Our Patrons
david hobson
David Hobson is one of Australia’s best-known operatic tenors, a concert and stage performer, composer and recording artist. He has sung many roles for Opera Australia and both state and international opera companies, including his award-winning performances as Rodolfo (La Boheme) and the title role in Orphee. Other roles include Don Ottavio (Don Giovanni), Ferrando (Cosi fan tutte), Count Almaviva (The Barber of Seville), Nadir (Pearl Fishers), Lindoro (L'Italiana in Algeri), Frederic (The Pirates of Penzance), The Architect in the world premiere of The Eighth Wonder, Eisenstein (Die Fledermaus), Danilo (The Merry Widow), Aristaeus/ Pluto (Orpheus in the Underworld) and the title role in Candide. As a music theatre leading man, David stared as Caractacus Potts in the Australian premiere of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Buddy in the concert version of Stephen Sondheim’s Follies and Nick Arnstein in Funny Girl. Solo concert highlights include A Little Closer (Sydney Opera House) and Am I Really Here? (Adelaide Cabaret Festival). Special engagements include a performance for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and singing the national anthem at the AFL and Australian Open finals. He is well known from his appearances on Carols by Candlelight, Spicks and Specks, Dancing with the Stars, as a presenter on the Foxtel’s STUDIO and is a regular performer on, and Ambassador for, Bravo Cruise. David has recorded numerous albums with many reaching No 1 chart status and has won numerous awards, including Operatic Performer of the Year and an Australian Record Industry Association (ARIA) Award.
Fiona Sweet
Fiona, and her husband Paul, have supported BAF as donors for many years and Fiona has always maintained an active interest in our activities and outcomes. A prominent and highly respected arts director and curator, Fiona Sweet is renowned for inspiring and intelligent delivery of uniquely curated festivals and exhibitions. For five years, she was the Artistic Director and CEO of the Ballarat International Foto Biennale, Australia’s leading contemporary photographic event. During her tenure, BIFB increased government funding and garnered significant donations from philanthropic trusts, secured internationally acclaimed headline artists, and injected millions of dollars into the local economy. As a curator, her interest lies in the interdisciplinary and experimental approaches to the photographic medium. Fiona’s practise often investigates the intersections between the human body and the human psyche and its response to shifting societal perspectives, power dynamics and challenges. Fiona is an influential and in-demand public speaker, industry judge, photographic portfolio reviewer and assessor in Australia and internationally. The recipient of many prestigious design awards, Fiona was the Director and Founder of Sweet Creative and former Board Director of the Australian Graphic Design Association. Fiona was the recipient of an Ian Potter Foundation Travel Grant in 2018 for her research on international art festival best practice.
Cr DES HUDSON OAM - Mayor, City of Ballarat
Des Hudson is a South Ward Councillor (since 2002) and is focused on community safety and wellbeing, working to implement measures that will enhance the quality of life for all Ballarat residents. Cr Hudson supports managed growth and development and has a long-term vision for Ballarat which aims to attract investment, build prosperity and ensure there are the jobs and infrastructure to support our growing city. Now in his fifth term, Cr Hudson is the longest serving Councillor with the post-amalgamation City of Ballarat and served as Mayor in 2015-2016 and as Deputy Mayor in 2007, 2008 and 2014. A long-serving member of Victoria Police, Cr Hudson is involved with a range of community organisations and is the recipient of the National Medal, National Police Service Medal, and Victoria Police Ethical Standards Medal. Cr Hudson is married with two children.