BREC | Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre is looking to the future, having launched into 2024 with a new Chair, a new Strategic Plan and a program chock full of diverse and exciting shows.

BREC is delighted to share that prominent local community member Amanda Yip was re-appointed to the Board late last year and recently commenced as Board Chair, taking on the role after long serving Board Member and outgoing Chair Simon Jacob announced his intention to step off the Board mid-year.

Amanda Yip is the driving force behind popular Bunbury community event the Chinese Lantern Festival and has previously served six years on the BREC Board, including four years as the City of Bunbury’s Elected Member Representative.

After 22 years Board service of his own at BREC, including seven as Chair, Simon Jacob stated of Ms Yip’s appointment, “Amanda brings to the role of Chair a deep understanding of BREC’s core community and performing arts purposes. Her recent personal experience with local government and governance and a strong connection to local business will also be an asset to the Board. She is passionate about helping build Bunbury as a vibrant and liveable city and knowing BREC does a lot to support that aspiration, she will be a strong champion for this well-loved South West institution.”

The entire BREC team, Board, staff and Volunteers, extend a sincere and heartfelt thank you to Mr Jacob for his exceptional service to the community during his time on the BREC Board, including the last seven years as the Chair.

Amanda Yip says, “Under Simon Jacob’s leadership BREC has continued to flourish despite the many challenges of the last few years. His strategic and considered approach has enabled a positive Board culture and supported BREC in generating considerable financial and social returns for the community through a balanced and diverse array of Business Events and Arts programming. I am honoured to be chosen to follow him in leading the BREC Board.”

Executive Director Fiona de Garis added “I will always be grateful for Simon’s guidance in my first years on the job, and for his belief in the power of the performing arts to change lives and grow community. In particular, his understanding of the importance of the arts being part of every child’s life has encouraged us to expand BREC’s Creative Learning program to reach 3000 students a year, making a real difference in their lives. We will miss Simon mightily, but he leaves us with a clear strategic plan and committed Board in place.”

Amanda Yip is ably supported in her new role by Vice Chair Paul Springate and current board members Dr. Lynette Narkle, Saira Zahiruddin, Jackie Ross, Monica Birkner and Holly Hastie.  Replacing Ms. Yip as the City of Bunbury Councillor Representative is Dr. Parthasarathy Ramesh, a first term City of Bunbury Councillor. Dr Ramesh is the President of the South West Indian Group (SWIG) and is a Consultant and doctor specialising in Geriatrics.

In exciting news, nominations opened this week to join the BREC Board. Currently sought after skills/experience include Philanthropic and Sponsorship Development, Legal, Marketing, HR, Lobbying, Advocacy and having a professional arts practice.

Community members from First Nations, Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD), and LGBTQIA+ communities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Further information, board self-assessment guidelines and nomination forms can be obtained by emailing mail@bunburyentertainment.com or calling BREC on 9792 3111.