Conservatorium Board
Gunnedah Conservatorium is overseen by a Management Committee (board), made up of community members. Board positions include three executive positions (chair, secretary and treasurer) and general committee members. The board meets twice/term. Board members are encouraged to join a sub-committee, which meet and report back to the full board. The sub-committees include Governance, Events and Finance.
Gunnedah Conservatorium holds its AGM in September each year.
For more information contact the Chair or Director through the office 6742 3998 / admin@gunnedahconservatorium.com.
Our Board Members
Anthony Bishop | Chair
Anthony Bishop is an experienced executive working in pharmaceutical and diagnostic research and development. He has experience managing companies, sitting on Boards and running complex global projects both in Australia and during the 16 years he lived in South East Asia. Anthony is also a musician and has played in various bands throughout his business career.
Natalie Walters | Vice-Chair and Treasurer
Natalie is a legal specialist in property transactions and studied at a tertiary level Corporations Law, Banking & Financial Institutions Law and Professional Practice, amongst others. She has been a vocational education teacher in variable fields including business management and mentored University students. In addition, her community involvement has seen Natalie serve on many boards/committees. Natalie enjoys the arts and all that music brings to students and their communities.
Jo-an Cabanas | Secretary
Jo-an Cabañas (Meura) is an educator, business professional, and community leader passionate about fostering music, the arts, and cultural development in Gunnedah. With a Bachelor of Primary Education from the Philippines and experience in teaching, corporate leadership, business management, and event coordination, she brings a well-rounded skill set to education, administration, and community engagement. Jo-an has been an Education Assistant for over four years and an Admin Assistant at an Accounting Firm, while also pursuing a Diploma in Event Management. Beyond professional roles, she is a creative designer, producing advertising and promotional materials for organizations and businesses, blending creativity with strategic communication. As a mother of three involved in the Gunnedah Conservatorium, she has witnessed the transformative power of music education. She also leads the Filipino Australian community in Gunnedah, organizing cultural and social events that strengthen community ties. With expertise in education, business, event management, and design, Jo-an is eager to contribute leadership and creativity to the Board of the Gunnedah Conservatorium of Music, ensuring continued growth in music education and cultural enrichment.
Jenny MacAulay
Born and raised in and around Gunnedah, Jenny is a Customer Service Representative at TAFE NSW Gunnedah. Jenny holds a Diploma of Business Administration and has been on the Gunnedah Conservatorium board since 2022.
Jenny has been a great supporter of the Gunnedah Conservatorium since 2015. Jenny loves watching students of the Conservatorium show their talents in Eisteddfods in both Gunnedah and Tamworth, Studio concerts, Carols by Candlelight and live theatre performances – such as Chicago, Secret Bridesmaids Business & The Narcissist. COVID We’re Over It being one of her favourite home-grown performances. Jenny believes the art of music and performing is a positive inclusion in any person’s life.
Phoebe Neil
With a background in local Event Management, specifically film projection & theatre operations, art gallery productions and corporate meetings and functions, Phoebe has a deep understanding and commitment to enriching the cultural fabric of the Gunnedah region. She has a Communications degree in Media Production, and currently works tirelessly for the village community in her administration role at Curlewis Public School, a small primary school on the edge of the rich and fertile Liverpool Plains. Some of her volunteer work includes liaising with local Council and other stake holders for community services and cultural events as Secretary of the Curlewis Progress Association.
Phoebe is looking forward to the new challenge of small business ownership as she and her sister embark on an adventure to open a cafe bookshop and bar in the township of Gunnedah, where they hope to further increase opportunities for cultural events, such as live music, performance pieces and visual arts space.
Andrew Martin
Andrew is a joint owner and project engineer in an agricultural engineering company in Gunnedah. Andrew has two children who have been involved with the conservatorium programs from a young age for singing and speech, instruments and stage performing and knows the importance of the programs for the development of children. Andrew has also been involved in the adult choirs that are run by the conservatorium and assists as a back stage hand for stage productions.
Jenny Hewitt
Jenny has an Education background with over 35 years experience as a teacher and Assistant Principal. She has worked alongside and supported a variety of Gunnedah's finest music educators over the years. Jenny is also involved with the Gunnedah Animal Welfare League as a board member and active volunteer.