Dearna Newchurch
Senior Project Officer – Workforce Development
A proud Kaurna and Narungga woman, Dearna brings nearly two decades of experience as a creative and strategic producer, working across the not-for-profit, private, and public sectors. Her career has been defined by a commitment to amplifying First Nations voices through transformative arts programs and strategic initiatives.
Dearna has led the development and delivery of impactful programs for leading arts and cultural organisations, including Adelaide Fringe, Tandanya National Aboriginal Cultural Institute, the Museum of Discovery at UniSA, and the Australian Network for Art & Technology. Her work spans large-scale live performances, regional activations, and digital initiatives, strategically aligning creative projects with community and client needs.
Most recently, Dearna was the Senior Project Manager at Arts South Australia, Department of Premier & Cabinet, where she led the implementation of the Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Arts Strategy, driving cultural and artistic development.
Dearna holds a Bachelor in Tourism and Events Management from the University of South Australia and is currently pursuing a Graduate Certificate in Social Impact at Flinders University, supported by a scholarship from the Centre for Social Impact. Her passion for social impact and cultural advocacy inspires her to approach her work with a collaborative, lateral mindset, fostering connections, and meaningful change.
