GOVERNANCE

Dr. Bronwyn Hughes OAM has worked with glass since the late 1970s as an artist and lecturer at Monash University before contributing to the TAFE sector through course development and teaching. While she maintains a close interest in the use of glass in contemporary architecture, she more recently spends most of her time writing and lecturing on history, design and advocating for the conservation of Australian stained glass across Australia. Her research into Victoria’s commemorative stained glass was published on the Victorian Veterans’ Heritage website in 2016 and became the catalyst for a comprehensive book, Lights Everlasting: Australia’s commemorative stained glass from the Boer War to Vietnam, to be released by Australian Scholarly Publishing in 2022. Her work for GLAAS Inc includes compiling and editing the online encyclopaedia of Australia’s stained-glass makers, (TEAGA), and publishing a wide range of glass articles from leading and emerging writers on GLAAS Inc’s research website. Throughout the International Year of Glass 2022, Bronwyn will Chair Region 16:SE Asia, Australia and New Zealand. By celebrating glass of the past and the present in all its many forms, the year will also showcase the benefits of glass as an environmentally sustainable material for future generations. Bronwyn was awarded an Order of Australia Medal in the 2019 Australia Day Honours for her services to the Visual Arts generally, and to glass.

Donna Kennedy and her late husband operated a successful leadlight studio from 1986 to 2005 in Hampton. In 2002 Donna became part of the inaugural Committee of Architectural Glass Design Australia Inc. (AGDA) serving as Secretary from 2002 to 2015 and Executive Director (2008 to 2015). In her time with AGDA Donna organised several exhibitions (including Glass@FedSquare), was involved in artistic and industry-based initiatives, and obtained a Federal Government grant for $125,000 which allowed 58 Australian glass makers to obtain their Certificate III Glass & Glazing qualification in 2012. In 2015 Donna started GLAAS Inc. with Bronwyn Hughes, a not-for-profit organisation with the stated aim of developing the use of glass in Australia in art and architecture in both the built and natural environments. Donna is responsible for the day to day operations of the organisation as well as the development and implementation of events and initiatives in her role as Executive Director. In 2018 Donna identified a Victorian State Workforce Training Innovation Fund grant opportunity and assisted Melbourne Polytechnic to submit an application which was successful, to establish Certificate III and IV (and a Diploma in Visual Arts Glasswork in 2025) Glass and Glazing qualifications at Melbourne Polytechnic; and to allow GLAAS Inc to establish the Australian Centre for Glass Design supported by MP. Donna also co-managed a Federal Government grant to run a Launch into Work program in 2019 for Glaas Inc, which resulted in 7 of the 9 young unemployed participants gaining work in the glass sector. Donna is currently employed part time by Melbourne Polytechnic as Program Lead for the nationally accredited Certificate III and Diploma Glass and Glazing courses; as well as continuing to lead Glaas Inc and develop programs such as the First Nations Free Glass Workshop Program; Social Impact Workshop Programs; and GIFT – Glaas Inc Future Teachers Program.

Peter Malatt is a founding member of Six Degrees Architects, established in 1992. The founding principle of Six Degrees is to address human needs through the built form. For close to three decades Six Degrees has been recognised as specialists in design that focuses on the User Experience. One of the key design elements of Six Degrees work is specialist design glass, principally leadlight. Peter is an enthusiastic contributor to education, industry panels and the Institute of Architects. He has served on a range of Victorian AIA awards juries and the 2009 National AIA awards jury. In 2012 he was admitted as a fellow of the AIA and in 2013 elected to National Council. In 2014-15 he served as President of the Victorian Chapter of the AIA. Further interests include cooking, art and Italian scooters.

Maria Teresa Rizzo is a communications professional on a steep learning curve about glass as an art form. Over the past 3 years, she has been constantly inspired by the achievements of GLAAS Inc and awed by the fine work produced by students at Melbourne Polytechnic’s nationally-accredited Certificate III and IV Glass and Designed Glazing courses. As a passionate supporter of experiential learning, Maria Teresa has leveraged its benefits for clients across the arts, not-for-profit, local government, and education sectors. Throughout her 30 year career, she has delivered numerous arts projects, travelling exhibitions, events, catalogues, websites, published articles, grant submissions, marketing and audience engagement campaigns with the utmost care, intellectual rigour, and emotional intelligence.

Bethany Wheeler is an artist based in Naarm (Melbourne), Australia and her practice encompasses studio glass sculpture, jewellery and design objects. She obtained a Master of Fine Art degree from Monash University in 2003 and has been exhibiting her work both nationally and internationally for 20 years.   She has several years of experience as a Studio Technician, Lecturer and Trainer, teaching and assisting in many kiln forming workshops and cultural arts projects.  In 2013 she established 1000 Degrees Glass Studios, a communal kiln forming and cold working studio in Melbourne, from where she works with artists and clients to fabricate their design into glass. Her success is recognised both nationally and internationally via extensive exhibitions, corporate and public commissions. Bethany’s work can be found in private and public collections including the National Glass Art Collection of Australia. Bethany is Director of 1000 Degrees Glass Studios and Bespoke Awards an arts business creating handmade awards, tokens of recognition and appreciation, and gifts of protocol in glass.  Bethany is lead teacher for Melbourne Polytechnics’ newly curated Diploma of Visual Arts Glassworking which offers students a pathway into becoming confident glassmakers, designers and sole traders.

Lesley Salter is an experienced glass artist, educator, and small business owner with more than two decades of expertise in teaching and who began working with glass in 2010. She is currently a glass teacher at Melbourne Polytechnic and delivers community workshops through GLAAS INC. Lesley holds a Certificate III in Glass & Glazing from Melbourne Polytechnic and has built her practice around both contemporary and traditional glass techniques. Alongside her teaching, she runs LesLeadworks, a small business specialising in leadlight repair and restoration, with over 15 years of hands-on experience in the craft. In addition to her teaching and business practice, Lesley is an active volunteer in the Glass Gallery, where she enjoys sharing her passion for glass with the public and supporting community engagement in the arts. Lesley brings to the board a strong commitment to sharing skills, supporting creativity, and preserving the heritage of glasswork for future generations.

Lynne Dore has an (BA) Honours degree in Archaeology and has worked as a contract archaeologist over several years. Lynne was the Chair of the Charlton Memorial Window Committee responsible for the rescue of the window as well as securing funding for its conservation and part of the team that negotiated its placement on permanent display at the Shrine of Remembrance, Melbourne. Lynne has also worked as a Research Assistant in the School of Tourism & Hospitality at La Trobe University, Bundoora; has been an executive assistant to many corporate organisations. Lynne was the Chair of the Charlton Memorial Window committee responsible for rescuing the window, securing funding for its restoration and conservation and part of a team that negotiated its placement on permanent display at the Shrine of Remembrance, Melbourne. As a member of the Wandong History Group Inc. Lynne has been instrumental in promoting the history of the Wandong/Heathcote Junction region; is a member of the Mitchell Shire Heritage Advisory Committee; submitted a number of sites to the Heritage Victoria Inventory and Heritage Register. Lynne has successfully obtained and acquitted several grants - $200,000 Living Heritage Grant 2021; Foundation for Rural and Regional Development – R U Ready Event to commemorate ten year anniversary of Black Saturday Bushfires 2009; Foundation for Rural and Regional Development for the creation of a website for the Wandong History Group; Australian Museums and Galleries Association grants for archival materials and room divider display panels. She is currently Hon Secretary/Treasurer of the Wandong History Group. Lynne has written three local history publications and a number of academic papers and presented at both domestic and international conferences.