Our Understory Team is dynamic, experienced and dedicated. Three founding members from the original 2005 committee are still onboard, helping keep the original vision alive. New members add fresh perspective and skills as Understory grows and evolves.
STAFF
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR/GENERAL MANAGER
Fiona Sinclair
With over twenty years working and living regionally as a public artist, Community Arts and Cultural Development facilitator, gallery manager, presenter and cultural tourism developer, Fiona has extensive networks and experience stretching across the vast and incredibly diverse regional arts community.
Specialising in the coordination of pioneering state-wide initiatives that deliver inter-connectivity, collaboration and vibrancy to regional arts practice, Fiona is a passionate advocate for the depth, dynamism and richness that the regional arts sector contributes to our states creative and cultural narrative overall.
Secretary of Southern Forest Arts since 2005, Fiona is a former Vice-Chair of Regional Arts WA, a board member of the Chamber of Arts & Culture WA and founding member (and current Vice Chair) of GalleriesWest.
COMMITTEE
CHAIRPERSON / THEATRE & EDUCATION SPECIALIST (2004 – current)
Diana Moss
Diana is a passionate advocate for the Arts and has worked in the education sector for 41 years in both metropolitan and country schools in WA. Her passion for the Arts and her community is demonstrated by her involvement with various arts groups over her years since becoming a full resident of Northcliffe in 1998.
She was a founding member and president of the Northcliffe Film Club and then went onto being President of WA Federation of Film Societies. Diana was also one of the founding members of Northcliffe Arts Association as well as Southern Forest Arts.
In her role as Chairperson she has made connections with various groups such as the Pemberton Arts Group, Denmark Arts and organisations such as Country Arts WA. Diana has coordinated and managed various aspects of the programming and promotion of arts events and performances for both NAA and SFA. She has specific expertise in presentation of performance-based events.
VICE CHAIRPERSON / IT SPECIALIST (2004 – current)
Graham Evans
Graham is the current manager of the Northcliffe Community Resource Centre, a role he has held for over a decade. His most significant contribution to Southern Forest Arts is in the area of IT. He has a thorough grasp of the ever-changing world of digital technology. He built our original website and recorded and developed our audio tours. He maintains our podcasts and keeps the organisation cyber-safe.
Graham is also a practicing fibre-artist, film afficionado, avid reader and musician.
TREASURER (2021 – current)
Jenny Mawdsley
Jenny is a professional book-keeper and has pulled the SFA accounts into shape since her arrival on the committee in late 2021. Jenny has a great depth of experience in managing accounts for Not for Profit community entities, having spent over two decades managing accounts for the Northcliffe family & Community Centre. She generously volunteers her skill and time for a number of other community organisations.
SECRETARY / LITERATURE & EDUCATION SPECIALIST (2020 – current)
Dr. Nicole Sinclair
Nicole is a published literary fiction author, secondary and tertiary educator and workshop facilitator. With her family she is growing a passion for regenerative agriculture. She is an enthusiastic su[porter of many local community organisations.
DISABILITY ARTS ADVOCATE (2020 – current)
Jodie Miller
Jodie volunteers for a number of local community organisations (and is currently the Secretary of Northcliffe Community Development Inc). Prior to moving to Northcliffe ten years ago she worked in business administration. In her current role as a disability support worker she has developed a passion for the sector and is keen to see SFA broaden its offerings and increase its inclusivity.
TOURISM SPECIALIST (2022 – current)
Mike Beanland
Mike moved to Northcliffe in 2021. He brings with him a diverse portfolio of expertise in governance, business and community development. He has extensive experience in the tourism sector – operating a range of businesses in diverse locations