YIRRAMBOI ANNOUNCES NEW ADVISORY GROUP FOR 2026/27
YIRRAMBOI is proud to announce our new Advisory Group. This powerful cohort of eight creators, innovators and change-makers from across Victoria will walk alongside the festival as we shape the next evolution of YIRRAMBOI, ensuring First Nations leadership, diversity, and collaboration are at the heart of everything we do.
Representing a breadth of practices and generations, the Advisory Group brings experience across theatre, music, visual arts, curation, activism and academia, representing a formidable intersection of cultural sovereignty and creative leadership. Grounded in strong connections to community and Country, the Advisory Group bring care, integrity and collective wisdom—championing our stories, honouring legacy, and strengthening how YIRRAMBOI carries culture forward.
We are delighted to welcome Stacie Nicholson-Piper, Glenn Shea, Worrin Williams, Sky Thomas, Kamarra Bell-Wykes, Caleb Verdell Thaiday, and J-Maine Beezley.
Stacie Nicholson-Piper
As a Wurundjeri, Dja Dja Wurrung, and Ngurai Illum-Wurrung woman, Stacie is a curator, dancer, cultural leader, and mentor. Her work goes beyond roles—she honours Country through action, stewards story with integrity, and creates space for truth-telling and First Nations visibility.
Glenn Shea
Wathaurong and Ngarrindjeri man, Glenn Shea is a producer, writer, director, and actor whose practice is grounded in cultural leadership and creative sovereignty. His work moves fluidly across theatre, screen, and community-led institutions, carrying story with responsibility and purpose.
Worrin Williams
Worrin Williams is an enthusiastic Gunnai/ Gunditjmara/Yorta Yorta and Wiradjuri community-minded woman with a deep connection to community and collective growth. She’s passionate about creating spaces where Aboriginal voices are uplifted and respected, and where collaboration leads to meaningful change.
Sky Thomas
Sky Thomas, known as Soju Gang, is a powerhouse creative whose work spans music, fashion, nightlife, and cultural advocacy. As YIRRAMBOI’s Music Producer for four years, she shaped a bold sonic program that centred First Nations excellence—amplifying emerging artists, elevating established voices, and driving an experimental sound that shifted the festival’s energy.
Kamarra Bell-Wykes
Kamarra Bell-Wykes, Yagera/Butchulla is a theatre maker and arts specialist working across mainstage, academic, education and community arts sectors.
Caleb Verdell Thaiday
Caleb Thaiday (they/them) is a Meriam theatre maker and drag artist, also known as Cerulean, living and working on Kulin country since 2018. In 2025 they debuted a new experimental horror production called Three Blak Ravers, as a commission for YIRRAMBOI 2025.
J-Mainey Beezley, Wakka Wakka/Kabi Kabi
J-Maine Beezley is creative leader with over 15 years of experience across the arts sector, spanning Brisbane Festival, Melbourne Festival, ILBIJERRI Theatre Company, and his work as Co-Founder of Ouss Entertainment. As former Co-Lead of YIRRAMBOI Festival, he helped shape the platform’s sovereign, future-facing vision.
YIRRAMBOI extend it’s heartfelt thanks to the outgoing members of our inaugural Advisory Group—Mandy Nicholson, Robbie Bundle, Maryanne Sam, Cienan Muir, Sofii Belling-Harding, Nazaree Dickerson, Harley Lee-Dunolly and Jackie Sheppard—whose guidance and dedication helped shape the festival’s foundation.