Last month I hit the road and visited four communities across the South Burnett and Gympie regions delivering a half-day Grant Writing for the Arts workshop - what a blast! Thank you to the 54 participants who joined me in Goomeri (1 February), Kingaroy (3 February), Gympie (14 February) and Murgon (15 February), it was a pleasure to meet you all and hear your project ideas.

Each year, I use January as an opportunity to reflect on the year that was and set priorities for the year to come. To kick off 2023, I’d love to share some of my business highlights, client success stories and upcoming opportunities to work together.

Nothing says ‘bringing in a brand new year’ than a brand new series of free grant writing workshops! I’m thrilled to announce this free professional development workshop opportunity for the regional arts and cultural community coming to Goomeri, Kingaroy, Gympie and Murgon in February 2023.

I’m pleased to announce that I’ve commenced a new contract with the good folk at Blackbutt Avocado Festival, where you’ll find me riding the avo-bus as Arts Project Officer two days a week until mid-2022. This new position has been made possible with thanks to funding from FRRR’s Tackling Tough Times Together program.

I was the proud recipient of the South Burnett Senior Cultural Award announced at this year’s Australia Day Awards ceremony held in Wondai. I also received a nomination for South Burnett Citizen of the Year - what a privilege to be recognised and a joy to live and work in this region!

I'm thrilled to be stepping into the Economic Development Officer role with the Burnett Inland Economic Development Organisation. I always welcome the opportunity to hit the road with BIEDO and it was fantastic to visit the North Burnett communities of Gayndah, Eidsvold, Monto and Mundubbera last month in our travels.

I’m pleased to announce I’m one of 67 Queensland artists/arts workers to be awarded funding support through Arts Queensland’s Individuals Fund. This funding will enable me to undertake a four-month mentorship and Cultural Resource Mapping project for the South Burnett region.

My residency with CQ RASN as part of the artist ‘at home’ residency program has also continued throughout this month (new art works pictured above). Later in July, I’ll be exhibiting some art works created during this time at a number of Kingaroy businesses - further information coming soon!