Our Team

Rural Financial Counsellors  

Julie Kirby
Northern Counsellor

Julie Kirby has recently joined RFCS Tasmania and is based in Launceston. She has over ten years experience working in the rural sector, in roles focused on agricultural research and extension, as well as industry development. She has a particular interest in irrigated horticulture, sustainable farming practices and the application of whole farm planning.

Julie is a skilled group facilitator and experienced in conflict resolution. She is passionate about regional Australia and has held a number of board positions to develop opportunities for regional agriculture, training and education. Julie will be focused on assisting Tasmanian producers develop Enterprise Action Plans and delivering the Climate Change Adaptation program.
Leigh Noye
Southern Counsellor
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 Miller
Southern Counsellor
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 derives a lot of satisfaction from dealing with rural clients and he is keen to assist farmers in his new role. Denis holds a Diploma of Community Services (Financial Counselling).
Paul Briant
North West Counsellor
   
Judy Pinny
North West Counsellor
Judy joined the service in 2007. Originally from New Zealand, Judy has worked in both the banking and legal sectors. In 1985 she married her dairy farmer husband and spent 23 years living and working in agriculture. Moving to Tasmania with their three children in 1994, Judy and Les purchased a dairy farm at Mella, Circular Head and farmed there for the next 11 years. During this time Judy assisted other local farmers with their bookkeeping and GST obligations when that was introduced. Deciding in 2005, the time was right for a change of scenery, the farm was sold. Judy still has strong links with the rural community with her eldest daughter employed as a farmhand and her youngest daughter studying Agricultural Science at UTAS, Hobart.

Elizabeth Skirving
Executive Officer

 

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.

 

Maree O'Sullivan
Executive Admin
 

 

Office Staff

Southern Office

Wendy James
   
 
   

Northern Office

Di McArthur
   

North West Office

Maxine Ewington