Biography
In a few words, Joanna, or as she is known to most 'Jo' Gash is a straight and honest local who has lived in the electorate of Gilmore for over 50 years. Jo is the devoted and loving mother of two daughters, Deborah a music teacher and Sonia who worked as a police officer for 20 years. Jo lives near Nowra, and is the former co-owner of Ranelagh House, a 100 bed guest house at Robertson. Her hobbies are work, work and work with some reading, theatre, golf and fishing.
Known to most people, Jo is a person who "gets the job done". Jo spends huge amounts of time solving those little problems with the bureaucrats (and a few big ones) that drive people wild. (And not just the Public Service but also many other groups in society including government.)
Jo entered Federal Parliament in 1996 and has worked hard to develop the profile of the Electorate especially in parliament itself. Jo understands that credibility is very important and always tries to remain true to her word.
Joanna Gash is a member of the following groups and committees:
Deputy Chairman of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence, Trade and Human Rights Committee
Joint Committee on Regional Australia
Defence and Veterans Affairs Committee
Small Business, Tourism, Sport and the Arts Committee
Rural and Regional Affairs Committee
Parliamentary Christian Fellowship of Australia
Parliamentary Lions Group
Iran/Australia Parliamentary Friendship Group
Netherlands/Australia Parliamentary Friendship Group
Parkinson's Parliamentary Support Group
Liberal Women's Forum
More interesting are the things Jo has been involved in during the past years. Jo is certainly not a one day wonder.
Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism (2008-9, 2010)
Mayor of Shoalhaven City Council (2012-)
Former Councilor with Wingencarribee Shire Council where she chaired the Works and Town Planning Committee 1991 - 1995
Former President of the New South Wales Council of Tourist Associations
Past Director of Restaurant and Caterer's Association of New South Wales
Former delegate to New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Advisory Board
Former Delegate to Women's Consultative Committee
Former Delegate Domestic Violence Council NSW
Former Chairman Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal. (4 years)
Founding Member of Australian Institute of Tourist Officers
Member of Women in Local Government
Justice of the Peace
Achievements include Tourism/Business development plans for a number of Councils in New South Wales and Western Australia
Conduct of a number of training schools at the Institute of Administration Little Bay
Recipient of many Tourism Awards including recognition of the greatest contribution to Tourism in New South Wales
For many years a scripture and Sunday School Teacher and spent many weekends at the Church of England Camps at the Port Hacking River (Camp Howard)
15 years involvement with Junior Basketball both as a coach and 'A' grade referee
Played representative hockey for many years
Mission - To Serve with truth, honesty and compassion
Party - The Liberal Party of Australia
Joanna was elected to Shoalhaven City Council as Mayor on September 8, 2012.
