PD on the Road: A Cultural Road Trip from Melbourne to Sydney

An opportunity arose when I received funding from the Victorian Association of Performing Arts Centres (VAPAC) David Lloyd Travel Bursary to attend the Ticketing Australia Conference in Sydney. 

What was meant to be a quick professional development trip soon evolved into a cultural road journey, part research for my first role in the arts, part personal adventure through galleries and museums I’d long wanted to visit.

As someone who has loved art since childhood, stepping into my new role as Marketing Manager at Burrinja truly feels like a dream come true. I decided to document the trip as a reminder that PD isn’t just about formal learning; it’s also about exploring, absorbing, and enjoying the creative world we work in.

Day 1 – Wangaratta then on to Albury

My first stop was Wangaratta, a town I hadn’t visited in years, so I was eager to see how much it had changed. The Wangaratta Art Museum on Ovens Street was a perfect starting point. Julie, who greeted me at the front desk, kindly gave me a quick introduction to Overland by Matthew Harris, a local artist born in Wangaratta.

Harris’ exhibition examines the lasting impacts of colonialism on the region through repeated motifs and earthy palettes. Using ochres and charcoal on hessian, he highlights colonial associations with textile production. One piece stood out in particular: a police shield repurposed as a canvas, a powerful reminder of the harsh treatment endured by many First Nations people.

Another exhibition, Pleats of Matter by Kate V. M. Sylvester, was equally captivating. She meticulously unthreads everyday garments, mainly T-shirts, to reveal their mass and structural form. Suspended from the ceiling, each piece became something entirely transformed.

Before I left, Julie gave me directions to a mural I’ve wanted to see for years. As a dedicated Nick Cave fan, I couldn’t pass up the chance to visit the iconic mural of Australia’s legendary lyricist and Bad Seeds frontman. I’ve seen photos over the years, but nothing beats being there.

From there, it was a short 50-minute drive to Albury. I headed straight to the Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA), beautifully situated opposite the gardens. Their collection offered a diverse range of works to wander through and absorb before I checked into my motel, advertised online as “a little slice of Palm Springs.” Perhaps not quite, but with my love of pop culture, I enjoyed every moment.

Day 2 – National Gallery of Australia

Canberra greeted me with perfect weather and clear skies. My first stop: the National Gallery of Australia. Parking was only $5 on weekends, and entry was free, ideal for a tight PD budget.

I spent five hours wandering this incredible building. From Australian to international works, every gallery offered something remarkable. The Aboriginal Memorial - 200 hollow-log ceremonial coffins crafted in 1987 - was especially moving. Created in response to Australia’s Bicentenary, it serves as a memorial but also speaks to resilience and cultural endurance for generations to see.

From Jackson Pollock to Sidney Nolan, the collection was the perfect finale to a full day.

Day 3 – National Portrait Gallery & Living in the 70s

The National Portrait Gallery ended up being the highlight of the entire trip, unexpectedly so. That’s what I love most about art: the joy of stumbling upon works you might never have encountered otherwise. Every visit to a gallery feels like a small adventure, full of new discoveries.

One standout exhibition was Super Kaylene Whiskey, the first major showcase from the proud Yankunytjatjara artist Kaylene Whiskey. With more than 80 works, the show bursts with colour as it celebrates cultural icons through her distinctive lens. Her playful, empowering portrayals of strong women, Dolly Parton being her self-described muse, were refreshing, bold and full of life.

Of course, I also sought out Howard Arkley’s iconic portrait of Nick Cave. A must-see.

Before leaving Canberra, I made one final stop: the National Library’s 1975: Living in the 70s exhibition. The 1970s were foundational for me, shaped heavily by Sunday-night Countdown sessions after negotiating with the grown-up news watchers. Entering the exhibition felt like stepping back into childhood (a cliché, but very true). Even the catalogue was perfectly priced at $19.75. A nostalgic and fitting farewell to Canberra.

Days 4 to 7, Sydney – ENTA User Day & Ticketing Australia Conference

In Sydney, I attended the Vivaticket ENTA User Day - a session that left me with pages of notes on features and improvements we can bring to Burrinja. Craig, despite not feeling his best, delivered a fantastic day alongside the whole team. Their insights were invaluable, especially as I continue to learn the system.

Welcome drinks at Riverside was where I met Sam Attard (Marketing and Communications Team Leader, Riverside), who shared a sneak peek of their new developments and theatre. Western Sydney is fast becoming the state's second-largest arts precinct, which explains why the conference was held at CommBank Stadium in Parramatta. With everything planned over the next decade, I suspect another research road trip is on the horizon.

The Ticketing Australia Conference 2025 opened with a keynote from Lucy Bloom — who truly does have the best mohawk in the business. Her stories were so engaging, from her personal challenges to becoming the CEO for a Cambodian Children’s Charity and author, that I bought her book on the spot.

A highlight was the session Harnessing AI as a Force for Good with Tessitura Network. Many still view AI as “bad,” but my experience has been the opposite. The presenters shared practical ways AI can support arts organisations, especially those that are under-resourced. Their best advice? Treat AI as a collaborator, not a replacement. That’s exactly how I use it: to refine writing, enhance content and, yes, even help plan this road trip.

Another memorable speaker was Michael Coppel, one of Australia’s most successful promoters, with more than 40 years of touring artists like Metallica, Pearl Jam and U2 his trip down memory lane was another highlight for me.

But perhaps the greatest value of conferences is simple: the conversations. The chance to meet people, swap ideas, share challenges, and learn from one another, all in the same place at the same time.

Thank you to VAPAC for making this professional development journey possible. The opportunity to learn from galleries, peers and industry leaders has been invaluable, and I look forward to applying these insights to strengthen Burrinja’s audience experience and operations.