 2022 Australian of the Year Awards. FULL LIST OF NOMINEES >>

After experiencing six months of intensive chemotherapy for cancer and at least two years of physical and mental recovery, Jay Chipman was determined to help others in ways she only dreamt of being helped.

Mrs Chipman has been named a Tasmania Local Hero nominee in the 2022 Australian of the Year Awards for the non-profit organisation she founded called Homely Retreats, which provides cancer sufferers and their young families the opportunity to have a heavily subsidised holiday together.

Mrs Chipman was a young mother when she was diagnosed with cancer in 2014 and after her recovery she launched Homely Retreats in 2018, which has already helped 170 people.

“As I recovered I thought about what would have helped our family though my treatment and while there were financial and clinical services there was nothing that nourished the family as a unit,” she said.

Breaking News Breaking News Jay Chipman of Homely Retreats, with son Max.

“When a trauma hits a family of any kind it can be really fragmenting and the family becomes so wound up in the situation the family unit can break down.

“We give families the opportunity to escape the situation and take a break where they don’t have to do anything; just go out, have fun and make memories together.”

The Tasmanian recipients of the awards Australian of the Year, Young Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year and Local Hero will be announced on October 29 at the Crowne Plaza Hobart, with the national awards to be announced on January 25.

Tasmanian nominees in the 2022 Australian of the Year awards

Tasmania Australian of the Year

Joanne Cook – Eating disorder recovery advocate (Hobart)

Dr Emma Lee – Indigenous researcher (Tebrakunna country)

Craig Leeson – Documentary filmmaker and journalist (Burnie)

Professor Gretta Pecl – Marine ecologist (Hobart)

Tasmania Young Australian of the Year

Jony Berry – Model, actor and comedian

Kaytlyn Johnson – Youth leader & singer-songwriter (Lapoinya)

Laura Johnson – Youth mental health advocate (Smithton)

Oliver Parnham – Disability support worker (Sandy Bay)

Tasmania Senior Australian of the Year

Michael Barrenger – Paramedic (George Town)

Bruce French AO – Agricultural scientist (Burnie)

Margaret Hoban – Launceston Youth and Community Orchestra founder (Launceston)

Reverend Josephine Pyecroft – Anglican priest (Longford)

Tasmania Local Hero

Jay Chipman – Founder, Homely Retreats (Lauderdale)

Paul Hosking – Founder of HOPE at St Paul’s Kitchen (Devonport)

Tani Langoulant – Founder of Gree2b Girls (St Helens)

Kimberley Smith APM – Community volunteer (Hobart)