Meet The Old Ambo Board

A‍NNA LOREN‍ ‍
CHAIR

Anna Loren is a writer, director, actor and teaching artist, working across stage and screen. She grew up in Nambour and maintains a strong connection to the creative community on the Coast. Her writing gained her Playwriting Australia’s Erin Thomas Playwright Fund, and she was a finalist in the Queensland Premier’s Drama Award. As a director, she has worked for companies including Ad Astra, The Rose Bruford Youth Theatre, London, JMC Academy and NIDA Open. Anna sits on the MEAA Equity and Diversity Committee as CaRM Co-Chair.

Prior Board appointments include WIFT Australia Deputy Chair and Matilda Awards Board Secretary.

IAN McKENZIE
TREASURER & BLACK BOX COORDINATOR

PATRICIA McINERNEY
GALLERY COORDINATOR & TAKEOVER PRODUCER

Patricia McInerney is an Irish-born musician, curator and creative producer based on the Sunshine Coast. Her practice spans music, performance, artist development and the production of experimental and independent arts programs.

She is the founder and creative director of Basket Of Hammers and GLÓR Project Space, through which she develops artist residencies, workshops, live programs and multidisciplinary projects, including the annual festival Samhain.

Patricia is also Gallery Coordinator at The Old Ambulance Station, where she works with artists to develop and present exhibitions and public programs. She produces Takeover, the Old Ambo’s artist residency and development program.

Patricia makes and performs music as Diaspora The Explorer.

NITA CHILDS
SECRETARY

CYNTHIA LEE
MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

Cynthia Lee is a photographer and digital designer based in Nambour, with a practice focused on documenting artists, creative communities, and subcultures.

Cynthia is passionate about supporting Nambour’s creative community and contributing to The Old Ambo as a place where artists, audiences and the wider community can come together.

PIA ECCLES

Pia Eccles is a Strata Manager on the Sunshine Coast with extensive experience in committee governance, stakeholder engagement, financial management, and community-focused decision-making. Alongside her late husband, Christopher Eccles (AKA ‘Coloured Tapes Matter’), Pia was an active member and supporter of The Old Ambo Gallery for many years, developing a deep appreciation for its role in fostering creativity and community connection.

Following Christopher's passing, Pia felt drawn to become more involved with the Gallery as a way of honouring his memory and maintaining a connection to a place they both valued. She brings strong organisational, governance, and collaborative skills to the Board and is passionate about supporting the Gallery's continued success as a vibrant, welcoming, and sustainable cultural hub for the local community.

JUSTIN LAW

Justin has a background in community and volunteer engagement, having been involved in volunteer organisations and activities for over 30 years both here on the Sunshine Coast and in Brisbane. I have served on committees for several community organisations as well as being involved in local underground music scenes. I am passionate about helping bring people together—especially in culturally diverse environments—to achieve common goals that benefit the broader community.

NIKITA FITZPATRICK

Nikita Fitzpatrick’s cultural background is a rich tapestry of heritage, including Aboriginal Australian, Torres Strait Islander, and South Sea Islander bloodlines.
 This diverse ancestry deeply informs her identity as both an artist and a facilitator, allowing her to embrace and celebrate the unique blend of traditions, histories, and perspectives that shape her work. Proud of her heritage, Nikita weaves these cultural influences into her art, creating spaces for connection, understanding, and dialogue that honor her roots while embracing the evolving nature of identity and creativity.

Nikita is a multifaceted mixed-media artist whose work draws deeply from her First Nations heritage and personal journey. She creates compelling stories through an abstract lens, weaving cultural elements into layered, textured works that transcend the boundaries of traditional art forms. Her art is a dynamic blend of the old and the new, combining stories from her past with her present experiences as her creative journey evolves.

MAURI BADRA

Mauri Badra is a filmmaker, photographer and outdoor educator with a passion for storytelling, nature and environmental conservation. Originally from Argentina, Mauri’s diverse career has taken him from acting and photography into film production, scuba diving, outdoor education and permaculture. As co-founder of YSDM Inc., he produces nature-focused projects including Environment Art Stories and Films in the Forest, connecting communities with stories that inspire greater awareness and care for the natural world.