Anthony has overseen the organisations most ambitious changes, working with the many artists and communities, government funders, corporate and individual supporters who invested time, energy and resources into the impact of the organisation’s arts programs. Working in regional contexts has broadened his outlook and understanding of his place in community. He is dedicated to championing First Nations peoples’ rights and celebrating the diversity of regional communities. And is driven by the stories of regional South Australia to create experiences that can’t be made anywhere else in the world.

Globally recognised, Mainland has worked in and around festivals for over 30 years. She is currently Chief Executive of the Adelaide Festival. Prior to this, she was Executive Director and co-CEO of RISING, CEO of Melbourne International Arts Festival; Chief Executive of Edinburgh Festival Fringe and Administrative Director of Edinburgh International Book Festival. She is passionate about the arts, their place in society and the unique alchemy that happens at festivals.

Shouwn is a descendent of the Waanyi and Garrwa Nations and currently works as an Aboriginal engagement consultant. Shouwn also has over 25 years of experience working in both the State and Federal Public Sector with a strong focus on Aboriginal affairs policy coordination and program delivery. Shouwn is a trained facilitator and holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Management), a Bachelor of Laws and a Post Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice.

Owner, winemaker of Mount Horrocks Wines in the Clare Valley, Stephanie Toole is Country Arts SA’s Board member representing the Mid-North & Yorke Peninsula region.

A leader in the education space, Ian has spent the last 30 years as a school principal in both government and non government across 3 states. He is currently the Regional Manager at UniSA in Mount Gambier and is actively involved in his local community through his position as District Governor of Rotary District 9780 in 2023 -24 and Board Members with the Australian Rotary Health and Mount Gambier Pioneers Basketball Club.

Darren lives in the town of Edithburgh on the Yorke Peninsula. He has served as an Elected Member for the Yorke Peninsula Council since 2014 and then elected as Mayor since 2018. Darren has been a strong advocate for the arts while being involved in various arts initiatives for a number of years as an administrator of events and exhibitions as well as a photographic exhibitor and musical performer. He comes from an artistic family with his father being a painter and sculptor.

Mayor of Berri Barmera Council, Ella has experience in regional development, specialising in economic and community development of rural communities. Ella’s diverse portfolio of skills and experiences across community, tourism, local government, agriculture and innovation allows her to thread together the things that make communities tick to identify opportunities and deliver tangible outcomes. Ella has a passion for developing the future of regional Australia.

Mayor of the Mid Murray Council, Simone has an extensive background working in government in federal departments and prior to her appointment as Mayor working in the local government level at the Mid Murray Council. Simone has a passion for community and advocating for Riverland and Murraylands residents and is keen to foster collaboration within her community that addresses their multifaceted needs and aspirations.