Leigh commenced employment with Rural Support Tasmania in August 2001, having spent the first 21 years of his working life in the banking industry, the last 11 years as manager of rural branches. After taking the opportunity to leave that industry, Leigh spent a short time as Administration Manager in private enterprise, then joined a leading Hobart accounting firm working in the area of corporate recovery and insolvency prior to joining the Service. Leigh is a Senior Associate of the Australian Institute of Banking and Finance and brings to the service a wealth of financial knowledge and experience. He also holds a Diploma of Community Services (Financial Counselling).

Denis commenced employment with the Service in July 2008 following a short period in retirement after almost 41 years in the banking and finance industry. Having previously held managerial positions in several Tasmanian Country branches and also in the Corporate and Business Banking section of a major Australian Bank, Denis brings a wealth of experience from specialising in both the Agribusiness and Commercial sectors of the bank. Over the years, Denis derived a lot of satisfaction from dealing with rural clients and he is keen to continue to assist farmers. Denis holds a Diploma of Community Services(Financial Counselling).

Paul (Bluey) joined RFCSTasmania in early June 2010 and comes to the Service with a lifetime of financial and accounting experience. Paul spent many years in the banking industry, followed by the last 15 years working in the accountancy field and most recently as a manager of a business services / taxation team for a leading NW Coast accountancy firm. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Public Accountants and an associate member of the Australian Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology (AIAST).

With a background in the rural sector, Paul also understands family farming enterprises and the pressures and issues on farm families when they are experiencing financial difficulties.

Paul will work with his fellow counsellors to provide independent and confidential financial assessment, information and support to our clients.

Elizabeth joined the service as Executive Officer in November 2006. Graduating with a Bachelor of Business and as a Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia, she has worked with Coopers & Lybrand, Johnson & Breward Chartered Accountants, Group Accountant for North Forest Products P/L group and Senior Accountant for Gunns Limited. Elizabeth has much experience with not for profit associations inc: Australian Women in Agriculture, Royal National Agricultural and Pastoral Society Inc, National Rose Garden of Australia, Launceston Musical Society Inc and Encore Theatre Company Inc.

She has been actively involved with RFCS Tasmania’s founding body, Rural Youth Organisation of Tasmania (RYOT), for over 20 years holding many executive positions including President in 1997 and is an Advisory Member to the organisation. She has recently been awarded Life Membership of Rural Youth.. Elizabeth’s financial and management skills are complemented by her understanding of the Tasmanian rural community growing up on her family’s farming property.