About us
South West Arts provides strategic direction for sustainable arts and cultural development in the south-west of New South Wales.
We are a partnership between Regional Arts NSW and the local government regions of Balranald, Berrigan, Carrathool, Edward River and Murray River.
South West Arts has an elected board of volunteers and we employ staff members who coordinate and implement arts and cultural development programs across our region.
Our Region
The South West region covers an area of around 78,000 square kilometres with a population of approximately 38,000.
The region is defined by the Murray and Murrumbidgee Rivers and is often referred to as "The Plains." Known for its expansive flat landscapes, it is a predominantly agricultural area where broad horizons, open skies, and fertile soils shape both the environment and the communities who live here.
The region serviced by South West Arts comprises of five Government Areas:
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The Team
Kerry-Anne Jones
Executive Director
Kerry-Anne joined South West Arts in 2015. Kerry-Anne’s career spans Federal, State and Local Government focusing on regional, economic and community development. Most of her career has concentrated on southern NSW and northern Victoria, having lived in the region since 1992.
Carlee Rundell-Gordon
Projects and Communications
Carlee joined South West Arts in 2026 in her current full-time position, having worked on a number of project contracts since 2023. Carlee’s career spans health and community development, local government, creative and business ventures, event management, and work across First Nations and multicultural services, all enriched by extensive travel and cultural insight.
Board Members
The South West Arts volunteer board meets 4 times per year around the local region.
Current members are welcome to nominate for the South West Arts board at any time during the year prior to the AGM in June each year.
Please contact SWA to complete a member form and board nomination form and submit via email to the South West Arts office. Please note that you need to be an adopted general member before submitting a board nomination.
AGM was held on June 12, 2026, and the new board members are Glenn Stewart, Carina Doolan, Sue Milgate, Lorrayne Fishenden, and Tony Tranter. Ray Davey was elected as Chair, and Airlie Circuit remains as Secretary.
Glenn Stewart
Director
Glenn brings over 30 years of experience in radio and print media to the SWA board, along with a background in strategic funding and grants engagement. He holds a BA in Science Education from Melbourne State College and has completed governance and risk management training. Glenn is an active contributor to cross-border community initiatives in the Robinvale-Euston region and currently serves on the La Trobe University Advisory Board (Mildura campus).
Carina Doolan
Director
Carina has 25 years of experience in local government across Victoria, working with Macedon Ranges Shire Council and Hume City Council, where she currently coordinates integrated and strategic projects. She holds qualifications in community engagement, project management, business marketing, and contract management, and chairs the Moama Bridge Art Project. Carina brings particular expertise in strategic planning, community engagement, and communications.
Sue Milgate
Director
Sue works in consumer engagement at Echuca Regional Health and has a strong background in community leadership, marketing, and professional development. She holds advanced qualifications in marketing and PR, leadership and management, and career development, and has experience as a trainer in leadership skills and emotional intelligence. Sue previously served as Chair and board member of Echuca Moama Tourism and Murray Business Network.
Lorrayne Fishenden
Director
Lorrayne brings two decades of leadership in the arts and cultural sector, with a focused commitment to strengthening Aboriginal arts, culture, and creative industries across regional and remote NSW. She has served as Director, CEO, and Company Secretary of the Aboriginal Regional Arts Alliance (NSW) and holds qualifications in project management, business, and occupational health and safety. Lorrayne is a recognised speaker and advocate for arts sector innovation, governance, and sustainability.
Tony Tranter
Director
Tony is the CEO of Barooga Sporties Club, bringing executive leadership and community venue management experience to the SWA board.
Ray Davy
Chair
Ray is an engineering consultant with dual qualifications in engineering and legal studies, bringing broad expertise in governance, policy, strategy, finance, and economic development to the SWA board. He has specialist experience in local government and has served SWA in various capacities since 2019, including as Treasurer. Ray was appointed Chair in 2026.
Airlie Circuitt
Secretary
Airlie has been connected to South West Arts for over 25 years, including as a former Chair, and brings a wealth of regional community leadership experience to the board. She served as an elected member of Hay Shire Council and as General Manager of 2HAY FM community radio, where she worked across news, presenting, and financial management. Airlie has been involved with numerous regional boards and organisations, including Shear Outback, Hay on Track Development Corp, the Rotary Club of Hay, and is an inaugural board member of Outback Theatre for Young People. She was elected Secretary of South West Arts in June 2026.
Our Journey
Founded in 1983 through a partnership between local government, the Arts Council of NSW and community advocates, South West Arts began with the establishment of the Regional Arts Development (RADO) position.
In 1997, South West Arts became fully devolved from the Arts Council of NSW and is now independently managed by the region through an elected board.
For more than 25 years, South West Arts has enriched the cultural life of communities across the south west, supported by strong and growing investment from local councils.
In response to the region’s limited cultural institutions, South West Arts has been the catalyst for two major initiatives that have since become independent organisations.
In 1989, we delivered a three-month youth theatre pilot that led to the creation of the Outback Theatre Program, now Outback Theatre for Young People.
We also supported the establishment of the South West Music Regional Conservatorium, now based in Deniliquin.
We believe the arts strengthen communities by building connection, identity and wellbeing, while also delivering economic benefits through employment and tourism.
South West Arts is committed to honouring the region’s rich cultural history and creating sustainable cultural opportunities for our communities.
South West Arts values the important cultural history of the south west region, and works to enhance and create sustainable cultural opportunities for our communities.
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