The Warraan Widji Arts Board
The Warraan Widji Arts Board consists of a group of committed volunteers who work collaboratively to grow a collective vision for our local Aboriginal community in Warren. There are currently ten board members. Ninety percent of the board are Aboriginal people.
In addition to formal qualifications, more than half of our Board members have decades of experience working with children and youth, particularly the youth of Warren. Four Board members are the elected executive of the Warren Local Aboriginal Education Consultative Group (AECG).
The strong connections of the Board with community build capacity to grow a collective vision.
2023 Board members
Nettie Slade (nee Miller)- Proud local Wayilwan Elder with family connections to the Beemunnel, Warren - Vice President - early childhood worker for 20 years - Vice President of the Warren local Aboriginal Education Consultative Group (AECG) - school learning support officer (SLSO) at the local public school.
Tracy June Hawkes (nee Darcy) - Proud local Wayilwan Elder with family connections to the Beemunnel, Warren - retired Aboriginal Education Resource Teacher (AERT) and Primary school (K-6) teacher of 40 years at the local public school – President Warren local AECG
Peter Mackay - Proud local Wayilwan and Ngarrindjeri man with family connections to the Beemunnel, Warren - Chair - Wayilwan language tutor - Certificate III Aboriginal Community Languages (Wayilwan) (TAFENSW) - Artistic Director - Artist - Choreographer - Youth Worker of 15 years - Aboriginal Education Officer (AEO) (7-12) at the local public school - State representative for Warren local AECG.
Phyllis Oates – Proud local Wayilwan woman with family connections to the Beemunnel, Warren - Treasurer - Wayilwan language tutor - Certificate III Aboriginal Community Languages (Wayilwan) (TAFENSW) - WWA/Early childhood, child and youth worker of 25 years in Warren, Aboriginal Education Officer (AEO) (K-6) at the local public school - Treasurer Warren local AECG.
Chris Crisp - Proud Wiradjuri woman - Wayilwan language tutor- Certificate III Aboriginal Community Languages (Wayilwan) (TAFENSW) – Wayilwan tutor - Retired preschool teacher of over 40 years - Preschool Director in Warren (2006 - 2018), improving opportunities and outcomes for Aboriginal children in Warren - Secretary Warren Local AECG
Amber Gordon - proud Gamilaraay and local Wayilwan woman with family connections to the Beemunnel, Warren - Early Childhood educator at the local preschool.
Matthew Hall - proud local Wayilwan man with family connections to the Beemunnel, Warren - grandson of Charlotte Hall, pivotal in ensuring the protection of local Wayilwan cultural heritage (1970’s-1980’s) - father of four talented Wayilwan children - employee with Essential Energy, Warren.
Alan Shepherd - proud local Wayilwan man with family connections to the Beemunnel, Warren - father of three talented and proud Wayilwan women - employee with Australian Food and Fibre, Warren (AFF).
Shaana Daley - proud Wiradjuri woman with family connections to local Warren Wayilwan Elders - raised in Warren on Wayilwan Country - Certificate IV in Mental Health - Aboriginal Domestic Family & Sexual Violence Support Worker with Catholic Care, Warren.
Karlene Irving – Secretary - BA DipEd (University of Sydney) MEd (Teacher Librarianship) (Charles Sturt University) Certificate III Aboriginal Community Languages (Wayilwan) (TAFENSW) - 30 years experience in local Aboriginal community and education - Secondary HSIE teacher (NESA accredited) - Head Teacher Aboriginal Learning and Engagement Centre (AL&EC) at the local public school - Wayilwan language tutor/Stage 4 LOTE teacher - WWA Building Project Manager (2023) - Councillor Warren Shire Council 2016-2021