Our Staff & Board
Sit Beneath - installation at The Arboretum, Batlow by Julie Roche, image by Tayla Martin 2021
Our Staff
Ashleigh Baxter
Executive Director
p. 02 69216890
e. ashleigh@easternriverinaarts.org.au
Ashleigh Baxter is the Executive Director of Eastern Riverina Arts. She leads a team dedicated to supporting the growth of arts, culture, and creative industries in Regional NSW. She has extensive experience working with artists, community groups, and organisations to forge partnerships that foster opportunities for creative development in the region.
Ashleigh has worked in the local government, museum, art gallery, and not-for-profit sector. Her work reflects a strong commitment to strengthening the local arts community and enhancing the region’s creative industries.
Brittany Hefren
Communications & Engagement Officer P/T
p. 02 69216890
e. brittany@easternriverinaarts.org.au
Brittany Hefren is the Communications and Engagement Officer at Eastern Riverina Arts, where she has championed regional creatives since 2021. She leads ERA’s communications strategy, publishing engaging content across the ERA website, newsletter, social media, and Creative Riverina directory.
With a Bachelor of Creative Industries (Design & Visual Arts) and expertise in visual storytelling, photography, and graphic design, Brittany is passionate about celebrating the work of Riverina creatives and fostering the growth of emerging talent. Outside of ERA, Brittany is a practicing photo-media artist and freelance photographer.
Remy Chadwick
Regional Tour Producer P/T
p. 02 69216890
e. remy@easternriverinaarts.org.au
Remy Chadwick is the Regional Tour Producer at Eastern Riverina Arts, overseeing the Riverina Touring Network. This initiative connects performing arts venues across the region, empowering rural communities to host local performances and creating a new touring circuit for artists in regional NSW.
With a background in launching new projects, Remy has worked in business development (exports), community arts, and as a performer, producer, and writer. He has also taught Creative Industries at Charles Sturt University. Remy is passionate about integrating faith and the arts.
Our Board
Eastern Riverina Arts is overseen by a skills-based Board of Directors who ensure sound governance and a robust strategic plan is in place.
Our board comprises 5 directors who are directly elected to the board, and 2 further representatives of our Regional Advisory Committee (which has a representative from each of our member Councils).
Our board is full of talented and committed people guiding the strategic direction of the organisation and ensuring it is governed sustainably, ethically and legally. If you would like more information about our Board, please contact the executive director at exec@easternriverinaarts.org.au.
Ann Sutton
Chair
Ann Sutton has a strong background in administration and management in retail business. She’s a graduate of the AICD Company Director’s Course and has many years experience on retail and NFP Boards. Ann is a strong supporter of regional arts and currently enjoys working with many local artists in her business advisory role.
Vanessa Keenan
Deputy Chair
Vanessa is a Snowy Valleys based arts management consultant with a strong background in governance with membership of several government and not-for-profit boards and committees. She also has extensive experience managing national humanitarian grant programs and is a practising artist.
Craig Richardson
Treasurer
Craig has more than 30 years experience working in senior financial and governance roles in the local government and university sector. He is a CPA accredited Accountant.
Freda Nicholls
Board Member
Freda is a professional writer and an experienced community leader, with more than 20 years experience leading community and cultural groups in the Riverina region. She is a founding member and chair of the Jugiong Writers Festival Committee.
Madeleine Scully
Board Member (Regional Advisory Committee)
Madeleine is the Manager of Community Services at Wagga Wagga City Council. She brings strong strategic and cultural planning skills to the board. Madeleine also has a professional background in Museum practice.
Sue Wood
Board Member
Sue Wood is a former senior lecturer in the School of Communications and Creative Industries at Charles Sturt University. She is a practicing visual artist and has a PhD in art history.
Fiona Piltz
Board Member
Fiona is a Human Resources professional with over 20 years experience. She has worked in Local and Federal Government, and in the private sector. She brings strong strategic planning, change management and governance experience.
Governance
Eastern Riverina Arts Inc is a not-for-profit incorporated association, established in 1991 as Eastern Riverina Arts Program Inc. Eastern Riverina Arts is registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profit Commission.