FRIDAY 15 - SUNDAY 17 MAY 2026

People behind our Festival

The Penola Coonawarra Arts Festival is a promoted by the not-for-profit organisation The Penola Festival Association Incorporated ABN 22 053 590 901, a Federally registered cultural organisation with deductible gift recipient status. The Arts Festival is run by a volunteer committee who give their time, skills and experience for the success of the Festival. It relies on the financial support of sponsors, friends, our community and visitors.

We are always looking for fun, creative, people to join! If you are interested, please contact us: info@artsfestival.com.au

2025 Committee: Executive

  • John Mossop – Chairperson
  • Simon Weston – Deputy Chairperson
  • Sarah Walker–  Secretary
  • Deb Kuhl – Treasurer
  • Peta Baverstock – Co-Ordinator/ Communications/ Socials/ Website

2025 Committee: Honorary Life Members

  • Lois Hodge
  • Peter Muller

2025 Committee: Members

  • Benedetta Rusconi –  Down The Lane & Kids Program
  • Kat Searcy- Sponsorship
  • Cathy Schmidt – Street Scape
  • Traci Williams –Media
  • Natalie Burgess – Graphic Design
  • Rachell Cheyne – Literary Brunch 
  • Simon Weston – Music Program
  • Steve Carli-Seebohm
  • Rhys Lambert – Festival Friday
  • Emly Schoenau – Festival Friday
  • Johanna Kemplay-Hill – Kids Program
The Committee is also very thankful to have an experienced group of additional volunteers, who assist in the running of the Festival, many of them past Committee members. Particular thanks to the active roles of:
 
  • Graham Adams – Public Officer
  • Amelia Balnaves – John Shaw Neilson prize packer and hanger
  • Claire Mossop – Literary Brunch
  • Anne Davis – Weekly Still Water Studio sitter 
  • Marg Muller – John Shaw Neilson Prize steward
  • Vicki McDonald-Burgess – Retiring Penola High School coordinator

We thank all of our volunteers for their generous support.