Regional Arts NSW - The peak body for regional arts activity in New South Wales

Central Orana attracts experienced RADO from SA

6 June 2003

Regional Arts NSW and the Central Orana Regional Arts Steering Committee are pleased to announce the appointment of Nina O’Brien as the inaugural Regional Arts Development Officer for the Central Orana region.

Nina has extensive experience as a Regional Arts Officer and Gallery Director in South Australia. Apart from her regional arts experience, she has been an arts practitioner and arts project co-ordinator, and has worked in exhibition programming, venue management, events, and community development work.

Nina has demonstrated experience in community cultural development processes, arts planning, youth arts and cultural programs and working
with volunteer groups.

Her arrival in the Central Orana shortly will be warmly welcomed by everyone in the community with an interest in the cultural development of the region.

"It’s been a long time coming,” said Aileen Bell, the Coonabarabran representative on the Steering Committee, a Councillor and Director of Regional Arts NSW.

"Community members and council representatives have been asking for a RADO for some years now, and, at last, we have the necessary financial support from the NSW Ministry for the Arts and contributing local councils in the region to support the position. Added to this, the skills and experience of the successful candidate for the position will really put the Central Orana on the map.

“We now have a great opportunity to build strong and sustainable partnerships with local governments in the area so that the cultural life of the Central Orana grows and develops its own identity in the state.”

The Central Orana Regional Arts Steering Committee - comprising members from the contributing councils of Dubbo City, Coonabarabran, Coolah, Gilgandra and Narromine Shire Councils- and state agencies are anticipating a strong and dynamic start to the establishment of a Regional Arts Board and program for the region.

A media launch and community gathering is being planned for late June or early July to co-incide with Nina’s commencement of duties to welcome her to the position and the region.

For any enquiries please contact either
Cr Aileen Bell, Coonabarabran, Tel 02 6825 4364 or
Victoria Keighery, CEO, Regional Arts NSW Tel 02 9247 8577.