OUR BOARD
AMANDA BIGGS
Chairperson
Amanda brings to the Chairperson role a deep understanding of the visual arts landscape in Canberra, as well s skills in governance, people management, policy analysis and research, program evaluation and report writing. Amanda is a Senior Researcher at the Commonwealth Parliamentary Library, and a champion of the arts. She holds a double major (Hons.) in Fine Arts & English from Flinders University, a Graduate Diploma in Librarianship from UNSW and a Masters of Arts from Deakin University. Amanda has written papers for the Parliamentary Library, and reviews and articles for the CAS Broadsheet and Words and Visions art magazine. Amanda has served on the CCAS Board since 2017.
TINA BAUM
Tina is from the Gulumirrgin (Larrakia), Wardaman and Karajarri peoples of the Northern Territory and Western Australia with over 30 years’ experience in Australian museums and galleries. Tina is Senior Curator of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art at the National Gallery of Australia, and has previously worked at the Queensland Museum, Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, and the National Museum of Australia. Tina is also a Board member of The Arts Law Centre of Australia. Tina has served on the CCAS Board since 2015, and brings to the role significant industry-specific knowledge, as well as indigenous engagement, governance and government funding experience.
COLLEEN KELLY
Treasurer
Colleen is a Certified Practising Accountant with over 25-years’ experience working in public practice accounting firms providing taxation and business advice to clients in a range of sectors. As a Senior Manager at MGI Joyce Dickson, Colleen assists small to medium businesses to achieve their business and financial objectives. Colleen joined the CCAS Board in 2023, and brings to the Treasurer role considerable financial expertise as well as not-for-profit governance and committee experience.
WARATAH LAHY
Waratah is a Canberra-based artist, with a Doctorate of Philosophy (Visual Arts) from the Australian National University (ANU). Waratah is represented by Beaver Galleries, and her work is in private and public collections, including Artbank, Parliament House Art Collection (Canberra), Canberra Museum + Gallery, and Bundanon Trust. Waratah is also an experienced arts worker, having worked at the ANU School of Art & Design as Outreach Coordinator, managing the Emerging Artist Support Scheme program, and is currently Gallery Manager of The Mixing Room Gallery. Waratah re-joined the CCAS board in 2023, having previously served on the CCAS board over a decade ago, and brings to the role considerable industry-specific knowledge and networks, communications expertise, and previous board, committee, and patron and sponsorship management experience.
ADAM PEPPINCK
Secretary
Adam is a solicitor with strong legal, governance, business development and management experience. He is partner at Clayton Utz (Real Estate) and has over 20 years' experience advising both public and private sector clients on leasing, divestment, acquisition, and property development matters. Adam is Chair of the ACT Law Society’s Property Law Committee, and member of the Property Council of Australia’s Planning and Residential Committee (ACT division). He is also an elected Councillor of the ACT Law Society Council. Adam has served on the CCAS Board since 2017.
IRENE LEMON
Irene is Business Development Manager Startups at the Australian National University. As a Creative Industries Specialist and experienced mentor and business advisor, Irene has helped over 1000 creatives and social enterprises with entrepreneurial skills development to enhance sustainability and viability of creative businesses. Irene is also a performing artist, with 20 years’ experience, and brings to the CCAS role significant business development, fundraising, and governance expertise, as well as impact analysis, and cross-artform industry-specific knowledge. Irene joined the CCAS Board in January 2023.
PAUL MAGEE
Paul brings to the CCAS role communications, strategic planning, management, and governance experience, as well as cross-artform industry-specific knowledge. Paul is Associate Professor in Poetry at the University of Canberra, where he directs one of the university’s five dedicated research centres, the Centre for Cultural and Creative Research (CCCR). A poet and researcher in poetics, Paul has received Arts Victoria, artsACT and Australia Council funding for his verse, as well as securing Australian Research Council and U.K. Research and Innovation grants for his scholarship. Paul studied in Melbourne, Moscow, San Salvador and Sydney, and has served on the CCAS Board since 2012.