CENTRAL COAST CONSERVATORIUM - Key Persons

Job Titles:

• Board Director
• CEO
• Member of the Board
• Member of the Central Coast Tourism Advisory Committee for the Central Coast Council and Similarly for the Gosford - Erina Business Chamber

Catharine is an experienced board director and CEO with a strong career background in management, marketing, tourism and publishing. She has broad corporate governance and strategy experience on boards in the corporate, ASX, government and NFP sectors. Catharine has been a senior marketer of some of Australia's major events, including the Bicentennial celebrations, Sydney 2000 Olympic Bid, Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, etc. She was asked to become CEO of the iconic Driza-Bone company to ready it for private equity sale, successfully returning it to Australian ownership. Then, looking for fresh challenges, Catharine focused on establishing a book publishing company, Citrus Press, which has now edited and produced over 100 titles. On moving to the Central Coast in 2018, she launched COAST magazine which has grown into the largest quality magazine, showcasing the best of the region. Catharine has been a member of the Central Coast Tourism Advisory Committee for the Central Coast Council and similarly for the Gosford-Erina Business Chamber. She is the author of nine published non-fiction books, as well as being a closet novel writer. Catharine's interest in the Conservatorium was born from a strong family background in music. She is proud to be able to take a small stride in following both her maternal and paternal grandparents' giant footsteps as founders, administrators and classical musicians in orchestras across the Netherlands, Russia and Vienna. Elected to the Board in 2023.

Job Titles:

• Chairman
• Member of the Board

Claire is a businesswoman based on the NSW Central Coast. She co-founded Women on Boards in Australia in 2006 and in the UK in 2012 following a career in journalism and public relations. An experienced Non-Executive Director on small businesses and large Not-For-Profit organisations, Claire has significant expertise on board governance in many other sectors. Claire is also a graduate of the Benevolent Society's Sydney Social Leadership Program which has led to a lifelong interest in affordable housing and related social issues, particularly those impacting women and children. Between 2020 and 2023 she served on the board of Coast Shelter Emergency Accommodation Ltd, a registered Community Housing Provider operating crisis accommodation refuges across the region for people who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, or experiencing domestic and family violence. Elected to the Board in 2016k, Claire is a lover of the visual and performing arts.

Job Titles:

• Member of the Board

Douglas is highly experienced in the fields of investment management and corporate finance. He is based on the Central Coast and works remotely as a senior executive of an asset management firm in South Africa, known as Visio Fund Management. He is one of its co-founders and has been with the firm since 2006. In his role at Visio, he is involved in the management of equity funds and hedge funds. Douglas has a passion for investment research and analysing companies listed all over the world. Prior to his move into investment management, he held various corporate finance roles, participating in numerous M&A and capital markets transactions. During this time, he developed keen interest in the analysis of equity markets and investments, due diligence and valuations. Douglas was a corporate finance executive in London and Johannesburg with JP Morgan Cazenove and an associate director with UBS Investment Bank in South Africa. Douglas strongly believes in the long term value of education in all spheres of life and that music education in particular provides unique benefits and transferable life skills. He is a Chartered Accountant, a holder of the Chartered Financial Analyst charter (CFA) and a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW). Elected to the board in 2023.

Job Titles:

• Chief Executive Officer
• Member of the Central Coast Conservatorium Team
• Fellow of the Certified Practicing Accountants Australia

Dr Lisa Barnes has worked in tertiary institutions for more than 12 years - including at Newcastle University - with experience teaching at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, face-to-face and online. She has taught in Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur and Sweden and presented at conferences in Portugal, the United States and New Zealand. Growing up on the Central Coast, Dr Barnes spent much time performing in eisteddfods, with the Central Coast Concert Band and in musical theatre. Her children attended the Conservatorium's early childhood and Children's Music Programs and have gone on to continue their music education into their teens and early adult years. Formerly Head of School at the Avondale Arts and Business School Dr Barnes serves on the Advisory Board for the Australian Academy of Business Leadership and is Deputy Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee of the Australian Curriculum, and Assessment Reporting Authority. ACARA is an independent statutory authority responsible for the development of a national curriculum, a national assessment program, and a national data collection and reporting program that supports learning for Australian students. She is also Treasurer of Coastlink, a not-for-profit youth disability provider and has a special interest in social responsibility, and financial and corporate governance of not-for-profit organisations, having been a director on numerous not-for-profit and Australian government boards. Dr Barnes is a Fellow of the Certified Practicing Accountants Australia, a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and holds a Master of Business Administration and a Doctorate of Business Administration degree.

Job Titles:

• Member of the Board
• Vice - Chair
• Strategist

Elizabeth W. Scott is a global arts and culture strategist with over 25 years' experience advising and producing content for cultural organisations across the USA, UK and Australia. Her roles have included Executive Director of CREATE NSW, the State's Arts and Screen funding and policy department of government; Chief Media and Digital Officer of New York City's Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts; and co-owner of a consultancy that served performing arts, visual arts, and arts education organisations of all sizes around the globe. She has been honoured to be recognised with Emmy awards for her work live-producing concert and theatrical performance productions. Prior to her arts sector executive work, she ran the business of Major League Baseball's film and television production for over a decade, implementing many firsts for US sport that provide relevant learnings and insights for arts accessibility and audience development today. She has also contributed as an international thought leader on media and technology's impact on the cultural sector and has been a featured speaker at leading universities and peak body conferences for each performing arts form, across the globe. Elizabeth currently serves as Board Member of the US's largest artist peak body, Fractured Atlas, and as a Director of the Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra. Her sector service has also included International Counsellor for the UK peak body, Creative Industries Federation. An accomplished performing artist who has freelanced as a conductor with opera companies, choruses and festivals across New York, her recent work in Australia includes conducting the Orange Symphony Orchestra and the East Sydney Chamber Orchestra. She recently assumed the role of Music Director with the Central Coast's VERVE Voices. Elizabeth's belief in the life-changing impact of strong music education has drawn her to service on the Central Coast Conservatorium's Board. She credits inspirational arts educators in her youth as the most influential people in developing her intellectual curiosity, her leadership skills and a confidence in her own artistic voice. Elected as Vice President of the Board in 2023.

Job Titles:

• Marketing Manager
• Member of the Central Coast Conservatorium Team
• Digital Marketing Specialist

Digital marketing specialist Geraldine is a journalist with more than 25 years' experience in newspaper and magazine publishing in the UK and Australia. UK-born Geraldine has edited and written for a variety of publications including London Evening Standard, Belle Magazine, House & Garden, Sydney Morning Herald and Out & About with Kids. As Central Coast Conservatorium of Music's Marketing Manager, Geraldine combines her passion for music and music education with her skills in digital marketing, social media, design and writing. She has been involved with the CCCM for over 10 years, with both sons attending music lessons since the age of four. Her eldest son Xavier studied bassoon with Patrick Brennan, is a member of Central Coast Youth Orchestra and in 2024 was offered a place to study Bachelor of Music (Performance) at Sydney Conservatorium of Music. Geraldine is a member of Central Coast Philharmonia Choir.

Job Titles:

• Member of the Board
• Transformation Leader

Janet is an accomplished transformation leader with more than 20 years' experience in the Public Sector. She specialises in digital transformation, strategic planning, regulatory policy, compliance, governance, and risk and has a deep understanding of work health and safety. Janet is currently a Non-Executive Director and on the finance committee of the Central Coast Community Women's Health Centre, a not-for-profit organisation providing essential health services for women, including support for women in crisis. A recipient of a 2018 Australia Day Award for future leaders, Janet holds post graduate qualifications in Public Sector Management & Work Health and Safety, as well as in Autism (special education) which was motivated by Janet's lived experience of disability and desire to drive community acceptance of different neurotypes as a standard type of human diversity. A born and bred ‘Coastie', Janet understands the key role the Conservatorium plays in bringing music and the arts to our local community and is grateful to be contributing to the Conservatorium's next steps. Elected to the Board in 2023.

Job Titles:

• Member of the Board
• Secretary
• Australian Financial Adviser and Co - Founder and Director of Award - Winning Firm, Multiforte Financial Services

Secretary | Chair, Growth & Development Committee Kate McCallum is a leading Australian financial adviser and co-founder and director of award-winning firm, Multiforte Financial Services. She has an extensive background in business strategy and finance, having held executive positions at Westpac, BT Financial Group and Commonwealth Bank. Kate is a published author, media commentator, successful business woman and recipient of multiple awards in the Financial Services industry. Kate holds a BA Hons from the University of Sydney, an MComm from the University of New South Wales, and post-graduate qualifications in financial advice and applied finance. Kate has studied piano and fine art, and enjoys live music, and the performing and visual arts. She has co-MC'd Opera in the Arboretum (alongside Tim Page) in 2022 and 2023. Kate was elected to the Board in 2021.

Job Titles:

• Member of the Central Coast Conservatorium Team
• Administration

Perth-born Kathleen moved to the Central Coast 11 years ago with her husband Paul, a professional musician and drummer. "We decided to make the move to the East Coast because there were more performing opportunities here," said Kathleen, who is also now mum to two boys aged 14 and 16. "It is thanks to Paul I have developed a greater understanding of music appreciation and the skills and talents required of professional musicians. So when I saw the role advertised here at the Conservatorium of Music my interest was piqued. Kathleen previously worked in an administrative role at a Central Coast aged care facility. "I am looking forward to meeting more families and students and learning more about the Conservatorium," said Kathleen You can find Kathleen in the front office of the Con at 45 Mann Street from Monday to Thursday, where she will also be available on the phone to answer your questions.

Job Titles:

• Events Manager
• Member of the Central Coast Conservatorium Team
• Program Coordinator

Job Titles:

• Member of the Central Coast Conservatorium Team
• Artistic Director, Premier Ensembles Conductor & Bassoon Teacher

Patrick Brennan attained his Bachelor and Master of Music degrees at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and as a professional bassoonist performed with Australia's leading orchestras for 15 years before pursuing a career as a conductor. He participated in the Symphony Australia Conductor Development Program whilst directing several school and community bands and symphonic wind ensembles. In 2020 Patrick won a coveted position in the Australian Conducting Academy, working with the Tasmania Symphony Orchestra Patrick has created and developed several cornerstone organisations including the Northern Sydney Schools Wind Orchestra, Central Coast Opera, Regional Youth Orchestra NSW and the NSSWE program that now offers weekly professional development for tertiary music students, focusing on best practice in pedagogy and conducting. Patrick teaches bassoon at Central Coast Conservatorium of Music. As a music educator Patrick has worked within the Department of Education Arts Unit, in government and non-government schools as well as in tertiary institutions, including the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and the Newcastle Conservatorium of Music. He was also appointed as the NSW representative of the Bassoon syllabus for the AMEB. As a member of the Curriculum Development Committee for the ANSWRC Patrick is currently developing a state-wide curriculum for music students across regional NSW As Artistic Director of the Central Coast Conservatorium, Patrick musically directs the major premier music ensembles on the NSW Central Coast including Central Coast Youth Orchestra, Central Coast Philharmonia Choir and Central Coast Concert Band.

Job Titles:

• Chairman of Audit & Risk Committee
• Member of the Board

Paul has more than 35 years of diversified experience in investment banking/financial services, consulting, and general management in Australia and overseas. He spent two decades as a director with several banks, including Citibank, focusing on corporate finance. Subsequently he was a partner/managing director in a global professional services firm for 15 years, and later a director and senior adviser in corporate development and advisory roles with JB Were Goldman Sachs. Paul also chaired and advised an independent corporate advisory firm. He has wide experience both as a non-executive chair and director and as an advisor to many boards in the public listed, private unlisted, and government sectors on strategy, governance, chair/director selection, board/CEO performance issues, and leadership assessment. Paul's extensive not-for-profit (NFP) experience has included establishing,revitalizing, merging, and advisingmany NFP boards and CEOs on strategy, governance, mergers and leadership performance in many NFP sectors. Currently, he serves on the Boards and committees of organisations involved in philanthropy, education, social enterprises and corporate governance. He recently retired as a non-executive director from the Australian String Quartet where he served for a 13-year term. Elected to the Board in 2022.

Job Titles:

• Member of the Board
• Chairman of Legal & Governance Committee

Penny is an experienced senior lawyer who works for the NSW government advising on issues relating to environmental law. She worked as a legal adviser to the British government in London for eight years and also as a lawyer for the United Nations in West Africa. Penny holds a Master of Laws, a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts. She has also taught law at university level. Penny plays the violin and has a strong belief in the importance of learning music for people of all ages and abilities. She believes that music inspires people to come together creatively in a magical way. Penny has been an active member of the Board since 2019.

Job Titles:

• Civil Engineer
• Member of the Board
• Chairman of Premises & Building Committee

Rob is a civil engineer working with deep expertise as a project manager for large scale private, Local and State Government projects. He has a hands-on role as a Project Director on key projects including a new Sydney CBD hotel and SINSW projects. He previously worked with Pacific Link Housing to increase its housing portfolio through the construction of new housing; and with the NSW State Government at the Department of Land and Property and the Department of Planning where his main project there was the $1 billion mixed use redevelopment of Gosford Waterfront. Rob was formerly on the Board of the Gosford and Erina Coastal Chamber of Commerce and has extensive international experience in the whole range of construction processes from conception to completion.

Job Titles:

• Financial Controller
• Member of the Central Coast Conservatorium Team

Rod Bowman joined the Conservatorium with extensive expertise in financial and commercial management. He was previously a Partner at CFO On Call and Commercial Manager at Serco Sodexo Defence Services. Rod holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Newcastle and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the Newcastle Graduate School of Business.