Benalla Rural City Council, in partnership with the Benalla Business Network and the Benalla Art Gallery Foundation is inviting local businesses, tourism operators and community leaders to a Business After Hours: “Growing the Benalla Economy through the Arts” – an engaging panel event examining how cultural investment can strengthen regional economies.
The session will unpack the measurable economic and community impacts of the 2021 redevelopment of the Shepparton Art Museum (SAM), offering timely insights as the Benalla Art Gallery progresses its own major upgrade.
Attendees will hear from a panel of respected leaders in regional cultural development:
Lindy Nieuwenhuizen – CEO, Committee for Greater Shepparton
Lindy leads the Committee for Greater Shepparton, representing nearly 120 business, community and government organisations committed to strengthening regional prosperity.
She brings deep experience in regional development, governance and community-building, including roles with Regional Development Australia Hume, Goulburn Valley Health and Goulburn Valley Water. Her work highlights the critical role of arts and cultural investment in attracting talent and supporting thriving local economies.
Danny Lacy – Artistic Director, Shepparton Art Museum (SAM)
Danny has more than 25 years’ experience across Victorian public galleries and currently leads the artistic vision of the $50 million Shepparton Art Museum, recognised nationally for its ceramics and Indigenous art collections. His career includes leadership roles at Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery, West Space, and the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art, and he currently serves as President of the Public Galleries Association of Victoria.
Eric Nash – Director, Benalla Art Gallery
Appointed in 2019, Eric leads the Benalla Art Gallery, one of northeast Victoria’s most significant cultural institutions, home to a collection spanning three centuries of Australian art. His previous roles include curatorial and leadership positions across Townsville’s regional galleries and the Centre for Contemporary Photography. Eric also contributes to statewide arts development through NETS Victoria and has played a key role in revitalising the Benalla Street Art Festival.
Penny Whitehead – Business Development Manager, Benalla Art Gallery Foundation (Host)
Penny has worked closely with the Benalla Art Gallery Foundation for more than two years, supporting the organisation’s establishment with a strong focus on philanthropic giving, fundraising and community engagement. Her background includes senior roles at Geelong Gallery, Abercrombie & Kent and Yering Station, alongside extensive experience working with regional business and tourism networks.
Together, they will explore how cultural infrastructure can activate local economies, attract new audiences, and strengthen community identity.
Event Details
When: 5.30pm-7pm, Tuesday 9 June 2026
Where: Pop-Up Benalla Art Gallery, 75 Bridge Street East, Benalla
Booking Link: https://www.benalla.vic.gov.au/event/growing-benallas-economy-through-the-arts/ or call the Pop-Up Benalla Art Gallery on 03 5760 2619.
Light refreshments provided. Please RSVP by Tuesday 2 June 2026.
For more information, contact Council’s Customer Service team on 03 5760 2600.