Our journey began when patron Glenda Lewin and a group of local artists had a vision: represent and celebrate our relationship with both art and the environment and grow the cultural offering of the Gariwerd/Grampians region.

Fast forward to today and WAMA is open to the public and has hosted thousands of visitors.

With the help of our volunteers, we’ve maintained momentum with community events and exhibitions, working bees, Nature Play Days and workshops. We’ve proudly ticked off major milestones, including planting our endemic garden, revegetating our grasslands and – thanks to the Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund – building our gallery, the National Centre for Environmental Art. We have presented three large scale exhibitions at the National Centre for Environmental Art including, End and Being by Jacobus Capone (WA), The WAMA Art Prize 2025 and our latest offering, Entanglements with Fungi: Life Death and Renewal.

Our journey is still unfolding.

Everything you see today is the result of the inspiring efforts of WAMA’s original visionaries, a troupe of volunteers, the community, and our small but mighty founding team.

“WAMA happened because of its many volunteers and supporters. We look forward to seeing young and old join us as we continue to create the precinct to ensure its vision is built upon and that it will be an enduring national and international precinct of outstanding merit.”

– Glenda Lewin,
WAMA Foundation Patron

A shared commitment ensures that the WAMA precinct continues to grow and connect as a place where art meets nature.

• Byron Grant-Preece, Exhibitions Manager
• Kat Rast, Gardens and Grounds Coordinator
• Nicole Potter, Education & Visitor Experience Officer

The WAMA Foundation Board brings together expertise across art, design, ecology, business development, and community engagement. This diversity of skills and experience guides WAMA Foundation, supporting the WAMA precinct, the activities it presents and the people who deliver it.

Glenda Lewin, Patron

Greg Lewin AM, Chair of the WAMA Foundation and of Latrobe Valley Power. In 2012, Greg was awarded the Order of Australia for his service to the profession of Chemical Engineering through senior roles in industry, to business and commerce, and to professional organisations. He was awarded the CHEMECA medal in 2013 for outstanding service to Chemical Engineering and the Kernot medal in 2019 for Distinguished Engineering Achievement in Australia.

Ange Turrell 

Bachelor of Arts – University of Melbourne, Masters in Marketing –  Melbourne Business School

Ange has over 40 years of experience in corporate marketing and regional development projects. Over the past decade, she has played an integral role in WAMA’s significant evolution, including securing a multi-million dollar grant to construct the gallery precinct and overseeing the building project governance through board and operational roles. WAMA brings together two of her great loves, art and nature, and provides a beautiful cultural place for locals and visitors to enjoy.

Anna Lewin 

Anna holds a Master’s degree in science, with a career spanning corporate head office, regional and remote Australia, and international fieldwork — experience that sharpened both her analytical thinking and her deep respect for the natural world.

A supporter of WAMA since its inception, she brings strategic perspective and a genuine belief in WAMA’s vision to unite art and nature as a lasting cultural destination. As a mother of three, Anna knows first-hand the importance of nurturing curiosity in the next generation — and sees WAMA as a powerful place where children and families can connect with the environment and creativity together.

Simone Munro

Simone is an experienced executive with over 30 years’ experience in financial services, focused on people, culture and organisational transformation. She’s held a range of senior roles, leading large-scale change and bringing a practical, people-first approach to leadership and governance.

Simone holds a Bachelor of Business (Financial Planning) and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Having grown up locally, she has a strong connection to the area and enjoys spending time in the Grampians with her family, reflecting her passion for nature and the local environment.

Christine Dunn 

Christine has a post graduate degree in special education. A diverse career followed with senior management positions in child & family health, international business and the tourism industry. Her expatriate life in a diverse number of countries exposed her to a wide variety of cultures, art and nature and it was these experiences that cemented for her just how important it is to nurture both the natural world and our artistic endeavours.

With a strong background in tourism she is looking forward to helping WAMA develop and achieve its vision.

 

The WAMA Foundation warmly acknowledges the individuals and organisations whose commitment and expertise have helped shape our evolution from a visionary idea to a nationally significant destination for art and nature.

We extend our deepest thanks to the following founding benefactors for their generous support: African Wildlife Safaris, Rose and Russell Altmann, Christine and Mark Armour, Sue and Andrew Cunningham, Suzanne Davies, Lesley and Chris Deighton, Val Diamond and John Funder, Christine Dunn, Lariane Fonseca, Diane Forbes, Andrew Forrest AO, Forster Foundation, Michael Gannon, Halls Gap Community Association, Hanbury Foundation, Hansen-Little Foundation, Joan Hessidence and Rick Wall, Joan and George Lefroy AM, Glenda and Greg Lewin AM, Celia and Peter Maloney, the Mann Bequest, Philip and Robin Mellett, Maria Myers AC and Allan Myers AC, Sue and David Oldfield, Margaret Ross, Tracey and Andrew Sisson AO, Carol Sisson, Diana and Brian Snape, Gwen and Lloyd Thomas, Paula and Steve Toal, Jan and Peter Weston, Suellen Wilkie, and Janet and David Witham.

We also gratefully acknowledge the many individuals and organisations who have contributed their time, expertise, and resources over the years, including Arts Advisory Council, Australian Plants Society – Grampians Group, Yaraan Bundle, Denis Crawford, Michelle Forbes, John Gerrand, Chrissie Goldrick, Grampians Wildlife Art Society Committee (with special mention to Peter Voice), Merle Hathaway, Jallukar Landcare, Dr. Goff Letts (the late) and Diana Snape, Lewin Family Foundation, Tya Lovett, Lucy McEachern Gallery, Neil Macumber, Neil and Wendy Marriott, MvS Architects, Dr. Anthea Nicholls, Northern Grampians Shire Council, Maudie Palmer, RBG Cranbourne, Titta Seacombe, Sofitel on Collins, State Government of Victoria, John Tiddy, Ange Turrell, and the WAMA Board (past and present).

Finally, we acknowledge the invaluable contribution of the many community members, educators, artists, landcare and conservation workers, students, cultural practitioners, as well as local council and tourism representatives who have supported WAMA through presentations, working bees, markets, open gardens, exhibitions, and fundraising events since our inception. We sincerely thank all those—named and unnamed—whose contributions have helped bring our vision to life.

Stage One of the WAMA Foundation saw the development of the National Centre for Environmental Art and the endemic gardens.

To join our journey, and help us grow our precinct as we look forward to Stage Two, we’d love to hear from you.

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WAMA is a private not-for-profit—funded primarily by ticket sales and donations—with a big ambition. Help bring WAMA to life and inspire future generations to connect with art and nature.

WAMA was founded on private donations and community know-how with help from the State Government’s Recovery fund. We have yet to complete Stage One, but are already planning to expand the endemic garden, build a nature play space, establish a kitchen garden, program specialty workshops, and continue to collaborate with artists and curators to present a dynamic and challenging exhibition program.

Donations of $2 or more are tax deductible and go towards the development and management of the WAMA precinct, helping us care for our endemic gardens, facilitate events for the broader community, and fund exhibition programs.

Prefer EFT? Contact us.

Donate

Love art, gardens and community? Join our team and help shape a place that celebrates art and nature. Please contact info@wamafoundation.com.au for more information about volunteering at WAMA.

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A bequest is a powerful way to impact the future of the WAMA Foundation. Your gift will support the ongoing development of our gardens, exhibitions, and education programs – ensuring WAMA thrives for generations to come.

All confirmed bequestors are warmly invited to join our WAMA Foundation Legacy Circle, with a tree planted in their name.

To include Wama in your Will, please quote our legal name and ABN:

WAMA Foundation Ltd
ABN: 23158710411

You may choose to leave:

• A fixed amount
• A percentage of your estate
• The residue of your estate after other gifts have been made

We recommend discussing your intentions with your solicitor or financial adviser, and invite you to have a confidential conversation with our team to explore how your legacy can make a meaningful impact.

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