Professor Mark Jones is Pro Vice-Chancellor (Education Innovation) at the University of Newcastle, Australia. With a global reputation as an authority on pneumatic conveying and bulk solids handling, Jones leads a team of 36 staff that have delivered more than 3,500 projects for over 1,000 companies across 40 countries.

He has a long-standing interest in the Performing Arts and also supporting talented young people to follow their dreams. His son is a Professional Classical Ballet Dancer currently with the Dortmund Ballet in Germany, so knows first hand what it takes to chase these dreams.

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“I am a passionate supporter of the formation of the National Youth Ballet Company and honoured to be the first President of the Company. This Company will provide talented young dancers with performance opportunities outside of competitive eisteddfods where they can explore the delights of performance and give something back to the community.”

Beginning her career in accounting in 1985, Jane has been Managing Director of Evolution Advisers since 2004. Evolution is part of the ASX listed company Countplus. A national network that includes some of the most prestigious and successful accounting and financial planning firms in the country. Heading a team who believe that creating wealth and well-being, personally and in business, requires constant evolution in thinking, attitude and behaviour. Believing that a great business starts with its people, Jane prides herself on building a team at Evolution that is knowledgeable, passionate and genuine – putting client needs and goals first. 

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Jane enjoys giving back to the community by being actively involved with a number of not-for-profit committees. Being a founding Committee Member of NYBC, combines her commitment to the arts with a true desire to see regional communities be given the same opportunities and experiences only available in big capital cities.

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“I am thrilled to be a part of this wonderful initiative. NYBC will enable young regional dancers and musicians invaluable performance opportunities that will assist them on their journey, whilst giving regional communities a heightened level of enjoyment and passion for the performing arts”

Louise has over 22 years experience in Advertising, Marketing, Media, Content Creation, Digital and Communications. She launched her own company, with her business partner in 2018, building a strong reputation for delivering strategic communications in an efficient and cost effective way.

As Head of Creative, Louise oversees the visual design, content production, media and digital functions of Persona. She is proud Novocastrian and is passionate about supporting young people to pursue their dreams through pathway’s that may not “fit the mould” but fit the person, with her 14 year old daughter currently studying ballet Full-time.

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“I believe there are many ways for our youth to succeed in their lives today. To be on the founding board of the National Youth Ballet Company is an exciting opportunity for not only young dancers, but for Newcastle and the Region. Helping to build a youth company with a focus on regional areas will bring many opportunities that are normally only found in big cities”

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Over the last 27 years Alicia has toured Australia and internationally as the Company Manager on some of Australia’s most successful theatrical productions. 

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Highlights include: The Phantom of The Opera; Disney’s Beauty and the Beast; 

10th Anniversary of Les Misérables; MAMMA MIA!; We Will Rock You (Australia & Japan); Billy Elliot – The Musical; Hairspray The Musical; War Horse; My Fair Lady directed by Dame Julie Andrews and Hair, The Musical 50th Anniversary Australian Tour.  In recent times she has ventured into the costume department for Sydney Theatre Company and big budget films such as Marvel’s Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings; Three Thousand Years of Longing and Marvel’s Thor.

"I am thrilled to be a part of the Board creating the National Youth Ballet Company. This wonderful initiative will give young dancers an opportunity to be part of a professionally run ballet company with invaluable touring experiences that will take them well into their individual dance careers. It is exciting to be able to take the art of dance and music to the regional centres of NSW and hopefully inspire future generations of dancers."

Vicki started her career in the finance sector, working with one of Australia’s largest broker aggregation companies, Australian Finance Group (AFG) for 15 years. She has a real passion for driving businesses to be at their best while mentoring teams to reach their full potential.

Her final years in this  sector was as a Business Coach Specialist for Strategic Planning and Process Analysis, this lead her to create her own company Clear Business Solutions. It was during this time, Vicki met her husband, Brett Morgan OAM. Already having a love of the arts and theatre, Brett then introduced her to the world of dance, being a professional danseur with the Australian Ballet and Sydney Dance Company for many years, performing all over the world.

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"I am thrilled to be a part of NYBC. I am passionate to assist and develop opportunities for our regional youth while also creating opportunities for audiences to enjoy incredible programs that support the future of these young dancers. The strength of talent in regional NSW is often overlooked and it will be invaluable to Newcastle and surrounding regions to bridge a gap between training, careers in dance and an opportunity to have amazing works to enjoy as a community at larger. " 

Lara Bussey found her love of dance at age 3 and commenced an intensive training program at just 12 years old. This led to a highlight in her dance journey; a performance at the Royal Academy of Dance 50 year Gala along side Brayden Gallucci, now an artist with The Royal Ballet.

At 16, Lara commenced her full-time training when unfortunately an unknown illness struck, which saw her become unable to continue the pursuit of her dream to dance. Once her condition improved, she knew dance would always be a part of her life. Lara is a true creative, who found joy giving back to young dancers through teaching ballet and contemporary, and also worked with Façon Magazine for some time.

Today, she works full-time in HR while assisting dance schools to find their creative voice online via content creation and social media.

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"I am beyond honoured to be a part of such an incredible opportunity for dancers of Newcastle, and regional NSW. This is a chance to experience a level of professionalism that has not yet been seen in the region.

As my dancing journey was cut short, I’m so passionate to see all dancers make the most of every opportunity, and I believe this will be the biggest one yet for Newcastle and regional NSW! I hope NYBC will continue to encourage and inspire dancers in chasing their dreams for many years to come."