Staff

Sarah Thomson, Director

Sarah Thomson is an arts administrator and curator. She was appointed HBRG Director in March 2024, after acting in the role from October 2023. Previously she was the Public Programs and Community Engagement Officer at HBRG and has a strong interest in socially engaged projects and broadening the accessibility of contemporary art. Prior to moving to Hervey Bay, Sarah worked at the Institute of Modern Art, Brisbane, was the coordinator of the churchie emerging art prize, and worked as a freelance public art curator on projects with Brisbane City Council. Sarah holds Bachelor Degrees in Creative Industries (Art History) and Business (Marketing) from the Queensland University of Technology.

Contact: sarah.thomson@frasercoast.qld.gov.au

Joseph Breikers - Exhibitons & Collection Coordinator

Joseph Breikers is an artist and gallery and museum technician, serving as HBRG’s Exhibitions and Collections Coordinator. With over fifteen years of experience working within the arts, Joseph specialises in the handling, transportation and installation of all forms of artwork. Previously he was an Exhibitions and Collections Technician for the National Gallery of Victoria, an Art Crating Technician at TED Fine Art, a Sessional Tutor and Workshop Technician for the Visual Arts Faculty at the Queensland University of Technology, and an Installation Technician for QAGOMA. Joseph holds a Masters (by Research) in Fine Arts (Visual Arts) from the Queensland University of Technology. His belief in the enduring power of art has seen him produce creative projects in Australia, Germany, Iceland, The Netherlands, and Romania.

Contact: joseph.breikers@frasercoast.qld.gov.au

April Spadina - Engagement Coordinator

April Spadina is a visual artist and creative writer with over twenty years of involvement in the Fraser Coast community. In her role as the Engagement Coordinator for the Hervey Bay Regional Gallery, she fosters connections and supports the region’s vibrant arts scene. April founded the Maryborough chapter of Urban Sketchers, facilitates art workshops, and actively supports local community events. As a regular contributor to Fraser Coast Scene and Alive magazines, she writes featured artist columns celebrating regional talent and strengthening community ties. Her work reflects her passion for both art and the Fraser Coast.

Contact: april.spadina@frasercoast.qld.gov.au

Sam Raveneau, Indigenous Programs & Community Engagement Officer

Sam is a Kamilaroi man born and raised on Butchulla Country. Through public programming and community engagement his role is to deliver programs and projects that showcase the cultural values of our community and encourage a community voice through the arts. Sam is particularly passionate about the Gallery being a civic space that celebrates our natural environment, different cultures and youth.

Contact: sam.raveneau@frasercoast.qld.gov.au

Lois Shoebridge, Gallery Officer

Lois Shoebridge is an artist and arts administrator, assisting the gallery team with admin, retail management, and events and programs support. In 2017 Lois graduated Queensland College of Art (Bachelor of Fine Arts – Interdisciplinary Drawing major) and relocated to the Fraser Coast in 2018. Since 2018, she has worked in Fraser Coast Regional Council's Cultural Services team at Gatakers Artspace, Story Bank, Bond Store and Customs House. Lois loves being involved in the Fraser Coast art community as well as discovering and meeting artists and makers in the region.

Contact: lois.shoebridge@frasercoast.qld.gov.au