Bluebird Foundation is a not-for-profit incorporated association managed by a volunteer committee of management.

committee of Management

Jane Prouten (President) MBA, BDes (IntArch)(Hons), DipBus(Gov)
Jane grew up between various Australian cities and Suva, Fiji. This early exposure to the inequalities between communities sparked Jane’s desire to improve living conditions for people in need. Initially studying Interior Architecture at RMIT to focus on built environment solutions, Jane moved to the Kimberley and then the Northern Territory and worked with remote Aboriginal communities building much-needed community infrastructure. Jane then moved into various State Government departments supporting children and families in the Child Protection system and working on community development initiatives to improve social outcomes for people experiencing hardship.

Jane went on to complete her Master of Business Administration (International and Community Development) and a Diploma in Business Governance whilst working for Architects Without Frontiers on local, remote and international development projects. She currently works for the City of Greater Geelong developing social policies for the City and advocating for communities who are facing barriers to participation. Passionate about equality, children’s rights and a sustainable future; Jane is honoured to be a part of the exceptional team at Bluebird.

Catherine C. Turner (she/they) (Treasurer) DipGovt(Mgt), BAComcn(Hons), MFA(CulLship)
Books and stories are Catherine’s first love. She is an emerging writer, qualified book editor, award-winning freelance book publisher, and regular writers’ festival goer. They’ve also volunteered at state-based writers' centres and worked in educational book publishing.

Catherine is also passionate about visual arts, history and heritage, as a hobby photographer who’s exhibited in two states and enjoyed museum exhibitions across Australia and while travelling in the UK, Europe, Turkey, and North Americas. Between 2015 and 2021, this combined with their literary love as she worked in the GLAM (gallery, library, archives and museums) sector in regional communities in three states.

Their other lifelong love is for the performing arts. She’s performed as an amateur flautist in community bands in two states and one territory, worked at Australia’s largest regional theatre, and is currently working with an orchestral organisation in Naarm/Melbourne.

Angelica Klein-Boonschate (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 BA (Journ & PR)
Kylie is a communications and marketing professional with extensive experience in the for-purpose sector. She leads communications and engagement at Volunteering Australia to increase awareness of the critical importance of volunteering across the country. 

Kylie grew up in Werribee and completed her Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Public Relations at Deakin University before joining the City of Greater Geelong. Kylie then spent fourteen years in Canberra where she developed a strong interest in policy, advocacy and research working for the RSPCA before joining Volunteering Australia.

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. She believes inclusion is at the heart of Bluebird Foundation and everyone is invited to come as they are.

Kylie is passionate about making a difference by working and volunteering for organisations supporting the community and making the world a better place. She is honoured to support the voluntary committee of management at Bluebird Foundation to deliver on its mission.

Rosemary McConville 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 (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.

Glen Smith BA(Fine Art)(Hons), DipEd, Mbus(ACM)
Born and raised in Geelong, Glen has spent most of his life living, working and creating locally. Completing his undergraduate studies in visual arts at RMIT, and complementing this with post graduate studies in secondary education and through a Masters of Business in Arts & Cultural Management. Glen has an extensive background in teaching and training, currently holding the position of Department Manager of Visual Arts at Oxygen College, a tertiary creative arts provider. With a passion for art making, Glen has undertaken eighteen solo exhibitions and participated in more than one hundred group shows to date. Career highlights include; '#RitzHeritageOverlay' a large format installation at the Geelong Gallery, selection for the 1st Australian Print Triennial, the Chrissie Amphlett mural for the City of Greater Geelong, creating a multimedia presentation for the 2006 Commonwealth Games live site and gaining representation locally with Boom Gallery. Glen looks forward to supporting the next generation of artists and helping Bluebird Foundation continue to deliver its amazing and accessible programs for the Geelong community.