About the Team
Meet the major members of the Wakakirri team!
About 100 other crew-members are also employed to work on Wakakirri each
year as Stage Managers, Marshals and all the other roles you see at the
shows.
Adam Loxley - Festival Director & Managing Director
Adam Loxley was part of the original creative duo that began the Wakakirri
Dance ‘n’ Drama Eisteddfod in 1992. Since then Adam has worked
on Wakakirri full time except for a break in 98 and 99. Adam has worked
in nearly every capacity for Wakakirri including technical, managerial,
marketing and a short but memorable (for some) stint in front of the TV
camera.
Adam’s proudest achievements are overseeing the transformation of
Wakakirri into a national story festival in 2005 and creating opportunities
for children in remote communities.
Colleen Lawless – ACT Schools Coordinator
Coming soon!
Cassie Morris - Mackay Regional Coordinator
Cassie began her teaching career in primary schools but has now become
a High School Dance Teacher based in Mackay in North Queensland and has
been teaching now for five years. Cassie is a dancer who has “taken
over” here old dancing studio where she herself learnt to Dance.
She’s now owned Centre Stage Dance Company for two years, which
includes over 170 kids learning jazz, tap, modern, funk and singing and
drama.
Cassie became involved in Wakakirri when her primary school entered and
was awarded the National Video Wakakirri Prize (the comp that’s
now called Outback Wakakirri). Wakakirri then came to Mackay, grew into
a huge local event and Cassie has been involved ever since. She loves
the Wakakirri National Story Festival because it allows students the opportunity
to perform in a professional atmosphere using their creativity.
Valerie Harold
Board Member Wakakirri Association
Valerie graduated from teaching in 1974 and went to Port Augusta for her
first appointment. Since then she’s taught throughout Adelaide Hills
schools as well as schools on the plains teaching pre-school to year 7.
Currently working at Christies Beach Primary School as Performing Arts
specialist and Arts Coordinator, Valerie has lots of opportunity to put
her strong Arts background into practice.
Valerie majored in Drama at Teacher's College, was involved with Dalcroze
Eurythmics for 10 years and has taught NIT Drama, Music, Performing Arts
for the past 11 years. Valerie performed professionally as part of the
children's duo "Rattle 'N Strum" for eight years - writing songs,
stories and puppet shows for young people. She is currently a member of
the executive for South Australia Drama in Education Committee, a member
of the Orff Schulwerk Association of SA and represents all teachers as
a board member of the Wakakirri Association.
Valerie’s interests include spending time with her family (husband
Kim, daughter Katherine and son Sam) gardening, walking, yoga, tapestry,
reading, traveling, camping, fishing and having fun with friends.
When asked why she is involved in Wakakirri Valerie says:
“Nine years ago a flyer came to school (I was working at Heathfield
Primary at the time) it spoke of performing arts opportunities for Primary
students. We were very keen to get involved and two years later I was
offered the position of State Coordinator. I accepted the offer with glee
and have been involved ever since. I have made some very close friends
through Wakakirri as I get to know so many teachers. We are all passionate
about the opportunities Wakakirri offers young people especially as it
is now a Story Festival and available to secondary students as well as
Primary.”
Valerie says that teachers should get involved in Wakakirri because
“It is a fantastic way to network with other teachers, it is an
amazing opportunity to become involved with students at a totally different
level than the regular classroom level. Learning outcomes and social outcomes
for students are many. Getting involved with the workshops is not only
a fun way to do T&D hours, but once again an opportunity to network
with other teachers, discover tips to make the whole process easier and
to get to know me (Valerie). I am always able to give ideas/help or put
teachers in contact with others who can help.”
Lisa Ker – TAS State Coordinator
Lisa is a talented music teacher in Hobart and has been the Tasmanian state coordinator for 6 years. In 2006, she received an Australian College Of Educators National Award for teaching and was also honoured to be invited as a youth facilitator for the creative section of the National Sister Cities Conference held in Devonport. Lisa is passionate about Arts education - students learning through working together on stories to enhance their understanding of each other whilst creating an awareness of sustainable practices to support our environment.
Aaron Luxmoore – VIC State Coordinator
Coming soon
Kylie Barr – Western Australian State Coordinator
“I have been WA State Coordinator for several years now and have
really enjoyed working alongside teachers and students of WA to showcase
their school's excellence in the arts arena. My crew - who incidently
also have the passion in seeing students having a good time and teachers
a stress free one - love getting together for the few weeks that Wakakirri
shows are on during the year. We feel like one big family!!
This year, I am a new Mum. Very exciting for me!!! I am not working full
time as a primary teacher, instead have decided to be a fulltime Mum.
Yipppeeee! Wakakirri however will not be forgotten in amongst the nappies,
baby poo and curdled milk! I am looking forward to being able to concentrate
more on my role as State Coordinator from home, rather than in between
recess and lunch duties.
As a teacher for the past 15 years and an arts specialist for several
of those years, I have a great passion for the arts and students contributing
to the arts world in a positive and professional manner. Wakakirri, I
believe, creates an environment where this is envisioned on every child's
face as they leave the stage with smiles that could light up the city!
As a teacher who has taught in such diverse schools as Dampier, Midvale,
Dalkeith, Hollywood and currently at Bassendean, to name a few, I know
Wakakirri is an avenue for every student from all walks of life. You don't
need anything more than enthusiasm, students and at least one dedicated
teacher to pull off the experience of a lifetime.
Come join us at the Regal Theatre, give me a call, or send in some great
examples of media work or storytelling to the Wakakirri office. We'd love
to have you on board.”
State Coordinators: Colleen Lawless, Sue Peterson, Kylie Barr, Valerie Harrold, Sue Murphy and Lisa Ker
