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VAPAC people

Our network is our strength

The heart of VAPAC is our people.
Our staff and Executive Committee bring together decades of experience across venues, programming, community engagement and arts leadership from right across Victoria.
Click on any headshot below to get to know the individuals behind the network.

VAPAC Staff

Jade Smith

Program Producer
jade@vapac.org.au
Mon – Wed & Fri

Liz Astin

Marketing Manager
liz@vapac.org.au
Mon – Wed

Black and white professional headshot of Nkechi Anele, VAPAC Development Manager, looking directly at the camera with her hand resting on her chin.

Nkechi Anele

Development Manager
nkechi@vapac.org.au
Mon – Wed

Executive Committee

Eli Dunlevie

Chair

Simon Myers

Deputy Chair

Tim Blundell

Treasurer

Rod Gilbert

Secretary

Siena Balakrishnan

Justin Stephens

Kathy Corcoran

Kristy Witmitz

David Griffith

Nancy Milligan

Stephen Henderson

Danny Delahunty

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Jade Smith Bio

Jade Smith (she/her) is an arts producer and administrator based in Melbourne’s northern suburbs. Having previously worked as Arts Programmer at the Melbourne Fringe Festival, she is also completing a Masters of Arts & Cultural Management at the University of Melbourne, with a particular interest on labour practices within the arts sector. She is also a previous Wattle Fellow at the University of Melbourne, focusing on environmental sustainability within the arts.

With a background ranging across everything from stage management and set design to business and philanthropy, Jade is a proud Type-A personality who loves a well-organised calendar. Jade is a General Executive Member of the Green Room Awards Association, and also sits on the Independent Theatre panel of the Green Room Awards.

She can be found haunting the audience of an arts event at least three times a week, and on her days off, Jade can be found reading a book or going for a bike ride along the Merri Creek trail.

Liz Astin Bio

Liz’s professional journey seamlessly integrates strategic marketing leadership with a deep-rooted passion for the performing arts. Holding a Bachelor of Business (Marketing and Management) from Monash University, she brings over a decade of experience leading integrated marketing solutions across agency, local government and creative sectors.

Her background offers a unique blend of high-level strategy and hands-on technical production, having managed complex communications portfolios alongside volunteer roles as a Stage Manager and People & Production Coordinator for community theatre and performances.

At the heart of her work is an audience-first philosophy. She believes that the most impactful storytelling begins with deep empathy for the community and a commitment to making the arts accessible to all.

Joining VAPAC as Marketing Manager, she is thrilled to leverage her diverse experience to champion our local performing arts, connecting with audiences by balancing creative vision with strategic growth.

Nkechi Anele Bio

Nkechi is a strategic leader and passionate arts advocate bringing nearly two decades of experience across the performing arts, marketing, media, and governance to the Victorian Association of Performing Arts Centres (VAPAC).

Her leadership and commitment to sector-wide policy include serving as a Board Director for Music Victoria (2022–2025) and as an APRA Board Observer (2025) via The Observership Program. Nkechi has shared her expertise with institutions such as RMIT, Box Hill Institute, CollArts, and Melbourne Polytechnic, and held marketing and event roles at the Australian Music Examinations Board (AMEB), Abbotsford Convent Foundation, and Down Syndrome Victoria.

A dedicated voice for diverse representation, Nkechi co-founded The Pin, an influential repository exploring BIPOC Australian identity, now archived at the National Library of Australia. She has also programmed and moderated advocacy events for WOMADelaide, Melbourne Recital Centre, and Splendour in the Grass.

Creatively, Nkechi is the renowned frontwoman of Saskwatch, performing at Glastonbury and Edinburgh Fringe, and at iconic venues including Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall, and the NGV. A former presenter for ABC triple j’s Roots N’ All, her credits span stage (Caroline, or Change), screen (Fisk, RockWiz), and mentorship through Women in Music and Rock Academy.

Nkechi holds a Bachelor of Performing Arts (Voice) from the University of Melbourne (VCA) and post-graduate qualifications in Arts and Cultural Management and Marketing from Deakin University. As Development Manager, Nkechi endeavours to use her deep understanding of cultural and commercial environments to advance VAPAC’s strategic goals across Victoria.

Eli Dunlevie Bio

With close to 25 years’ experience in the arts and cultural sector, across both local government and not-for-profits, Eli has a diverse skill set spanning programming, facility management, policy and procedure development, strategic planning, budgeting, risk management and OHS.

With a post graduate qualifications in Arts Management from the University of Melbourne, and Business from Melbourne Business School, Eli has been actively involved in various projects including new venue commissioning, master planning, workplace restructuring, tendering and contracting, venue renewals and refurbishments and change management.

Eli is passionate about the Arts, especially within a community setting, believing in the Arts’ contribution to creating a vibrant and compassionate society.

Currently working with the City of Kingston in the Arts team as the Head of Production and Operations, Eli is an experienced leader with a focus on staff wellbeing, collaboration and communication.

Country: Bunurong 

Simon Myers Bio

Simon is an experienced arts leader, producer, and venue manager with more than 25 years’ experience. His career has spanned roles as a musician, promoter, producer, venue owner and arts executive, giving him a broad understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing the performing arts sector.

Simon currently serves as Performing Arts and Venue Manager at the Swan Hill Performing Arts Centre and is Co-Owner of MEMO Music Hall, one of Melbourne’s most respected live music venues. Throughout his career, he has developed and delivered a diverse range of artistic programs, major events, touring productions, and community engagement initiatives, while also overseeing venue operations, strategic planning, capital projects and stakeholder partnerships.

A strong advocate for rural arts and cultural participation, Simon is passionate about ensuring communities across Victoria have access to high-quality artistic experiences. He has worked extensively with local government, artists, producers, presenters, and industry organisations to strengthen the performing arts sector and support sustainable pathways for creative practitioners.

As Deputy Chairperson of the Victorian Association of Performing Arts Centres (VAPAC), Simon is committed to championing collaboration, innovation and the ongoing growth of Victoria’s performing arts.

Tim Blundell Bio

Tim has been gainfully employed in the Arts Industry for 25+ years and brings a wealth of experience having started off as a Lighting Technician in early 1998 before branching out into being a Child Chaperone, moving into Production & Tour Management and settling into Venue Management. 

During his career, Tim has plied his trade in over 1,000 venues – both local & internationally, small scale to grand – after spending 6 years living out of a suitcase on tour. Primarily based in Melbourne, he brings a passion to the arts and a drive to light the ‘spark’ in school students to pursue technical and backstage work as a career.

Currently, Tim holds the role of Venue Manager at the recently built The Round in Nunawading & is excited about growing both the venues profile & the audience base.

He is proud to have been supported to take on the role of Treasurer for VAPAC

Rod Gilbert Bio

Rod Gilbert is the CEO of The National Theatre Melbourne, home to The National Theatre, The National Ballet School, and The National Drama School. A multi-faceted arts executive with more than two decades of experience as a venue operations manager, producer, and performer, Rod brings a breadth of knowledge spanning operations, production, performance, and governance to the organisation.

Prior to his appointment as CEO, Rod served as Venue Operations Manager at The National, having previously held a senior operational role at Memo Music Hall and an operations role for the City of Melbourne’s Flash Forward Creative Laneways initiative, where he managed logistics, infrastructure, and public programming. His ability to balance creative ambition with practical delivery has made him a trusted leader in complex, high-profile arts environments.

As a producer, Rod has supported acclaimed international works across music, cabaret, and theatre and is recognised for his strategic foresight, collaborative approach, and deep sector knowledge. Alongside his executive and producing career, Rod is an accomplished performer with more than 35 years in the music industry. His international touring and performance experience continue to inform his leadership with artistic empathy, creative insight, and a clear understanding of audience experience.

Appointed CEO in October 2025, Rod also sits on the City of Port Phillip Arts Collective and the Acland Street Village Business Association.

Siena Balakrishnan Bio

With over two decades of experience in the arts across the UK, USA, and Australia, Siena Balakrishnan is a dedicated cultural leader and advocate for inclusive creative practice. Her work consistently champions First Nations communities, it is grounded in equity, connection, and meaningful engagement. 

She is currently working on the lands of the Wurundjeri people as the Community and Performing Arts Senior Officer at the Bowery Theatre, Brimbank City Council. She leads the community arts team, oversees the curation of all Bowery performances and manages the design and implementation of artist development initiatives. 

Her career spans organisations including Momentum Arts in the United Kingdom, Theatre of the Oppressed NYC in New York, and she was the CEO of Milk Crate Theatre in Sydney. Working at every level of government, she brings a deeply rooted commitment to diversity, accessibility, and community cultural development. At the heart of her practice is a belief that the arts are essential to living a full, expressive life. Guided by values of reciprocity and creativity, Siena cultivates long-term relationships with artists and communities, fostering spaces where collaboration thrives and diverse voices are heard.

Justin Stephens Bio

Justin Stephen is the Cultural Venues Coordinator at Bass Coast Shire Council. He leads operations across Berninneit in Cowes and The Union in Wonthaggi, managing a team of 42 across activation, front of house and technical services, and approximately 1,500 events per year. Over the past two years he has led a significant structural realignment across both venues, built sustainable operating models for a reduced funding climate, and embedded AI tools directly into daily operations, including roster analysis, risk and audit reporting, and space activation planning.

On the VAPAC board, Justin sits on the Finance, Audit and Risk subcommittee. He brings a practical understanding of what it takes to run venues well under real pressure, and a consistent focus on evidence-based governance through periods of organisational change. He cares about the questions that are hardest to answer: how a peak body stays financially sustainable, how it makes good decisions when resources are tight, and how it genuinely serves its members rather than just representing them.

Justin is also a theatre director and arts leader based in South Gippsland, and the founding Artistic Director of REDFOX3 Theatre Company. He has directed more than 20 productions, including award-winning work, and his practice has always sat at the intersection of creative ambition and operational rigour.

Kathy Corcoran Bio

Kathy Corcoran is a creative and strategic arts leader with over 15 years experience across programming, marketing, events, and community engagement. As Team Leader Creative Programming at Wyndham City Council, she plays an integral role in shaping the creative direction of the Wyndham Cultural Centre, with a focus on inclusive and community-focused programming.
 
Kathy was formerly Customer Experience Manager at The Australian Ballet, where she led frontline engagement and played a key role in delivering major national campaigns. Her broader experience spans marketing and communications for festivals, touring productions, and large-scale public events, where she has developed and executed strategies that drive reach, ticket sales, and meaningful audience connection.
 
Kathy brings to VAPAC a collaborative mindset, a strong understanding of local government and audience strategy, and a passion for creating accessible and vibrant cultural experiences.

Kristy Witmitz Bio

Kristy Witmitz is Manager Cultural Venues at the City of Ballarat, leading the transformation of a portfolio of significant cultural assets including Her Majesty’s Theatre, Australia’s oldest continuously operating performing arts venue, Civic Hall, one of regional Victoria’s burgeoning contemporary live music venues, and the historic Mining Exchange.

Her work focuses on reimagining how heritage venues, and a heritage city, can remain culturally, socially and commercially relevant for contemporary audiences through innovative programming, audience development and new approaches to live performance and cultural participation.

With 25 years’ experience across performing arts, live music, festivals, tourism and local government, Kristy has built her career at the intersection of cultural impact, community connection and market development. Having held leadership roles with Gippsland Performing Arts Centre, Wimmera Mallee Tourism, Bunjil Place and Boroondara Arts, she brings a cross-sector perspective shaped by both metropolitan and regional contexts.

Passionate about the future of cultural infrastructure beyond Australia’s major city centres, Kristy champions innovation that responds to local communities, changing audience behaviours and emerging creative economies. Her work demonstrates how regional cities and venues can be powerful testing grounds for new models of presentation, engagement and relevance, generating cultural and economic value beyond traditional metropolitan frameworks.

David Griffiths Bio

David is an experienced practitioner in public sector leadership and governance, policy development and strategy, stakeholder engagement, industrial relations, strategic communications and public affairs, and crisis management.
 
Over the past decade he has worked at an executive level within the Victorian Government and before that, as a senior staff member at an independent public policy and economic consulting firm. He has a proven record of work across the public, private and community sectors.
 
He is also a practicing visual artist and understands the transformational impact of the creative sector.

Nancy Milligan Bio

Nancy Milligan is an experienced cultural leader with a career spanning more than 20 years across arts management, events, community facility planning, sponsorship, and partnerships. She has delivered major regional initiatives, from overseeing the $65 million Red Earth Arts Precinct in Karratha Western Australia to growing the Cossack Art Award into one of the nation’s most significant regional art prizes.
 
Her work extends across high-profile event management and brand activations for clients including Coca-Cola, Peroni, Lamborghini, and Kennedy, as well as cultural programming with leading companies such as Opera Australia, Bangarra Dance Theatre, and Sydney Dance Company.
 
She is recognised for her ability to build enduring collaborations, negotiate high-value sponsorships, and deliver complex strategies that strengthen cultural and community outcomes.
 
Most recently, Nancy is leading transformative change at Latrobe City Council, guiding the management and usage of the Gippsland Performing Arts Centre and Latrobe Regional Gallery with a focus on the visitor economy and destination marketing.

Stephen Henderson Bio

Stephen is Coordinator Creative Spaces with the City of Greater Bendigo, where he leads the operational delivery of performing arts venues and programs. He oversees event operations, venue planning, and the coordination of performing arts programming across key sites including the Ulumbarra Theatre, Capital Theatre, and the Engine Room. His role encompasses workforce planning, scheduling, budgeting, compliance, and performance monitoring, ensuring consistent, safe, and high-quality outcomes across all venues.

With strong expertise in multi-venue operations, stakeholder engagement, and audience development, Stephen works closely with internal teams and external partners to align programming with operational capacity and community demand. He has played a significant role in strengthening Bendigo’s reputation as a regional leader in the performing arts and is committed to delivering accessible, contemporary arts experiences that support vibrant and sustainable communities.

Danny Delahunty Bio

Danny Delahunty is the Creative Director & CEO of Melbourne Fringe, where he leads the artistic vision and strategic direction of one of Australia’s largest multi-arts festivals and a year-round program of artist development, commissioning and sector leadership.

With over 15 years’ experience across the arts sector, Danny has worked as a theatre maker, producer, arts manager, advocate and organisational leader. His career has spanned independent theatre, festival programming and arts leadership, with a particular focus on creating opportunities for independent artists and strengthening the conditions that allow them to thrive.

Passionate about the role artists play in shaping culture and community, Danny has dedicated much of his career to building pathways for creative development and supporting sustainable artistic practice.

He has contributed to the sector through grant assessment panels, awards programs and advisory roles, while remaining closely connected to Victoria’s independent arts community. Through his work at Melbourne Fringe, he advocates for a performing arts sector that is ambitious, sustainable and accessible to a broad range of creative voices.

Danny is excited to join the VAPAC Board and contribute to its advocacy for independent performing arts in Victoria, helping shape a strong future for the sector.