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Congratulations to Raley on Joining the Gondwana Novus Choir

At just 12 years old, Raley is already showing wonderful musical potential. She studies contemporary voice and piano at WollCon, taking individual lessons with Anamaria Gomez, and has been a Soprano in the WollCon Junior Choir for the past three years. She also learns piano with Kelvin and has played clarinet in her school bands, led by WollCon teachers.

Earlier this year, Raley attended WollCon’s Choir Workshop with the visiting Luminescence Children’s Choir. Luminescence’s Choir Director, AJ, was so impressed with her that they encouraged Ryley to audition for Gondwana. With guidance from her teacher Anamaria, Raley prepared two pieces — both of which she had previously performed with WollCon — for her initial video audition. After progressing to a live video audition, where she demonstrated her pitch-matching and sight-singing skills, Raley received the exciting news that she’d been offered a place in Gondwana Novus.

Raley says “I love connecting with the music that I sing to tell its story. I love performing to an audience and supporting the younger performers.”

Raley Vonhoff

About Gondwana Novus Choir

The Gondwana Novus Choir is a training choir for young people aged 10–13 within the nationally renowned Gondwana Choirs organisation. It provides an inspiring opportunity for young singers to develop their skills through rehearsals and performances, guided by expert conductors.

As part of the Gondwana National Choral School, Raley will spend two weeks immersed in music-making at the University of Sydney in January. During this time, choristers rehearse, take part in workshops, and perform in two public concerts alongside other talented young singers from across Australia.

Raley says that she “loves connecting with the music that she sings to tell its story.” She enjoys performing to an audience and supporting younger performers. Looking ahead to January, she’s especially excited to meet other singers from around the country and to perform in venues such as the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and St James’ Church.

We’re thrilled to see Raley take this next exciting step in her musical journey.

Congratulations, Raley – WollCon is so proud of you!

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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.