Meet the Committee & Team

Eleni McIlroy

Eleni runs her own consulting business. She brings to the OEC experience in project management and funding advocacy.

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Her focus is ensuring the OEC meets community expectations while developing the centre into a professional arts space that is financially viable and sustainable.

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Eleni has elected Chair in October, 20232.

Kate Rutherford

Kate has a strong background in the not for profit and community space. She brings significant experience in organisational administration to the OEC.

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Kate oversees daily operations, using her other skills as a chef when needed. Her focus is on ensuring the OEC is running smoothly, sustainably and fulfilling it's potential

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Kate was elected a general member in October 2023 and appointed Secretary in January 2023 after acting in the role since October 2022, due to the outgoing secretary taking a leave of absence and then stepping down.

Liz Fleming

Liz is a chartered accountant and runs her own business as a grant writer, business mentor and strategist. She brings tot he OEC significant financial and funding experience, as well as a focus on professional and transparent operations.

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Liz oversees the OEC financial operations and if focussed on our transition to a financially sustainable facility that can support the staffing resources needed.

Liz was appointed as Treasurer in December 2022, as allowed in the model rules, when the outgoing treasurer stepped down.

Christina Christensen

Christina is an accomplished musician and braile music transcriber. She has experience working with not-for-profits and brings to the OEC a commitment to growing our impact in our local community. 

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She is committed to the presence of music within the OEC program.

Sara Matthews

Sara works in community development and recovery. She has a background in community services and brings a focus on the social wellbeing of people through art to the committee.

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Sara is focussed on developing the volunteer program so that the OEC can maintain consistent and expanded opening hours, to support our operation and ongoing viability.

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Sara was elected in October 2022.

Paul Gibbs

Now retired after years as a business owner, Paul is a wood worker and his fabulous works can be found in the retail shop.

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Paul is focussed on the ongoing development of the wood design program, and supporting the day-to-day operation of the facility so that it is consistent and sustinable.

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Paul was elected in October 2022.

Maurice Hayes

Maurice is an experienced executive with over 30 years of expertise in engineering operations, warehousing & logistics, solution sales, marketing, and project management for international brands. He excels in identifying the most critical gaps that impede business efficiency and developing efficient strategies, processes, and change management to improve organisational capability.

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He supports the OEC to be open, consistent and presentable.

Lyndel Moore

Lyndel is a freelance producer with a background in creative businesses.

She is contracted to the OEC for 12 months (commencing July 2023) thanks to funding from the East Gippsland Community Foundation to develop and oversee the 12-month arts-led recovery program, including and expanded Australian Wood Design Exhibition in 2024.

Our Volunteers

The OEC would not be able to open without the commitment of our volunteers who run the facility day-to-day. For more information on how to volunteer please see the Volunteer tab.