New team leads BBAA
The Baw Baw Arts Alliance (BBAA) has officially announced its new leadership team for 2026 following its annual general meeting at the Station Gallery in Yarragon.
The transition marks a key milestone for the highly active, volunteer-run organization, which serves as a major creative pillar across the Baw Baw Shire.
Outgoing president Jessie McLennan welcomed local dignitaries, including Baw Baw Shire Crs Suzanne Allen, Tricia Jones and Brendan Kingwell.
Reflecting on her tenure from 2024 to 2026, Jessie highlighted the BBAA's unique succession plan, which rotates the presidency every two years to ensure the alliance remains dynamic, creative, and highly responsive to community needs.
Under her leadership, the BBAA has expanded its creative footprint across three local venues: the Station Gallery in Yarragon, Artspaces at the Trafalgar Railway Station, and the VRI Hall in Warragul.
The AGM saw Deborah Churchill elected as the new BBAA president for the 2026–2027 term. Shel will lead an experienced Committee of Management, including secretary Jeff Thege, treasurer Prue Barridge, vice president Anita George, and Jessie, who transitions into the role of past president. Jessie also will continue to support the local arts scene directly as the joint market co-ordinator alongside Annie Laughon.
Despite operating entirely as a volunteer-run, not-for-profit group, the BBAA continues to experience remarkable growth. The alliance co-ordinates a massive annual calendar of workshops, exhibitions, drop-in groups, and the popular Arts and Makers Market, all designed to foster community well-being. Jessie paid special tribute to the vast roster of volunteers who power these programs, manage gallery shops, run children's art activities, and coordinate major events like the upcoming Easter Arts Sale in partnership with Warragul Rotary.
The evening concluded with an inspiring presentation by Anne Lorraine, director of the Warragul Art Studio Gallery (WAS). Lorraine shared insights into operating a local gallery, focusing on the meticulous restoration of the historic 1930s Art Deco farmhouse that houses the studio today.
