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Accessible Arts Board


Maryanne Ireland

Photo of Maryanne Ireland

BA (Hons) Psych, BAVA and Post Grad Dip in Visual Arts, MVA

Maryanne has been a practicing visual artist based in Newcastle for the last ten years. Working predominantly in photo-media Maryanne has exhibited in group and solo shows in both Sydney and Newcastle. Maryanne brings a personal experience of physical disability to her role as Chairperson of the Board of Directors.


Chrissie Tucker

Photo of Chrissie TuckerAHRI Dip HR

Chrissie is currently the Manager Diversity, a national position in the Human Resources Division of the ABC, located at Ultimo, Sydney. This position develops, implements, monitors and reports on the ABC's Equity and Diversity Management Plan. The areas covered include: gender, disability, race/ethnicity, Indigenous, work/life balance, age and discrimination, harassment and bullying. Chrissie is joint President of the NSW EEO Practitioners' Association (NEEOPA) and holds a position on the Board of Advisors, Diversity Council of Australia.


Sarah-Jane Rennie

Photo of Sarah-Jane RennieBA (Hons), B App.Sci (Cons.Cult.Mat), MA (Public History)

Sarah-Jane has worked as a conservator in museums, galleries and private settings. In her current role, Sarah-Jane manages MGNSW's Access reference group and coordinates MGNSW's Museum Advisor program. She also holds the position of Alternate Director, Arts Training NSW President, Australian Institute for the Conservation of Cultural Materials (NSW).


Elena Gildina

Photo of Elina GildinaB Com, CA

Elena is an accounting professional specialising in the areas of business management, management accounting, commercial analysis and operations. She has experience in the professional services and IT industries and is currently working as a Finance Manager at PricewaterhouseCoopers. Elena has been a volunteer with a number of organistions over the years and in her role as Treasurer is committed to helping Accessible Arts grow and succeed.



Josh Dowse

Photo of Josh DowseBA (Hons), LLB, MEnvLaw&Econ

Josh is an associate director at Macquarie Group, in its climate change practice. Previously, he has worked on diverse corporate and government projects as a Sustainability and Communication Consultant for his own company and for McKinsey & Co., as a publisher with Allen & Unwin, and as a solicitor. He co-founded the Sustainable Business Forum in Sydney and continues to search for ways to marry social, environmental and economic sustainability.



Suzanne Becker

Photo of Suzanne Becker

BSW (Hons) Dip Disaster Welfare Management

Suzanne has worked in the disability and welfare sector for more than three decades.  Suzanne is now a consultant in the sector, following her resignation in 2007 as General Manager of Windgap Foundation Limited, after 21 years.  Suzanne previously taught community work in the School of Social Work at the University of New South Wales, after working in local government for a period.  Suzanne sits on a number of advisory committees in the disability sector.


Dougie Herd

Doudie Herd

Dougie migrated from Scotland to Australia in 1999 to take up the position of Executive Officer of the Physical Disability Council of NSW, the State’s peak body for people with Physical Disability. He was given Permanent Residency status in 2004 on the basis of being a “Distinguished Talent” with an international standing of excellence in the field of social justice and the rights of people with disability. Dougie now holds the position of Executive Officer of the Disability Council of NSW.