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.

Amber Wade

Amber works in community development and is a force of nature in our local community, strongly involved in the Orbost Youth Club, Light Up Orbost and other community groups and activities.

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Amber is focussed on the OEC being the best it can be for the community, delivering all the benefits the arts bring to our rural and regional towns.

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Amber was appointed as Vice Chair in May 2023, as allowed in the model rules, when the outgoing Vice resigned.

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.

Jeff McGrath

Jeff is a visual artist, business owner and carpenter. He has held very successful exhibitions in the OEC.

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Jeff's focus is ensuring the gallery has a forward program of exhibitions, and that the facility offers a range of workshops and events  that welcome the community and provide creative outlets.

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Jeff was appointed as a general member in May 2023 to fill the vacany created when Kate moved into the Secretary role.

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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.