mmg.com.au

The region will farewell energetic South West Arts (SWA) regional arts development officer Alyce Fisher in coming months.

Miss Fisher has announced she will be leaving Deniliquin and the organisation to take her larger-than-life personality overseas.

She will take up a theatre teaching role in the United States, and will leave in May.

Miss Fisher’s exit for SWA is not the only change for the organisation however, with long-time local Stephanie Gordon joining the team last week.

She has come on board as projects, promotions and administration officer.

Miss Gordon grew up in Deniliquin and her interest in arts was fostered with a Diploma of Entertainment and Arts (make-up) in Melbourne.

From then, she worked backstage at fashion shows detailing in make-up and special effects.

Miss Gordon has since worked at Deniliquin Pharmacy as a make-up artist, specialising in Clinique products.

‘‘I’ve always wanted to pursue a job in the arts sector, and this is a great opportunity to do that,’’ she said.

‘‘I am really looking forward to the opportunity to be a part of the team and get to know the greater region that South West Arts services.’’

Miss Gordon will be assisting with the development and promotion of SWA projects around local areas.

She will work alongside Miss Fisher, who will leave in May for her new role in the US in June.

In America, Miss Fisher is planning to gain international experience in theatre, teaching performing arts at a Windsor Mountain summer camp, in southwestern New Hampshire.

‘‘Working at an overseas summer camp is something I’ve wanted to do for a really long time,’’ she said.

‘‘It’s an awesome opportunity to live there, do my job and get to know the community - it’s a great exit strategy.’’

Miss Fisher said she will miss Deniliquin, which had become her home.

‘‘I feel a strong connection to Deni now; I’ll be keeping updated on SWA news and will definitely come back to visit.’’

Miss Fisher has been SWA executive officer/regional arts development officer for three years, starting the role in October 2009.

She has since been involved in developing various projects such as ACRE (Australia’s Creative Rural Economy) red carpet film premieres, Young At Heart seniors film festival, and Studio 2710 - an Arts & Disability Supported Studio program.

Miss Fisher was familiar with Deniliquin due to growing up in Numurkah, near Shepparton.

‘‘I wasn’t anticipating broadening my horizons and working back in regional areas, but thought it would be a great opportunity to expand my knowledge of the arts industry,’’ she said.

‘‘I’ve worked with nine shires in total. It’s been interesting getting to know the greater areas around Deni.’’

Miss Fisher’s interest in the creative sector began with studying Theatre Arts at Swinburne University. She graduated with a grant of $10,000 for presenting a successful business plan.

She used the grant to start her own theatre company, Theatre on Toast, which has hosted shows in regional and metropolitan areas.