About

Creatives in regional and rural Australia often juggle a rich mix of roles, from artist to administrator, teacher to technician, maker to mentor. This panel celebrates the diverse ways creatives show up for their communities, sustain their practices, and stay adaptable in a shifting industry landscape.

We'll explore how “multi-hat” work drives innovation, builds networks, and reveals unexpected career pathways, all while navigating burnout, boundaries, and the business side of art.

Panellists

Claire Harris

Claire Harris is the Manager of the Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre. She has twenty-five years experience across the arts and creative industries, including working with Australian Theatre for Young People, Outback Theatre for Young People, Eastern Riverina Arts, The Cad Factory, The Wired Lab and Live Performance Australia. Claire founded Create Hub Riverina in Wagga Wagga and currently sits on the board of NAPACA (NSW Performing Arts Centres Association).

Vickie Burkinshaw

Vickie Burkinshaw is a respected community leader in Wagga Wagga. As owner of The Curious Rabbit, she developed a much-loved gallery, café and cultural hub. She is President of both the Friends of the Wagga Wagga Art Gallery and the Wagga Wagga Women’s Health Centre, where she continues to champion creativity, culture and community wellbeing. In recognition of her leadership, Vickie has received accolades including the 2022 Transgrid Leadership Award and the 2025 Wagga Wagga Local Woman of the Year.

Vanessa Keenan

Vanessa Keenan is the Managing Director of Acorn Creative Group, bringing over 20 years of experience in arts management and community engagement. She has a strong background in project management with a history of successful, award-winning projects and is a practicing artist.

Moderator

Chris Roe

Chris roe is a storyteller, artist and TV producer based in Wagga Wagga. With three decades of experience in broadcast media Chris left Sydney with his young family in 2022 to launch the popular Region Riverina digital news platform and has recently returned to a senior production role with SBS/NITV. Working remotely from the Station Creative Workspace, Chris juggles daily TV deadlines along with writing, his art practice and a small business making unusual props and toys. Fittingly, Chris has collected hats since he was 5 years old and maintains a large and varied collection.

This workshop is a part of the Eastern Riverina Arts Creative Industries Bootcamp.
Tickets to this program are available at a heavily subsidised rate thanks to funding from the NSW Government.
All events include food and drink. Full day sessions include morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea.

Date

Location

Station Creative Workspace
54-58 Johnston St, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650

Contact Event Organiser