Chat With a Local – Jill Bannon from Cancer Council Tasmania
When it comes to making a difference, Jill Bannon is a local inspiration. As the Director of Engagement and Fundraising at Cancer Council Tasmania, Jill dedicates herself to ensuring those impacted by cancer receive the support they need. From her early days assisting with the Hobart Gala, to spearheading vital fundraising initiatives, her journey in Lutruwita/Tasmania is one of passion, commitment, and community spirit.
Jill grew up on King Island off Lutruwita/Tasmania’s northwest coast. Her upbringing shaped a unique connection to our island’s people and place – and it shows through in her work. Initially working as an apprentice chef, she soon found her place in the conference and event sector. Having run her own conference management business, she now leads engagement and fundraising at Cancer Council Tasmania and knows firsthand how powerful it is for events to give back.
In partnering with Jill, Business Events Tasmania can help business event organisers make a real difference to local Tasmanians navigating a cancer diagnosis. By raising awareness and vital funds, your event can assist in providing vital transport to treatment and delivering life-changing prevention programs throughout our community.
In this edition of Chat With a Local, Jill gives as an insight into her work with Cancer Council Tasmania and reveals some of her favourite things about our beautiful state and its people.
I love living in Lutruwita/Tasmania because…there is so much diversity in the landscapes and geography. Nothing is too far – world-class products, food, beverages, scenery, experiences, diversity in culture, a supportive community, competitive but supportive industries – I’ve witnessed this support and passion for product in the hospitality and tourism sectors, despite being competitors, everyone is so supportive of each other – which is something that you just don’t see in other jurisdictions.
The most rewarding part of my role is… Working with a dedicated team to reduce the impact and incidence of all cancers on all Tasmanians. Every day, the CCT team works tirelessly to support Tasmanians facing perhaps one of their greatest challenges in dealing with and navigating through a cancer diagnosis. My role, leading the fundraising and engagement team across the state, is critical in ensuring that we can continue to raise vital funds to deliver life-changing support to Tasmanians when they need it the most.
It’s easy to take a different look at the world from Lutruwita/Tasmania because…there is time to ‘breathe’ here, to step away from the hustle and bustle of ‘life’ and relax. Of course, we’re still so connected technologically, so can retain our competitiveness on a global scale …. which means we have the best of both worlds – a real work-life balance!
A moment that made me proud to be part of Cancer Council Tasmania was… Every moment working for Tassie’s foremost and highly respected cancer charity is a privilege – I work with and lead an amazing team of dedicated professionals, every day demonstrating the values we cherish – generosity, integrity, collaboration, courage and innovation, which makes me incredibly proud.
One place you have to visit here is… Port Davey, Melaleuca and the pristine wilderness of Tassie’s south west coast.
Our islands’ community stands out because… it’s dynamic and passionate with a rich and culturally diverse history and population. Maybe it is our history, maybe it’s the isolation of living on an island that has shaped who Tasmanians are, needing to be independent but also being proud and passionate about our ‘differences’.
An event or project I’m most excited about this year is… It’s Cancer Council Tasmania’s 30th anniversary in 2025, so there are plenty of events that we’re working on to acknowledge this important milestone – it’s shaping up to being a busy year full of opportunity!
Lutruwita/Tasmania is the perfect place to give back to the community because… the community is SO generous when asked to support a cause – Tasmanians would be the most generous people in the country, I think! We see this every day, working in the not-for-profit sector. I also see the incredible generosity of folks who volunteer their time across so many sectors in our communities – whether it’s through sporting clubs, service clubs, emergency services – providing support, guidance, opportunity and connecting.
This article was taken from the Business Events Tasmania Magazine – March Edition. For more business event inspiration and news, be sure to check-out the full magazine, available to read for free today.