Our Board

Simon was born in Devonport, Lutruwita/Tasmania – the son of English migrants. He is a cis gendered male.

Simon studied drama education and after graduating in 1989 has spent his working life with young people on the margins. He has worked in youth detention centres, crime prevention projects, bush/nature intervention programs, as well as in mainstream education in high schools and universities. Simon worked in Flexible Learning Centres for over 16 years, including as Head of Campus at Albert Park Flexible Learning Centre for 9 years.

Simon has a strong commitment to social justice. He believes that curiosity and hope are great assets for young people (and all people) in challenging unjust power systems, changing circumstances and creating a future they desire. Simon continues to work in education and as a consultant with Summerfair Consultants.

Uncle Bill Ring, a proud Noongar and Gija Elder from Western Australia, has dedicated his career to supporting First Nations youth and fostering strong community ties. He began as a police liaison officer, mediating between Indigenous communities and law enforcement, and later advised on youth programs in health and education.

In collaboration with WA Health, Uncle Bill developed mental health initiatives and supported youth in the justice system, guiding them toward positive paths. His “return to country” programs, which promote cultural pride, earned him two WA Youth Leadership awards. Currently, he works as a mental health support worker, committed to keeping Indigenous youth connected to their communities and out of detention.

Tammy Brennan is passionate about collaborative, community-engaged interventions as a means of facilitating lasting social change. As a creative artist herself, she has direct experience of the impact the arts can have on the processes of reconciliation, understanding and societal change.

Her work at the boundaries of culture, whether gender-based or culture-based, has given her unique insights into the deep tensions that can shape our understanding of the past, while opening new possibilities for the future.

Tammy uses her skills in management, communication and artistic expression to work alongside individuals, communities and organisations to create meaningful change — change that is driven from within and sparked by ingenuity, care and cultural understanding.

Ben Hughes is a nationally acclaimed lighting designer for theatre, dance and opera. Ben’s lighting designs have appeared on stages throughout Australia, the United Kingdom, United States, China, India & New Zealand. Ben is an Associate Artistic Director of The Danger Ensemble and a founding member of Testimony Arts.