Anglican Health & Welfare (AHW) plays a major role in the Diocese of Tasmania. AHW is an incorporated public company, fully owned by the Diocese and founded in 1985. It manages a number of funds for the church, the bulk of which originated with the sale of St John’s Hospital in Hobart and St Luke’s Hospital in Launceston.

It’s primary role is the wise investment of the funds, currently around four million dollars and the distribution of the income from these funds to parishes and other church bodies, aimed at enhancing the capacity of the church to respond to need and distress in the Tasmanian community.

All grants must be used for projects which complement at least one of AHW’s objects,

• To provide relief to distressed persons
• To provide a mission to the sick and terminally sick
• To assist in the relief of the problems of mental illness.

AHW currently supports the work of the Tasmanian church in a variety of ways:

• Supporting a mission to the sick and terminally ill, by employing chaplains in hospitals around the state, aged care facilities and in the prison system.
• Enhancing the church’s capacity to give aid to people living in distressed circumstances, with small grants available to parishes, Anglicare, and AHW chaplains.
• Enhancing the church’s capacity to support distressed people with larger grants. I
• Channelling grants for parishes and church organisations from the Colin Bisdee Trust, Clarendon Children’s Home and other external entities – Apply Here 
• Assisting victims of abuse by the Anglican Diocese with  provision of  Pastoral Support and Assistance Scheme.
• Acting as a tax-deductible gift recipient for parishes wanting  to establish a  a tax-deductible fund for projects  aligned with AHW’s objects.

AHW is enthusiastic about exploring new ways to make a real difference to the lives of Tasmanians through the strategic use of income and by providing tax-deductible status for appropriate parish projects. Parishes interested in looking at the possibilities are invited to make initial contact with the Executive Officer.

AHW’s affairs are managed by a Board with eight members. The Bishop, the Right Revd Dr Richard Condie, is Chair and he makes three appointments: a GP, Dr Liz Banham, the Revd Chris Bowditch, and Dr. Ruth Amos . Anglicare Tasmania makes one appointment, currently Mrs Margaret Savage. Two members are appointed by Diocesan Council:  Ms Georgina McLagan. Mr James Oakley is a Director as Diocesan Treasurer. The Board’s Acting Executive Officer is Mr Paul Hueston.