We are proud to have supporters across the state who believe in the power of creativity to strengthen regional communities. Among them are Jenny and Ian Hearnes from Bairnsdale, East Gippsland whose recent donation to our YEAH 2026: Creative Communities campaign reflects a lifelong commitment to ensuring young people have access to the arts.
For Jenny and Ian, supporting RAV was an easy decision. Jenny says,
“We have seen firsthand the profound difference that the arts make in the lives of children and regional communities,”
Jenny has spent more than 30 years teaching in regional Victoria – 10 years in secondary education and more than 20 years in primary schools. Throughout her career, she has witnessed the lasting impact that arts experiences can have on young people.
“Performances, workshops and school incursions create moments that stay with children long after the experience itself”
As both a teacher and a parent, Jenny understands the important role the arts play in helping children learn, connect and grow. She and Ian made it a priority for their own children to experience community arts programs, festivals and live performances while growing up in regional Victoria.
“Our children have greatly benefited from the wonderful artists and organisations that have visited our regional community over the years”
From sparking imagination in the classroom to building confidence and empathy, they have seen how creative experiences enrich children’s lives in meaningful ways.
“These experiences are invaluable because they ignite curiosity and imagination, provide rich and authentic topics for discussion and reflection, inspire creative writing and other classroom learning, expose children to new ideas, cultures and ways of thinking, and build confidence, empathy and a sense of connection with others.”
For families and schools in regional communities, access to arts and cultural experiences can make a profound difference. Yet geography can often limit opportunities for children living outside metropolitan centres.
“Every child, regardless of where they live, deserves access to these opportunities. Supporting Regional Arts Victoria is our way of helping ensure that children growing up in regional and remote communities continue to experience the creativity, inspiration and sense of possibility that the arts can bring.”
Jenny and Ian’s generosity will help RAV continue to bring creative experiences to young people and communities across regional Victoria through programs like Creative Learning and Connecting Places.
We are incredibly grateful for their support and for the many regional Victorians who believe that creativity should be accessible to everyone, no matter where they live.
Posted 16 July 2026