Regional Advisory Panel
The RAD Australia Regional Advisory Panels are an integral part of the Academy and enable us to support and encourage dancers and teachers far and wide across Australia.
The Panels, based in each state except the Northern Territory, are administered by our Regional Managers and report to the National Director. They support the aims and objectives of the Royal Academy of Dance by:
- Raising funds to support the work of the Royal Academy of Dance at both regional and national levels where permissible under state regulations.
- Providing a link between the membership and management of the Royal Academy of Dance at the regional and national levels.
- Consulting with and providing feedback, advice and recommendations to the Royal Academy of Dance on behalf of the regional membership and other matters relating to RAD activity in the region.
- Advising and contributing to the development, delivery and promotion through the Regional Manager of Royal Academy of Dance student competitions, events and courses, and member programmes for the region outside of the examination programme.
- Acting as an advocate for, and promoting the work of, the Royal Academy of Dance, including programmes, courses and membership.
How can I join a Panel?
Panels are elected at an Annual General Meeting following a nomination process where nominations are proposed and seconded by at least two RAD Members. Members vote for the nominees at the AGM. Nominate to join a panel by completing this form.
How many members are on each Panel?
There are up to eleven Members on each Regional Advisory Panel. From 2022, two Members for each Panel are to be located outside of the major cities to ensure adequate representation. Up to five members can also be elected as Friends of the Panel for those wishing to gain panel experience, however, these five do not have voting capacities. A chair and vice-chair are elected to lead the panel.
Who can join a Panel?
Panels welcome nominations from anyone over the age of 18 years and a minimum of 75% of the panel should be Full RAD members. Students on our Faculty of Education programmes and Regional Members are encouraged to nominate prior to a panel Annual General Meeting each year.
How often does a Panel meet?
Panels meet no less than three times a year in addition to the AGM and elected members are expected to attend 75% of meetings per year. Panel members can attend meetings digitally and/or in person.
How long does someone serve on a Panel?
Panels members are elected for an initial term of three years and are eligible for re-election for a further period of three years – proposed and seconded for nomination in the usual way. All Panel members must step down after six years. In exceptional circumstances, such as an insufficient number of members nominating for the RAP, the National Director may approve a member to nominate for a further term following the conclusion of two terms.
Useful information
Each Panel member is issued with a copy of their Service Description and Duties and the Regional Advisory Panel Terms of Reference.
Meet the current Regional Advisory Panels
New South Wales Regional Advisory Panel
The New South Wales Regional Advisory Panel supports RAD activities in the state. They have been helping to run the extremely successful state awards days for many years. The Joan and Monica Halliday OAM Awards for Graded students and the Isobel Anderson Awards for Vocational students attract over 500 participants annually.
Other highlights from this tireless panel include intensive examination preparation workshops in Sydney and regionally and one-off special events such as masterclasses and Gala celebrations.
Meet the Panel
Current serving panel members include:
New South Wales
Chair – Felicity Knight
Vice Chair – Kylie Ann Aliferis
Members
Sonja Dene
Keirstin Long
Shelley Sinclair
Friends of the NSW Panel
Alice Carden
Fiona Jurd-Smith
Jodie Kerr
Tanya Lavis
Helen Taylor
Sophie Wighton
The NSW Regional Advisory Panel currently has 6 vacancies.
Victoria and Tasmania Regional Advisory Panel
One of the most prolific, the Victoria and Tasmania Regional Advisory Panel supports RAD activities on both sides of the Tasman. They have been helping to run the extremely successful state awards days for many years including the Audrey Nicholls OAM FRAD ARAD Awards and the Kathleen Gorham Memorial Awards. But they also offer a full programme of exam preparation workshops, masterclasses and an annual Showcase/Gala performance opportunity in Victoria.
Across the water, the Joan Burnett Scholarship has long afforded students in Tasmania opportunities to shine.
Meet the Panel
Current serving panel members include
Patron – Audrey Nicholls OAM FRAD
Chair – Patricia Maundrell
Vice Chair – Brian Nolan
Members
Hilary Debden
Julie Fleming
Nicole King
Yvette Smith
Naomi Bishop
Caitlyn Shearn
Jacinta Murphy
Jane Moore
Christine Alison
Friends of Panel
Natasha Jones
Rebecca Gurr
Bianca Debden
Gaynor Maxwell
Sarah Dehn
Queensland Regional Advisory Panel
Panel members provide advice and support to the RAD staff in relation to student activity, opportunities and events throughout the year. They attend 8 meetings over the year (can attend via Zoom if need), and also volunteer at locally based RAD events and activities that run throughout the year, where they can. Being on the Panel is extremely rewarding, and we encourage RAD Registered Teachers or RAD Member Plus members who are over 18 years of age, to consider joining.
What some panel members say:
- It opened up a community of like-minded teachers who I now count as friends.
- Having this network of fellow ballet teachers and studio owners means there’s always a team of people to ask for advice on everything from business operations to teaching strategies.
- It’s a great feeling to be able to give back.
- Being involved with and helping at panel events not only brings a sense of community with other RAD teachers but is also a great way to advocate for student opportunities in Queensland.
- The relationships you make, the connectedness and the community you gain from it, make being a panel member worth it.
Being on the panel is a great way to meet other RAD members, be part of a supportive community, and contribute to the success of the RAD in QLD. Panel members provide advice and support to the RAD staff in relation to student activity, opportunities and events throughout the year.
Panel members attend 8 meetings over the year (can attend via Zoom if need), and also volunteer at locally based RAD events and activities that run throughout the year, where they can. Being on the Panel is extremely rewarding, and we encourage eligible members to consider joining.
Meet the Panel
Current serving panel members include:
Patron – Jacqueline Morland
Chair – Tristan Fraser-Preston, Brisbane
Vice Chair – Fay Twible, Mackay
Members
Katya Bennett-Woodger, Brisbane
Vanessa Wilkinson, Brisbane
Emma Killion, Rockhampton
Erin Pratt, Rockhampton
Australian Capital Territory and Riverina Regional Advisory Panel
In the heart of the nation the Australian Capital Territory and Riverina Regional Advisory Panel supports RAD activities for a loyal dance Membership. The Betsy Sawers Awards and an annual student Gala are their flagship events but they also offer exam preparation workshops, masterclasses and special one-off events to coincide with initiatives or occasions.
Meet the Panel
Current serving panel members include:
Members
Alana Beaton
Lisa Clark
Erin Cooper
Julie Rummukainen
Friends of the Panel
Rachel Cutmore
The ACT Riverina Regional Advisory Panel currently has 8 vacancies.
Western Australia Regional Advisory Panel
The Western Australia Regional Advisory Panel supports RAD activities in a state where opportunities might otherwise be limited and travel can be costly. The hugely successful 5 day Festival of Dance is a highlight of the dance calendar for all dances, not just those studying with the RAD.
The state also hosts the Diana de Vos Awards specifically for RAD students and a number of other events including summer schools, day of dance, exam preparation workshops, masterclasses and special one-off events to coincide with initiatives or occasions.
Meet the Panel
Panel Patron – Gaye Cruickshank
Current serving panel members include:
Chair – Holly Pooley
Members
Nicole Ostler
Alinta McRae
Hayley Cumming
Melissa Widdison
Friends of the Panel
Bernice Lawson
Vacancies
The panel is currently accepting nominations to fill 6 vacancies.
South Australia Regional Advisory Panel
The South Australia Regional Advisory Panel supports RAD activities and brings dancers in the region together on an annual basis. The ever popular DANCE summer school has been running for over 25 years and welcomes students from all methods of training to enjoy 5 days of workshops topped off by a showcase performance for family and friends.
SA also hosts its own annual Awards day which celebrates 50 years in 2022 and is dedicated to a number of iconic figures in the community, and was host to the RAD’s Project B Boys Only summer workshops for the duration of the three-year project.
Also supported by the panel are annual exam preparation workshops, and special one-off events including masterclasses and Gala’s to coincide with initiatives or occasions.
Meet the Panel
Current serving panel members include:
Chair – Chantal Berry
Vice Chair – Daniela Di Fabio
Members
Valda Inglis
Queenie Kunyi Wu
Helen Cooper
Friends of the panel
Kim Mead
Sue Cooke
Cheryl Bradley
Vacancies
The panel is currently accepting nominations to fill 7 vacancies.
Regional Advisory Panel Unsung Heroes Gallery
Not all superheroes wear masks! Below are some of the unsung heroes who have made a significant and lasting contribution to the RAD through their work with the Regional Advisory Panels over the years.
Audrey Nicholls
OAM FRAD ARAD Born in Townsville Queensland, Audrey Nicholls is one of Australia’s most experienced, respected and admired teachers. A…
Jacqueline Morland
Prior to relocating to Brisbane some 40 plus years ago, Jacqueline (Jacqui) conducted the Jacqueline Parker Studio of Dancing in…