Bluebird Foundation is a not-for-profit incorporated association managed by a volunteer Board.
BOARD
Jane Prouten (she/her) (President) MBA, BDes (IntArch)(Hons), DipBus(Gov)
Jane brings extensive experience across public policy, governance, strategy and community development, with a career spanning remote Australia, all levels of government, and international aid. Jane is an Assistant Director at the Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water, where she delivers complex national renewable energy policy. Her work focuses on solving complex social, economic and environmental problems through equitable and sustainable policy design.
Jane has previously held roles in state and local governments, large and small NGOs working in international development, built environment solutions and child and family services, including working with remote Aboriginal communities in the Kimberley and Northern Territory. She holds an MBA (International and Community Development), a Diploma of Governance (Business), and a Bachelor of Design (Honours). Deeply committed to children’s rights, social equity, climate action and the role of the arts in strengthening communities; Jane is honoured to be a part of the exceptional Bluebird team.
Catherine C. Turner (she/they) (Treasurer) DipGovt(Mgt), BAComcn(Hons), MFA(CulLship)
Catherine is an arts and cultural leader who works at the intersection of creativity, curiosity, and community to explore the human instinct for storytelling.
With a career spanning the literary, visual and performing arts, from working in galleries, museums, libraries, and presenting organisations, they believe in the power of art to reflect and shape collective experience.
Backed up with a wide range of formal and informal training, and strategic roles across government and community arts organisations, Catherine is dedicated to fostering access, representation, and sustainability in Australia’s arts, cultural and heritage sector, which is why she’s keen to support the Bluebird community.
Angelica Klein-Boonschate (she/her) (Secretary) BHlthSc & IntDev
Angelica (Gel) was born and raised in Bendigo before making the sea-change to Geelong in early 2017. A lover of travel, sport, and time with her beautiful family, Gel is also an avid explorer with a deep appreciation for new experiences. Since moving to Geelong, she has worked at Deakin University and become wholeheartedly invested in the local community - actively involved in her local church (Grace Church), serving as a Foster Carer with Meli for more than eight years, and contributing passionately to Bluebird.
Music, singing, and nurturing the next generation are close to her heart, and one of her greatest joys is seeing children and adolescents discover the transformative power of the arts.
Kylie Hughes (she/her) BA (Journ & PR)
Kylie is a communications and marketing professional with extensive experience in the for-purpose sector. She currently leads communications, media and brand strategy at Down Syndrome Australia. With a background spanning the City of Greater Geelong, RSPCA and Volunteering Australia, Kylie has built a career dedicated to community and advocacy.
In 2019 Kylie moved to Geelong where she was introduced to the work of Bluebird Foundation. Kylie and her two children have all attended workshops at Bluebird House, and she believes inclusion is at the heart of Bluebird Foundation. Kylie is passionate about contributing to a more inclusive world and is proud to work and volunteer with organisations that support communities to thrive. She is honoured to support Bluebird Foundation to deliver on its mission.
Rosemary McConville (she/her) B.Arch, M.Arch
Rosemary(Rose) moved to Geelong to study architecture at Deakin in 2015 and has felt a strong connection to the Geelong/Surf Coast area ever since. Rose is an architect and currently works within the Public Sector to create vibrant precincts and spaces in regional Victoria.
Bluebird Foundation’s vision to effect cultural change within our community through the power of the arts, resulting in improved social, emotional and health outcomes aligns closely with the values that led her to work in the Public Sector. Rose is passionate about creating quality spaces that are accessible to everyone, fostering an inclusive place that can accommodate the multiple cultures within our community and create a safe environment for meaningful experiences.
Kylie Riley (she/her) (GCertWritLit, PGDipHealthProm)
Kylie grew up in Melbourne and moved to Geelong in 2018. She works as Senior Health Planner for the City of Greater Geelong, and her career in local government has included roles in Environmental Health, Health Promotion and Social Policy. She is a strong advocate for the role of the arts in promoting health and wellbeing. She loves pets, travel, visual art, a good book, and is a former violinist with the Victorian Youth Symphony Orchestra.