meet our team

We work with local creative producers and community leaders to partner with local communities.

  • 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.

  • 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 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).

  • CEO/Executive Director

    Alice McClintock (she/her) is a regionally based creative 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. With 20yrs of experience in 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.

    After joining 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.

  • Be Studios Social Enterprise Coordinator


    Luke Killen is an experienced technology manager and electronic music artist with a diverse background in the arts, higher education, and creative industries. With over two decades of expertise in arts based IT operations, service development, and technical direction, Luke has worked with leading institutions, including the University of Sydney, Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS), and Australian Museum, where he played key roles in digital transformation and technology strategy.

    Beyond his technical career, Luke is an active composer and performer in electronic music. He is a longstanding member of Clan Analogue, Australia’s pioneering electronic arts collective, and regularly produces modular synth performances, audiovisual content, and experimental sound design. His work blends deep technical knowledge with artistic expression, making him an integral part of our team’s innovative approach to arts management.

  • Payroll & HR

  • Illawarra CACD Associate Producer

    Angie Cass is an analogue and digital collage artist who is interested in discovering treasures in the everyday. Part of her process is to gather paper oddments and vintage cut-outs and scan them for relationships of colour, pattern, tone and theme. She looks for absurd or amusing negative spaces, strange or beautiful juxtapositions and narrative concepts from which a larger artwork can grow.

    In her collage and animation workshops she uses 'flow' techniques to guide people to explore, discover and experience breakthroughs in creativity and skill. Her passion is facilitating people to start their own collage collection and to build their own meaningful practice.

    Born in the UK, she has worked as an illustrator and animator in London, Sydney and Wollongong for 27 years.

    Angie teaches Collage at Hazelhurst Arts Centre.

  • 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. 

  • 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. 

  • 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

    Rebekah is a proud Bundjalung - Darumbal and Wiradjuri woman from northern NSW. She is passionate about building the capacity of individuals and communities and has worked extensively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

    She completed a Bachelor of Media at the University of New South Wales in 2016, majoring in Communications and Journalism. Rebekah also completed a Graduate Certificate in Screen, majoring in Documentary from the Australian Film, Television, and Radio School in 2018.

    Bek established Ngoodjida in 2020 to develop her creative practice. As the business grew, she now supports communities and organisations to tell their stories and provide communications services.

    She is passionate about community collaboration and empowering First Nations voices throughout her work.

  • Non-Executive Director

    In 2004, Phillip founded Beyond Empathy with long-time colleague Kim McConville. Phillip holds a Bachelor of Film and Television at the Victorian College of the Arts. In 1998 he started working with Big hART and over the following years he collaborated with communities across Australia on performance, installation and multi-media projects included in the programs of major arts festivals. He has won many awards for his work including an AFI (Australian Film Institute) Award for the ‘concept’ of the film HURT, a Film Critics Circle of Australia Award for Innovative Combination of Documentary and Fiction for HURT, the Inaugural Arts Fellowship from the NSW Law Foundation and a special jury prize in the Free Spirit Competition at the Warsaw Film Festival for Rites of Passage, the jury noting its interesting approach to film making based on community work. His films have screened at national and international festivals, screened on ARTE in Europe, Channel 4 in the UK, SBS and ABC in Australia.  

  • Non-Executive Director


    Elias Rees is a proud Goneroi, Warramungu and Chilean man. Elias Rees became involved with Beyond Empathy aged 11, participating in music, dance, visual arts and circus workshops. With BE he attended two Youth Leadership Camps and in 2009 got into film work with the short film 2506, Indigenous Health Promotion “Your Choice Now” and feature film Rites Of Passage. Elias landed feature roles on ABC’s Redfern Now, Sydney Film Festival Short ‘The Chuck In’ and feature film Around The Block; working alongside icons like Jack Thompson and Christina Ricci. Elias has more recently appeared in ABC’s Cleverman and BE’s latest feature film Protection. Elias Rees is an emerging producer, project coordinator, editor and community leader. Elias is also a member of the Beyond Empathy Board. Elias is currently interested in developing his connection to Country and First Nations mentoring. His work integrates his personal journey as a proud Aboriginal man through his mentoring relationships with young people. 

  • Non-Executive Director

    Thomas Hurley is a Senior Spot Trader at Origin Energy with a background in community engagement. In his work with Origin Energy, Thomas has assisted in the implementation of their Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) in NSW, and partner with Beyond Empathy on the following events; Sea of Bellies Exhibition in Barangaroo, Dendy’s Opera Quay’s Screening BE’s feature film Protection; Reconciliation Week Photo Exhibition and Australian Aboriginal Singer/Songwriter Performance David Leha’s in Australia Square. Thomas has previously worked as a Senior Consultant at PriceWaterhouseCoopers Australia in Corporate Treasury. 

  • Non-Executive Director

    DANIEL was provided with his first exposure to the Arts as a member of the technical crew at high school. Commencing work in the industry professionally at the age of 15 as a lighting technician at the Illawarra Performing Arts Centre, Daniel quickly transitioned into event logistics and management after leaving school. This culminated in forming and leading a collective of young creative and event professionals to manage production and events for clients in the Sydney and Wollongong region. In late 2007, Daniel accepted a role with Merrigong Theatre Company as Production Coordinator, and in 2008 took on the role of Production Services Manager with the same company, working as part of the executive team that won a Drovers Award for Excellence as a Theatre Presenter in 2010. Daniel was picked up by Belvoir in 2011 working with the organisation in the position of Venue and Production Manager, shortly after accepting the role of Director of Production, which he occupied until 2015. In this capacity, Daniel has worked extensively with some of Australia’s most renowned theatre makers and administrators, leading production and creative teams to countless opening nights across the country and internationally.

    Daniel held the role of Executive Director / CEO of Shopfront Arts Co-op. in Sydney for 8 years. He holds a post-graduate degree in Arts and Entertainment Management (Deakin University) graduating with distinction, and carries a strong belief that art has the ability to transform. Daniel is passionate about the arts and the empowerment that it provides to adults and young people alike.

  • Non-Executive Director