AGM 2025 Recap
New Faces, Festival Reflections, and a Vision for the Future
It was a beautifully warm spring day in the Goulburn Valley as the Shepparton Arts Festival Board, team, and supporters gathered at The Food Store on Fryers Street for the 2025 Annual General Meeting. Guests were treated to live music by the talented Angelous Trio and delicious refreshments from Aline and the Food Store team, a fitting setting for a festival that celebrates creativity, connection, and community.
Festival Chair Tim Winkler led proceedings, sharing several announcements and proposed updates to the organisation’s Rules before welcoming a number of new Board members. The newly confirmed 2025–26 Shepparton Arts Festival Board comprises:
Tim Winkler – Chair
Laura Fry – Treasurer
Alex Cox – Secretary
Mimi Leung – Creative Advisor
Nick Baylart – Committee Member
Maddison Chisholm – Committee Member
Keneisha Howell – Committee Member
Carolina Marin – Committee Member
Georgina Poort – Committee Member
Arti Shah – Committee Member
Departing Board members Anita Larkin and Pete Kelton were acknowledged with sincere gratitude for their contributions. Particular thanks were extended to Pete Kelton, who concluded an impressive nine years of service - a remarkable commitment to the Festival’s growth and success.
The Festival also welcomed three new ambassadors who will play key roles in community engagement and growth: Ane Fotu as Engagement & Volunteer Ambassador, Terri Cowley as Communications Ambassador, and Fiona Blick as Fundraising Ambassador.
Outgoing Artistic Director Kristen Retallick presented the 2025 Festival Report, highlighting a successful year of programming across both the main festival and the reimagined Winter Weekend. Kristen concluded her three-year tenure with the Festival following the AGM - the Board and team extend heartfelt thanks for her vision and leadership.
Newly appointed General Manager Diana Fisk also addressed attendees, introducing herself and sharing key insights from the Festival’s newly endorsed 2025–2028 Strategic Plan, outlining a future focused on community connection, inclusive practice, and creative innovation.
The event marked both reflection and renewal, celebrating the achievements of the past year and setting a clear path for the Festival’s continued evolution as a cornerstone of the Goulburn Valley’s creative landscape.
