Lauren Mackley

Lauren is currently on maternity leave - Miranda Heckenberg is our Acting Executive Director.

Executive Director
rado@artsnw.com.au or 0493 316 463

Growing up in Manilla, Lauren has worked and lived throughout the New England North West region and joins the Arts North West team from Gunnedah, where she previously worked as the Cultural Precinct Team Leader and Arts and Cultural Officer for Gunnedah Shire Council.

Lauren has a Degree in Contemporary Arts and Education (Secondary) and is currently enrolled in a Graduate Certificate of Urban and Regional Planning at UNE.

Lauren has been nominated for the NSW Premier’s Youth Award for her dedication to the arts and is the recipient of the Leo Kelly Local Government Arts Awards for her innovative consultation with First Nations communities. Many of her projects and collaborations have won national and regional recognition for their contribution to the arts sector, tourism and economic benefits to regional communities.

In a previous life, Lauren painted, created artist books, assemblage installations and participated in performance arts; embracing any arts practice to enrich wellbeing and contribute to collective creativity.

Lauren has also been a valuable member of the Arts North West Board for over 5 years.

Miranda Heckenberg

Acting Executive Director
rado@artsnw.com.au or 0493 316 463

With over two decades of expertise in the arts, cultural heritage, and community engagement sectors, Miranda has carved a path as a creative, strategic, and community-minded professional in regional Australia. She holds a Bachelor of Dramatic Arts (Design) from the prestigious National Institute of Dramatic Arts (NIDA) and a Bachelor of Arts with First Class Honours in Performance Studies from the University of Sydney. Her academic background underpins her work with a strong foundation in research methodologies, performance design, graphic design, and storytelling.

Since moving to Tamworth in 2013, Miranda has demonstrated her commitment to regional arts and cultural development. She has collaborated significantly with the Gomeroi community, including relationships with organisations like the Gomeroi Cultural Academy and Yinarr Maramali, in areas such as graphic design, grant acquittal, and photography. Her work in this sphere exemplifies her deep respect for First Nations communities and her dedication to culturally sensitive collaboration. As Project Manager and Production Manager for Miyaay Miyaay, a Gamilaroi women’s theatre production adapted into a short film due to COVID-19, Miranda demonstrated adaptability, cultural awareness, and an ability to pivot creatively under challenging circumstances. This led to a role as the Arts North West OnTour Coordinator which further underscores her local knowledge and established networks across the region

Her project management experience spans various initiatives that blend digital innovation and storytelling. Recently, Miranda has been contracted as a Projects Officer at the Tamworth Regional Gallery and a Roving Digitiser for Museums & Galleries NSW's Storyplace. Previously, she worked as a Digitisation Officer with the Tamworth Regional Council from 2021-2023, funded by Create NSW. Her roles as a Gallery and Museums Digitisation Specialist are underpinned by 10 years experience as a Graphic Reproducer and then Graphic Artist at Fairfax Publications and later at News Limited. She developed the first website and online catalogue for the Tamworth Powerstation Museum and the first and second online catalogues for Tamworth Regional Gallery.

With a strong understanding of governance in the non-profit sector, Miranda emphasises accountability, transparency, and regulatory compliance in her work. Her administrative experience, which includes people management, project prioritisation, and financial oversight, is complemented by her ability to build partnerships with diverse stakeholders. She has worked with volunteers, community groups, young people, and local Councillors, fostering relationships that are respectful, inclusive, and empowering. With her blend of academic rigor, practical experience, and commitment, she is a leading advocate for the cultural vibrancy and resilience of regional Australia.

Leah fontyn

Administration Officer
office@artsnw.com.au

Leah was born in country NSW and has spent her life travelling and living in various towns and cities across Australia. Her journeys have led her here to Glen Innes where she lives a serene life on a property out of town, and utilises her varied skills to maintain a happy and healthy family life as well as a productive and satisfying work life. She displays a passion for the development of arts and wellbeing projects within our local communities, and has an endless source of inspiration which she attributes to this beautiful Earth we all share, and her passion for creative practices of all sorts.

Hester Fraser

Arts North West On Tour Officer
ontour@artsnw.com.au

Hester Fraser AKA Goldheist, is an Australian artist whose music is a rich blend of storytelling and classical influences, deeply rooted in the Australian landscape, drawing listeners into vivid narratives of Australian life from the bush and beyond.

Hester has earned accolades in songwriting competitions, affirming her skill as a lyricist, performer and composer. Her albums REALM and EYES OF LOVE showcase her musical journey, devolving from electronic to acoustic sounds, and addressing themes of love, loss, and the beauty of imperfection.

Beyond entertainment, Hester uses her platform for social causes such as drought relief and support for people seeking asylum, demonstrating her commitment to community and social justice. Her innovative performances, including collaborations with visual artists and the integration of Australian Sign Language (AUSLAN) for VIVID Festival highlight her dedication to making art accessible and impactful across diverse communities.

ROBERT HARTIGAN

Aboriginal Arts Officer

admin@artsnw.com.au or 0492 942 860

Robert Hartigan is an emerging music composer with interests spanning film, games, and commercial projects. He completed his Bachelor in Music Composition and Production in May 2024 after building a solid foundation in music through lessons at both the Tamworth and Sydney Conservatorium of Music. This educational background has provided him with a broad understanding of music theory and production, enabling him to compose scores that connect with a variety of audiences.

Furthermore, Rob's degree also explored arts business and management. He also studied multimedia creation—including film, video game development, and art installations—equipping him with a holistic view of the creative industries. As a Gamilaroi man, he brings a unique cultural perspective to his work, with connections to his local community and a drive to authentically share First Nations culture, history, and stories. Through his academic and personal endeavours, Rob is dedicated to creating spaces and platforms that promote indigenous voices and narratives, showcasing the richness of First Nations heritage.

Rob’s technical skills include proficiency with digital audio workstations and notation software, alongside an understanding of orchestration and sound design. His versatility in adapting to different musical styles, combined with an appreciation for the emotive power of music, positions him as a promising talent. As he looks to the future, Rob is eager to contribute to creative projects that benefit from his unique musical perspective and cultural insights.

Penne Fraser

Marketing and Engagement Officer
media@artsnw.com.au or 0492 953 565

Growing up in Walcha & Tamworth NSW, Penne has lived regionally for most of her life and has a long career working at a grassroots level supporting regional communities. She is fervent about creating opportunities in regional Australia and seeing the potential of our communities fully realised. Penne takes delight in promoting all that our region has to offer, in telling regional stories and supporting access and participation to cultural experiences.

Penne volunteers her time working with the Tamworth Regional Gallery and Sustainable North West, she is committed to contributing to sustainable and culturally vibrant future for our region.

Penne is a practicing textile artist and a participant in the Regional Arts NSW The Work of Art program.