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.

Director

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.

Director

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.

Director

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….

Director

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…

Director

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.