Please join us in welcoming Chris Hume and Daniel Laird to The Torch family. They have come on board as Indigenous Arts Officers, who are integral to The Torch program and we are excited to have these extremely talented people take up the positions.
Chris is a Yorta Yorta and Boonwurrung man with a dedicated career in community engagement and cultural development. As a Cultural Wellbeing Coordinator at Mullum Mullum for over a decade, he has been instrumental in advancing the wellbeing of Aboriginal men. A passionate advocate for positive change, Chris is an active member of the Southern Warriors Motorcycle Club, which focuses on reducing family violence among Aboriginal men. Additionally, he is Masters Boxing state champion and operates a small boxing gym in Healesville, where he mentors young men. In recognition of his contributions, Chris was honoured as the 2024 Victorian NAIDOC Sportsperson of the Year. His extensive cultural practice and knowledge make him a respected figure in his community and beyond.
Daniel, a proud Wiradjuri man from New South Wales, grew up in Naarm (Melbourne) with a strong love for arts, music, and close family bonds. Despite facing challenges during his time at Ravenhall Prison from 2018 to 2020, participating in the Torch Program reignited his passion for creativity and his connection to his culture. Since his release, Daniel has actively participated in various exhibitions, using his art to express personal resilience and pride in his Indigenous heritage. His journey highlights the role of family support in navigating difficult times and the power of art to heal and inspire.
We are thrilled to see Flick Chafer-Smith move from Accounts into an Indigenous Arts Officer role too.
Ahead of an exciting year with four major exhibitions, new Indigenous Arts Officers can will support the ongoing growth of the program. We are also recruiting in the areas of sales, marketing and operations. If you are passionate about supporting First Nations artists with the tools and resources to reclaim cultural connections through art and cultural practice – we would love to hear from you. Come work with us.