Chair
David Lane OAM brings deep local knowledge and extensive governance, leadership and regional business experience to the Board. A long-term resident of Lightning Ridge, David has held leadership roles in local government, emergency services and community organisations, contributing to community development and civic life.
Read MoreDirector
Lynne Jenkins has served on the AOCL Board since 2023. Both as a Director and Company Secretary, she brings strong organisational capability and a deep commitment to realising the community’s vision for a centre dedicated to opals, fossils, scientific research, and the sharing of knowledge.
Read MoreDirector
Terry Coldham has more than five decades of experience in the Australian and international coloured gemstone industries as a business owner, gemmologist, international trader and leader in industry bodies. Widely respected for his knowledge, advocacy and service to the sector, he offers the Board valuable national and international perspectives.
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Karen Lindley AM is a gemmologist, valuer, and internationally recognised opal specialist with more than 45 years’ experience in the Australian opal and jewellery industries. She has been closely connected to the Lightning Ridge opal fields since 1976 and qualified as a gemmologist in 1981, becoming a pioneering female wholesale dealer of black opal….
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Martin Bloomfield’s diverse career spans public sector management, business enterprise, law enforcement, and community development in both the United Kingdom and Australia.
Martin has a strong track record in securing government and corporate funding…
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Clytie Smith has more than 20 years’ experience in the performance industry, as a production manager, technical coordinator, theatre project manager, company touring manager, site manager, and lighting designer and operator.
Read MoreScientific Advisor - Opal (Honorary)
Tony Smallwood is a jewellery valuer, gemmologist and opal expert who has been involved in opal education and research for more than 30 years…
Read MoreHead of Collections, Programs and Research
Principal’s Representative, AOC Stage 1
Jenni Brammall is the AOC’s Head of Collections, Programs and Research, and Principal’s Representative to the AOC building project.
A palaeontologist, gemmologist, opal valuer, and valuer of fossils and opal-related items for the Australian Government’s Cultural Gifts Program….
Read MoreOperations Manager
Helen Evans has recently joined the AOC as Operations Manager. Helen has lived at Lightning Ridge since emigrating from the United Kingdom about 30 years ago, and has many years of experience in business administration, management, and customer service.
Read MoreShowroom Coordinator
Teresa Cree oversees the AOC’s public exhibition space and museum shop, and coordinates the volunteer team who staff the showroom, SPARK cinema under the stars, and programs for visiting groups…
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