Four Winds’ new board member Fred Leone is one of a handful of keepers and custodians of the Butchulla language. Photo: Honey Atkinson.
The changes continue at Four Winds under executive director Leigh Small.
The appointments of Queensland musician Fred Leone and Bermagui businesswoman Honor Northam reflect several changes that Ms Small has instigated at the renowned music destination in Bermagui since taking the reins in June 2023.
Last year Four Winds changed its constitution from an association to a company limited by guarantee. Ms Small said that was best practice in the arts sector.
Under the new constitution board members will have a maximum of three three-year terms. That has set the stage for a gradual transition to a new board in coming years, starting with the new appointments that were announced on 23 April.
One of the biggest changes at Four Winds is moving from an annual festival to a year-round program with less focus on the Easter festival.
Mr Leone’s appointment ties in well with Four Winds’ First Nations program that is overseen by First Nations creative director and curator Cheryl Davison.
A recognised artist and cultural leader for the South Coast region, Ms Davison established the Djinama Yilaga Choir. The multigenerational Yuin choir is helping to revitalise the Dhurga language through song.
Leigh Small joined as Four Winds executive director in June 2023. Photo: Honey Atkinson.
Mr Leone is a cultural custodian and musical innovator with Aboriginal, Tongan and South Sea Islander heritage. He is one of only a handful entrusted with preserving and performing Butchulla language and song.
His leadership has extended into key cultural institutions, including roles as Indigenous Arts Development Manager at Queensland Performing Arts Centre and Head of Indigenous Languages at the State Library of Queensland.
Ms Small said Mr Leone participated in a residency with Djinama Yilaga while touring his album “Yirinda” in 2024.
“Cheryl and Fred are now working on Barragga Yangga for September 2025,” Ms Small said.
“Fred’s commitment to cultural preservation and innovation will strengthen our ongoing work to honour and amplify First Nations voices through music,” she said.
Another part of Ms Small’s vision is to be loved locally and that is what lies behind the appointment of much-loved Mrs Northam.
Co-founder of Honorbread, Mrs Northam has qualifications in communications and psychology and is studying for a Diploma of Governance through the Institute of Community Directors Australia.
Honor Northam, co-founder of Honorbread in Bermagui, joined the board of Four Winds in April. Photo: Honey Atkinson.
She brings a blend of strategic acumen, cooperative development experience, and a deep understanding of collaborative, place-based initiatives.
Mrs Northam’s work spans cultural preservation projects, the development of resilient local economies, and decades of relational care.
“Honor is a well-known and highly regarded figure on the Sapphire Coast, having created a local institution and meeting place, Honorbread,” Ms Small said.
She said the Four Winds Board were thrilled to welcome Mr Leone and Mrs Northam.
“Fred brings deep cultural knowledge and artistic innovation, while Honor offers strategic insight grounded in community values,” she said. “Both will be invaluable as we continue to grow Four Winds with integrity, creativity and care.”
The Four Winds board thanked departing board member Dr Moira Scollay AM who has served it for countless years.
“Moira’s dedication to Four Winds has been an extraordinary force behind its evolution from a biennial Easter music festival to a year-round program focusing on education and First Nations leadership,” Ms Small said.
“Through her mentorship, generosity and relentless commitment, Moira’s legacy has been integral to Four Winds’ future.”
