Co-Chair

(he/him)

Bob has been a resident of Mildura since 2011 and has over forty years of teaching experience, specialising in the arts. He earned his tertiary qualifications in Visual Arts at the Australian National University in Canberra, where he lived for many years.

Bob understands the benefits of creativity in inspiring ambition and building confidence, and he facilitates weekly Children’s Art Workshops throughout the year. He is also a strong supporter of local theatre and the performing arts, including the Red Cliffs Players and Friends of Mildura Arts Centre. Additionally, Bob is a dedicated film buff and a committed member of the Mildura Film Society. Currently employed by the Mildura Specialist School, Bob’s extensive experience as a teacher of special needs students, combined with his recognition as a local artist, provides valuable and insightful perspectives to our Board.

Co-Chair

(he/him)

Steve Parr is Mildura born and bred.  A local singer, Steve has a love for the performing arts.  He believes that everybody should be able to participate in artistic expression regardless of who they are or where they come from.  He knows that communities and people that participate in the arts are  healthier, more resilient and more inclusive. 

Steve is the president of the Mildura Eisteddfod Society and a board director of Mallee Accommodation Support Program (MASP).

Secretary

(he/him)

Travis Philp is a Ngiiyampa man dedicated to self-determination for First Nations communities. As a young leader, he developed his skills with the Koorie Youth Council.

Travis currently works as a youth worker for the Clontarf Foundation, supporting Indigenous boys at Chaffey Secondary College. Travis is passionate about connecting young people to the arts to foster self-expression and improve mental health and well-being.

Director

(she/her)

Ada Peterson is a proud Barkindji, Ngiyampaa, and Kullilli woman with over 30 years of experience in the Aboriginal community. She has held various paid and volunteer roles focused on addressing family violence, community engagement, and youth mentorship. Ada is a well-known Elder in the local Mallee community. In 2023, she was honoured as the NAIDOC Elder of the Year in Victoria, recognised for her compassion, leadership, and knowledge.

Ada is an experienced Ambassador with a demonstrated history of working in civic and social organisations and facilitating community consultations on various issues. She has extensive experience in non-profit organisations and event management. Ada is a graduate of RMIT University, where she earned her degree in community and social services.

Director

(she/her)

Patsy Doolan is a Barkindji/Paakantyi woman with extensive experience in community work. A highly respected and accomplished artisan, Patsy specialises in weaving and jewellery making, with her cultural practice and connection to country deeply embedded in her art.

Patsy’s roles include involvement with the Local Aboriginal Education Consultative Group (LAECG), the Koori Courts, and Umalek Balit. She is Co-chair of Hands Up Mallee, and Chair of the Mildura Rural City Council’s Ngiwa Yarna Committee.

Patsy has dedicated herself to sharing knowledge and building connection and pride among First Nations people in the region. Through her practice, she demonstrates the power of art in fostering social change.

Treasurer

she/her

Executive Officer

(he/him)

Stedman grew up on a citrus farm in Colignan, Victoria, near the Murray River, and attended schools in Nangiloc, Red Cliffs, and Mildura. He studied printmaking and sculpture at the Australian National University (ANU) School of Art and maintains an active artistic practice.

In 2020, Stedman founded the creative enterprise Not By Design, combining 3D printing with traditional making methods. He has collaborated on large-scale public works and served as a Board Director for community organisations, including ECHO Housing ACT and Leta Gallery + Project Space. At ANU, he held various roles, including Human Ethics Manager and Recombinant DNA Secretary.

Stedman’s lived experience with disability fuels his passion for equal access opportunities for artists and arts workers. Diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder in 2020, he underwent eight major surgeries over ten years to retain mobility.

Before his surgeries, Stedman was General Manager at Arts Mildura. He remains dedicated to nurturing the arts in the region and delivering impactful creative opportunities. Stedman is currently co-chair of the Hands Up Mallee governance board.

Operations Manager

(she/her)

Ashleah has extensive experience in project delivery, conference production and management including manager of Mildura Brewery; Functions Manager at Quality Hotels’ Mildura Grand and Parklake Shepparton; Restaurant Manager at Emma Gorge Resort El Questro Wilderness Park

Ashleah is currently festival manager of Mildura Writers Festival and show management with Australian Alternative Varieties Wine Show as well as working on one off events for different organisations in Mildura.

In 2023 Ashleah moved into a new role with Arts Mildura as Operations Manager.

Education

(he/him)

Kieran has been practicing multiple forms of art for over 30 years. After graduating with a degree majoring in screenwriting, he moved to Melbourne and co-created the comic book and graphic novel collective and publishing group Silent Army. His work has been exhibited locally and overseas. In 2010 his work was purchased as part of a collection by the National Gallery of Australia as part of the Space Invaders Touring Exhibition.

As a graphic designer he has done work for ABC, Big Day Out, Sony Pictures, Forum and Princess Theatre’s and Lonely Planet Travel Guides.

Kieran is passionate about education in the arts and connecting the community of the Mallee with the world of creativity.