OUR BOARD OF ALL THE GOOD STUFF
George Hughes
Advisor to the Irish Government on international market entry, a C-suite executive working across major Australian brands including CMO Star Group, Head of Woolworths Insurance, GM customer Engagement & Insights David Jones. A Specialist in placemaking, brand building and events including The Logies, AACTAs, ARIAs. Member of the NSW Government’s ACON advisory panel, and the the Australian Inclusion Awards (2024) Executive Leader of the Year. Originally from Ireland, George now calls Australia home and Killcare his happy place
Marie Patane - Multi Award Winner in Enterprise Security and Resilience
Currently Chief Security Officer at NSW Metro, 2024 Female Cyber Security Leader of the year. Expertise in operational resilience, governance, assurance, incident and crisis management. Marie has a home at The Entrance and has a drive to ensure the Coast reaches its potential.
Craig Donarski - Culture and Creative Industries
Currently CEO of White Bay precinct, Craig is shaping the future of arts and culture. Former CEO of the Casula Powerhouse, also managing major events for Liverpool Council. Executive Producer :Triple J, Marketing Manager: Sydney Film Festival, Programming: Sydney Opera House. Craig spends his down time with family in Noraville.
Jess McLeod - Change and Transformation
Currently Director Change and Transformation at the Office of the Deputy Secretary, Transport for NSW. She has spent the last 15 years working in a range of governmental departments including Director Communications Roads, and Maritime and Community Stakeholder Relations, Safework NSW. She brings with her strong expertise in government relations, communications, stakeholder management, planning and governance. She is a proud Coastie and calls Ettalong Beach home.
Juan Iocco - Engagement & Development
Central Coast Volunteer of the year and Gosford Strip Entertainment Precinct Chair. A multifaceted professional with a proven track record in both the corporate & community sectors. His award winning leadership is defined by a people-focused approach, driving transformative projects & fostering cultural change. Former Senior Advisor for Innovation at Qantas, 12 years delivering major projects successfully, Juan has lead multimillion-dollar initiatives across airports & Human Resources earning the eXcel Award Qantas’ highest accolade, for outstanding contributions to innovation and excellence. Juan’s unique blend of industrial expertise & commitment to collaboration highlights his ability to deliver impactful outcomes
Sarah Harvey - Policy and Legislation Specialist
Principal Policy Officer, Independent Review Office, a lawyer with a background in legislation policy & governance across Government and not for profit organisations. Sarah has worked in a range of senior roles including Director Legal Policy and Executive Services for Emergency Management Victoria, Corporate Project Manager, Yilabara. Sarah lives on the Central Coast and is passionate about being part of the positive change that’s happening.
OUR PREVIOUS BOARD MEMBERS
• Human Rights • Governance • Community Justice | Newcastle
Michelle has been appointed to multiple Legal Aid Panels (including the Complex Crime and Criminal Appellate Panels), management boards and committees of various Community Legal Centres, sporting organisations, University Governing Bodies and the NSW Bar Association.
Michelle is a long-standing member of the LGBTQI+ community & Barrister who has worked as a Public Defender both internationally (in the Solomon Islands as part of AusAid RAMSI project) and across Regional Australia as Managing Solicitor (Crime) and In-House Counsel of the Northern Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency (NAAJA).
Growing up & working in regional NSW, Michelle has a keen interest in bringing celebratory symbols & inclusion to all parts of Australia and is a passionate supporter of all things performative and theatrical.
• Choreographer • Dancer • Director • Writer • Creator
2018 – Nov 2019 | We bid farewell to Kim who has been an amazing champion & connector for the organisation in our 1st year of start up operation – thank you we love you and miss you already!
As a freelance choreographer and director, Kim has worked with major companies and directors in Australia including Opera Australia, Melbourne and Sydney Theatre Company, Richard Wherrett, Neil Armfield, Wayne Harrison and Roger Hodegman. Kim has also done extensive choreographic work for television commercials, musicals, corporate and charity launches and music film clips. A critically acclaimed career beginning with the Sydney Dance Company, Kim progressed onto appointment as a principal dancer from 1980 -1990, at which time Kim also simultaneously studied at a number of other companies including the Alvin Ailey School in New York.
As Artistic Director of the Flying Fruit Fly Circus Kim created a number of new and innovative works, and toured the company both nationally and internationally to great acclaim. Kim has served as a member of the Arts NSW on number of Boards, on the HotHouse Artistic Directorate and, the Theatre Board of the Australia Council for the Arts. Kim was also the individual recipient of the Sidney Myer individual award
• Activist • Community Builder • Influencer | Umina Beach
An active & recognizable member of the Queer community. Former executive member of Sydney Leather Pride committee and co-owner of the former Karnal Leather, Jo was also nominated Leather Person of the Year. Member of Dykes on Bikes for over 10 years & has acted as Leather Pride Curator for the Artspace Leather exhibition.
A Gay Olympics representative with “Team Sydney” Jo has also represented Australia in Volleyball at the Gay Games and Outgames Amsterdam, Sydney, Montreal, & Cologne as well as represented Australia in the World Masters in Volleyball in Sydney & is currently Coaching Volleyball.
Passionate about youth, Jo has represented on multiple fronts from ACON sexual health campaigns to organising floats for multiple Mardi Gras Parades.
• Life time artist • Author • Community connector | Avoca Beach
Awarded the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for her Service to the Arts and the Central Coast Community. Nina was also in 2018 voted the 28th most influential person on the Central Coast for her work in Arts and Culture, and as a Human Rights campaigner having been a cultural activist on the Central Coast for over 40 years.
In 2017 Nina was awarded an Edna Ryan feminist award for her life’s work empowering women, sharing their stories through the arts as well as being awarded Australia Day Community Awards for her work in Communities and Culture. Nina is also recipient of “Governor of NSW Children’s Week Award” for her work with children in remote locations.
Glitta Supernova - creative Director
Multi Award winning Producer | Artist | Community Maker & Culture Shaker. Iconic Australian producer and a pioneering figure in performance art. With over two decades of experience at the forefront of contemporary counter and fringe culture, Glitta has established herself through bold, original work that fosters positive change, enriches culture, and unites communities.
A key figure in Australia’s burlesque scene, Glitta co-founded Gurlesque (2000-2010), Australia’s first burlesque club, which received multiple Green Room nominations. The innovative curatorial approach of Gurlesque continues to influence burlesque, variety, and queer events nationwide, leaving a lasting cultural legacy. Pretty Peepers Cabaret co-founder (2011-2015), a hallmark of the Imperial Hotel, famously associated with Priscilla Queen of the Desert. She later expanded this work through The Untraditional Cabaret, an original, touring pop-up performance show that gained critical acclaim across major cities and regional Australia. Glitta has 2 co written and produced 2 multi award winning shows “Let’s get METAphysical” (2015- 2017) & “BODYMAP” (2016- 2018) touring internationally and awarded Best in Fringe, Best Cabaret, Most outstanding performer, Outstanding design. In 2018, Glitta co-founded and became Artistic Director of FunHaus Factory, where she drives a vision of contemporary culture, focusing on original work that inspires thought and embraces a satirical approach, while remaining accessible across diverse audiences. Through multidisciplinary events, festivals, and activations, her curation brings unorthodox and pioneering performances to the forefront, shaping the arts and cultural landscape while building community and shifting perceptions.OUR BAU TEAM
Gaining experience in both large and small ventures across Australia and the UK, Anthony began his hospitality career at 15, from managing bars to restaurant service and kitchen operations, he has built a strong foundation in the industry managing several multinational chains across NSW. Born and raised on the Central Coast Anthony is back home to roost.
Anthony joined the Funhaus Factory team in 2019, helping to drive its initial startup growth. With the team’s support, he’s now launching his own Social enterprise venture, Beau’s Burgers, fueled by his passion for hospitality and commitment to creating memorable experiences.
Mia is a seasoned professional in the arts and live entertainment industry, boasting over 15 years of expertise as a Stage/Production and Event Manager.
Her career spans across Festivals, Theatre, and Musicals in Australia, NZ, and the UK, including notable contributions to Ticketing Management at AU/UK & NZ festivals and the 2018 Commonwealth Games. In addition to her extensive career, Mia takes pride in her 20-year involvement within the LGBTQIA+ community. She has been an active ally, contributing to drag clubs, special events, and festivals.
Mia’s volunteer work includes significant roles such as Stage Managing the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade, serving as Entertainment Manager of Pride March Victoria for 3 years, and handling Stage and Event Management for the Darwin Pride Festival. She was also involved in the inaugural Queens of the Galaxy Drag Pageant (which evolved into Miss First Nations).
Beyond her professional and community endeavours, Mia is trained in Community Blind Sight Guide, Existential Well Being Counselling, and is currently pursuing studies in Arts and Cultural Administration.
Get involved
Make no mistake this is good ol' fashioned hard work, and as a regional registered arts & culture charity focused on social equity, human rights, authentic inclusion and visible diversity we could use your help! Be it your brain, your muscles, your hard earned cash, your community resources, your corporate finesse there is opportunity to play a part in creativity, transformation and a happier, healthier Central Coast.
