Devonport OAM recipient: ‘Everyone deserves a chance’

John Phillips’ ethos has always been that everyone deserves a chance.

The Devonport man started his first co-operative housing society when he was just 20 years old – using his finance skills to help low income people into home ownership.

John received a Medal of the Order of Australia on 26 January for his services to the finance sector and to the community.

“That has always been his overriding passion – to assist low income families, who do not fit into the normal lending criteria, to attain their own home,” John’s wife, Julie Phillips, said.   

“He went on to help establish the Bass Building Society which has become The Bank of Us and later founded Tassie Home Loans. He has been involved in many and varied financial committees and advisory boards on a state and Australian level.”

Julie said the award had been a great honour for her husband.

“It was a privilege and very humbling – you do not do what you do for rewards, but is it lovely to be recognised,” she said.

John has been a member of the Devonport congregation of Mersey-Leven Parish in Devonport since 1970. He has been a member of the Parish Council and a past Chairman of St. Brendon-Shaw College Board.   

“His faith is a very important element in his life,” Julie explained.

“Previously he was a member of the Launceston Parish of Church of the Apostles and had a close working relationship with Fr Joe Howe. He was involved in Catholic Youth Group and Young Christian Workers.”

John has also had significant involvement in the wider community.

“He has been on the committees and boards of many sporting organisations including golf, tennis, squash, sailing and netball,” Julie said.

“He has been a member of the Devonport North Rotary Club for over 30 years – a past president and a Paul Harris Fellow. He was a government appointment as Chairman of the Tasmania Day Committee.”