Culture boost

By Melissa Donchi
WHEN Lena Cirillo moved from the city to take up the position of arts manager at the Shire of Yarra Ranges she wasn’t sure what to expect.
So Ms Cirillo was in for a surprise when she found she was managing both the Upper Yarra Arts Centre and the Healesville Memorial Hall as well as delivering cultural programs to the region.
“It’s been really stimulating,” Ms Cirillo said, “the community is very dynamic which is a nice surprise.”
Despite only starting at the shire in January, Ms Cirillo said she is already heavily involved in upcoming community projects.
“The community is evolving all the time so there’s always new groups, clubs, festivals and activities cropping up,” Ms Cirillo said.
Shire of Yarra Ranges mayor Tim Heenan said she would find her new appointment challenging and rewarding.
“Lena’s role is wide-ranging. It includes developing and delivering innovative and dynamic cultural programs and increasing community involvement in the shire’s cultural centres in Warburton and Healesville to ensure these centres become hives of cultural and community activity,” he said.
Ms Cirillo is certain to have a busy year as she has also been accepted into the 2007 Williamson Community Leadership Program hosted by Leadership Victoria.
Ms Cirillo’s background in the performing and visual arts sector is comprehensive.
A fine arts graduate from RMIT, Ms Cirillo was previously the executive director of Arts Project Australia’s gallery and studio, based in Northcote.
Among her previous appointments, Ms Cirillo has been executive director of the 2003 Lygon Street Festa, general manager of Polyglot Puppet Theatre and venue manager of Monash University’s Robert Blackwood Concert Hall.