meet our team

  • CACD Associate Producer

    Daniel de Filippo is a multi-disciplinary artist who has been involved with Beyond Empathy since 2010, when he first became a participant in making the feature film Rites of Passage. He has since graduated from the University of Wollongong with a BA in digital media. He works with BE as an arts mentor and facilitator, helping make collaborative art that brings pride and representation to communities often overlooked. Daniel is currently studying psychology at UTS.

    Daniel’s art practice includes interactive installation, photography, illustration, and projection mapping. He has exhibited his artworks in galleries across NSW and made films internationally (Looking For Magic (2015, Canada), Con Chó Chết (2019, Vietnam)). Daniel has recently illustrated his first book (Biota, 2022, Apothecary Archive).

  • BE Studios / CACD Associate Producer

    Chris De Souza is a multifaceted musician and audio engineer with a passion for storytelling and community empowerment. Born and raised on Turtle Island (Canada), he proudly embraces his Konkani heritage from South India. For the past 15 years, he has made Dharawal Country his home.

    As a father of three vibrant children, Chris infuses his family life with the same creativity that defines his professional endeavors. His commitment to fostering strong communities is evident in his work with Beyond Empathy, an organization dedicated to amplifying marginalized voices through various artistic mediums.

    Chris's journey into the world of audio engineering was fueled by a desire to bring stories to life in the most authentic and compelling way possible. His involvement with Beyond Empathy has allowed him to contribute his expertise in sound editing to projects that give a platform to communities to share their own narratives.

    At the heart of Chris's current worki s his prowess by creating poignant references to pop culture but also lends his keen ear to edit podcasts, ensuring they reach their highest potential. His dedication to perfecting the auditory experience reflects his belief in the power of sound to evoke emotions and connect people.

    Beyond his technical skills, Chris De Souza is an advocate for cultural preservation and exchange. His Konkani roots and connection to Dharawal Country have instilled in him a deep appreciation for diverse traditions and a commitment to fostering understanding between communities.

    Whether he's fine-tuning a podcast episode or guiding his children through the rich tapestry of their cultural heritage, Chris De Souza is a storyteller at heart, weaving narratives that resonate across boundaries and generations.

  • CACD Associate Producer

    Emma is an artist by passion and photographer by role who resides in Port Kembla, New South Wales. In the past 20 years, Emma has experimented with different art styles and has created art that have been showcased in Wollongong’s finest galleries- Wollongong City Library, Wollongong Botanic Gardens, Project Contemporary Workspace and even local shopping centres!

    Emma came on-board in 2015 as a volunteer photographer for project Protection to document behind the scenes and has now progressed into a leader in their community.

    Emma's main passion in their work with BE is to run photography workshops on Country where the young people have a hands-on experience taking photos-but also enjoys mentoring the young people in life-skills and confidence.

  • CACD Producer/ Project Coordinator

    Shaniece's journey with Beyond Empathy began during her teenage years when she took on a supporting role in Rites of Passage. Today, she has evolved into a dedicated full-time community project worker, producer, and editor.

    From her early days producing the short film "LegoLand" in 2012 to assuming a lead editor role in the feature-length animated film "Protection" (2018), Shaniece now spearheads creative initiatives that resonate with the very community she calls home.

    Armed with professional certificates in Community Services, Screen and Media, and Administration, Shaniece has emerged as a formidable role model in her community. Her aspiration is to perpetuate a legacy of grassroots community leaders for generations to come, exemplified by her recent representation of Australia at One Young World.

    Shaniece's work is consistently driven by a commitment to the community's well-being. Her projects aim to provide a platform for individuals to share their stories, nurture creativity, and offer support for personal growth. Through her endeavors, Shaniece envisions a community where people can connect, create, and thrive.

  • CEO/Executive Director

    Alice McClintock (she/her) is a regionally based producer, multi-disciplinary artist and arts manager living on Yuin/Wandi Wandandian Country (Shoalhaven). Alice obtained a BA Creative Arts (Performance and Creative Writing) at University of Wollongong in 2011. She was nominated and graduated the Australian Arrow Emerging Leader Program in 2017 and is a 2012 graduate of Screenwise Film School. Alice has 15yrs + experience in n community arts and cultural development, events management and partnerships for local government and not for profits organisations; such as Rough Edges Community Centre in Kings Cross and Oasis Youth Support Network in Surry Hills in the areas of homelessness, youth and mental health. She is a Community Cultural Development practitioner; focusing on arts/culture sector development, strategic planning and arts events, organisations and festivals at Wollongong City Council and Wollongong Art Gallery. Alice has also worked with clients such as Wollongong Writers Festival + Verb Syndicate as a Business and Partnerships Development Manager.

    After Beyond Empathy in 2019, Alice has recently stepped into the role of CEO/Executive Director where she plans on ‘getting out of the way’ for the community artists + emerging leaders stepping into leadership roles.

    Alice also works as a freelance producer, writer and musician.

  • Shoalhaven Coordinator & Social Worker

    Jessie Dunphy (she/her) is a social worker and creative thinker, living and working on Yuin Country. Jessie holds a Master of Social Work (Qualifying) from the University of Sydney and Bachelor of Arts, Communications (Journalism) from Charles Sturt University. Jessie has more than ten years’ experience in community services working alongside people experiencing a range of social challenges. Jessie’s work is underpinned by a strong sense of social justice and belief in anti-oppressive social work that promotes reciprocity and empowerment.

    In the Shoalhaven, Jessie previously worked with Save The Children supporting children and young people impacted by the devastating bushfires in 2019/2020. Prior to moving to the south coast Jessie worked for several NGOs in Sydney supporting people experiencing ongoing mental health issues and social disadvantage.

    Prior to working in social work Jessie was a communications professional having spent time working as a broadcast journalist for the ABC in regional communities. The thread that binds Jessie’s work is a love of storytelling. Jessie believes in the power of understanding other people’s stories, your own story and sharing stories to promote greater understanding, acceptance and empathy. Away from work Jessie enjoys spending time with her family in nature, reading, writing poetry, photography, cooking, travelling and listening to music at home and live. 

  • Artistic Operations Manager

    Taryn brings over a decade of invaluable experience in Technical Production, seamlessly transitioning into the dynamic realm of Arts Administration. Commencing her journey with Merrigong Theatre Company right after high school, Taryn has evolved into a versatile professional, adeptly undertaking various roles. From serving as a dedicated Technician, Production Manager, and Lighting Designer in freelance capacities to assuming the pivotal position of Head of Lighting at Merrigong, she has left an indelible mark on productions such as Route Dash Niner Part 2, Party Girl, and the groundbreaking children's show, The Surfer and the Mermaid.

    Taryn's multifaceted contributions extend beyond the technical domain; she seamlessly integrated into Merrigong's Programming team as a Program Coordinator. Simultaneously, her role as Technical Administrator showcased her commitment to delivering efficient and exemplary service to diverse visiting companies. Her proficiency in liaising with external suppliers and service providers has consistently fostered strong and enduring relationships.

    In her recent endeavors, Taryn has assumed the role of Operations Manager at the Australian Theatre for Young People and contributed her administrative expertise to Beyond Empathy, a community and cultural development arts organization. Taryn is not only a seasoned professional but also a passionate advocate for workplace wellbeing. Recognizing the importance of flexibility, she champions tailored approaches that accommodate the unique needs of individual team members, fostering an environment where each member can thrive and contribute their best. Her commitment to the holistic well-being of her teams reflects a dedication to creating workplaces that prioritize both professional excellence and individual fulfillment, resulting in a career marked by innovation, collaboration, and a steadfast commitment to the arts.

  • CACD Associate Producer/Emerging Leader

    Tiger Watson (they/them) is a non-binary Wiradjuri/Worimi artist currently living on Wandi/Yuin land. They were involved in the Beyond Empathy GRIT podcast of 2022 and are passionate about exploring unconventional art that challenges traditional boundaries of self-expression.

    As an emerging voice in the community arts and cultural development space, Tiger
    draws on a variety of mediums and styles to highlight that art can be as raw and unfiltered as emotion itself. They are dedicated to fostering an ongoing environment where creativity and diversity flourish.

  • Shoalhaven Lead Creative Producer and Project Coordinator

    Jes Alexander (she/her) is a multi-disciplinary artist, training art-therapist, and community art and cultural development producer based on Dharawal country (Illawarra). After completing a Diploma of Photo-Imaging in 2013 at CATC Design School (now Billy Blue College of Design), Jes has expanded her creative practice to include complimentary mediums such as digital art, design, videography, painting and textile art - exhibiting her work in grassroots arts spaces across Sydney. Jes believes deeply that art is for everyone and should be embedded within daily life rather than tied to institutions of expertise.

    Concurrent to her artistic practice, Jes has over a decade worth of experience working in the community sector on social inclusion and community development projects. This includes local, national, and international programs with organisations such as Centacare Multicultural Services (Cairns), Shelter For Life International (Minnesota), the Mount Druitt Ethnic Communities Agency (Western Sydney), Illawarra Multicultural Services (Wollongong) and Community Hubs Australia.

    She holds BA in Human Services from James Cook University, a Grad Cert in International and Community Development from Deakin University, and is currently undertaking a Masters of Art Therapy at Western Sydney University.

    Jes’ recent work focuses on collaborative community-based arts practice, including supporting artist run initiative Burnt Dirt to develop an innovative new residency program, and working with Makeshift to facilitate creative mental health programs in youth justice centres. At present, she is developing and producing a number community-based arts projects that seek to elevate the voices of those from refugee and migrant backgrounds with support from Wollongong City Council and Creative Australia.

    Jes is also the Co-Founder and Co-Director of female-led community art collective PALAVA, who elevate the work of female-identifying and non-binary artists across Sydney by presenting inclusive, supportive, cultural events. She was a resident artist at Wollongong City Council’s Creative Studios and is on the management committee of the Illawarra Folk Festival. 

  • Finance Manager

    Koa Towers is a seasoned Finance Manager with over 20 years of experience in finance, accounting, and data analysis. As a CPA-qualified accountant, Koa currently oversees Beyond Empathy's financial landscape, handling everything from bill payments and bank reconciliations to cash flow management and financial reporting. Koa's extensive background spans diverse industries, including construction, local government, insurance, and manufacturing, showcasing a versatile skill set. With a commitment to precision and strategic financial planning, Koa Towers is a reliable leader driving financial success.

meet our board

  • Chair

  • Board Director

  • Non-Executive Director

  • Non-Executive Director

  • Non-Executive Director