Meet The Team

President/Secretary
Paul Greenhalgh
With stronger ties to the Foster and surrounding communities since 2018, Paul was drawn to the Committee in May 2023 and has been President since July 2024.
Although he is the local hospital CEO, he is on the Committee as an independent community member and is excited by the strategic direction of the arts centre.

Vice President
Shane Doherty
Shane feels privileged to be part of a progressive Arts Centre Committee, whose aim is to revitalise, refurbish and set a future plan to introduce new and exciting regional arts events for our Shire of South Gippsland.

Secretary
Tania Pell
Tania has a background in both hospitality and education and is a dedicated community member with deep roots in the local area. Her experience in grant writing has been instrumental in securing funding for various community-driven projects.
Over 25 years Tania has demonstrated her interest in fostering an inclusive environment and enhancing community engagement. Deeply committed to supporting the ongoing improvement of the FWMAC, her focus is always on making it a welcoming and accessible space for all members of the community.

Treasurer and Bookings Officer
Robert Paragreen
Robert has had a long history of volunteering, has been on over seven committees, with an outstanding and unsurpassed record of over 30 years with the FWMAC.
With two important roles, he continues to be a central figure in the life of the venue and is the first point of contact for most people seeking to use the spaces within.

Committee
Emma McKay
Emma is a passionate advocate for the arts, skilled in building community connections and organising events. She's keen to enhance the facilities, foster inclusivity and ensure that the FWMAC space flourishes for everyone's enjoyment, engagement and benefit.

Committee
Judy Barnard
Judy is a representative of FAMDA. Performing arts has been a passion for decades but she also believes that the FWMAC is vitally important to many sectors of the community. She's proud to be a part of a diverse team who are working towards ensuring the facility reaches its full potential.

Committee
Ben Cooper
With a professional background in cabinetry, working in his small business and as a longtime resident of the area, Ben is a dedicated community member passionate about making a positive local impact. His love for his community shines through his active involvement in local theatre and sporting events. An avid photography enthusiast, Ben brings a unique creative perspective to everything he does. He is deeply committed to the ongoing improvement of the FWMAC, with a clear focus on ensuring it remains a welcoming, inclusive, and accessible space for everyone.

Committee
Julia Merrington
Julia moved to Foster in South Gippsland in 2019 and is totally passionate about this beautiful part of Australia and it’s amazing, diverse, fast changing and talented community, she has volunteered for local community groups since she first arrived.
A company director with extensive experience in TV, Theatre and online media, sales and strategic marketing, she’s excited about working with FWMAC’s dedicated committee to ensure the facility continues to improve and evolve to meets the needs of its many user groups, now and into the future.

Committee
Jenni Munro
Jenni is a long-time member of the Foster and surrounds area, and user of the FWMAC for many years. Having a family member married at the hall, and grandchildren who have performed on the stage over the years.
Jenni represents the U3A Prom Coast, who have 300 plus members. They have a dedicated room at FWMAC for most of their classes
and the facilities are of vital importance to the organisation.
As a community asset, Jenni is passionate about the upkeep and maintenance of the hall, for the continued use by community groups and general public.