WHAT IS THE
The junction co.
The Junction Co. is an innovative, Pilbara-based arts organisation with a clear vision to engage, grow and empower regional creative industries. We deliver a raft of programs to the Pilbara community, online, at partner locations across the region, and through the Port Hedland Courthouse Gallery+Studio, a regional gallery we manage on behalf of the Town of Port Hedland. Junction Co. team is made up of creative entrepreneurs, artists, strategists, graphic designers, place activators, facilitators, teachers and lovers of craft who seek to actively improve community membership and engagement, encourage a balance of work and play, improve liveability of local communities and assist in strengthening the Pilbara identity.
Our mission is to advocate and connect creatives with workspace, learning opportunities and networks, to uplift their endeavours and create an environment in which both local community and creatives can support each other. Underpinning our vision and mission are four clear strategic goals:
- Strengthen communities through creativity;
- Develop thriving creative practitioners;
- Advocate and celebrate creative industries;
- Nurture a high performing culture.
make magic happen
JOIN THE TEAM!
WE’RE ALWAYS ON THE LOOKOUT
The Junction Co. are always on the lookout for any type of creative soul to join our fabulous team. No matter what your experience or expertise, we encourage you to reach out and tell us more about you!
To find out more, please email your current resume and a cover letter (no more than 2 pages) outlining your skills, capabilities and experience to hello@thejunctionco.com.au.
Say hello to
The Team
Sandy Harvey
For more than 25 years, Sandy has had a diverse background in executive leadership fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration and community, and now leading the team as CEO. Being involved in several local organisations, she strongly believes in exploring new ways in which a positive impact can be extended. Sandy will continue to drive growth and deliver exceptional value to our stakeholders, meaningful change to our community, and bring a unique and fresh outlook to our organisation.
Valeria Scoponi
An established member of the Hedland community, as The Junction Co.’s Regional Manger, Valeria strives to ensure community connection through creativity. A skilled musician, and talented ceramicists and photographer, Val combines her community development experience, creative passions and wealth of local knowledge, to engage, grow and empower regional creative industries.
Domi Byrne
Domi has joined The Junction Co. in the role of Gallery and Events Manager. Domi holds a BA in Writing and Publishing and has a passion for editing, organisation, painting and psychology. Domi is drawn to meaningful work within the community spaces and public engagement that makes a positive impact. She has extensive experience in customer relations, administrative support and consistent can-do attitude.
Laura Betts
Laura has recently taken up the role of Operations Manager. She has an extensive background in Finance and Accounting and holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Finance and Accounting). Laura’s passion for small business and supporting the creative entrepreneur sector is an asset to the Gallery and The Junction Co. When Laura’s not in manager-mode you can find her in the ceramics studio getting her ‘creative on’ and getting her hands around some clay.
Samantha Boon
Sam has a keen understanding of the role visual design and brand plays in growing and establishing businesses. Drawing on her Diploma of Graphic design, website development and systems experience, Sam leads the online, print and radio communication and marketing activities including the Courthouse Gallery+Studio, Portside Town Team and Regional communications. As well, she contributes to the public art growth in the organisation.
Mel Neville
Communicative and precise, are the top skills which Mel brings to her role as Portside Soap Production Officer for the Junction. Coordinating, making and selling the Junction’s social enterprise wares, Mel brings a smile to all her tasks, with strong experience in customer service, creative production and logistics to make the Portside brand continue to grow nationally. Mel is also a Creative Facilitator leading a number of local workshops.
Nicole Leuchter
Nicole is a self-taught practicing artist and maker with an evolving passion for creativity. Having established her own successful business creating and developing products in 2015, Nicole has a strong understanding on the artistic and design process and has a sound awareness of market trends and forecasts. With extensive experience in the studio, both as the artist and as a coordinator, Nicole shares her experience and knowledge with everything she does.
Katrina O’Keeffe
Kat is passionate about our Hedland community and making strong connections with locals. Recently joining The Junction Co. team as Gallery Coordinator, Kat’s background is in education and counselling, and is looking forward to working alongside our local youth in a creative and expressive environment.
Christelle Orchard
With an Honours Design Degree, Christelle has a wealth of knowledge in corporate events and fashion industry, working alongside some of Australasia’s most renowned fashion designers. With a passion for painting, drawing, sewing and creating, Christelle is an active member of the Hedland Community and combines her extensive creative experiences to facilitate a range of community engagement workshops.
Rhiannon Purkis
With a strong background in working with young children, Rhiannon practices a creative approach when bringing her unique perspective and skill set to her role as a Creative Practitioner.
Rhiannon has a passion for painting, drawing and creating, and loves being an active member of the Hedland community.
MEET THE GOVERNANCE TEAM
The Board
Our Board role is to represent and serve the interests of the Pilbara community by overseeing and appraising The Junction Co’s strategy, policies and performance.
Miranda Cerich
Position: Chair
Based: Karratha/Perth
Miranda is versed in the ‘Human Capital space’ and has specialised in the delivery of transformational human resource and organisational development projects. She has managed engagements to develop operating models, aligning operations to strategic objectives and identify performance improvements in large, complex organisations. Miranda has extensive experience managing senior stakeholders and large teams. Miranda has worked within the Resource, Health and ‘Not for Profit’ sectors, most recently in the legal and community service environment. From 2015 she has worked in a variety of roles as both Acting CEO and CEO for a Pilbara based ‘NFP’s.
Kylie Unkovich
Position: Vice Chair
Based: Port Hedland
Kylie is a long term educator and member of the community with numerous businesses and volunteer connections. She has a keen interest in the arts and promoting enterpreneurship opportunities of up coming creative artists, especially the youth in Hedland.
With a Bachelor of Economics and Graduate Diploma in Business Marketing in addition to various Educational degrees, Kylie has a wide breadth of knowledge and experiences of working in corporate, departmental and volunteer settings which provides flexible thinking around the expansion of the arts in Hedland.
Dr. Gemma Bothe
Position: Secretary
Based: Perth
Dr. Gemma Bothe is the Senior Manager Data and Continuous Improvement Grants at Lotterywest. Her expertise in social impact and strategy has provided Gemma with the tools to build and connect people and resources to drive positive, impactful change across the non-for-profit, government and industry sectors, resulting in lasting positive change. As member of the Junction Board, Gemma leads the Junction evaluation and social impact initiatives.
Yvette Fernandez
Position: Treasurer
Based: Perth/Pilbara
Yvette is an accomplished businesswoman with over 30 years’ diversified business experience and leadership in finance, accounting, logistics management and stockbroking. Having been a co-owner of Bridgestone Tyres in Port Hedland, and DZL wealth Advisers in Perth she fully understands the challenges faced by organisations in today’s complex business world.
In 2001, Yvette started her finance and wealth business from the ground-up. The business services clients within Australia and overseas. Yvette is adept at understanding people’s needs having clients with differing situations and demographic environments.
Patrycja Rosinska
Position: Board Member
Based: Perth
Patrycja is a passionate and experienced arts and culture, community development and engagement, and place activation specialist with two decades experience delivering capacity building and community programs that create opportunities for the community to connect, engage and improve liveability of local communities. Patrycja was the Activations Coordinator and also filled the role of acting CEO for The Junction Co., and brings a wealth of knowledge and background to the Board.
Caine Otley
Position: Board Member
Based: Port Hedland
Caine is the principle and licensee of a successful local real estate business and is well positioned to keep his finger on the pulse of our thriving community. With a degree in Business and Marketing and living in Hedland for over 12years, Caine has the knowledge, experience and passion to help The Junction Co. grow even more within our amazing region.
Sally Cruickshank
Position: Board Member
Based: Perth
Sally is a creative entrepreneur and visual arts educator. Now based in Perth, Sally lived in the Pilbara for nearly 10 years and was an active member and facilitator of The Junction Co. team specialising in teamwork facilitation, ukulele and resin art. Sally is the Secretary of the TJC Board and is passionate about empowering our communities in the creative industries.
Claire Boyce
Position: Board Member
Based: Port Hedland
As an experienced business leader and community advocate, Claire holds a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and has worked in a number of management roles throughout Australia. Specialising in leadership, strategic planning, funding acquisition, and fostering business growth, Claire bridges the gap between vision and execution with a results-driven approach.
Along with being a passionate advocate for the local community, Claire is a board member for various Pilbara organisations, and currently co-owns and operates a proud Port Hedland based civil and earth moving company called Everything Earth, which in turn supports and sponsors numerous local NFP’s and sporting clubs.
James Hughes
Position: Board Member
Based: Perth / Port Hedland
Born and raised in a small town in rural New South Wales, James developed an early appreciation for working with small communities and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
James is a lawyer having degrees in both business and law. Throughout his career, James has immersed himself learning about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and the ongoing challenges faced by communities.
Working in remote areas of Australia and previously living in the Pilbara, James has continuously engaged with the community gaining valuable insights and building relationships based on trust and respect.
James commits to acting as a catalyst for change, working to foster understanding, respect, and collaboration for local community and for The Junction Co.
Connecting communities
Discover our potential
Through a program of place activation activities we seek to actively improve community membership and engagement, encourage a balance of work and play, and assist in strengthening a Pilbara identity.
The Junction Co. is one of eight diverse organisations leading Regional Arts WA’s Regional Arts Network initiative, striving to re-imagine how arts services are delivered to local communities across regional and remote Western Australia and engage in critical dialogue on subjects relevant to WA’s regional arts sector. The Network will act as an information and resource sharing forum between the Network and Regional Arts WA, sharing relevant information and resources between the Network and other groups, identifying areas where regional arts advocacy is required and working together to spread awareness and driving identified state-wide initiatives.
Future projects
we help you elevate
The Junction Co. have the knowledge, experience and desire to take our Pilbara community forward. We understand the unique scenarios faced while living in a regional community, and are here to assist with a creative solution.
Our team of creative experts can help identify new opportunities, solve quandaries and provide guidance in audience engagement, place activation and creative collaboration. To connect with the team, enquire here.
Program suggestions
Do you have any feedback or suggestions on how we can engage and serve the community in the coming months? Please fill out the form below, we’d love to hear from you!
