“The theatre is named after the late Sir Robert Helpmann, a world renowned performer. He was born in Mount Gambier before pursuing an international career as an actor, dancer, choreographer and director”
The South East of South Australia is famed for its sparkling seas, fine Coonawarra wines, seafood fresh from the ocean, fascinating limestone caves and tall timber.
Mount Gambier is the unofficial capital of the South East, and is built on the slopes of an extinct volcano that gives it its other name – the Blue Lake City. The lake within the volcano crater holds one of nature’s great mysteries, its waters turning brilliant blue for several months of the year.
The Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre is a fully equipped multi-purpose arts centre in the heart of this beautiful country and can accommodate a diverse range of conferences, performing arts, film screenings, seminars and product launches.
Centrally located in the heart of Mount Gambier, the centre is within easy walking distance to the main retail shopping precinct, cultural attractions and fine restaurants. The centre draws on a local population of 23,000 with a total of 50,000 from surrounding districts.
Conveniently located midway between Adelaide (439km to the North West) and Melbourne (452km to the East), the Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre provides the perfect stopover for touring productions en route to Adelaide.
Arts Centre Reference Group
Working with local community members to ensure the Arts Centre continues to meet the community’s arts and cultural expectations.
The Current Members are:
Sue Charlton Physiotherapist, wife, mother and grandmother of eight. A strong family person committed to the wellbeing and sustainability of our region through Stand Like Stone Foundation and Australian Community Philanthropy. Long time friend of the Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre, the Riddoch Art Gallery and the Adelaide Festival of Arts.
Danni Jones started her working life both on and off stage as the Audience Development Officer then Community Theatre Worker for Mainstreet Theatre Company in Mount Gambier. Over the last ten years she has worn numerous hats including Breakfast radio personality, Stand up comedienne, library assistant, wedding singer, and is now the Community Services Officer for the City of Mount Gambier, working on major annual community events such as the Mount Gambier Christmas Parade, the Australia Day Breakfast, National Youth Week and the Mayoral Gala Performance.
Karyn Roberts has been the Executive Officer of Generations in Jazz Inc for over 20 years. This music event is held annually in Mount Gambier, South Australia and targets young Australian musicians, with a passion for the big band and jazz genre. The event has grown since inception and in 2012 hosted 2500 participants from around Australia. The presence of such notable icons of the industry such as James Morrison, Gordon Goodwin (USA Grammy Award winner), Daryl Somers and Graeme Lyall, just to name a few reflect the status that this event has attained nationally and internationally . Karyn is also a Board member of the Chamber of Commerce and is involved in the Customer care aspect of their family business.
Ruth Stephenson is a teacher and arts faculty coordinator at Mount Gambier High School, where she manages the physical and financial resources as well as the curriculum for drama, music, dance, art and design. Over the past decade, she has been involved with the SACE Board as a country representative for the development, moderation and marking of Stage 2 Art and Design work. Ruth is also chair of the Riddoch Art Gallery Board and was last year appointed the artistic director for the Mayoral Gala Performance, which is currently rebranding itself as Encore.
Fernanda Mayumi Ikeda Brazilian born third generation Japanese, Fernanda has been living in Australia for over 3 years now. Multiculturalism was always a fascination that led her to learn languages, study tourism and travel extensively before settling in the Limestone Coast of South Australia where she work for the Migrant Resource Centre supporting humanitarian entrants to settle, participate in the community, contribute to the society and achieve their life goals.
Peter Fairchild is a member of the Rotary Club of Mount Gambier and has a wide and interesting employment history, having worked as a lecturer at the University of South Australia, a secondary school principal and as a management consultant. Peter has also acted as a Representative Consultant to a range of education and community committees, including the Human Resource Management Reference Group of the Department for Education and Children’s Services. He also enjoys running antique auctions. Peter’s areas of expertise when it comes to the Reference Group are the community and students.
