BAYSIDE DIVAS
MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
Bayside Divas is a community-based, not-for-profit incorporated association. It is governed by a five-person executive management committee, the members of which are elected, on an annual basis, from within the general membership.
MEET THE TEAM
GERALDINE OWENS
Coordinator
Geraldine grew up in a musical family, which is not surprising, considering she has both Irish and Italian heritage! An early memory is one of her dear father yelling out “Quieten down Geraldine, everyone is still asleep” on an early Saturday morning when she was singing from her bed. She has always loved to sing!
During her school years she sang with the school choir and at church, as well as learning piano.
Moving to Brisbane from Warwick after finishing school, she was drawn to the Arts Theatre where she spent many years acting and stage managing.
It was while singing in the congregation at St Dympna’s Aspley that she was asked to join the Church choir. Here she met Di Carr and Suzan Pekol, both Divas of long standing. These two wonderful friends encouraged her to join the Bayside Divas and she continues to be very glad she did.
Since joining the Divas, Geraldine has found a wonderful outlet for her interests, and enjoys the comradery, support and friendship of all the members – experiences that have enriched her life immeasurably.
Geraldine has travelled widely and enjoyed trips to wonderful places … but always loves coming back to Australia.
She is looking forward to contributing her best efforts in the role of Coordinator.
PETA BOURNE
Secretary
Peta joined the Divas in early 2023, after seeking out a more local choir to those she’d been in prior to having her daughter. Her Diva name, Despicable Diva, talks to the love her daughter had at the time of the Despicable Me movies, and because “Daring” Diva had already been taken!
Peta is the current Secretary of the Bayside Divas, diligently noting minutes of many a spirited meeting! While relatively new to the Divas, Peta started her love of singing in choirs during high school. While study, travel and work took centre stage in her 20s, she got back into the choir scene in her 30s, joining Hillbrook Choral under the direction of Kylie Los. She is now thoroughly enjoying her Divas time and the warm and welcoming vibe from the wonderful ladies of the choir.
Peta is a Chartered Accountant with over 20 years experience, who has worked in several roles from Tax Accountant to Management Consultant both in Australia and London. She is currently pursuing a role in Project Management and Business Analysis, which at times is certainly challenging.
Peta loves to travel and explore new places, especially hitching the van and exploring this beautiful country with her Family. She has been lucky enough to have several career breaks spent with her man and her van across the UK, Europe and Australia
WENDY ROBERTSON
Treasurer
Wendy developed a love of music and voice as a child through singing with her father. Whatever he was doing, he loved to sing the popular songs of his era and earlier. And Wendy sang with him! Fast forward through piano lessons, school choir, very amateur theatre, some singing lessons, plus a working life in university financial administration, to the late 1990’s when she joined the Celtic Connection choir, and shortly after, Musica Antiqua Collegii. These two very different community choirs – one celtic, one classical – kept her musically occupied for the next 18 years, during which time she served as Treasurer for both, for four and eight years respectively.
Wendy joined the Bayside Divas in 2021 where she loves the lively spirit and kindness of the group, the musicianship, the camaraderie, the contemporary and popular repertoire. She hopes to contribute her part to the smooth, competent running of the organisation!
MICHELLE JEFFS
Assistant Coordinator
Michelle joined the Bayside Divas in 2022. She has an extensive music background, playing the piano and singing since the age of eight. She joined St Stephens Junior Choir in her hometown of Maryborough because of singing in the background while her eldest sister was at choir practice and the Chorale Director saying, “It’s time you joined as well”. She was subsequently encouraged to enter Eisteddfods every year and held leading roles in musicals when she was at high school. A highlight for her was leading the choir at the Christmas concert with “O Holy Night” when she was only 15.
After moving to Brisbane, when her children were still young, Michelle decided it was time to finish her singing studies, completing her A.Mus.A. in singing and a Graduate Certificate in Music Studies. Later, looking for a choir to join after a long break, “The Divas” were suggested to her. Investigating their website, she recognised the Musical Director – Sandra Milliken. It was a “Fate” moment – this was the choir she was looking for!
Michelle now works full time in an IT support role and, since her children have grown up and moved out, she has time to practice and devote to the Divas. She loves the Divas’ support and encouragement of one another, as well as the fun and dedication they bring to creating beautiful music together. She hopes that, with her knowledge of technology, she will be able to assist the Divas with all things technical in her new role.
CHRISTINE REED
Assistant Coordinator
Christine has always loved singing and dancing. She grew up in London and in secondary school had the opportunity to join the school choir and take piano lessons. Outside of school she enjoyed Latin American and Ballroom dancing and for a short time taught beginners in both these disciplines.
Having stopped playing piano when she left school, she has recently started lessons again and is also studying to improve her singing.
Christine has been a member of the Bayside Divas since 2013 and has enjoyed sharing her love of singing with others. Since joining, Christine has been the concert coordinator, organising all aspects of the Diva’s annual concert.
Christine works full time in a state government role, leading a policy development team. She also enjoys travel and, with her husband David, she has enjoyed several travel adventures including walking to Everest Base Camp and Machu Picchu, visiting the Galapagos Islands, going on an African Safari and staying in an ice hotel in Sweden. Future plans include visiting family and friends in the UK, along with a trip to Iceland.
Christine really enjoys the Bayside Divas being part of her life and values the friendships and connections she has made through the choir.
SUPPORT PERSONNEL
Music Librarians
Sharon Lakua
Kathy Comer
Concert & Membership Coordinator
Christine Reed
Costume Coordinators
Eleanor Way
Wendy Lavender
Grants Coordinator
Marisa St-Onge
Social Media Coordinators
Michelle Jeffs
Sandra Milliken
Social Coordinator
Jill Woods
Section Leaders
Eunice Rienecker
Helen Trappett
Eleanor Way
Jill Wood
Choreographer
Ruth Gabriel
Dance Captain
Eleanor Way