Our Staff & Board
Sit Beneath - installation at The Arboretum, Batlow by Julie Roche, image by Tayla Martin 2021
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.
Vanessa Keenan
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.
Gavin Rhodes
Deputy Chair
Gavin is a Local Government General Manager with extensive experience in leadership and public sector management. He has worked in both Local and Federal Government and is passionate about fostering sustainable growth and delivering positive outcomes for local communities.Ann Sutton
Ann Sutton
Board Member
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.
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.
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.
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
Acting Executive Director (Maternity Leave Cover)
p. 02 69216890
e. brittany@easternriverinaarts.org.au
Brittany Hefren is the Communications and Engagement Coordinator 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.
Maryanne Gray
Program & Partnerships Manager
p. 02 69216890
e. maryanne@easternriverinaarts.org.au
Maryanne Gray is the Programs and Partnerships Manager at Eastern Riverina Arts. With a background in arts education, arts administration, art therapy and music, she brings a wealth of experience to the role.
Maryanne has worked in local government both in the Art Gallery and Library, engaging a diverse range of local creatives and communities since 2020. She has also taught visual art across a wide range of educational environments and is passionate about developing programs and partnerships that celebrate diversity, creativity and community connection.
Sarah Keane
Communications & Engagement Coordinator P/T Mon-Wed
Programs Assistant P/T Thurs-Fri
p. 02 69216890
e. programs@easternriverinaarts.org.au
Sarah Keane is the Communications and Engagement Coordinator and Programs Assistant at Eastern Riverina Arts. An emerging arts professional, Sarah holds a Bachelor of Art History and Curating from Monash University. She brings a strong foundation in art history, gallery operations, and program delivery, with hands-on experience across both commercial and regional local government galleries.
With a background in marketing and communications, Sarah offers skills in project coordination, creative communications, and event management. She is dedicated to supporting the ERA community through engaging programs and artist-led initiatives, and is passionate about fostering collaboration through thoughtful curation.