Please note: this is an archived news article release
This article was published on Thursday, 1 February, 2018. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.
Posted on Thursday 1st of February, 2018,
After nearly four years at the helm, the outgoing Chair of the SAM Foundation Peter Quinn, today announced that he was standing down from the role, and that well-known Shepparton identity John Head would take over as Chair in February.
“As many people know, I was inspired to get involved with the foundation in 2014 by my mother Clare who was a great friend of SAM and took much pleasure and pride in the work of the museum. Over the past few years, so much work has happened to make the new SAM a reality,” Mr Quinn said.
With demolition work on the former Shell site soon to commence, the excitement of the development stage of the project is increasing and the Foundation’s core purpose of fundraising even more critical to the project’s success.
“I am thrilled that someone of John’s standing in the arts and broader community is stepping up to Chair the Foundation. John has held a long-term aspiration for a new SAM, and will bring renewed energy and focus to the Foundation’s work in raising the private and philanthropic elements of the project financing,” said Mr Quinn.
The new Chair John Head has held many roles in the arts community in Shepparton including being a member of the Sam Project Board, recent Artistic Director of the Shepparton Festival, Convenor of the Shepparton shorts Short Film Festival, playwright, actor and member of the Shepparton Theatre Arts Board.
John acknowledged the great work that Peter had achieved in only four years since the inception of the SAM Foundation and said he is very keen to be involved in ongoing development of this important building. “I believe the new SAM will be a game changer as a major cultural and economic driver in this region. This project will put Shepparton on the national creative tourism map and improve the liveability and business prospects of the Goulburn Valley.”
Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor Kim O’Keeffe said she acknowledged the hard work of Peter Quinn as the Foundation Chair over the last four years and welcomed John to the role. “Peter has done an excellent job in raising the profile of the SAM Foundation and guiding their direction. I am looking forward to John taking up the helm and driving the philanthropic efforts of the Foundation as we are about to enter the next exciting phase for the new SAM,” said Cr O’Keeffe.
More News from Greater Shepparton
Wednesday 17th of September,
Disruption an immersive art exhibition is coming to Shepparton!
Greater Shepparton City Council’s Resilience in Recovery team is proud to present ‘Disruption’ a bold, immersive art exhibition coming to Shepparton from Saturday 18 to Friday 31 October 2025. Read more
Wednesday 17th of September,
Greater Shepparton City Council strengthens regional advocacy during strategic visit to Parliament
Greater Shepparton City Council led a successful two-day advocacy delegation to Parliament House in Melbourne last month, where delegates met with Ministers, Shadow Ministers, and senior advisors to champion key priorities for the region ahead of the… Read more
Wednesday 17th of September,
Be the heart of your community – Join a Community Asset Committee
Greater Shepparton City Council is calling on community-minded residents to join one of the many Greater Shepparton Community Asset Committees (CAC), which play a vital role in managing and maintaining some of our region’s most important community facilities. Read more
Friday 12th of September,
Planning the future of play: KidsTown consultation begins
Greater Shepparton City Council is inviting residents to take part in consultation opportunities for the revitalisation of the region’s much-loved and iconic KidsTown Adventure Playground. Following significant flood damage in 2022 and the ageing condition… Read more
Thursday 11th of September,
Young performers shine at Talent Show
Greater Shepparton City Council celebrated the creativity and skills of local young people at the recent Youth Talent Show, which brought colour, music and energy to the Winter City Market on Saturday 30 August at the Maude Street Precinct in Shepparton.… Read more
Wednesday 10th of September,
Growth surge opportunity for Greater Shepparton region
Greater Shepparton has recorded one of the most dramatic population shifts in the country, with a 229 per cent year-on-year increase in net internal relocations, driven largely by people moving from capital cities. Read more
See All News
Want to get the latest news and events in your Facebook feed?
Just go to our Facebook page and click the Like button.
More Events in Greater Shepparton
Monday 22nd of September,
Sportz Lab Golf Clinic Term 3 Holidays
Sportz Lab is hosting a 2-hour golf clinic with coach Dave for students in foundation to grade 6 only 25 spots! Read more
Monday 22nd of September,
Tatura - Dunk & Skate
Council has finished building the new skate park and basketball court in Tatura. The Community Development team will run a celebration event to mark the opening of this youth spot. The event will focus… Read more
Saturday 20th of September,
GV Last Man Standing Ultra
The GV Last Man Standing is Northern Victoria’s original Backyard Ultra, a brutal, exhilarating test of endurance where there’s only one winner: the last person still running! Read more
Monday 22nd of September, – to Friday 3rd of October,
School Holiday Activity - Giant Games at Shepparton Library
Giant Jamenga, Chess & Connect 4! Read more
Friday 19th of September,
Puff Walk
Let’s walk and talk. Read more
Saturday 20th of September, – to Sunday 21st of September,
Young Picasso Art Competition- Shepparton South Rotary Club
Shepparton South Rotary Club's Young Picasso Art Competition, is an exciting new opportunity for students from primary and secondary schools in the area. Prizes awarded to winning students. Read more
See All Events