Board Members & Staff

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