Management Committee

The Blue Roo Management Committee comprises of members who share a diverse range of professional skills. Committee members have been deliberately recruited with a focus on gathering skills and expertise in drama, governance, risk management, HR management, legal, financial management, strategic planning and program management and have a passion for enabling people. This is a committee of volunteers dedicated to our community.

DEBORAH WALKER

President

BSoc Wk, BA

With experience in Queensland’s vocational education and training sector, Deborah trained in her youth in speech and drama. Her strengths with people, change and program management, corporate governance and policy implementation are recognised within the public sector where she held senior and executive level positions. 

A move to the private sector in 2017 provided Deborah with new challenges and opportunities while meeting her passion of delivering authentic and quality products and services.

This passion has carried over in her commitment to the success of Blue Roo Theatre Company where she is overseeing processes essential to the future stability and growth potential within Blue Roo.

DALE JOHNSON

Secretary

BEd Stud, Dip Teach, Cert IV Train & Assess, JP (Qual)

Dale has three passions in life with firm commitments to live theatre, music and comedy; excellence in teaching and advocacy for her husband’s courage, ability and independence after suffering a severe stroke.

She is dedicated to supporting the day-to-day resilience of the families of stroke and brain injury sufferers. 

Dale has taught drama and theatre to children and young adults, literacy, numeracy and communication skills to adults and is a nationally published researcher. 

Dale brings a diverse range of skills, experience and networks to Blue Roo. She cites her greatest achievement in life as being able to ‘laugh loudly on a whim’ most days.

ALLANAH McALORUM

Treasurer

As an accountant with 20 years of experience in public practice, Allanah has been a trusted financial advisor across diverse industries including agriculture, technology, medical, consulting and the arts.  Her journey in accounting has been a testament to her dedication and expertise in navigating the intricate financial landscapes of various sectors.

As a parent to a neuro-diverse child, Allanah understands the importance special interest groups such as Blue Roo Theatre Company play in the social development of participants.

Outside of the office, Allanah finds joy in spending quality time with her family and friends.  She values the moments that bring people together and create lasting memories.

With a genuine love of her profession and a commitment to excellence, Allanah brings depth of knowledge and enthusiasm to the committee.

CHERYL-ANNE LAIRD

Committee Member

BPsych (Hons), GDIR, MBus, LLB(Hons)

Cheryl-Anne has an enviable reputation as a leading human resources and industrial relations consultant to clients in both the private and public sectors. She has built her success on forming long term partnerships with her clients and becoming a trusted expert in her field.

Cheryl-Anne has a somewhat unique mix of tertiary qualifications including law and psychology which has allowed her to develop a specialist expertise in assisting clients navigate the myriad of challenges which arise when employment and mental health issues combine.

It was for these skills and experience as well as her commitment to and passion for social justice issues which led to Cheryl-Anne’s inclusion as a committee member.

STEWART THOMPSON

Committee Member

Dip Arts (Disability)

Stewart has been employed by Centacare for more than 30 years. He currently is the Director Client Services.

Stewart has extensive experience within the disability sector which has allowed him to take a strong advocacy role with significant experience in lobbying at all levels of government and in the community to influence change and policy decisions.

He continues to focus on ensuring that people have choice, independence and receive the care and support they need to enable them to maximize opportunities and participate in community life.

GENEVIEVE WELLS

Committee Member

BSoc Wk

Genevieve’s true passion lies with the community sector, working with people living with severe and persistent mental illness.

Her current role includes supporting people to navigate and gain access to the NDIS system, advocating for those deemed ineligible to receive support packages and assisting individuals to implement their NDIS plans.

Her area of interest is in personality disorders and dissociative identity disorders. Genevieve recognises that she is privileged to work to bring out positive change in people’s lives. She draws inspiration for the people with whom she works who are resilient and persevering, often in the face of enormous obstacles.

Artistic Team

The Blue Roo artistic team is a passionate group of skilled individuals within the performing arts arena. While working with the performers to develop skills needed to participate in this creative environment, they are motivated to collaborate with and share performer stories to enrich lives.

SIMONE DE HAAS

Blue Roo Theatre Company Patron, Artistic Leadership Team Member and Mentor

Gold Matilda Award-winning Producer, Artistic Director and Actor., International speaker and organisational coach

Simone’s critically acclaimed, creative capacities move effortlessly between the stage, the digital world and the boardroom.

Whether singing, directing, telling quirky leadership stories or displaying the power of creative improvisation, Simone brings extraordinary insights into the new world that is evolving. Her unique and diverse portfolio of work creates a strong platform for developing transformational leaders. Simone is a highly sought-after inspirational and insightful coach and mentor.

She speaks internationally on Exceptionality™ and Stagecraft & Storytelling. Simone has worked as a Lecturer at Griffith University (Qld Conservatorium) and Queensland University of Technology in Acting for Musical Theatre and Performance Studies, and as Guest Director for the Opera Studio at the University of Southern Queensland.

LACHLAN DRISCOLL

Blue Roo Theatre Company Artistic Director and Mentor.

B of Arts (Theatre & Performance)Certificate III in Performing Arts

2024 Residency, Lighthouse Arts, NSW 2023 Independent delegate, Australian Performing Arts Forum  2023 Festival Director intern, Anywhere Festival, QLD 2022  Australian Theatre for Young People’s “Yabbies” (Youth Advisory Board). 

Lachlan is a theatre maker with extensive experience as a director, dramaturg, and producer on independent productions. 

He believes in the power of performance to change lives and brings this approach to Blue Roo, ensuring everyone is seen, heard, and empowered. 

He is committed to ensuring Blue Roo productions are based on a robust collaborative organisational and creative teamwork model.

He has produced shows at the Wynnum Fringe, Anywhere Festival, Backbone Festival, and the Redcliffe Museum. His work spans drama, comedy, and site-based theatre. 

He has directed shows at the PIP Theatre’s Toucan Club, Anywhere Festival, and Observatory Theatre and was part of the devising team for “Handle With Care” at Ad Astra.

As the Founder, Creative Director, and Producer of Observatory Theatre, Lachlan programs bold, inventive works and commissions new plays by local Brisbane playwrights. 

He has volunteering experience with The Storey Players, Playlab Theatre, and the Queensland Writer’s Centre.

ORIEL HALPIN

Mentored, Artistic Leadership Team Member

Co-Director (Bridges and A Small Day Out) Assistant Stage Manager and Videopodcaster (‘Tis the Season and Chased by Rainbows)

Cert III Community Support, emerging Artist, Arts Worker and Vodcast Reporter.

Oriel is an emerging artist and arts worker who is a passionate advocate for people with disability to grow their self-confidence and self-belief through the performing arts. She is looking forward to watching the Blue Roo ensemble grow as creatives and appearing on stage and film duing the Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games.

She has experience on stage and backstage and is currently being mentored by Blue Roo to accelerate her skills in Production, Stage Management and Direction. She believes people with disability need more opportunities to build their leadership skills.

Oriel is registered with the Casting Guild of Australia Deaf and Disability database.

CHERIE WATSON

Mentored, Artistic Leadership Team Member 

Co-Director (South Burnett Regional Outreach), Assistant Producer (Chased by Rainbows and Bridges)

Cherie is registered with the Casting Guild of Australia Deaf and Disability database.

In process of updating

In process of updating

JAMES LOAKES

Mentored, Artistic Leadership Team Member 

Assistant Director (A Small Day Out), Creative Assistant (Bridges)

James is registered with the Casting Guild of Australia Deaf and Disability database.

In process of updating

In process of updating

SARAH JACKSON

Script Writer, Script Advisor

Grad Dip: University Management (UoM), Bachelor of Arts: Psychology (UQ), Bachelor of Humanities: Media Studies (Griffith University)

Sarah is an active member of Writers Victoria, “Sisters in Crime”, and a full member of the Australian Society of Authors.

Sarah’s continuing education includes Grad Dip: Creative Writing (UoM), where she has studied screenwriting with tutor and well-known screenwriter Reg Cribb (Bran Nue Dee, Last Cab to Darwin), and ongoing professional development workshops through the Australian Society of Authors and Writers Victoria.

Sarah is a published author specialising in cosy mysteries, romance, humour, lifestyle non-fiction (cooking/gardening) and children’s fiction.

Her latest novel, “Winner Winner Chicken Dinner” is published through Serenade Publishing. 

Her author website is https://sarahjacksonwriter.com 

LARAINE GRIFFITH

Associate Co-Director and Mentor (Bridges and A Small Day Out), Stage Manager (Chased by Rainbows) 

Laraine, based in Brisbane, is a respected Director and Stage Manager with many years of experience supporting community arts productions.

JADE BRIDER

Associate Choreographer and Mentor (A Small Day Out)

Director of VOiiiD Collective, Brisbane, Gold Coast, AUS – 2022 ONWARDS  Received the Lord Mayor Fellowship, Brisbane, AUS 2023

Jade Brider (she/her) is a seasoned performer, visual artist, and the director behind VOiiiD Collective. Returning to Australia over the past four years, Jade has cultivated an ever-expanding passion for multidisciplinary performance, consistently collaborating with a diverse array of artists. Her artistic pursuits boldly challenge perspectives on both personal and global issues, manifesting in unapologetic, hyper-visual, and multimodal works.

BRETT PEARCE

Associate Photographer and Videographer (Bridges, A Small Day Out)

Info to come

Info to come

PORTMANTEAUX

Associate Composition, Music and Sound Effects (Bridges, A Small Day Out and future works)

Portmanteaux has been pumping out original Australian funk, soul and eclectic electric pieces around Melbourne’s independent music scene since 2005. The repertoire has expanded to include a number of covers, although original tunes still comprise most of their sets.  

Their music has extended to include rhythm & blues, Jazz, Latin, world and melodic rock music. This four-piece combo plays 75% original numbers, with 25% covers to help get the party started.

The instrumental pieces feature Hammond organ-driven tunes inspired by The Meters, Booker T, Steely Dan, and others.

Portmanteaux has four CDs to date: ‘General Eclectic’, ‘Five Ways Home’, and ‘Between the Lines’. All three CDs received excellent reviews from Al Hensley, Rhythms Magazine. The fourth CD ‘Nothing Too Deep’ was released in August 2021. A digital single “Opportunity Blues” was released in 2022. https://portmanteauxmelbourne.bandcamp.com/

LUKE SCOTT

Associate Creative Director and Composer (Chasing Rainbows, ‘Tis the Season (Co-Director), Chased by Rainbows)

Cert IV in Disability, Electronic Music Production Cert III, Auslan 1 & 2 (Deaf Services Queensland)

Luke is a highly regarded Brisbane-based musician, composer and director, bringing over 25 years of experience in performing and composition, coupled with over 10 years of working within the disability sector. Luke’s high-energy personality is counterpoint to his ability to relate with the actors, 

guiding them to reach their potential artistically. With an ability to think outside the box he ensures the learning and performance experience is as inclusive as possible for all participants and audiences.

Adminsitrative Team

Our administrative team is attuned to the operational needs of the company and are dedicated to the community with whom we collaborate.

VIV WHITTLE

Administration & Social Media

Bachelor of Creative Industries (QUT)

Vivien brings strong performing arts administration and social media experience, an extensive pedigree in film, stage and theatre and recent experience as a producer. She has been acting since 2003 when she joined the Brisbane-based Australian Acting Academy and has performed in various productions through Queensland Actor’s Playhouse, Growl Theatre and The Curators with critical acclaim.

Vivien co-produced Plucked (Whittleberry Productions) for the 2021 Anywhere Festival, which won the People’s Choice Award. In 2022, the short film she co-starred in, Good Times and That’s Ok (directed by Amanda Kaye) won Best Queensland Short Film and the People’s Choice at the Australian Independent Film Festival.

LACHLAN DRISCOLL

Administration & Research

Quals to come

Update to come.

JENNY DELGADO

Bookkeeper 

Assoc Dip Bus, Cert Bus, AD Sc (High Hon)

Jenny has been providing professional bookkeeping and administrative support services to corporate and privately owned, customer-centric businesses for the last 12 years, encompassing the IT, Construction, Legal, Business Coaching, Recruitment and Media sectors.

In addition to her bookkeeping expertise, Jenny’s key skills include process improvement, project support and coordination, tender and proposal writing, database maintenance and recruitment.  Jenny’s administrative, organizational, and customer service skills are outstanding and this combined with her attention to detail, strong work ethic and customer focus make her an asset to the Blue Roo team.

SARAH JACKSON

Web Manager & IT Support

Grad Dip: University Management (UoM), Bachelor of Arts: Psychology (UQ), Bachelor of Humanities: Media Studies (Griffith University)

Sarah Jackson is a writer of cosy mysteries, rural romance and science fiction. She works part time in University administration at Monash University, In addition, Sarah provides website design for a number of bands and small businesses. Sarah is also a member of the Artistic Team and develops scripts and materials for the company.