Appointed Program Director, A New Approach

I’m thrilled to share that I have been appointed the inaugural Program Director for A New Approach. A New Approach will address the critical need for an informed, independent entity which has the necessary resources and public authority to advance a coherent, comprehensive policy position to help build better political and institutional settings and promote

Creative Regions National Summit 2017

The Creative Regions National Summit is a biannual event, created to inform future policy development, foster conversation and provide a platform for discussions around arts, health, well-being and regional communities. This year’s event was jointly presented by Regional Arts Australia (RAA) and the Regional Australia Institute, and hosted by the Parliamentary Friends of Regional Arts.

Social Change Hairdressing at Desert Festival 2017

This week I join Mel Balkan to deliver a social change hairdressing salon as part of the Desert Festival in Alice Springs. We are crimping, shaving and styling for four big nights of wild desert style, celebrating the unique aesthetic which is so striking in remote and central Australia. As always, we will be creating

Arts Value Forum Keynote

One of the things I’m most often asked is ‘how can I explain the value of arts and culture?’ Later this month I will be speaking at an event in Canberra dedicated to answering this very question. The Arts Value Forum is being jointly convened by The Childers Group and the Cultural Facilities Corporation. The

Work recognised in Federal Parliament

Last month I spoke at the inaugural meeting of the Parliamentary Friends of Regional Arts, in my role as Chair of Regional Arts Australia. Parliamentary Friendship Groups are formal bipartisan meetings of elected members to discuss a topic of common concern. The Parliamentary Friends of Regional Australia provides a ‘forum for Members and Senators to

40 Under 40 WA Business Award Winner

Last night I was honoured to be named a Western Australian 40Under40 Business Leader of the Year. These awards recognise excellence among WA’s young business elite. This year I was fortunate to be nominated by a peer in recognition of my work in both regional development and creative industries. This year’s cohort of leaders are

Restless Giant panel

Last week I spoke on a panel for the national launch of Lindy Hume’s platform paper Restless Giant: Changing cultural values in regional Australia. In my role as Chair of Regional Arts Australia I joined Lindy, Julian Hobba (Artistic Director, Aspen Island Theatre Company); Mikelangelo (Black Sea Gentlemen) and Karilyn Brown (Chief Executive Officer, Performing

40 Under 40 Award nomination

If you think boosting the profile of both regional Australia and arts and culture is a good idea, considering voting for me in the People’s Choice in the 40Under40 WA Business Awards and encouraging others to do the same. I’m thrilled to have been nominated for this award; it’s such a unique opportunity to highlight

Artlands Keynote, with bonus pool toys

Here’s an action shot of me sitting backstage inflating pool toys: this was definitely the strangest piece of preparation work I’ve done for a speech. At the recent Artlands conference in Dubbo I delivered a keynote on the topic of ‘A possible future for the arts in regional Australia’. I focused on the challenge of
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