Presenter
Here’s some information about my broadcasting and other presenting.
Past speaking roles include keynote speaker, Society of Women Writers (NSW); MC, Wangaratta Festival of Jazz & Blues; president addresses, Editors Victoria; formal and informal speaking as manager, Warmun Art Centre.
Wordy-Gurdy on the Radio
I’ve been presenting a monthly radio spot – 9.30–10 a.m., 3rd Wednesday on Melbourne’s PBS106.7FM – for almost 20 years. That involves curating rare and excellent blues, jazz and other roots music, and the stories that go with it.
In late 2024 I began presenting two- and three-hour fill-ins for regular presenters,
Listeners can access the show on demand, so our audience is international as well as local. Find playlists and scripts here.
Blues-music competitions are an annual fixture in Melbourne’s calendar and I’ve been a judge for Music Victoria since 2021 and Melbourne Blues Appreciation Society since 2004 (VicTas Blues Awards and MBAS International Blues Challenge, which has produced more winners of the International Blues Challenge than any other blues club in the world).
Music has featured in my work for many years, with an Associate Editor role at Rhythms magazine in the 1990s/2000s following a decade of music research and band managing.
Dance Steps for the Self-Employed
Dance Steps is a colourful, creative way to run a freelance creative business. I was invited by Editors Victoria to present a course to teach business skills in the wake of the general publisher shift to hiring freelance rather than in-house editors.
After presenting it regularly to Editors Victoria and interstate since 2012, I adapted it for Writers Victoria. The training formats varied in length and delivery mode, eventually morphing into bespoke topics.
Closely related is my work as mentor to developing writers.
‘Engaged and focused. Very enjoyable, worthwhile workshop.’
Visual artist, botanic art and travel sketchbooks
For the past few years I’ve been revisiting drawing skills from my years as designer, sign writer and art student.
Whereas a piece of botanic art is highly detailed and can take months, travel sketches can be done on the fly.
My first solo exhibition was held at East Melbourne Library, 1–31 August 2024 .