Management

Administration Staff

Gaye Harlow (A.Mus.A, PhD, B.Sc(Hons))
Director, (Ex-Officio Board of Management)
Originally from Newcastle with a background in science as an embryologist in Lingard Fertility Clinic, Gaye revived her interest in the piano after moving to Grafton in 1988. Gaye has been teaching piano and musicianship at the Conservatorium since 1994. Gaye was appointed Director of the Conservatorium in February 2006 and oversees the provision of leadership, resources, expertise and programs that support performing arts education in the Clarence Valley.


Robbie Coulton (JP, A.Cert.CM)
Finance Manager (Ex-Officio Board of Management)
Robbie was appointed Finance Manager of the Conservatorium in 2007. Robbie has many years experience in the clerical/accounting field and managers the financial operations of the Conservatorium and assists the Director. An accomplished musician, Robbie is Deputy Organist of Christ Church Cathedral. In 2002, Robbie performed by invitation in an Australian Music evening in St Magnus Cathedral, Orkney Islands UK. 


Kris Edwards (AdvDip.ContempMus)
Programs Co-Ordinator & Staff Representative Board of Management
Kristina originally studied piano and clarinet, later adding saxophone, guitar and brass guitar to her repertoire. She has taught woodwind and guitar to secondary and primary school students for many years, as well as conducting and performing in a range of ensembles, musicals and bands. Kristina conducts bands at local schools. As Program Co-ordinator, Kristina liaises with the schools to co-ordinate all the Conservatorium Schools Programs and initiated the PAN (Performing Arts Nights) series of concerts. Kristina also co-ordinates the music ensembles and student concert series at the Conservatorium.


Vicki Forbes
Clerical Assistant


Board of Management

Arthur Seewald (B.SocSci, Dip.PolicingAdmin, JP)
Chair
Occupation: Retired Chief Inspector, NSW Police Force
Arthur has been involved in music productions, including Pirates of Penzance; HMS Pinafore, Mikado, The Music Man and has sung in groups such as the Cantalina Singers attached to the Wagga Wagga Conservatorium of Music. Arthur has had much experience in conducting and singing in large chruch choirs and Barber Shop Quartets throughout the Riverina and has played in many bands and provided music for special occasions.


Robert Eather (B.MusEd, A.Cert.CM, FAGCM)
Vice Chair & Public Officer
Occupation: Director of Music and Organist Christ Church Cathedral Grafton;
Music Teacher, Clarence Valley Anglican School
Robert studied organ with Philip Matthias and harpsichord with the late Anthony Jennings at Newcastle Conservatorium. In 2007, Robert recorded the first professional recording of the organ in Christ Church Cathedral, Grafton. He composes and arranges much organ and choral music. His composition Fanfare Australia was composed and performed at the International Science Festival, Orkney UK. Robert is a skilled liturgical improviser and specialist in Gregorian Chant.


Paul Kennedy (B.Ec. Dip.FinMgmt, Dip.FinPlan, FCA, CFP)
Treasurer
Occupation: Accountant and Financial Planner
Paul is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants and partner in Kennedy Saunders Accountancy Firm since 1982 located in the Grafton office with experience in Business Accounting, Auditing, Taxation, Administrations and Investigations, Financial Planning and a Registered Company Auditor and Registered Tax Agent. Paul graduated with a Bachelor of Economics in 1974 and for the next 8 years gained experience in professional practice in large chartered accounting firms Pricewaterhouse (Pricewaterhouse Coopers) and Fell & Starkey (Ernst & Young), as well as in commercial accounting with Davis Fullers Ltd, Readymix Concrete Ltd (CSR Ltd) and Farley and Lewis Ltd (CSR Ltd). Paul is also a Certified Financial Planner and has worked as a Financial Planner since 1988, and is currently an authorised representative of Tandem Financial Advice Ltd.


Kirsty Wallace (JP)
Member
Occupation: Clerical Officer, NSW Department of Primary Industries (Grafton)
Kirsty worked for the Conservatorium, first as a trainee in Business Administration and then as Administrative Assistant for 2.5 years and has had a long interest in the arts being involved in many local choirs, including those run by the Conservatorium, and is a playing member of the Grafton City Pipe Band where she also serves as QuarterMaster.


Jenny Worrell (A.Mus.A, Dip.MusEd)
Member
Occupation: Teacher (Music and Drama), Grafton High School
Jenny trained at Newcastle Conservatorium and has taught music both privately and in primary and secondary schools. She has been a co-ordinator for various sections of the City of Grafton Eisteddfod and is President of Pro Musica Grafton. Jenny has accompanied a variety of different musical productions and is committed to the involvement of young people in community music.


Deborah Wray (BA(Hons) Town & Country Planning, MPIA, CPP)
Member
Occupation: Town Planner and Heritage Advisor
Deborah grew up in the UK and has lived and worked in the Grafton area since 1988. Deborah attained grade 8 piano and grade 6 violin and has played in several orchestras and folk music bands. She currently plays in a chamber music group and the Big River Bush Band. Deborah has a great interest in music and the performing arts.