HOGISFF Board

Damien joined the Heart of Gold board in early 2018. An admitted solicitor, he practises at a local firm and his formal qualifications include a Bachelor of Laws (with Honours) and a Bachelor of Business. Hailing from central Queensland he moved to Gympie a couple of years ago and is now a proud local who is looking forward to contributing to the management and direction of the Festival.

Julie joined our team in administration in 2015. Her experience includes over 10 years managing staff and stock as a section manager for a major retail firm. Volunteering for over 10 “not for profit” volunteer organisations in varying roles. Her most recent 20 years as an administrator for a Zone sport organisations roles including, bookkeeping, secretary, and event management, first Aid/ sports medicine. Formal qualifications include cert 2 and 3 in Business administration.

Claudia has an engineering degree in wood technology from Germany and 20 years’ experience in the timber manufacturing industry in Queensland. She is married with two children and together with her husband operates a dairy business east of Gympie. She has been involved with the Heart of Gold International Short Film Festival from its very beginning in 2006 in key roles and has first-hand knowledge of running the festival. She accepted the Chairpersonship in 2015-2017 and has been an asset to the Heart of Gold International Short Film Festival ever since.

Dan is new to the Heart of Gold family and has been welcomed as a board member in 2020.  He is a local real estate agent with an extensive background in graphic art and video production.  With a focus and expertise in marketing, he is very excited to contribute to the festival for the years to come.  Originally from Central Queensland, Dan has been local to the Gympie area since 2006 and lives here with his wife and twin children.