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Refurbished Performance Space Hits the Right Note with Health Minister

The Minister for Health, Regional Health and the Illawarra and South Coast, Mr Ryan Park visited WollCon recently.

The Minister for Health, Regional Health and the Illawarra and South Coast, Mr Ryan Park visited WollCon recently, to see one of our key performance spaces which was refurbished with the help of a previous Community Building Partnership (CBP 2023) grant.

The space is now a fully accessible and air-conditioned performance venue – essential for an organisation which offers Music Therapy services – and is supported by safe, private amenities, serving the community (such as the U3A choir and NDIS clients), musicians and audiences.

Ryan Park enjoying the seniors choir

Ryan Park’s visit overlapped with WollCon’s most senior singing group The Bushlarks, which began in 2024 and operates each Friday morning. The group is especially for seniors, people living with dementia and their care partners.

Ryan saw first-hand the value of such a gathering by joining in with the singing and dancing and learnt more about the benefits of music therapy from the qualified therapists managing the group.

“I always love visiting this stunning part of the Illawarra, made even more special when it brings people together through music. It’s inspiring to see this venue not only celebrated for its natural beauty but also a space where people of all ages and backgrounds can connect, create, and experience the unifying power of music. And, what a treat to be a part of it during my visit!”

Ryan Park

Minister for Health, Regional Health and Illawarra and South Coast

Ryan also toured other buildings with Annette Brown our CEO noting other refurbishment possibilities.

“We were absolutely thrilled having Ryan Park here. How wonderful it was for him see the Bushlarks rehearsing in the venue that was refurbished from a grant which his office supported. We are looking forward to his next visit and further potential work.” Said Annette Brown.

Ryan Park and Annette Brown
Positive Change Through Music

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Wollongong Conservatorium of Music is funded by the NSW Government through the Regional Conservatorium Grants

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Matt Lynch

Director

Matt Lynch brings to WollCon extensive executive and governance experience across energy, infrastructure, defence, and government sectors. He has a proven record of delivering enterprise transformation, strengthening risk and governance frameworks, leading the development of innovative IT solutions, and managing data security and safety transformation projects within highly regulated environments. He is recognised for building high-performing teams that achieve sustainable outcomes.

He holds a Master of Commercial Law from Deakin University, a Bachelor of Information Science and Technology from the University of Wollongong, and is a Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Dr Sue Savage

Director

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 Mowbray

Director

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 Pearson

Director

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 Morris

Director

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

Deputy Chair

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 Sloan

Chair

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.