Board Members & Staff

Stirling Street Arts Centre is managed by a board of voluntary members:

Carlene Williams – Chairperson

Carlene has always been interested in art throughout her life, and has been a member of the Bunbury Patchwork and Quilting Group for over 20 years. She studied art at Teachers College which she then passed on to her students throughout a long career in the teaching sector, becoming a lecturer and consultant in the later years. During her time at Stirling Street Arts Centre she has gained NFP management experience as a Board member as well as Co-ordinated the Cuppa for Cancer and International Quilt Challenge for a number of years. Other work in the South West community includes her continued support at Zonta and Probus. In recognition of her strong volunteering ethic, Carlene was recently nominated for Volunteer of the Year announced at the City of Bunbury Australia Day Ceremony 2020.

Helena Sahm – Vice-Chairperson

Helena Sahm holds a double degree in fine arts practice and art education from University of NSW College of Fine Arts and has 50 years’ experience in arts related employment and activities.  An art educator at secondary and tertiary levels as Head of Department; Arts management including Bunbury Regional Art Gallery and Inaugural executive manager of Art Geo; Board member on Peak regional arts bodies including Art on the Move, the artist residency program International Art Space and locally on City of Bunbury Art Collection Committee. Helena has over 5 years working in arts and culture within local government.  She has always maintained an arts practice and has now returned to full time art making.

Robyn Weidenbruch– Secretary

Robyn moved to the Bunbury region after a long career in senior Human Resources roles for a major resource company in Perth and the Pilbara.  The move enabled Robyn to persue a long-held interest in the craft of ceramics.  She has been a member of Bunbury Studio Potters for more than 12 years, and is currently the potter’s committee vice-chair.  A strong believer in giving back to the community, Robyn joined the Board at Stirling Street Arts Centre in 2018, and holds the position of Board Secretary.  Utilizing skills from her professional background, Robyn guided the work required to update the Centre’s Constitution in 2019, and is currenly leading a team working on revising the Centre’s policies and procedures manuals.

Graeme Lush – Treasurer

Originally from Melbourne, Graeme has been a Chartered Accountant (FCA) for many years and is now in practice here since moving to Bunbury in 2012. A passionate follower of arts and culture in all forms, he has supported National Gallery Vic., Melbourne Theatre Co., Melbourne International Arts Festival, Malthouse Theatre, Red Stitch Theatre, Bell Shakespeare, Heide Museum of Art. As a committed community member, Graeme has also served on the management board of BRAG and in 2015 agreed to act as manager of SSAC for a “short” period (4 years). Of many experiences during that time his most satisfying involvement has been the Centre re-development, which is now a reality, and will enhance Bunbury’s reputation as the arts and cultural centre of this region.

Cr. Karen Steele

Karen is a Bunbury City Councillor. She was fortunate to live in London for over a decade, which gave her the opportunity to travel and photograph (her passion) many different countries. In her role as Councillor, Karen has been lucky to be involved in numerous Committees. She has also been involved as a volunteer on many local community groups both in her role as a Councillor and as a private citizen. Karen is a great believer of grassroots community groups and is thankful to be part of SSAC board.

Julian Bowron

Julian Bowron has worked in galleries and museums across Australia and New Zealand for more than 40 years. Most recently he was Director of Bunbury Regional Art Gallery for 5 years and before that Director of Mildura Arts Centre. Currently Julian is the Managing Director of Julian Bowron & Associates – arts and culture consultancy, he is also Chair of Galleries West and a Secretary of Art On The Move.

Rakshita Vishwakarma

Rakshita has always enjoyed creativity. She studied visual arts at TAFE to develop an understanding of creative thinking in industry as well as explore printmaking, design, ceramics, textiles, drawing, sculpture and painting. Beginning as a hobby, Rakshita has taught performing arts and also enjoys photography. She is passionate to volunteer and work for the local community and organisations with creativity at their heart.

Jenny Scott

Jacki Hooper

Rebecca Corps – Centre Manager & Bunbury Summer School Coordinator A creative all her life, Rebecca started out as a dressmaker in her teens and managed her own business for subsequent years. After moving from the Pilbara, she completed a Bachelor of Arts Honours in visual arts and with her passion for textiles now expanded to steel sculpture and installation, Rebecca has participated in various exhibitions throughout Western Australia as well as internationally during a recent artist residency in Finland. As a community driven artist, she has created public art, managed indigenous art projects and regional art awards alongside working at the Stirling Street Arts Centre. Her experience includes NFP management, grant writing, exhibition curation, event management and teaching visual arts.
Di Mader – Accounts Officer Di has spent the majority of her career in Human Resources and Accounts, working in the mining industry, private enterprise, local government, and now the NFP sector. Di also assists with event management, most recently performing the role of Apple Festival Treasurer for two years. A love of art in all forms had led Di to pursue an interest in pottery, and is a current member of the Bunbury Studio Potters.
Bee Denham – Marketing/Programs Coordinator Bee has worked in the design and advertising industry for over 25 years, gaining experience in local newspapers, international advertising agencies and small design agencies. As a seasoned graphic designer, she is passionate about encouraging interest in arts, crafts and creativity. In addition to marketing and design, she is also involved in arranging workshops and events for the Centre. Outside of the office, Bee enjoys reading, drawing, and gardening.
Sue Dennis – Administration Sue has been involved in community regional arts for over 20 years as a coordinator of events, exhibitions, workshops, and as a teacher, She is passionate about creating opportunites for artists and audiences alike to connect and build their skills. Sue gained her experience in the not-for-profit arts sector, as Public Programs Coordinator at BRAG, and as Assistant to the Curator cataloguing the COB Art Collection, before joining the SSAC staff in 2014. Sue was Coordinator of the Bunbury Summer School for 4 years before moving to Administration. She holds a degree in visual arts (printmaking), and as a practicing artist, has been involved in numerous group exhibitions in the South West and Perth. She has artworks in the City of Bunbury Art Collection and is a founding member of The South West Printmakers group.