RADF Committee
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.
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.
Alice Henderson
I’m a 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.
Sara Robb
Sara is a marketing, communications and design professional with a strong passion for arts, culture and community development. Her background includes working within a secondary school Visual Arts department, where she saw the transformative impact creativity can have on confidence, self-expression and personal growth. With a commitment to supporting local artists and fostering a thriving creative sector, she brings both strategic and creative perspectives, along with a genuine enthusiasm for helping innovative ideas benefit the Mackay community.
Shae Ridgeway
Shae Ridgeway is a Worimi and Australian South Sea Islander woman born and raised in Mackay. She has experience across event delivery, economic development, marketing and community engagement, including contributing to major regional events such as the Mackay Festival of Arts. Shae currently works as a Business Development Officer with Queensland Trading Tracks, supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-owned businesses across the Mackay and Isaac regions. She is passionate about strengthening the region’s creative industries, elevating underrepresented voices and supporting inclusive opportunities for local artists and communities.
Mary-Ann Slater
After relocating back to the Mackay region in 2022, I found myself drawn home to creativity, rediscovering my love of art through the Sarina Art Gallery. As a self‑taught artist, I never anticipated that my bright abstract watercolours and mixed‑media pieces would resonate with others, let alone sell — but that joy completely changed my path. It sparked a deeper commitment to supporting local artists and helping build a welcoming, vibrant creative local community. Since being elected President of the gallery, I’ve focused on fostering connection, collaboration, and sustainable cultural growth across Sarina, Mackay, and our wider regional arts network.
Lyn Forbes-Smith
Lyn is a gifted educator and former CQUniversity academic who lectured in Education and the STEPS program, where she empowered students to build confidence, strengthen their academic skills and achieve their educational goals. With a background as a high school Deputy Principal and Principal, qualifications in music, theatre and drama, and a longstanding commitment to arts development across Queensland, Lyn continues to contribute to her community through volunteer roles with the CQUniversity Conservatorium of Music and Artspace Mackay.