Projects & Experience

Over the last two decades, I’ve held elected office, worked on a range of projects for governments at local and state levels, and published my first book.

I’ve established new creative industries and innovation networks, festivals and projects, created media and hosted radio, and shaped the public realm as a public art curator and urbanism consultant.

I’ve consulted for some of Australia’s most innovative companies and organisations, and for the largest multilateral financier of climate action in developing countries.

Founder, Civic Imagination Network

2023 – ongoing

The Civic Imagination Network inspires citizens and connects researchers, purpose-led organisations, advocates, activists and community groups to collectively reimagine what we value, the pathways open to us, and what role we can play in a more hopeful Australia.

Host, Saturday Afternoons, ABC Radio

2023

I hosted and programmed a national radio show, on air from 4–6:30pm weekly, as part of the ABC radio talent development program.

Author, Glimpses of Utopia: Real Ideas for a Fairer World

2020 & 2023, Pantera Press

Glimpses of Utopia: Real Ideas for a Fairer World is an exploration of innovative global policy and social movements translated into accessible and motivating stories for a broad audience. Glimpses of Utopia was shortlisted in the Australian Book Industry Awards in 2021.

Consultant, World Bank Group

2022 – ongoing

I work with the World Bank Group on projects and research in sustainable urban transformation, focusing on policy, institutional reform and investment, to support Indonesia to develop resilient, productive and inclusive cities.

Deputy Lord Mayor, City of Sydney

2019 – 2022

In my three years in this elected position I initiated a global competition to find new models for addressing the housing crisis; I secured the creation of transitional housing through “meanwhile use”. I advocated for a Community Wealth Building framework for inclusive economic development and successfully campaigned to establish the NSW Micro Business Support Grant which helped thousands of small service and creative businesses survive lockdown.

Councillor, City of Sydney

2016 – 2023

Across seven years in this elected position I secured free early childhood education for asylum seekers, instigated a Citizens Jury to shape Sydney’s Community Strategic Plan, and expanded access to renewable energy infrastructure in heritage areas. I championed a child-friendly and Laneway Commons approach to public realm planning. I successfully advocated for extended hospitality and retail trading hours and the creation of new nightlife precincts.

Consultant Curator and Strategist

2014 – ongoing

I’ve consulted for companies including Hireup (2019) and Canva (2022). I designed the cultural infrastructure plan for Barangaroo Central (2015-2017). I helped establish the Sydney Culture Network, to connect Sydney’s cultural sector, working with the University of NSW Dean of Art and Design (2017). I curated public art strategies for urban projects including Green Square Library and Plaza (2012).

Founding Director, Vivid Ideas, Vivid Sydney (Destination NSW)

2009 – 2017

As one of the founding creatives of Australia’s largest festival, I designed the Vivid Ideas program structure, curated talent and collaborated with government agencies, industry and sponsors to deliver this major annual event.

Curator, TEDxSydney

2013 – 2016

I selected speakers and supported them to develop their stories for the TEDxSydney stage.

Creative Director, Qantas Spirit of Youth Awards (SOYA)

2013 – 2016

I directed and managed Australia's leading annual grants and mentorship program for young artists, designers, filmmakers, musicians and creatives.

Radio Host, 2SER and ABC Radio

2012 – 2015

I established so(hot)right(now), a weekly 2SER radio show covering Sydney’s creative community, and hosted Evenings on ABC Sydney as summer host.

Policy Adviser to Minister for the Arts, NSW Government

2010 – 2011

I supported the Arts Minister in her oversight of the state’s cultural institutions, public libraries, Arts NSW and Screen NSW. I developed the Pop-Up Rocks short-term creative residency program, and advised the Minister on industry engagement, cultural infrastructure and policy in the arts and creative sector.

Editor, Creative Cities East Asia, British Council (Thailand)

2009 – 2010

I developed a community of contributors across the East Asia Pacific region, commissioned, wrote and edited content for a knowledge-sharing platform about innovative projects and opportunities to build more creative and inclusive cities.

Editor, Yen, SummerWinter, Empty, Hotpress and STU and Producer, NOISE (Mixed Industry) and The Program (Australia Council for the Arts)

2001 – 2008

I began my career as an editor of publications focusing on emerging talent in music, fashion, design, visual art and social change, and edited two key Australian arts and creative sector websites.