RADF Committee
Tony Woodhouse
My name is Tony. I am 53 and live on my little farm "Firefly Pocket' at Crediton, as well as having a house in town for work and study purposes. I have a family with 3 girls, only 1 still at home (in school). I work part time as a Forklift Operator and Yard Hand at Mackay Recycling, which leaves me time for my love of family and my hobby of Historical Reenactment.
I have a history in the medical and environmental sectors, and to this day remain keenly interested in first aid and medica treatments, as well as a love of the bush.
Within my hobby I am the Treasurer of the local Living History group the Mercenaries of Western Europe. Within this group I am known as Ælif, a 9th century Norse trader and crafter. This hobby enables me to embrace my love of history, experimental archaeology, crafting, camping, and socialising within the group and at public events. I am a keen timber worker, smelting, blacksmithing, pottery, and fine art to recreate historically accurate reproductions of items available to the Norse peoples of the 9th century.
Grace McDonald
'Don't be wowed by the technique...Let the technique wow your work!'
This phrase was coined by Shar Moorman, Sculptured Glass Australia. Shar became a friend & mentor approximately 15years ago. My glass skills were fair, but I had high ambitions & I was 'wowed by the technique'. Shar soon made me realise the 'technique needed to wow' my work. It’s a reminder to let my skills enhance my work in the most creative way possible. This phrase emphasizes the importance of focusing on the impact and results of my techniques rather than just being impressed by the methods themselves.
David Reaston
I am a guitarist/composer/educator based in Mackay, Queensland, who improvises and composes music in the jazz and contemporary classical idioms. My music has been described as 'other-worldly' (Jazz Local 32) and 'individual and fresh' (The Music Trust). I am interested in the creative process involved in music creation, which is reflected in my PhD research. My research focused on Open-Compositions, particularly addressing issues of identity and authorship that arise when involving performers in the compositional process. For the past two decades, I have actively participated in tertiary music education, contributing significantly to curriculum development, and engaging in educational workshops both locally and internationally. I currently lecture at CQUniversity, where I teach in the Bachelor of Music program.
I have released numerous albums which feature my compositions, most notably, nationally-acclaimed 'Sons Of No Guns For We Are Anomalous' (2014) by Song Fwaa and the self-titled 'The 10 Guitar Project' (2010). Recently, my music is also featured on Ensemble Sooon's 'Tacet Chronicles' (2023) and Veronique Serret's 'Prima Volta' (2022).
I have performed as a guitarist throughout Australia and internationally. Some highlights include touring New Zealand and Australia with the experimental jazz trio, Song Fwaa, and supporting Cyndi Lauper on her 2013 Australian tour with singer Max Sharam. I have studied composition at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music (2003-2006, 2014-2019) and guitar at the Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music (1999-2001). In 2019, I was awarded my PhD from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, University of Sydney.
As a RADF Committee member, I bring my knowledge and experience in music creation, recording processes, and costs when assessing applications. I also bring experience in academic research when assessing potential research projects.
Felicity Chapman
I am an Aboriginal weaver, textile artist and visual storyteller. I am honoured to have been trained by senior Elders across Queensland and NS. Mother Nature is my teacher and greatest inspiration – from the saltwater to the verdant green and red ochre.
A highlight of my career has been being accepted as a fashion designer for the 2023 CIAF (Cairns Indigenous Art Fair) fashion performance, which has given me an insight into the diversity of the market and also what my niche is.
As a feisty systems disruptor my focus is ensuring Indigenous Cultural Property (ICIP) and Indigenous data sovereignty is protected across all art forms. I bring 30 years' experience in project/contract management and administration, bookkeeping, tender and grant writing, cost estimating and control, risk management and forensic auditing.
Alice Henderson
I’m a 26-year-old creative professional with a passion for entertainment, art, and fashion. I am a mixed media artist inspired by the beauty of Earth and other realms. Most of my art is influenced by gothic and Harajuku aesthetics as I cover themes of disability, LGBTQ, Great Barrier Reef/Australia and mythology.
Brigitte Zimmermann
Art is my life and breath, and it inspires everything I do. I love colour, and most of my artworks are vibrant and full of energy. For more than 30 years, I have been deeply involved in the Mackay and Sarina community and art scene. My practice is grounded in connection, creativity, and sharing with others. Above all, I love people and the way art brings us together.
Miki Ponting - Boyd
Miki is a neuro-sparkly performance poet, writer, real estate agent, wife, mother, and proud LGBTIQ+ member, who lives and breathes creativity in her hometown of Mackay. As a RADF committee member and local creative, Miki combines her practical skills with strategic thinking, to help the Committee identify projects that will deliver real value to artists and the broader community. Miki brings insight into the challenges and opportunities faced by local creatives, and champions bold, meaningful, and impactful artistic projects. She approaches everything she does with creativity, compassion, and fierce authenticity.
Nicole Thompson
Nicole is an international performer and pedagogue working alongside artists across all genres and spheres of influence. She is a champion of quality music education within an environment of musical and theatrical excellence. Nicole enjoys a career as singer, creative artist and educator. Featured as both soloist and ensemble singer in recordings for award-winning films, documentaries and video games, including ‘South Solitary’, ‘Halo’ and ‘World of Warcraft – Echoes of War’, Nicole can also be found on albums through ‘The Song Company’, ‘ABC Classic’ and ‘Tall Poppies’ labels.
Leo Scott
As an experienced arts professional, I bring expertise in teaching, writing, project management, curation, judging, evaluation, and advisory roles. Recipient of numerous prestigious awards, I am represented in exhibitions and showcased in both private and public collections. With qualifications in Visual Arts, Digital Design, Museum & Galleries, and Education, I am currently undertaking creative PhD research investigating the role of objects in evoking semiotic memories that shape regional cultural identity. This research is now influencing fresh perspectives in my social and cultural narratives oil painting practice. I am passionate about nurturing local artistic talent and promoting community arts engagement, and I warmly invite new and first-time applicants to apply.