Our Name
Ulumbarra means gather together or a meeting place in the language of the Dja Dja Wurrung people.
Bendigo’s Ulumbarra Theatre is named to reflect the original indigenous use of the former gaol site as a lookout and meeting place. This new community theatre is a place for all to gather and enjoy the performances of local and international talent
The Ulumbarra Foundation builds on its namesake in its aspiration to gather our community together in support of the performing arts, artists and audiences throughout Central Victoria.
Our Purpose and Objectives
The Foundation’s purpose is to benefit the development and delivery of performing arts at Bendigo’s unique arts venues, notably Ulumbarra Theatre, The Capital, Bendigo Town Hall and The Engine Room. The Foundation’s activities will also support performing arts organisations, artists and the wider regional community through inspirational programs and funding initiatives.
The Ulumbarra Foundation’s objectives are to provide a framework to enable new funding sources to flow to Central Victoria’s performing arts programs, venues and artists.
- To attract philanthropic support.
- To raise awareness of and wide participation in performing arts programs and venues.
- To develop and engage regional artists, audiences and communities.
- To improve facilities and foster community strengthening activities.
- To promote and deliver new programming and attract new audiences.
Our Board and Management
Carolyn Stanford, Chair
Carolyn is a qualified marketing communications professional with more than 35 years’ experience in marketing for private business, local and state government in NSW and Victoria. Her experience extends across a range of sectors, including tourism, economic development, natural resources and education. She has an MBA and Bachelor of Business (Marketing).
Carolyn is passionate about the performing arts and its transformative effect on individuals and communities.
Dale Pearce, Deputy Chair
Dale Pearce is the Principal of Bendigo Senior Secondary College, a position he has held since 2006. In addition to membership and leadership of a range of professional networks he is also a member of the Board of the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority and chairs its Senior Secondary Committee.
Dale is an advocate for public education and regional schools and his college is recognised for its innovation and commitment to the needs of all students. Away from work his interests include travel, sport and family including two young girls with a passion for the performing arts.
Vicki Pearce, Treasurer
Vicki had a long and distinguished career in the banking and finance sector. She was State Manager of Bendigo and Adelaide Bank in Victoria and Western Australia for nine years. She is also heavily involved in supporting the not-for-profit and community sector.
Vicki is Chair of Bendigo Community Health Services(BCHS). She is a past Trustee of the National Gallery of Victoria, Treasurer and Board member of the Bendigo Art Gallery, and a committee member of the Greater Bendigo Against Family Violence and various associated committees with many of these organisations. She is a former advisory board member of the Curtin University School of Economics and Finance, was Director of Foundation Housing Ltd (Perth WA), and was the Chair of the LeadOn Bendigo Youth Driving Program.
Margaret Keech OAM, Secretary
Margaret Keech is a keen supporter of both arts and sport in the Bendigo community. A qualified physiotherapist, now retired, Margaret has worked with sportspeople across Australia and is currently the immediate past Chair of the Board of the Bendigo Academy of Sport.
Margaret’s not for profit sector committee experience includes much committee work at Girton Grammar in the past including President of the Parents & Friends Association, a Leader of both youth and adults locally in the 1st Strathfieldsaye Scout Group and Bendigo District Scouts, as well as at a State level. Margaret greatly enjoys her role as manager for the Forever Young Rock Choir and also sits on the Board of Bendigo Food Share.
Margaret and her family have supported the Ulumbarra Theatre since its inception and enjoy attending performances there. She is a strong advocate for encouraging world standard artists to perform in regional areas as well as supporting performing arts at a local level.
Robin Bragg, Board Member
During his career Robin Bragg practised as a mining engineer, mine manager, environmental manager and consultant to the mining industry in various states. Now a resident of Bendigo since 2016, he admires the historical wealth and colonial architecture of Bendigo and indulges his interests in cryptic crosswords, learning French, playing guitar, walking, gardening and travel.
Robin has always been supportive of “The Arts” and now has a desire to help promote, attract and cultivate diverse forms of performing arts throughout Central Victoria through philanthropy, bequests, donations and fund raising.
Robin views the Ulumbarra Theatre as “a fantastic achievement; an architectural marvel to rival anything else in the country and about which Bendigo can most rightly boast. I think a place without artistic endeavour or aspiration is a place without a soul.”
Pip Johanson, Board Member
Pip was raised in Bendigo (from goldfields heritage), educated at Bendigo High School and completed a B.A. LLB. at Melbourne University. On returning to Bendigo she was appointed as the first legal officer at the Bendigo Building Society. After having 3 children, Pip continued legal practice in the family law firm.
Over her years in Bendigo, Pip has been involved in many community organisations – the Bendigo Senior Secondary College Council, Bendigo Radiotherapy Foundation, the Bendigo Chamber Choir and the Bendigo Historical Society as well as volunteering as a guide at the Bendigo Art Gallery and Post Office Gallery.
Pip’s involvement over many years in the choir have made her particularly aware of the challenges of performing arts at a local level as well as the importance to the community of Bendigo in having exposure to quality productions in all performing arts.
Robert Blum, Board Member
Robert is currently the Director of Medical Oncology at Bendigo Health Care Group, a position he has held for sixteen years, while also being the Clinical Director of Loddon Mallee Integrated Cancer Services. Robert is an active member of the local performing arts community and has a desire to promote, attract and cultivate diverse forms of performing arts throughout Central Victoria.
Nigel McGuckian, Board Member
Nigel McGuckian is a Director of Coliban Water and Chair of its Service, Community and Planning committee, as well as Vice President and flautist with the Bendigo Symphony Orchestra. He is past Chair of the Loddon Campaspe Regional Partnership and the Otis Foundation. He was a cofounder of RM Consulting Group – an environmental and agricultural consulting business – and worked as a consultant with the business for 28 years. Mr McGuckian has a broad range of experience in agriculture, environment, economics and community development.
Julie Amos, Board Member ex officio
Manager of Bendigo Venues & Events, Julie Amos is a hands-on Arts Management specialist who has held positions with some of Australia’s biggest companies including The Australian Ballet, Circus Oz, Orchestra Victoria, Opera Queensland, Rock Eisteddfod Challenge, and many more. She has worked abroad for the Royal New Zealand Ballet and on major international sporting events in Doha (Asian Games) and Kuala Lumpur (Hockey Champions Trophy).
A classically trained flautist, whip-cracking champion and show-horse judge, Julie has a diverse breadth of experience with a passion for the Arts and country life. Julie holds a BMus (Flute), a BFArts (Technical Production), ATCL, has a riggers ticket and a forklift licence.
With an eye for detail and stead-fast work ethic, Julie has a proven track record for finding efficiency, inspiring creativity and delivering ambitious outcomes to support artists and the integrity of their work.
