Production Team
This has been another creative collaboration on behalf of Glaas Inc.
Fiona Gruber, as writer, producer and editor, has created an engaging and thought-provoking podcast that transformed research and ideas on the Vietnam war into a story well worth sharing. She was supported by the sterling organisation and co-ordination of Project Manager Lynne Dore and the invaluable insights on conflict and commemoration from History Consultant Bronwyn Hughes. Technical polish was provided by sound engineer Melissa May.
Fiona Gruber
Writer, Narrator
Fiona Gruber is a print journalist, radio producer and broadcaster, with more than 25 years’ experience in the media. She has made documentaries on a wide range of subjects for ABC Radio National and independently for organisations including the Federal Court of Australia, CABAH (The Australian Research Council Centre for Excellence in Biodiversity and Heritage) and Land Care, for Murrindindi Shire.
Melissa May
Sound Engineer
Audio engineer and sound designer, creatively collaborating on audio features, podcasts and radio documentaries. In my 20+ years working for ABC Radio National, I have developed a broad and comprehensive knowledge of feature making, including editing for content. I have worked with many radio programs, features, radio dramas and podcasts, including: Earshot, History Listen, Blueprint for Living, Life Matters, The Good Divorce; ABC podcasts: The Pineapple Project and Days Like These. I have a music background and previous experience recording and editing music ensembles for radio and CD release for ABC Classic.
Lynne Dore
Project Manager, GLAAS INC
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.
Dr Bronwyn Hughes OAM
Ar History, History Consultant, GLAAS INC
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
GLAAS INC Secretary,
Executive Director
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.




