It’s an exciting time here at CuriousWorks! Three new members recently joined our Management Committee (pictured from left to right): Janice Rodrigues, Michelle Huynh & Olivia Xegas.

Please join us in giving them a warm welcome. Learn more about our new members below.

Janice Rodrigues

Janice is a Youth Program Coordinator at the Western Sydney MRC, where she supports newly arrived refugee and migrant youth in their transition to life in Australia. Born and raised in South West Sydney, she is passionate about community organising, amplifying the voices of those with lived experience, and uses painting as a meaningful way to connect with her Indian heritage. Janice brings governance expertise through her current role as an Advisory Board member for Multicultural NSW. She also has a strong background in racial and gender advocacy, having served as the NSW State Leader for Democracy in Colour and as a Youth Activist and program facilitator with Plan International. She holds a degree in Politics and International Relations from the University of Sydney.

Janice comments, “I’m passionate about community work and have a deep interest in visual arts, which is what drew me to CuriousWorks and its incredible commitment to uplifting local artists. Through the MC, I’m excited to strengthen my governance skills, deepen my connection with the South West Sydney arts scene and expand my expertise to better support and empower young people in the arts.”

Michelle Huynh

Michelle Huynh is an emerging writer based on Darug land. Her work has been published through the Writing and Society Research Centre’s Writing Zone program (2022–2023), New Writers’ Group (2024) and Fondue Magazine (2025). She has also participated in writing programs including Writing NSW Diverse Writers’ Mentorship (2023) and Westwords Academy (2024). 

Michelle brings further professional experience from her policy work with the Australian Government (2024) and as an Information and Referral Officer at Western Sydney Community Legal Centre (2023–2024). She currently serves as an Artform Board Member for Literature and Writing at Create NSW. Michelle graduated from UNSW with a Bachelor of Laws and Psychology. 

Michelle comments, “I am inspired by CuriousWorks’ commitment to empowering South Western Sydney’s artistic community. As a writer within this region, I resonate with its creative energy and am eager to contribute to this mission as an MC member. Drawing on my experience as a local writer, I aim to provide valuable perspectives to advance CuriousWorks’ vision. I am also excited to deepen my knowledge of governance and embrace diverse leadership responsibilities.”

Olivia Xegas

Olivia Xegas (they/she) is a Greek-Australian Actor, Theatre-Maker, Creative Producer and Teaching Artist born and based on unceded Dharug country, Western Sydney. In May 2021 they completed a Bachelor of Performance (Dramatic Arts) at the Australian Institute of Music – Dramatic Arts (AIMDA). Between 2021-2023 she was a proud member of the PYT Fairfield Ensemble and Company, where she performed multiple acting, writing, producing and stage management roles. Olivia is currently a part of the 2024/2025 Page to Stage program with National Theatre of Parramatta (NToP) and the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA). In 2022 Olivia joined PP&VA’s Performing Arts Committee. Olivia also teaches Drama regularly across Intensive English Centres throughout Sydney.

Olivia comments, “As a young, working artist in Western Sydney, I’m delighted to be joining the CuriousWorks MC. I have a huge love and dedication to the arts in South-West Sydney and Fairfield in particular, so it is a privilege to be joining a team that are deeply passionate about supporting local artists and artistic practice. I’m looking forward to developing my skills and understanding of arts management, and how it ties directly to the communities CuriousWorks serves.”

Ameer Ali, Chair of CuriousWorks remarks, “It is important for an organisation’s leadership to reflect the communities it serves, and I am absolutely delighted to welcome Janice, Olivia and Michelle to CuriousWorks’ Management Committee. Their passion for the arts and for South West Sydney shines through, and they will bring valuable insights to CW’s dedicated MC.”

Kiriaki Zakinthinos, CEO of CuriousWorks comments, “I’m really pleased to be welcoming Janice, Olivia and Michelle to the MC. They each bring valuable youth perspectives, burgeoning professional expertise, and distinct skills and lived experiences – all with deep connections to the arts and to our communities in South West Sydney.”

For all enquiries, please use our Contact form here.