Across regional Victoria, passionate volunteers are the driving force behind community halls and local arts venues. They know the value of bringing people together through the arts, but they don’t always have access to the skills, networks and industry knowledge needed to grow sustainable arts programs.
That’s where Regional Arts Victoria’s Community Presenters Mentorship Program makes a difference.
By pairing volunteer-led organisations with experienced arts professionals, the program builds confidence, strengthens local capacity and helps communities create more opportunities for artists and audiences alike.
The Newham Mechanics Institute is working alongside experienced arts leader Malcolm Sanders to strengthen its skills in governance, programming, marketing and event management.
“We’re looking forward to building our knowledge, strengthening our arts program, and creating more opportunities for our community and regional artists.”
The committee hopes the mentorship will maximise the success of arts events at the hall while creating more opportunities for both local audiences and touring artists.
In Hopetoun, the Power House Studio has been paired with regional arts and cultural project manager and producer Loraine Little to build on the impressive foundations already established by local volunteers.
“We can’t wait to learn from an experienced industry professional and strengthen the way we support creativity in our community.”
The committee is looking to expand its programs and partnerships while ensuring the Power House continues to be a welcoming place where people of all ages can connect, create and be inspired.
For Loraine, supporting the next generation of community presenters is equally rewarding.
“It’s both a delight and an honour to be part of RAV’s mentoring program. Growing up in the Mallee, I’m thrilled to be working with the Hopetoun community volunteers.”
At the Warrnambool Neighbourhood & Community Centre, theatre producer and mentor Kate Hancock is working with the team to help grow their confidence, skills and networks as they continue to expand their community arts program.
“We are excited to learn, build new relationships, and gain the confidence to deliver meaningful arts experiences for our community.”
Meanwhile, Bethanga Soldiers Memorial Hall is partnering with practising visual artist Anita Laurence as it prepares to stage its first live performance.
“Anita’s mentorship has already given our committee real confidence as we take on this new challenge.”
The impact of the Community Presenters Mentorship Program extends well beyond a single year. It equips local volunteers with the knowledge, confidence and connections to present more arts experiences, strengthen their organisations and create lasting opportunities for regional communities.
When community presenters thrive, artists have more places to perform, audiences have more opportunities to experience live arts locally, and regional Victoria becomes an even more vibrant place to live, work and create.
About the mentors
Malcolm Sanders
Malcolm Sanders is an arts manager with over 30 years’ experience across the visual and performing arts sector. He has held senior roles with organisations including St Martins Youth Arts Centre, Courthouse ARTS and Regional Arts Victoria, and is currently Manager at Pyrenees Community House in Beaufort. Awarded an OAM in 2025 for his services to the arts, Malcolm brings extensive experience in arts administration, community development and regional partnerships.
Lorraine Little
Loraine Little is an experienced arts and cultural project manager and producer, with a career spanning organisations including Regional Arts Victoria, Victorian College of the Arts, Ten Days on the Island, St Martins Youth Arts Centre and Next Wave Festival. With a strong focus on regional communities, Loraine brings expertise in project delivery, partnerships, collaboration and stakeholder engagement. She has also been a passionate advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community for more than 25 years.
Kate Hancock
Kate Hancock is a theatre producer and arts mentor with over 15 years’ experience across Australia and the UK. Based in south west Victoria, she has produced and supported a wide range of theatre, puppetry, music and live performance projects, working with artists and organisations including La Mama, Mona Foma, Insite Arts and Find Your Voice Collective. Kate brings extensive experience in creative development, strategic planning, funding and producing to her mentoring practice.
Anita Laurence
Anita Laurence is a practising visual artist specialising in painting and printmaking, based in King Valley, north-east Victoria. She has exhibited widely across Australia in solo and group exhibitions, including recent shows at Benalla Art Gallery, Wangaratta Art Gallery and Hyphen Art Space. Anita has also been a dedicated volunteer with King Valley Arts since 2000, helping bring accessible arts and live performance opportunities to the local community.
The Connecting Places Opportunities for Small Halls program is supported by the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria.
