The Newcastle NOW Board
Newcastle NOW has an inaugural Board of five people and is seeking to expand that group to eleven. The Board is responsible for strategic decisions, growth and sustainability of the Association and financial management.
The first Board representatives are:
Edward Duc B.Arch (UNSW) M.Arch (UON) - Chair
Edward’s company, Duc Associates, is an architectural and urban design practice which has been operating for over 30 years. The focus of the practice is environmentally sustainable, pragmatic solutions following the philosophy of long life, loose fit, low energy principles. The company is always seeking technology-driven answers to solve questions of economies of time and cost. The ethic of the company is to provide society with the best possible built environment and quality of the spaces around them. Edward has published papers describing architecture, urban design, ESD and infrastructure such as public transport. Various buildings designed by him have been published in magazines and newspapers, some receiving awards.
He is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Architects, Conjoint Senior Fellow University of Newcastle, Member of the Newcastle Cite Alliance, Past Chair of Newcastle Division Australian Institute of Architects, Past President Newcastle Business Club, and Past Councillor of the Australian Institute of Architects NSW Chapter.
Christine Gregson
Christine has a background in Design, Hospitality, Retail/Centre Management, and Marketing and Operations. Her current role is Centre Manager overseeing all areas of operation of a major Newcastle shopping centre for the benefit of the owners, businesses and the community. She is currently a member of the Newcastle City Alliance and a member of the Foundation of Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI).
Christine says, “as a representative of a key stakeholder in Newcastle City Centre that understands the importance of our city’s future, I am passionate about making a difference”.
Dr Grant Keene, MA, Ph.D.
Grant's background has been in teaching university students psychology with his major emphasis on teaching the skills of working with people, and this included the dynamics of interactions in groups.
Since leaving his role in university education, Grant was a consultant working with committees of government funded community groups mainly as a problem solver.
Grant has been a member CYSS groups committee and taught social skills to unemployed and under educated youth through a TAFE programme.
Grant has an interest in ceremaics obtaining a TAFE Diploma in Ceramics 2003, which has lead each year to exhibitions of his ceramics 2001.
Grant's other Board and Comittee memberships include:
- Chairman and director of Newcastle Community Arts Centre (see www.ncac.org.au)
- Past treasurer and current public officer of Newcastle Studio Potters Ltd.
Attitude to community groups – if you see a need do something, don’t wait for “them” to do it. If you have to sell your soul to the devil get a good price.
Emma Mead BComm, B Law (Hons), GDipLegPrac, Accredited Specialist Personal Injury Law
Emma started her personal injury law career in Sydney. Emma has practised exclusively in personal injury law since that time and has represented many people who have had the misfortune to be injured in a car accident, at work or in a public place.
Emma is an Accredited Specialist in Personal Injury Law, appointed through the Law Society of NSW. She is appointed by the NSW Motor Accidents Authority as a Preferred Practitioner to provide legal services to families of brain injured and spinal cord injured children.
Emma is a very experienced lawyer, who has appeared in the District and Supreme Courts and Court of Appeal representing her clients’ interests.
Emma understands the need to communicate with the parents of injured children, as well as the team of specialists, social workers and insurance companies who assist in managing their child’s needs and rehabilitation.
Emma’s compassionate approach to the practise of law means that she strives to help her clients as best she can during what is a very difficult time for them. Emma combines this compassion with skill and experience, and brings to each matter a focus and determination to obtain the best results for her client.
By practising law in this way, Emma has gained an excellent reputation and is well respected by her peers, the insurers and the lawyers who advise them.
After 13 years with a large firm as Partner and Director, Emma joined Merridy and Michael to form a dynamic partnership. Emma brings to Burke Elphick & Mead™ strong leadership skills and many years of litigation experience.
Paul Murphy OAM MAICD ANIA JP (Public Officer)
Paul is a local retailer. A former President of the Hunter Business Chamber, the largest regional business representative organisation in Australia, Paul has represented the region in numerous presentations to Government, visiting trade delegations and investors. Throughout his business career he has been active in helping advance the interests of small business and manufacturing to generate employment.He was awarded an OAM in 2003 in recognition of his contribution to the wider community.
Paul’s other Board and Committee memberships include:
- Board Member Hunter Business Chamber
- Chair Hunter Business Chamber RIC
- Board Member Life Without Barriers
- Chair, Newcastle City Alliance
- Former President of Waratahs Rugby Club (1994 – 2009)
Paul is a passionate advocate for Newcastle and the Hunter region. He is a great networker with an extensive knowledge of local needs and strengths. He brings energy, focus and a critical mind to all that he does.
Glenn Turner
One of Newcastle NOW's newest Board members. Photograph and bio will be added soon.
John Waterhouse
One of Newcastle NOW's newest Board members. Photograph and bio will be added soon.
Claire Williams BA (Hons) Dip ED MA - Deputy Chair
Claire is Faculty Director of Creative Industries at Hunter TAFE where she manages programs in Fine Art, Music, Theatre, Screen, Fashion and Design. She has also worked as a Workplace Trainer, business consultant, teacher of English and Communications, lecturer in Library Practice and actor. Her interests are in cultural development, sustainable regional development and governance.
Claire’s other Board and Committee memberships include:
- Member, Samaritans Development Council
- Member, Newcastle City Council’s Public Art Working Party
- Chair, the Lock-Up Artist-in-Residence Committee
- Chair, The Front Room Gallery Board
- Member, Newcastle Alliance