TASMANIA

The Philip Smith Centre was purpose built as a training venue in 1911. It is currently managed by “Hobart Discovery Incorporated”, a non-profit organisation established to preserve the building and contribute to the preservation of our Heritage. All profits go to the maintenance of the building and the promotion of heritage values. The GAA Tasmanian Division have held their training and some events in this building over the past 15years.

TASMANIA DIVISION

The Tasmanian division has approximately 45 members, served by a Management Committee, which meets monthly. They meet socially a number of times throughout the year and send delegates to the annual conference, held on a rotating basis interstate, and occasionally overseas.

New members are welcomed to the division – it is not necessary to attend any course to be a member. Members are a diverse group from all walks of life, but all having the same passion for the romance and science of gemstones. This Division is based in Hobart, Tasmania but also caters for students from all parts of the state; we have members in all major population areas. Courses are conducted at “The Philip Smith Education Centre” in Hobart.

COURSE DATES, FEES & ENROLMENTS

Courses are provided by Gem-Ed Australia and individual State Divisions. Click here to view the course dates and fees for Tasmania.

ALTERNATIVELY, CHOOSE YOUR PREFERRED DIVISION

GAA Division

Tasmania DIVISION FACILITIES

Training room
Shared Common room for lunches and breaks
Library
Access to Theatre for guest speakers
Central location

ALTERNATIVELY, CHOOSE YOUR PREFERRED DIVISION

GAA Division

KEY PERSONNEL

Byron Nicol Tasmania President/Treasurer Close
Jewel Beresford Tasmanian Alternate President Close
Syd Prickett GemEd Representative for Tasmania/Federal Councillor Close
Maree Prickett Tasmania Minute Secretary/Gem-Ed Federal Secretary Close
Rob Long Tasmanian Education Officer Close
John DeRuyter Committee Member Close
Giselle Devereaux Committee Member Close
Jorge Pavez Committee Member Close
Peter Murray Committee Member Close
Shauna Mayben FGAA Tasmanian Alternate Director, Gemmology Tutor Close

Profile.

Byron Nicol Tasmania President/Treasurer

Joined the association in 2001. Byron is a Gemmologist and has held many positions since joining the committee some of which have been President, Vice President, Treasurer, Federal Treasurer/Councillor/Director, Lecturer, Field Trip Organiser and Conference Organiser. Byron has been with GAA Tasmanian Division for 18 years.

Profile.

Jewel Beresford Tasmanian Alternate President

Joined the association in 1978. Jewel is a Gemmologist and has held many positions since joining the committee some of which have been President, Federal Councillor/Director, Lecturer, Field Trip Organiser and Conference Organiser. She currently holds the positions of Vice President, Alternate Federal Councillor and Tasmanian representative for Gem Ed. Jewel has been with GAA Tasmanian Division for 41 years and is a Life member.

Profile.

Syd Prickett GemEd Representative for Tasmania/Federal Councillor

Joined the association in 2007. Syd has been a committee member since 2008 and he became a Gemmologist in 2012. He currently holds the positions of Federal Councillor, Lecturer, Facilitator for the Theory Short Course and Gem Ed Representative for Tasmanian Division. Syd has been with GAA Tasmanian Division for 12 years.

Profile.

Maree Prickett Tasmania Minute Secretary/Gem-Ed Federal Secretary

Joined the association in 2007. Maree has been a committee member since 2008 and currently holds the positions of Federal Councillor, Facilitator for Theory Short Course, Secretary for GAA Tasmanian Division and Secretary for Gem Ed Federal.
Maree has been with GAA Tasmanian Division for 12 years.

Profile.

Rob Long Tasmanian Education Officer

Joined in 1983. Rob is a Gemmologist and has held positions such as Federal Councillor, Lecturer, Education Officer and Curator since joining the committee. He currently holds the positions of Tasmanian Representative for BOS&E, Lecturer, Education Officer, Facilitator for the Practical Short Course and Curator for gemstones. Rob has been with GAA Tasmanian Division for 26 years.

Profile.

John DeRuyter Committee Member

Joined in 2009. John completed his diploma in Gemmology in 2011 and has been a committee member since 2012. He currently holds the positions of Lecturer and he is also a Facilitator for the Practical Short Course. John has been with GAA Tasmanian Division for 10 years.

Profile.

Giselle Devereaux Committee Member

Joined in 2001. Giselle is a Jeweller and Gemmologist and has previously held the position of Compliance Officer and is a current committee member. Giselle has been with GAA Tasmanian Division for 18 years.

Profile.

Jorge Pavez Committee Member

Joined in 2012. Jorge is a Jeweller and completed his Gemmology Diploma in 2015 and has been a current committee member since then. Jorge has been with GAA Tasmanian Division for 7 years.

Profile.

Peter Murray Committee Member

Joined in 2013. Peter has a Doctorate in Palaeontology and completed his Gemmology Diploma in 2015. He is a current committee member. Peter has been with GAA Tasmanian Division for 6 years.

Profile.

Shauna Mayben FGAA Tasmanian Alternate Director, Gemmology Tutor

In 2006 Shauna completed her Masters with Distinction in Fine Art and Design at the University of South Australia, as well as completing a two year intensive Associate-ship at the renowned Jam Factory Contemporary Craft and Design, an institute training professional craftsmen.

A third-generation jeweller with a background in design and fine arts, goldsmith Shauna Mayben has created a studio in Moonah, Tasmania which at its heart has an ethos based on connection, craftsmanship, and creativity.

As well as having a passion for beautiful objects and gemstones Mayben has always been enthusiastic about sharing her knowledge with those who have an appreciation for the handcrafted, and a desire to create.

In 2017, she opened her studio, teaching students the craft of silversmithing & loves to share the experience of couples wanting to make their very own wedding bands.

At the core of MAYBEN JEWELLER is the desire to create work that combines personal, precious, and fine jewellery with fashion-forward statement pieces creating jewellery that will be valued throughout the owner’s lifetime.