Alison Page | Executive Officer

alison@saltwaterfreshwater.com.au

Alison Page is an award winning Aboriginal Designer, Artist, Festival Director and TV personality living on the north coast of NSW. A Tharawal woman from the NSW south coast, the common thread in Alison’s work is about the expression of cultural identity in contemporary forms, from architecture and design through to the development of Festivals and cultural programs. Alison also appears on the ABC Program ‘The New Inventors’ and is a regular commentator on design here in Australia and overseas.

Alison was integral to the development of the Saltwater Freshwater Arts Alliance as a consultant in 2007 and then as the Program Manager from December 2008, when the program began rolling out projects. Bringing the 10 Local Aboriginal Land Councils together was essential in developing the cultural branding and community engagement that underpins the program and has seen the growth of the organisation from one staff member to five in 18 months. In her role as Executive Officer, Alison works at a strategic level with Government, community and industry in the development of a National Aboriginal Design Agency, a National Aboriginal Talent Agency, an event management company and a cultural tourism booking agent.

Stephanie Ney | Cultural Programs Manager

stephanie@saltwaterfreshwater.com.au

Stephanie relocated to Coffs Harbour in late 2006, leaving behind a 15-year career working between the corporate and not-for-profit sectors in Sydney. Stephanie has worked for a number of prestigious arts organisations, including Bell Shakespeare and the Museum of Contemporary Art, ran a highly successful sponsorship consultancy specialising in corporate social responsibility and established BISI Australia, a non-profit organisation supporting Kids Help Line.

Stephanie joined Saltwater Freshwater Arts Alliance in February 2009.

Sharna St Leon | Saltwater Freshwater Festival Producer

sharna@saltwaterfreshwater.com.au

Sharna’s career in the Australian contemporary arts, events and performance industries spans over 20 years and includes a wealth of Arts Administration & Event Production.

Sharna has worked in all facets of conceptual design, programming, proposal and report writing marketing, scheduling, financial management, production, presentation and implementation of events.

Sharna has an enduring passion for developing the cultural life of a community and believes it is this interest that informs both her professional and personal life.

Shar Goodwin | Aboriginal Community Engagement Officer

shar@saltwaterfreshwater.com.au

Shar moved to Coffs Harbour over 9 years ago from Dubbo, bringing with her 11 years’ experience in management and merchandising with strong leadership, organisation and communications skills.

Prior to joining the Saltwater Freshwater team in May 2011, Shar secured an Indigenous traineeship with the North Coast Department of Premiers and Cabinet where she developed a great understanding of the North Coast region and helped develop and run the Aboriginal Community Information Day Road shows. She is now involved in engaging and delivering Aboriginal community projects for Saltwater Freshwater Arts Alliance

Tyson Ferguson | Assistant Administration and Cultural Worker

tyson@saltwaterfreshwater.com.au

Tyson is a proud Gumbaynggirr/Bundjalung man from Coffs Harbour. Tyson completed studies in Gumbaynggirr Culture and Maintenance whilst still at school and has been teaching Gumbaynggirr in schools on the Coffs Coast since 2010.

Tyson brings to Saltwater Freshwater a passion for his culture and heritage.