Lauren Mackley

Executive Director
rado@artsnw.com.au or 0493 316 463

Growing up in Manilla, Lauren has worked and lived throughout the New England North West region and joins the Arts North West team from Gunnedah, where she previously worked as the Cultural Precinct Team Leader and Arts and Cultural Officer for Gunnedah Shire Council.

Lauren has a Degree in Contemporary Arts and Education (Secondary) and is currently enrolled in a Graduate Certificate of Urban and Regional Planning at UNE.

Lauren has been nominated for the NSW Premier’s Youth Award for her dedication to the arts and is the recipient of the Leo Kelly Local Government Arts Awards for her innovative consultation with First Nations communities. Many of her projects and collaborations have won national and regional recognition for their contribution to the arts sector, tourism and economic benefits to regional communities.

In a previous life, Lauren painted, created artist books, assemblage installations and participated in performance arts; embracing any arts practice to enrich wellbeing and contribute to collective creativity.

Lauren has also been a valuable member of the Arts North West Board for over 5 years.

JULES MINORS

Project Officer
projects@artsnw.com.au

From lake waters to flat country; Jules grew up in Lake Macquarie where she immersed herself in creative spaces from theatre groups to artists studios. In Jules' private practice, she enjoys tinkering with textiles, experimenting with different mediums and repurposing unwanted items.

Jules is regarded as an engaged and enthusiastic team player, who was introduced to the art sector through her Arts, Culture and, Tourism traineeship at Lake Macquarie City Council. Placements within the traineeship included teams in the Museum of Art and Culture team, Lifelong Learning, Libraries, and Marketing. While also working alongside the Urban and Public Art Project Leader & Cultural Projects Officer. Upon finishing her traineeship, Jules relocated to Moree in 2020 to further her career within the creative sector.

Through employment at Moree Plains Shire Council as the Programs and Outreach Officer, Jules developed and implemented the Library’s creative engagement initiatives, events, and programs and encouraged participation to diverse groups and individuals within the community.

During Jules' time as the Education and Engagement Coordinator at the Bank Art Museum Moree, Jules was responsible for coordinating and running the Education/Public Programs, such as arranging and facilitating art classes, exhibition tours, concerts, and performances. She has worked in a diverse range of teams who have commended her for her collegial and positive attitude.

Jules is excited to continue to develop and improve engagement practice by networking with staff and the community to create a culture of continuous improvement.

Leah fontyn

Administration Officer
office@artsnw.com.au

Leah was born in country NSW and has spent her life travelling and living in various towns and cities across Australia. Her journeys have led her here to Glen Innes where she lives a serene life on a property out of town, and utilises her varied skills to maintain a happy and healthy family life as well as a productive and satisfying work life. She displays a passion for the development of arts and wellbeing projects within our local communities, and has an endless source of inspiration which she attributes to this beautiful Earth we all share, and her passion for creative practices of all sorts.

Hester Fraser

Arts North West On Tour Officer
ontour@artsnw.com.au

Hester Fraser AKA Goldheist, is an Australian artist whose music is a rich blend of storytelling and classical influences, deeply rooted in the Australian landscape, drawing listeners into vivid narratives of Australian life from the bush and beyond.

Hester has earned accolades in songwriting competitions, affirming her skill as a lyricist, performer and composer. Her albums REALM and EYES OF LOVE showcase her musical journey, devolving from electronic to acoustic sounds, and addressing themes of love, loss, and the beauty of imperfection.

Beyond entertainment, Hester uses her platform for social causes such as drought relief and support for people seeking asylum, demonstrating her commitment to community and social justice. Her innovative performances, including collaborations with visual artists and the integration of Australian Sign Language (AUSLAN) for VIVID Festival highlight her dedication to making art accessible and impactful across diverse communities.

ROBERT HARTIGAN

Aboriginal Arts Officer

admin@artsnw.com.au or 0492 942 860

Robert Hartigan is an emerging music composer with interests spanning film, games, and commercial projects. He completed his Bachelor in Music Composition and Production in May 2024 after building a solid foundation in music through lessons at both the Tamworth and Sydney Conservatorium of Music. This educational background has provided him with a broad understanding of music theory and production, enabling him to compose scores that connect with a variety of audiences.

Furthermore, Rob's degree also explored arts business and management. He also studied multimedia creation—including film, video game development, and art installations—equipping him with a holistic view of the creative industries. As a Gamilaroi man, he brings a unique cultural perspective to his work, with connections to his local community and a drive to authentically share First Nations culture, history, and stories. Through his academic and personal endeavours, Rob is dedicated to creating spaces and platforms that promote indigenous voices and narratives, showcasing the richness of First Nations heritage.

Rob’s technical skills include proficiency with digital audio workstations and notation software, alongside an understanding of orchestration and sound design. His versatility in adapting to different musical styles, combined with an appreciation for the emotive power of music, positions him as a promising talent. As he looks to the future, Rob is eager to contribute to creative projects that benefit from his unique musical perspective and cultural insights.

Penne Fraser

Marketing and Engagement Officer
media@artsnw.com.au or 0492 953 565

Growing up in Walcha & Tamworth NSW, Penne has lived regionally for most of her life and has a long career working at a grassroots level supporting regional communities. She is fervent about creating opportunities in regional Australia and seeing the potential of our communities fully realised. Penne takes delight in promoting all that our region has to offer, in telling regional stories and supporting access and participation to cultural experiences.

Penne volunteers her time working with the Tamworth Regional Gallery and Sustainable North West, she is committed to contributing to sustainable and culturally vibrant future for our region.

Penne is a practicing textile artist and a participant in the Regional Arts NSW The Work of Art program.