Professor Bem Le Hunte is an internationally published novelist and an expert in the field of Creative Intelligence (thinking creatively across disciplinary constraints). She is the Director of Learning and Teaching in the TD School at UTS, as well as the founding course director of the multi-award-winning Bachelor of Creative Intelligence and Innovation (BCII). She teaches creative thinking, theory and practice across many disciplines from anthropology to media and creative writing – and works with academics from across all faculties at UTS as well as with an industry partnership base of over 2,000 individuals, to create and support this world-first, multi-award-winning future-facing transdisciplinary degree. 

In her previous professional life, Bem has focused on digital innovation, educating consumers, clients, students and colleagues on the creative potential of next generation technology since the time she was creative director on the launch of Microsoft Windows ’95. She has worked through three decades across a broad range of creative industries, from advertising and journalism, to publishing and new media. She’s been a creative consultant, creative director, brand consultant and copywriter (in the UK, Australia and India) for over 500 brands across a diverse range of media – covering the world’s most successful blue-chip companies to social enterprises and start-ups. 

Bem’s research interests lie in learning for individual and collective transformation, as well as in the thinking, theory and practice of creativity. She has a passion for introducing trailblazing educational and organisational innovation, and a belief that our stories and our work as educators have the power to change the world.

Bem has written four novels: the latest is ‘Elephants with Headlights’. Her novels, short stories, articles and commentaries are published internationally to critical acclaim.

Principal Higher Education Leadership and Advisory Roles:

At University of Technology Sydney

o   Director of Teaching and Learning, TD School, 2020 - Present

o   Acting Associate Dean Teaching and Learning (Strategy), 2019 - 2021

o   Founding Director of the Bachelor of Creative Intelligence and Innovation (BCII), 2014 - Present

At University of New South Wales

o   Lecturer, Faculty of Arts, 2012 - 2014

Academic Publications

o   4 books

o   Over 30 refereed articles and chapters (sole authored and co-authored)

Professor WR Albury has deep understanding and extensive experience in academic governance. He has held many higher education advisory and leadership roles such as:

• At University of New South Wales:
  • Head of School of History and Philosophy of Science
  • Chair, Faculty of Arts
  • Vice-Chair, Professorial Board
  • Associate Dean, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
• At University of New England:
  • Dean, Faculty of Arts
  • Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic)
  • Chief University Ombudsman
• At other Higher Education Institutions:
  • External Assessor, MSc course in ‘Science, Technology and Society’, Griffith University
  • Member, BA Course Advisory Committee, Macarthur Institute of Higher Education (now part of Western Sydney University)
  • External Reviewer, ‘Science and Technology’ unit for BA students, Catholic College of Education Sydney (now part of Australian Catholic University)
  • External Reviewer, Department of History and Philosophy of Science, University of Melbourne
  • Deputy Chair, Course Advisory and Review Committee, Campion College Australia
  • Chair, Academic Board, JMC Academy

Academic Publications

• 5 books (2 as sole author, 2 as co-editor, 1 as translator with introduction and annotations)
• Over 80 refereed articles (sole authored and co-authored)
• Over 80 book reviews in academic journals

Mark Overett is a writer/producer and founding partner of Australia/New Zealand production company New Holland Pictures Two. Mark’s films include 6 x AFI Award winning drama “Unfinished Sky” (2007, dir. Peter Duncan); NZ comedy “Separation City” (2009, dir Paul Middleditch), Danish/Australian action/comedy “At World’s End” (2009, dir Tomas Villum Jensen), and Finnish/German/Australian sci-fi comedy “Iron Sky” (2011, dir. Timo Vuorensola), thriller “The Fear of Darkness” (2014, dir. Chris Fitchett). Recently, Mark's film AZZURO, starring Olivia Simone and Grey's Anatomy's Giacomo Gianniotti, won Best International Short Film at the 2018 Santa Monica International Film Festvial.

Mark also likes to keep his toes in documentary production and is currently producing a definitive documentary and concert film of legendary punk band The Saints. He was also Writer/Post Production Supervisor on “ABBA – Bang-A-Boomerang”; and Executive Producer on “Shadow Play – The Making of Anton Corbijn”. He also wrote the UK documentary “Albatross” produced by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds”; and “Running Away” documentary (Ch 9). In 2018

As Script Editor/Script Supervisor, Mark’s credits include some 12 short films including the multi-international award-winning “The Landing” (2013, dir Josh Tanner ); “Maiden” (2013, dir Stephen Kanaris); “The Streak” (2013, dir Michael Gillett) and “Jacob Fights Giants” (2012, dir Janelle Rayner & Simon Toy)

As a Producer, Director, Writer, Interviewer and Script Editor, Peter brings a resume of credit and awards to JMC Academy. As a filmmaker, major credits include the award winning documentaries Original Schtick, Schtick Happens, The Dream of Love, Not So Straight and The Triangle Wars, and fiction films Absence and William. Original Schtick won 2 AFI awards and the prestigious Rouben Mamoulian Award at the Sydney Film Festival. Almost all of Peter's films have travelled widely around the globe, including Original Schtick and William, which were invited to premiere at the Sundance Film Festival.

The Triangle War premiered at the Melbourne International Film Festival as part of the MIFF Premiere Fund, and recently won Best Australian Documentary at the inaugural Antenna International Documentary Festival.

In addition to filmmaking, Peter has also worked as a copywriter, a book editor, an industry consultant, an Advertising Account Executive and was the former Editor of If Magazine.

Glen was Course Director for Acting at JMC's sister school Academy of Film Theatre and Television and is an experienced teacher, director, producer and arts professional. He has directed over one hundred theatre productions, including small independent shows, touring performances and a range of fringe and festival productions.

As an arts professional, Glen founded his touring theatre restaurant business, Leading Arts in 2006, producing original theatre restaurant shows to more than forty venues across Sydney and regional NSW. Through his own business, Glen has also developed and facilitated training services to a range of medium and large corporate clients as well as successful community acting and performance programs.

Glen’s expertise has been recognized by Bauer Media, through his invitation to judge the Most Outstanding awards for the TV Week Logie Awards, for the past five years. He has also accepted judging appointments with the Short and Sweet Festival, and Sydney Festival.

Glen defines a successful career in the performing arts where the skills of performance, creativity and innovation are brought together to develop the actor not only as a versatile, dynamic and spirited performer, but as an artistic entrepreneur, able to claim their unique space in an exciting and challenging industry.

Janet Barnes is the Chief Executive Officer of JMC Academy, bringing extensive leadership experience and a passion for championing creative arts and education.

With an executive career spanning diverse industries, Janet has successfully led large-scale operations, driven customer-centric initiatives, and delivered strategic growth and transformation within highly regulated sectors.

She holds an Executive MBA from the University of Western Australia (UWA), is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Management Western Australia (AIM WA), and a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD). Janet has also contributed her expertise to the boards of AIM WA, West Australian Opera, and the Perth Public Art Foundation, reflecting her commitment to fostering arts, culture, and leadership.

As CEO, Janet is dedicated to expanding JMC Academy’s reach and reputation for excellence while empowering the next generation of creative professionals to achieve their full potential.

Dr. Tim Weir has held numerous academic leadership roles in Higher Education providers and universities in Australia and the USA across a 20 year career in education and leadership.

Tim has enjoyed a long and varied career as a professional musician, having performed with artists as varied as KC and the Sunshine band, Michael Brecker, Aretha Franklin, Celia Cruz, Michael Bolton and Frank Sinatra Jr.

His academic work focuses on the intersection of creativity and business, as well as in leadership, compliance, and governance in tertiary education. Dr. Weir has presented and published in Australia, Canada, the United States, and in the UK.

Dr. Weir is a member of The Recording Academy (voting member), The Latin Recording Academy (voting member), a fellow of the International Education Association of Australia, a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and an honorary member of Pi Kappa Lambda, the National Music Honor Society (USA).

A visual communication design & education professional, who brings design thinking problem-solving skills and a passion for collaboration & technology to his role at JMC. Neil's focus is on improving student and staff experiences. Neil plays guitar, bass and keyboards and is currently collaborating on a children's musical.

Key responsibilities for education providers:

• Delivery of innovative, current and academically leading design curriculum informed by research and professional/industry best practice.
• Development, implementation and review of courses and curriculum content to ensure compliance with external standards frameworks.
• Management of the recruitment, induction, development, performance/goal setting, engagement and retention of academic staff.
• Ensuring quality student experience and high levels of student engagement.

Recent design and branding projects include:

• Design, management and implementation of innovative online education curricula for a Sydney-based paediatric speech pathology clinic.
• Design and development of a comprehensive language & literacy training program for a Cambodian-based not for profit organisation, RAW Impact.
• Website strategy, design and implementation for Sydney-based charity BKinder Foundation.

Key achievements:

• Led the successful design, development and re-accreditation (TEQSA) of the Visual Communication Bachelor degree program at Billy Blue College of Design.

Ulrike Sturm has a strong record as a lecturer in creative industries at a post-graduate level. Her work has been published in peer-reviewed academic journals including TEXT Journal and MC Journal, and she is also on the peer review panel of several international journals in the field of creative industries and the visual arts. Her work as a visual artist is regularly exhibited in regional and commercial galleries, and is held in public collections in Australia and internationally. Ulrike Sturm is a member of NAVA and the Print Council of Australia.

Having recently moved from New Zealand, Ben has immersed himself in the performing arts industry in Melbourne. In New Zealand, Ben has performed in several musicals, concerts, cabarets & music festivals across the country. His performance credits include singing, acting & dancing in major stage productions such as Carmen, Cats, Fiddler on the Roof, Hair, Curtains, Coca-Cola CCITP & Nelson Opera in the Park.

Ben has also performed alongside many New Zealand artists, with production companies such as Showbiz, Canterbury Opera & Chant et Danse, and was involved extensively in the New Zealand Jazz & Arts festivals for many years. During his time in Melbourne, Ben has been building a career in singing & teaching whilst standing by the words of Stephen Sondheim “..if I cannot fly, let me sing.”