Emerging Artists Series Welcomes Annabel

There’s no better way to spend your day than with Music and Tea in the Gallery, especially when home grown talent is invited to perform.

Born in Wollongong Annabel Wouters is emerging as one of Australia’s leading young flautists. She is also an accomplished pianist and successful young composer. She was accepted into the Australian Youth Orchestra Young Symphonist Program for 2023 and 2024, and plays with the Regional Youth Orchestra.

A flute student at WollCon Annabel is currently in Year 11 at High School and has completed her A.mus.A (with Distinction) on flute, A.Dip.A (Honours) on piano, and is currently preparing for L.Mus. A on flute and piano.

She was also last year’s WollCon Concerto winner, where she performed Fantaisie brilliante on Carmen by Borne. Adjudicated by Melissa Barnard of the ACO, it was the first time a flute player has won the annual competition.

Annabele Wouters

Annabel was been invited to perform as part of the Emerging Artists Concert Series with Inspire Music Australia again this year, but this time with pianist and accompanist Lisa Baraldi, for Music and Tea in the Wollongong Art Gallery. Together they played Bach, Borne, Muczynski and Clarke (Thursday 4th April from 11am).

“I was so excited to be part of the Emerging Artists Concert Series again, it was such an amazing opportunity for me last year. Performing has always been one of my favourite parts of being a musician, and I am thrilled that I can share my love for music in these concerts.”

Annabel Wouters

Flute Student, WollCon

Hosted by Inspire Music Australia.

Header Image 📸 Chelsea Caligari

 

Sue is an accomplished and seasoned manager with a wealth of experience in government administration and community service delivery. With a strong background in strategic planning, organisational development, community engagement, project planning, and building strategic partnerships, Sue has consistently demonstrated her leadership and expertise and brings a wealth of knowledge to the board. She holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Business focusing on Local Government and Creative Industries from the University of Wollongong, reflecting her commitment to public service and innovative leadership. Sue’s extensive career and dedication to community and social service make her a valuable asset, offering both strategic insight and practical experience to drive meaningful impact.

Anne has been a member of the Wollcon Board since 2019. She holds a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts from UNSW. She is an Accredited Specialist in Family Law and an accredited Mediator and Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner. She has taught family law and other subjects at Wollongong University.

For a number of years she has been a subscriber to the Australian Chamber Orchestra which regularly performs in Wollongong . She has been passionate about music and in particular music education to children and adults.

Jake has worked in the disability sector for 24 years- 17 of these with Interchange and 7 years as their CEO. Jake is passionate about inclusion and equality for both people with disability and their carers.

He holds an MBA, Bachelor of Commerce, Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, as well as completing Diploma’s in Case Management, Community Services Coordination and the AICD Company Directors Course.

Jake is also a committee member on the International Short Breaks Association Board and has been a Director on the Wollongong Conservatorium of Music Board since 2022.

Wayne is a Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors as well as being a qualified company secretary and accountant with over 35 years experience in banking and finance. He performed for nine of those years as Chief Executive of IMB Ltd, and the preceding seven years as Company Secretary and Chief Financial Officer, also with IMB. Wayne’s primary expertise is in the areas of governance, management, accounting, risk management and banking and finance. He has spent his whole life living in the Illawarra and is passionate about ensuring the Illawarra can provide the best possible opportunities and lifestyle for its residents. In 2024 Wayne was awarded an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for services to the community.

Dr Terumi Narushima is a senior lecturer and Music Discipline Leader at the University of Wollongong. She is a composer, performer and sound designer specialising in microtonal tuning systems. Her works include Tritriadic Chimes, a sound installation for LA MicroFest, Hidden Sidetracks, a composition for custom-made instruments premiered by Ensemble Offspring at Sydney Opera House, and a project to build microtonal flutes using 3D printing. She has worked on theatre collaborations which have been presented nationally and internationally, including Yasukichi Murakami: Through a Distant Lens, Lost in Shanghai, and The Story of Chi. She performs with microtonal ensemble Clocks and Clouds, and her book Microtonality and the Tuning Systems of Erv Wilson is published by Routledge.

Nicky is the CEO of Community Industry Group. She has degrees in Dementia Care, Community & Environment and Marketing, and a Grad Dip in Project Management. She is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and an Honorary Fellow of UOW. In addition to Chairing the WollCon Board, she is Deputy Chair of the Regional Development Australia Illawarra Shoalhaven Board and an Independent Non-Executive Director of Warrigal, a large not-for-profit specialising in the provision of services for older people.

Her corporate governance and strategy experience extends through a 20+ year career on boards in the corporate, government and NFP sectors.