Timeline
There have been a large number of residents formally involved with the organisation and many others informally. They include:
Presidents:
Len Healey (2002-2006)
Wendy Webster (2006-2009)
Peter Jamieson (2009-2023)
Graeme LeBrocq (2024-2025)
Martin Harris (2025-present)
Vice presidents
Len Healey (2010-2013)
Karolina Damen (2024-present)
Treasurers
Heather Wilson (2006-2011)
Peter Jamieson (2013-2023)
Secretaries
Jenny Bicanic (2006-2010 and 2013-2017)
Heather Wilson (2011-2012)
Carol Davey (2024-present)
The hard working committee members over the years include:
Len Healey, John Webster, Wendy Webster, Peter Jamieson, Jenny Bicanic, Liz Springer, Raelene Callaway, Graeme Palmer, David Warren (decd.), Glenda Warren, Derek Foster, Heather Willson, Bob Zanker, Roger Long, Claudia Hudson, Kent Hateley, Peter Oliver (decd.), Graeme LeBrocq, Kerry Watt, John Nichols (decd.), Kevin Rowbottom, Barry Stingle, Bob Imlach (decd.), Michael Evans, Jo Scolyer, Karolina Damen, Lindsay Dawe, Carol Davey, Steph Rubock, Lisa Heaver, Kate Springer, Mal Griffin, Carolyn Kirkpatrick, Martin Harris.
We may have missed some names, and we apologise for that. We can correct the ledger when notified.
Meet our current volunteers
Dr Martin Harris
Position: President
Interests: I am a watercolor artist and I use the Bay of Fires as my inspiration. I enjoy reading, walking on the local beaches, handyman projects, and the peaceful tranquility of the Bay.
In the Bay since: 2016
My vision for the future of the Bay: The Bay has to balance its unique history, location, and pristine environment with the inevitable pressures of progress. The balance is delicate and important. We need to support sensitive initiatives that improve the Bay’s amenities, but question and resist decisions that threaten to destroy what we have.
Karolina Damen
Position: Vice President
Interests:
In the Bay since:
My vision for the future of the Bay:
Carol Davey
Position: Secretary/Public Officer
Interests:I enjoy walking, being a grandmother to 7 grandchildren, craft – knitting, and card making. I am actively involved with Suncoast Arts and Crafts in St Helens, and the Ansons Bay Brigade. I enjoy being part of our small community and love meeting new residents and helping them be part of our wonderful community. My main focus in my retirement is enjoying what we have, living life to the full, and volunteering where-ever I can
In the Bay since: We purchased our property in 188, and a permanent resident since 2019. I have been coming to the Bay (having a family shack) for approximately 65 years.
My vision for the future of the Bay: To continue to assist our community to value what we have in the Bay. I would also like to further investigate how the ABCG Inc can provide the community with a ‘Community Hub’ for all to use.
Steph Rubock
Position: Treasurer
Interests:
In the Bay since:
My vision for the future of the Bay:
Graeme LeBrocq
Position: Committeeman
Interests: Enjoying the Bay, fishing, beach walks, exploring the area. Veterans cricket, currently playing in over 60 and 65 age groups (don’t qualify for over 70’s yet). Golf whenever I get the chance.
In the Bay since: 2013
My vision for the Bay: We appreciate being in one of the best locations in the world, our pristine beaches, magnificent Bay, the rarity of such a natural environment all around us, our community and much more. We need to help protect this great place as best we can, its natural environment, its shack vibe, its heritage. At the same time we can work on those enhancements that make the Bay experience even better. By working together we can keep what has been appreciated here and built over many years while adding or improving things in keeping with our community needs.
Malcolm Griffin
Position: Committeeman
Interests: I have travelled to many countries and enjoy the scenery, cultures and meeting with the local people as they practice their lifestyles. I enjoy keeping active, so I make time to walk, run, swim, kayak, and ride the bike. I enjoy cooking, going to live bands and various concerts, reading and having a good chat to people whose views may be different to mine. I volunteer with Parks and Wildlife, and donate my blood to Life Blood at Red Cross
In the Bay since: Approximately 1980
My vision for the future of the Bay: To continue strengthening community friendships within Ansons Bay. To take particular care of the Bay’s natural environment as roads are sealed, new houses are built or renovated, along with boating and other recreational facilities. To work for safe parking and clear designated walking/ and beach access. For residents to work together with Parks and Wildlife, BODC, First Nation Aboriginal people, MAST, and tourists
Jenny Bicanic
Position: Committeewoman
Interests: My interests are family; reading (mainly nonfiction); researching and recording family history (9 convicts!); appreciating the natural environment, especially kayaking, walking, native orchids and recording bird species.
In the Bay since: We started coming in 1977, and purchased our shack in 1984
My vision for the future of the Bay: I hope we can maintain the natural values of the area. I would like to see the ABCG work towards the idea of a Community Hub. We need to solve the complicated boat ramp parking problem that will only continue to grow with time.
Kate Springer
Position: Committeewoman
Interests:
In the Bay since:
My vision for the future of the Bay:
Carolyn Kirkpatrick
Position: Committeewoman
Interests: My favourite activities have included water skiing, windsurfing, jet skiing, boogie boarding (at Eddystone), walking the dogs, and family games in the evening. I retired from teaching recently and therefore I am enjoying travelling and spending more time at the Bay.
In the Bay since: 1975 (ish)
My vision for the future of the Bay: I am happy to support the local Ansons community and our special piece of paradise.
Lindsay Dawe
Position: Committeeman
Interests:
In the Bay since:
My vision for the future of the Bay:
Joining the A.B.C.G.
The ABCG is a volunteer organisation dedicated to the preservation of the Bay’s unique character, while improving the services and infrastructure. It involves regular meetings to discuss opportunities, and address the concerns of the residents. We engage with other relevant authorities including the Break O’Day Council, Parks, MAST, Tas Fire Service and others. We actively pursue grants, and raise money to pay for improvements in the Bay.
If you would like to be part of this group, we would welcome you. The more experience and expertise we have, the more likely we are to achieve positive outcomes. Current membership is $10 per person annually (financial year).
