As an incorporated association, Octapod is governed by a Board that is elected annually by its membership. This governance function plays a key role in supporting management practices. The Board includes members from a variety of community, educational and business backgrounds.
CURRENT OCTAPOD BOARD MEMBERS ARE:
Chairperson: Alli Hammett
Alli has extensive experience (30 years) in community organisations and management of State, Regional & Local projects. Her business management experience includes: Board Director, Chief Executive Officer (business), Manager, Community Development Officer, Project Officer. She is a Business owner, entrepreneur and consultant in Business & Organisational Development. Alli has also designed, developed, implemented and evaluated community arts programs and projects. She has experience in the delivery of art, business, personal development, and education and training workshops. Alli has experience in creating innovative approaches to engaging community and audience participation.
Deputy Chairperson: Joanna Leigh
Joanna has a BA (Communications) including Public Relations – University of Newcastle and a B Music (Contemporary Performance) – Australian Institute of Music – Sydney. She has strong arts, community, media and educational networks in Newcastle and Sydney. She has experience in funding projects from scratch through successful grants, sponsors, partners, inkind support and fundraising events. She has facilitated workshops in multimedia,songwriting, music, singing and event co-ordination. She has produced interactive websites, engaged audiences with social media, music recording projects, and radio documentaries as well as festivals and events showcasing music, film and other arts practices.
Treasurer: Dwuan LaTrobe
Dwuan is a Screen Professional, working as a Continuity/Script Supervisor. When not working on Films Dwuan spends time doing community projects. He has worked with Access 31, Loft Youth Centre and Cirque du Soleil on training programs in Multimedia and Performance.
Secretary: Bree Cunningham
Bree graduated from University of Newcastle in 2010 with a Bachelor of Fine Art. Her studies and life have taken her to all corners of the globe where she has been able to be a part of various arts organisation and institutions such as 516 Arts in Albuquequre, New Mexico USA, Fishamble Production in Dublin, Questors Theatre in Ealing, London and Footlice Theatre in Newcastle. Bree is now working hard to create works for several upcoming solo art shows in various mediums including photography and fashion and in her spare time enjoys writing TV scripts (which will get aired one day).
General member: David Horkins David is the Convenor of the ‘Friends of the Regal’ and Treasurer and former Chairman of Newcastle City Council’s Jesmond Neighbourhood Centres.355 committee. He is currently organisinga film-based series of cultural events as convenor of ‘Friends of the Regal’ in partnership with Screen Hunter Central Coast and Lake Macquarie CityCouncil. He has been the joint organiserof numerous film-related events, panel discussion events, exhibitions, etc, onbehalf of Friends of the Regal and the National Trust Heritage Festival.
General Member: Helen Henry
Helen graduated from the University of Newcastle in 2010 with a Bachelor of Communication (PR). Now she works as Digital Projects Assistant with local agency Sticky, is the editor of online magazine Urban Insider, performs in local band Bones Jones & The Skeletones & dabbles in freelance music PR. Her studies, work and involvement in music are the culmination of a passion for communication, marketing & creativity (and singing her little heart out). In the past, Helen has had the pleasure of working with EAO Entertainment, Rack off Records, Groovin' the Moo, EMI Music Australia and IMMEDIA!.
General Member: Jaye Hardy
Jaye works at a not for profit women's accommodation and support service and has a Masters in Social Science. She recently moved back to Newcastle from Melbourne where she worked at RMIT University in student advocacy and as a producer on Women On The Line, a current affairs programme on 3CR community radio. She loves the fact Newcastle is neutral territory for artistic types because it makes for brilliant festivals and projects.
DURING 2011 THE OCTAPOD BOARD'S STRATEGIC PRIORITIES ARE:
* Strategic Planning - workshops and community consultation.
* Membership - increasing membership (general, corporate, board).
* Funding - diversify our funding base, with a focus on business enterprise initiatives.
* Branding - raise our profile across the Hunter region.
The Octapod board is interested in what members would like Octapod to do in the future and what members love about Octapod now. You can contact the board via board[at]octapod.org.
NEW BOARD MEMBERS WANTED:
Octapod is seeking new board members to assist with the growth of the organisation. If you have a passion for arts and culture in the Hunter region, then find out more about joining the Octapod board!
For more information: Contact Christina Robberds, Octapod Coordinator via admin[at]octapod.org