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New RADO for Outback Arts

10 September 2002

The Outback Arts Regional Arts Board (RAB) has appointed Queensland teacher and community theatre practitioner, Rod Ainsworth as its new Regional Arts Development Officer (RADO). Based in Coonamble and servicing the far west region - which includes the shires of Bogan, Bourke, Brewarrina, Cobar, Coonamble, Walgett and Warren - Rod will start at the end of September.

Rod replaces Cath Fogarty, who was instrumental in establishing the Outback Arts RAB around four years ago.

In an article for the September issue of ArtReach magazine, Rod writes about why he has decided to become a RADO:

"As I write this, I watch a tacky Hollywood 'blockbuster' on the box. It reminds me why I work in the arts in regional communities. It's everything that Hollywood is not - non-corporatised, non-globalised, relevant and proud. I'm a firm believer in the power of thepeople involved in the arts sector to make change and galvanise communities. As you can see, I'm an idealist - shamelessly.

"I have worked in film and television (yes, making corporate garb), as an arts educator and in community theatre as a writer and director. I've also worked for many of Queensland's theatre companies in a research capacity. For the past five-odd years, I have worked as a secondary drama teacher and have been active in the arts industry in Bundaberg. My varied roles in the arts, in both professional and volunteer capacities, mean that I understand how community-based art works on many levels.

I'm champing at the bit to take up my new role as RADO with Outback Arts at the end of September. I'm looking forward to finding out what makes the Far West region tick - its people, culture and environment. One warning, though ... I am a Queenslander, so please speak very slowly."

Rod can be contacted after the end of September at the Outback Arts office in Coonamble.