TASMANIA

The Tasmanian Division training rooms are conveniently located only 10 minutes from the Hobart city centre at the University of Tasmanian Sandy Bay campus. There is ample parking available, especially of an evening or weekend. We like to have smaller class sizes for all our courses and generally restrict numbers to a maximum of 6 students. This facilitates much better learning outcomes. There is an onsite kitchen and a balcony for our use. The location is quiet and peaceful with no traffic noise. An ideal place to learn.

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.

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 kitchen
Library
Situated at UTAS, Sandy Bay
10mins to the city

ALTERNATIVELY, CHOOSE YOUR PREFERRED DIVISION

GAA Division

KEY PERSONNEL

Byron Nicol Tasmania President/Treasurer Close
Jewel Beresford Tasmanian Vice 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 Education Support Officer, Tasmanian Alternate Director 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 Vice 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

I have been a committee member for the GAA Tasmanian Division for 15 years. I held the position of Federal Director for 10 years, participated in the majority of Federal Council Meetings and Conferences to ensure the overall Good Governance of the GAA over that period. I also ensured good Governance of the Tasmanian Division with the Tas Committee and held a temporary position of Gem Ed Chair for approximately 12 months over 2018/2019.Tutoring students for the GAA Tas Div for the Diploma in Gemmology, I continue to assist and organise the annual Gemmology short courses for participants to enhance the knowledge and understanding of gemmology and the GAA.

Profile.

Maree Prickett Tasmania Minute Secretary/Gem-Ed Federal Secretary

I have been a committee member for the GAA Tasmanian Division for 15 years, during that time my responsibilities include holding the position of federal director for 10 years. I have participated in the majority of Federal Council Meetings and Conferences to ensure the overall Good Governance of the GAA over that period. I have participated in good Governance of the Tasmanian Division with the Tas Committee, been secretary of the GAA Tasmanian Division for 14 years and have held the position of Gem Ed Secretary for approximately 2 years. I have reviewed the Introduction to Gemmology Theory and organised the annual Gemmology short courses for participants to enhance the knowledge and understanding of gemmology and the GAA for the past 10 years. I write the Tasmanian GAA Magazine.

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.

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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 Education Support Officer, Tasmanian Alternate Director

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.