Kirsten Penzes - Chair

I am a passionate Art Educator and a multi-disciplinary installation artist, working in ceramics and textiles. I have been a primary educator for over 15 years as a Performing Arts and International teacher.

Having been involved in many creative communities over the years, as well as having worked in art education programs in galleries and museum around the world, I was on the lookout for a local creative community when Point Lonsdale become home. I discovered Lighthouse Arts Collective. Since then, I have attended countless events through the years and am a passionate NLNL participant.

Paul Petran - Assistant treasurer

I started playing guitar in my teen years and after three lessons I found myself playing in a band and getting paid to do it. In 1971 I moved from country Victoria to Melbourne and spent many hours going to gigs three or four times a week listening to bands instead of concentrating on my engineering studies. Classical guitar studies followed, and then formal music studies at La Trobe University where my musical world exploded into new and amazing directions. I landed my dream job as a Music Producer with ABC radio in 1980. The radio program “Music Deli” on Radio National was my main focus for twenty five years and it became one of the most influential and longest running music programs on ABC radio, and was responsible for introducing hundreds of new and emerging artists to a national audience. I left the ABC in December 2011 to pursue other dreams, including growing grapes, making wine and playing guitar again.
I’ve been lucky to work with hundreds of talented musicians and have produced CD recordings for Danny Spooner, Archie Roach, Tiddas, Broderick Smith, Mara! band, La Voce della Luna, The Backsliders and many others.

Now living on the beautiful Bellarine Peninsula, I’m enjoying family, playing music ,and with the Lighthouse Arts Collective creating music events for our local community.

Tamsin Jackson - Venue Manager

Playing in the twisting trunks of the Moonah, the rock pools and beaches of Point Lonsdale provided a space for my imagination to develop, wild and free as a child. This internal space has been with me through years of city living. Now, raising children of my own, I seek a similar experience for them.

The magic of handmade objects, seeing concerts with friends, and sharing ideas and feasts are the things that bring joy to my life. Lighthouse Arts Collective provides the space and opportunity for the community to share these experiences. I hope to help it continue to thrive as it has done over the last few years.

Diana Sharipova - Photographer/Videographer

I am very much a people person. My professional experience - largely in travel and tourism - has centred around creating and managing extraordinary experiences for people. Always aiming to capture the wow moment as you deliver a person into an experience at the right place, the right time and in the right state of mind. I have developed a passion for capturing experiences such as these, through photography and videography. For me, memories are precious - and being able to document and relive the wow moments in life brings me great joy.

After moving to Australia in 2013, my experience settling in an exciting, but overwhelming new place was (and sometimes still is) challenging. Sadness, separation and loneliness were all feelings I experienced often. When you’re removed from your sense of place, family and familiarity - you begin to question even who you are.

Something, or someone, introduced the Lighthouse Arts Collective into my life. It has grown to be a warm blanket - it’s connected me to my adopted home, plugged me into a beautiful community of souls and fostered my love of creativity and the arts. I’ve danced in the dark, told stories at Porchlight, gathered for many musical concerts and even been able to share some of my food memories from home at Supper.

Lighthouse Arts Collective has given me the gift of connection - I now want to play a role in bringing this most magical gift to others. Whether you have been here for a lifetime or a short time, may you feel welcomed and at home in this special place.

Michele Higgins - Volunteer Co-ordinator

I have lived in the Borough for 5 years and have come to know this extraordinary organisation from its inception. Like all gems, you want to see Lighthouse Arts Collective not just survive but thrive. It gives my community wonderful opportunities to be involved in the Arts and allows them to socialise, be entertained or start a new creative endeavour.

I am a Senior and the support LAC gives for improved social and therefore mental health outcomes cannot be underestimated. The Borough of Queenscliffe has the oldest demographic in Australia and as such, there are quite a number of isolated older residents. Trips to Melbourne or Geelong for performances can be an issue. New Hall is already a familiar, loved landmark, which has had further refurbishment and development to expand what is offered to our community.

I have lived overseas and in three other States in Australia, both regional and urban and I know an organisation like LAC becomes the heart. I am privileged to work with seven other hugely talented people and this of course recharges my batteries and helps me to feel I belong here.