Each year VAPAC supports a number of members to attend national events for the purposes of professional development, learning, and networking. This opportunity ensures sector leadership is visible, connected and contributing nationally.
Last month, VAPAC supported three members in attending APAX on Larrakia Country in Garramilla (Darwin), presented by PAC Australia, through VAPAC’s David Lloyd Professional Learning Bursary.
Congratulations to the following recipients.
- Kinnear Miller (Burrinja Cultural Centre)
- Natalie Whalley (Clocktower Centre)
- Heidi Irvine (Frankston Arts Centre)
- Mary-Jane Warfield (The Round)
Learn more about our 2025 recipients.
Kinnear Miller (Marketing Manager, Burrinja Cultural Centre)
Kinnear is a marketing professional and graphic designer with extensive experience across corporate and not-for-profit sectors. As Burrinja’s Marketing Manager, she oversees all marketing activities and strategic projects, driving awareness and community engagement through creativity, strategic insight, and a strong community focus. She is also the Creative Director of a small design business, supporting small businesses and not-for-profits with affordable, high-impact design and marketing solutions, and regularly donates her expertise to help grassroots organisations thrive.
Her career began as a Creative Consultant at the Herald and Weekly Times before moving into leadership roles, including Marketing Manager at Cire Services Inc. There, she led a major rebrand, managing the organisation’s name change and strengthening its identity across the Yarra Ranges. She also enhanced digital engagement through customer journey mapping and targeted campaigns, positioning Cire as a trusted and recognisable community brand.
Kinnear Experience at Ticketing Australia Conference 2025
Natalie Whalley (Head of Performing Arts and Asset Development, Clocktower Centre)
Natalie Whalley is an arts manager and music theatre performer with a Master of Arts and Cultural Management from the University of South Australia. Natalie is the current Head of Performing Arts and Asset Development at the Clocktower Centre, Moonee Valley City Council. An alumni of PAC Australia’s Presenter Training Program and Adelaide Festival Centre’s Arts Leadership Program, Natalie is passionate about creating meaningful experiences for audiences and connecting artists and communities through exceptional storytelling.
Natalie’s Experience at APAX 2025
“Receiving VAPAC’s support to attend APAX provided me an invaluable opportunity to actively participate in sector-wide conversations, build valuable connections, and gain insights that will directly impact my work at the Clocktower Centre, and into the future. Thank to you Mel, Kate, Amy and VAPAC for investing in my professional development and the opportunity to contribute to the national dialogue.”
Heidi Irvine (Head of Programming, Frankston Arts Centre)
After commenicing at the Frankston Arts Centre in 2017 as Team Leader, Programming & Engagement for four years, Heidi Irvine is now the current Head of Audience & Arts Development in Frankston, Victoria. Prior to this Heidi was the Producer of Education and Youth Programs at Queensland Theatre, where she coordinated the Education and Youth programs for the company as well as launching the now Queensland-wide Scene Project. She holds a Bachelor of Arts (Communication – Theatre/Media) from Charles Sturt University, a Bachelor of Education in Secondary Education from Queensland University of Technology and recently completed a Master of Business in Arts and Cultural Management at Deakin University. She has also completed her Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management also at Deakin University. Early in her career, Heidi was a Secondary School Drama and Film Teacher, as well as Acting Deputy Principal at Capalaba State College in Queensland.
Heidi’s Experience at APAX 2025
“APAX wouldn’t have been possible without the support from VAPAC and Frankston City Council. With this support, I was able to engage in an incredible number of professional conversations and networking, which will greatly benefit our Centre for years to come. I was also able to participate as a host and panellist for PAC Australia, which was invaluable professional development for me as a cultural leader and member of the network. I look forward to sharing more of the outcomes and conversations I had at APAX with members of the network – all in all – I had an amazing experience and I am forever grateful to VAPAC for their support and faith in me.”
Mary-Jane Warfield (Creative Programming Team Leader, The Round)
Mary-Jane Warfield is a creative director with over 20 years’ arts sector experience, who now head up the Creative Programming Team at The Round in Nunawading, Victoria. She has held roles with Red Hot Arts Central Australia (including artistic direction of 6 iterations of Desert Festival in mparntwe/Alice Springs), East Gippsland Shire Council, Regional Arts Australia, Artback NT, GUTS Dance Central Australia, Wide Open Space Festival, Incite Arts, Yarra Valley Arts, Warburton Harmony Festival, and Yarra Ranges Council. An engaging leader and curator with expertise in artistic programming, management, performing arts, community engagement, leadership, finance and operations, MJ is passionate about access to arts and culture, striving to bring transformation and joy to communities through her professional practice.
MJs Experience at APAX 2025
“Receiving this support to attend APAX, in gorgeous Larrakia country in Garmilla/Darwin provided me with the opportunity to reconnect with many arts professionals, while making new connections and building relationships with presenters who produce works of scale that I had not previously been able to program. The discussions, keynote speeches, and Impact Awards deeply inspired me, reminding me of the passion and commitment that drive our sector. I’ve come away with new ideas, fresh energy, and connections that will directly strengthen my work and leadership at the Round.”
