MEET Fiona, BREC’s Executive Director

What is your role at BREC and how long have you worked here?

I moved to Bunbury to join the BREC team as Executive Director three years and 11 months ago. It’s my job to keep a bird’s eye view of all that goes on at BREC and keep us moving forward; to keep community at our heart and make sure we are always focused on helping light up the South West with creativity, culture and connection. Who wouldn’t want to wake up and do that every day?

What is your favourite part of working at BREC?

I love that so many people love BREC and believe we play an important part in their lives.
Most think of BREC as a building – and a wonderfully well-equipped facility it is – but in reality BREC is the people and what we achieve together, with and for the communities we are both part of and serve. The real magic happens because of the love and commitment to excellence that goes into making every workshop, every conference, every show, every dance school season the best experience it can be. There’s an alchemy that happens when the doors open and the venue comes alive and it’s because of the meshing efforts of artists, organisers and audiences, of our BREC Board, volunteers, life members, casuals, staff, sponsors, donors and other partners. Facilitating people to come together and share experiences that transport them away from the everyday or to share ideas that spark conversation and challenge thinking; building programs that create new pathways and sometimes literally change lives; supporting artists to do their work; providing opportunities – these are some of the best parts of working at BREC for me.

What was your favourite show, event or experience at BREC?

Favourite show? I don’t think I am allowed to answer that question! How about I give you Fiona’s Top Tips for experiences coming up at BREC in 2022 instead? 1. Zoom by Patch Theatre. It’s supposed to be for kids, but I say come on your own if you can’t steal a kid. 2. SandSong by Bangarra Dance Theatre. Epic storytelling. Doesn’t get better than this. 3. Cloud 9 by The Giovanni Consort. It’s not even on sale yet but I have waited three years to get this to BREC and it will be here in July. Audience members get to lie on a mat on the floor for a whole choral concert in the dark… it’s sublime!