Email: jodie@milkcratetheatre.com

With 20 years of experience working in the not for profit sector for organisations such as Cancer Council, Sydney Opera House and the Red Cross, Jodie brings a wealth of Marketing, Development and Leadership skills to Milk Crate. Jodie is a passionate believer in the power of stories and their ability to bring communities together, bridge differences and most of all, connect with audiences and create change.

In her previous role at Holdsworth Community, Jodie worked closely with Social Workers teams delivering Aged Care and Disability support to secure funding and develop innovative programs. While at Holdsworth Community, Jodie secured seed funding and developed partnerships to deliver supported arts programs, including Dance and Drama, for participants living with intellectual disabilities. This included a collaboration with Sydney Theatre Company to providing facilitating artists to lead Drama workshops.

Email: felicity@milkcratetheatre.com

Felicity is an award-winning Performance Director, Writer and Theatremaker from Sydney, Australia. After graduating from the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) Directors Course, Felicity has gone on to work with prominent artists from around the world, including Ontroerend Goed (BEL), Punchdrunk & Gecko Physical Theatre (UK), Illutron (DEN) and Mammalian Diving Reflex (CAN). Felicity holds a particular interest in working with young people, and young queer people. This has led her to working with Australian Theatre for Young People, Spark Youth Theatre, Matriark Theatre, Monkey Baa Theatre, PACT Centre for Emerging Artists and Milk Crate Theatre (AUS), Mit Ohne Alles (GER), The Torontonians (CAN) and Company3 (UK).

Felicity is a proud queer, neurodivergent and disabled artist. Her work explores these identities, stereotypes and power dynamics. She does this by weaponising humour, history, politics and the body. Ultimately, Felicity’s work functions to reveal and disrupt systems of authority in order to empower and envisage equitable new worlds. She has created work for Dark Mofo, Sydney WorldPride (AUS), Theater Neumarkt (CHE), 10 Nodi Festival (IT), Cork Midsummer Festival (IRE), Ruhrtriennale (GER), HAVEN Festival (DEN) and Wiener Festwochen (AUT).

Felicity has also worked as a cultural curator, creating artistic and socially engaged projects and programs across government, cultural organisations, festivals and the independent and mainstream theatre sectors. She has produced programming for UTS, the Inner West Council, the City of Sydney, Wear It Purple, Shopfront Youth Arts, 107 Projects and Sydney World Pride. Career highlights include directing at The Sydney Opera House, creating a one-on-one performance for audiences in a moving car, directing a non-verbal performative memorial via clowning, beer and a slideshow, and co-creating Take My Hand, where she married strangers for ten minutes in Copenhagen.

Felicity is a recipient of grants from Australia Council for the Arts, CREATE NSW, The Ian Potter Foundation, Accessible Arts, Fundability, a Mike Walsh Fellowship and a Sandra Bates Directors Award. She has been an artist in residence at Bundanon, Hot House Theatre, The Big C (AUS) and Wanås Konst (SWE). Felicity holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre & Performance from UNSW, a Bachelor of Art History & Theory from the College of Fine Arts, UNSW and a Postgraduate Diploma (Direction) from NIDA.

Email: jessica@milkcratetheatre.com

With close to 15 years of experience in the arts, both in Australia and internationally, Jess is an arts worker working at the unique intersection of arts and impact, producing, and evaluation management. As a producer, she has produced standout works at venues including Griffin Theatre, Belvoir St Theatre, Redline Productions, The Old Fitz Theatre, New York City Fringe, Adelaide Fringe. In 2020, Jess co-founded her own independent company, Akimbo and Co., where she is driving bold, new projects and looking forward to an exciting future of innovative productions.

Jess’s career took a transformative turn in 2016 when she collaborated with Bond St Theatre, a New York-based NGO using the arts as a powerful tool for conflict resolution in some of the world’s most challenging environments. From here, back in Australia, her commitment to community led her to work with Aboriginal organisation Barang Regional Alliance, where she undertook a secondment role, to homelessness with Neami National’s STEP program and in community development with HopeSt Community Services in Woolloomooloo, focusing on young people and animal welfare. Jess is currently working with Confit Pathways, as an Impact Consultant.

Jess has a post-graduate degree in Human and Community Services from the University of Sydney, has participated in Digital Storytellers Pathways to Purpose Program where she learned to develop Impact documentaries, and has secured a runner up award from Social Impact Measurement Network Australia for Excellence in Social Impact on behalf of Milk Crate Theatre.

Very silly and always up for yarn – Jess is deeply passionate about the transformative power of the arts.

Email: olivia@milkcratetheatre.com

Olivia is an award-winning director whose debut short film “Her Own Music” (2020) generated buzz at festivals worldwide. Since then, Olivia has directed projects including the proof of concept for the TV Series “Bedlam” (2022) (writ. Alexander Richmond) and “BoyMode” (2024) (writ. Natalie J. Ryan). Most recently, Olivia directed the bisexual romcom musical series “Girl Crush” (2024), spearheaded by celebrated creator Ally Morgan found exclusively on TikTok. The project received funding through the Every Voices Initiative, a Screen Australia, TikTok Australia and NZ on Air partnership. “Girl Crush” has been nominated for several awards including Best Online Drama or Comedy at the 14th Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Award.

Olivia has a passion for elevating queer voices, with a focus on female and gender-diverse stories. There’s no better example of that, than the talented emerging writer Natalie J. Ryan’s short film “BoyMode”. The story highlights one transwoman’s experience of a high school reunion where she hopes to reconnect with a first love whilst grappling with staying true to herself. Working closely with such a talented team, of creatives, behind and in front of the camera was a joy for Olivia. This story has a lot of heart, and means a lot to the trans community involved in making it to see themselves represented in an authentic light.

Olivia’s current slate includes shooting their first documentary which explores inter-generational queer stories and shared grief. Olivia is stoked to be joining MCT in this capacity where they’ll get to combine their love of theatre with their digital film passion.

Olivia’s work has screened at the following festivals: Sydney Film Festival 2020, Outfest L.A. 2020, Mardi Gras Film Festival 2021, Melbourne Queer Film Festival 2021, Mardi Gras Film Festival 2024, LA Stareable Fest 2024 and Melbourne Webfest 2024.

Awards: Best Online Drama or Comedy AACTA 2024 (Nominee), Best Director LA Stareable Fest 2024 (Nominee), Best Actor Short and Sweet 2022 (Winner), Best Director MQFF 2021 (Winner), Emerging Filmmaker MQFF 2021 (Winner), Audience Award MQFF 2021 (Winner), The Dendy Live Action Short Film Award SFF 2020 (Nominee), The Rouben Mamoulian Award Best Director SFF 2020 (Nominee).

Email: mary@milkcratetheatre.com

Mary’s professional experience has been cultivated across film, television, theatre, and public art – from development to delivery, for networks, non-profits, independent producers, and big-budget features. She is an accomplished screenwriter, an experienced story producer, and a results-oriented project manager. With an extensive professional network that includes, key creatives (emerging and established), agents, publishers, producers, and other screen industry executives.

Steady across all Mary’s roles is her deep commitment to the transformative power of storytelling. Championing creative talent and advocating for fresh, bold narratives from unexpected voices is paramount to Mary’s work. She loves the process of development; collaborating with writers and producers to facilitate their success – seeing their stories move from page to screen is a thrill that never gets old!

Email: socialworker@milkcratetheatre.com

Laura is a Social Worker with over 15 years experience. Laura moved to Australia 10 years ago from the UK and was employed by CatholicCare Broken Bay for over 8 years.

Laura has been working as a Consultant in Social Work and Welfare projects since January 2017.

In 2013 Laura was voted International Triple P Practitioner of the Year. Laura was one of 11 nominations from all over the world. Laura is trained in Teen Triple P, Triple P standard, Incredible Years, Circle of Security, 1-2-3 Magic and Engaging Adolescents programs. Laura is also trained in the Love Bites program.

Email: finance@milkcratetheatre.com

For over 17 years, Dale has worked with some of the most ambitious arts companies in Australia. He founded ARTSANDBUSINESS to share his unique understanding of arts and not-for-profit organisations’ financial and organisational requirements. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce, a Bachelor of Psychology and has studied Social Impact at UNSW.

Susan is a well respected leader with an executive career that has spanned over 30 years in the financial service and philanthropic industries in Europe, Pacific and Australia. She has held leading roles across finance, philanthropy, treasury and sales. Susan was formally Chief Executive Officer of RAMS Home Loans, Chief Executive Officer of the Westpac Foundation and the founding Chief Executive Officer of the Westpac Scholars Trust. Susan’s former Board roles include Chair of the Business/Higher Education Round Table and Director of Variety NSW.

She is a Chartered Accountant, member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Sydney.

Richard has worked in various financial, operation and general management roles, from start-ups to large corporates. He spent many years with Metcash (IGA, Mitre 10, Campbells Cash and Carry) before owning and operating independent supermarkets, focusing on turnaround opportunities. He also runs an operational consulting and outsourcing business, assisting medium-sized companies with their financial and operational processes.

Special Responsibilities
Member of Audit and Risk Committee

Grace currently works in Structured Finance Origination at an international Investment Bank and is responsible for originating, underwriting and executing structured finance transactions, with an emphasis on Asset Backed Securitisation.

In addition to her role with Milk Crate Theatre, Grace is engaged as a pro bono business consultant, providing consultancy services to domestic arts organisations, and is a passionate advocate for the local arts sector. Grace is an Ambassador for The Australian Ballet, regular volunteer for Friends of The Australian Ballet and a member of Philanthropy Australia’s New Generation of Giving programme.

Grace holds a Bachelor of Economics (Economics and Politics, with Distinction) from UNSW Sydney.

Special Responsibilities:
Company Secretary

Katherine is an experienced chartered accountant and finance professional who is passionate about the Arts and not-for-profit sectors. Katherine has strong capabilities in financial accounting, reporting, risk management and compliance and has a proven ability in driving business improvement and service delivery working with a broad cross section of
stakeholders. Katherines most recent position isas the Finance Director at Social Ventures Australia. Katherine holds a combined Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Commerce with majors
in Accounting, Philosophy and Performance Studies. She also holds a Graduate Diploma (ICAA) in Financial Accounting from the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.

Special Responsibilities
Chair of Audit & Risk Committee

Katina is passionate about social justice and believes it is a privilege to have spent the past 20 years working alongside Sydneysiders, empowering and supporting them to achieve their personal goals. A highly accomplished professional with expertise in program design, development and implementation, Katina has in-depth experience across a range of sectors including disability, refugees, people seeking asylum, humanitarian entrants and more recently the child protection sector.

Katina is currently the Manager Casework – Multicultural Child & Family Program at Settlement Services International, where she has held a number of senior roles. She has previously held senior social work and policy roles in The Housing Connection, the Asylum Seekers Centre, and the Australian Red Cross.
Katina has a Bachelor of Arts in Communications (Public Communications) from UTS and a Bachelor of Social Work (Hons Class I) from the University of Sydney where she was awarded the University Medal. She is a cricket tragic, a keen follower of politics both local and global and will be a social worker until the end of her days.

Lauren O’Shaughnessy is passionate about making an impact through philanthropy and has spent more than 15 years working in the philanthropic sector for corporate foundations at Macquarie Group, Clayton Utz and AMP, and in the not-for-profit sector at MS Research Australia.

Lauren is currently Global Director of Impact for the Macquarie Group Foundation and is responsible for measuring the social impact of the Foundation’s global grantmaking activities and leading the Foundation’s efforts around becoming a more equitable grantmaker. In addition to her role on the Board of Milk Crate Theatre, Lauren also mentors a young person through the Raise Foundation.

Special Responsibilities
Chair of the Social Impact & Policies Committee

Leila Enright is a creative producer with a strong commitment to new writing. She is the Creative Producer of Green Door Theatre Company, which develops work (Orange Thrower that is now in the Griffin 2021 season and Lady Tabouli that was in the 2020 Sydney Festival). She produces award-winning theatre If We Got Some More Cocaine I Could Show You How I Love You by John O’Donovan, Lady Tabouli and Omar and Dawn both by James Elazzi, How Dare You by Kate Chalmers and Good Dog by Arinzé Kene. She has been the Senior Producer at Griffin Theatre Company, and the Producer and Head of New Writing at the Darlinghurst Theatre Company. She has produced the 2018 National Play Festival, was the Associate Producer at Playwriting Australia and Playwrights Associate for Festival Fatale 2018. Leila began working in independent theatre in Melbourne, as the Artistic Director of FLW Theatre Company and General Manager. She has been involved in the Melbourne Fringe Festival, Short and Sweet and Mudfest as a producer and performer. Leila has a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Literature and History, a Certificate in Classics from London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, and a Diploma in Community Arts and Cultural Development and a 2020 Churchill Fellow.

Special Responsibilities
Chair of Artistic Advisory Panel

Melinda is a specialist commercial real estate lawyer with over 25 years of experience in the Australian property industry. Her clients value Melinda’s hands on, pragmatic and collaborative approach and the way she applies her deep knowledge of the property industry to navigate the twists and turns of complex property transactions. Melinda is a passionate supporter of the arts and has worked with Griffin Theatre Company on their recent property acquisition and development project before joining the board of Milk Crate Theatre. Melinda holds a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) and has been admitted to the Supreme Court of Queensland and New South Wales.

Special Responsibilities
Chair of the Board Nominations Committee

Ross Johnston is a highly respected finance and people manager having worked in the banking sector with Westpac for over 20 years. He is known for setting high standards for himself and his team, consistently aiming to deliver projects that meet agreed specifications.

Ross’s leadership and technical expertise have earned him a reputation for excellence in his field. Ross is a passionate support of the arts and is particularly interested in the intersection with community and the power of storytelling. Ross is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants and the Australian Institute of Company Directors and holds a Graduate Diploma in Commerce from the Queensland University of Technology.

Special Responsibilities
Member of Audit & Risk Committee