Our Team

Therese Virtue OAM

Acting Managing Director 

Therese Virtue taught in the Western suburbs of Melbourne for more than 10 years before working as a singer and subsequently an organiser with The Boîte. She has sung with some of Melbourne's most adventurous folk ensembles including Il Gruppo Folcloristico Italiano, the award-winning Petrunka, and now twists her tongue around the consonants of traditional Georgian polyphonic song. She directs three community choirs. Therese has been involved with The Boîte since 1984, and as Boîte World Music Cafe Co-ordinator for the past 30 years has organised and presented approximately 2000 intimate concerts featuring artists from over 40  communities. For more than 30 years she has been a presenter of the Boîte World Music radio programs on 3ZZZ FM, 3PBS and 3CR. A warm and approachable person with a formidable knowledge of the Australian music scene, she is highly respected by artists from many communities.

Leah Healy

Members and Donors

Leah has a background in event management and music festivals, with a passion for community and the arts and music from diverse cultures. In 2009 she started working with The Boîte after completing a Bachelor of Arts in Music Business. Originally in admin, and later moving to work on the major projects, Boite World Music Cafe, Millennium Chorus, Schools Chorus and Singers' Festival. For 5 years she has enjoyed co-presenting on The Boîte's radio program, Music Sans Frontieres. Her schedule of work has included event producer, artist manager, booking agent, tour manager and festival organiser. There is no end to her appetite for music and culture and she strongly believes in the benefits of bringing music into people's lives.

Susan Wright

Project Manager, Boîte Schools Chorus and Boîte Millennium Chorus

Susan has over 15 years experience as an Education Support Officer, Choir Director and Music Administrator in primary schools in Melbourne. She has been involved with the Boîte Schools Chorus since its inception as a choir director and since 2015 as project manager. Susan is also currently the Administrator of Boroondara Brass in Hawthorn and Event Manager for Carols at Grace Park. Susan has sung in choirs all her life and is originally from Sydney.

Tara Gallop-Brennan 

Marketing

Tara is an organised creative with qualifications in event management, marketing, and live production. Taras’ previous positions include full time roles with Circus Oz, Flesh After Fifty, and Art with Heart. Tara has been a youth facilitator in Cambodia, Personal Assistant and Assistant Director to a traveling circus, and spent two years running a Gymnastics program supporting a team of coaches and 140 students. When not at The Boîte, Tara is currently a support worker and creative facilitator for people with disabilities. Tara has an advanced diploma in arts (acting) and has spent the last 8 years across the entertainment industry. Tara enjoys providing quality customer care and setting people up to succeed.

Gemma Horbury

Administration

Gemma Horbury is an artist, performer and community collaborator working across sound, music, video and installation. She curates La Mama Musica, Melbourne’s longest-running exploratory music night; and is a versatile trumpeter who has performed with ensembles including the JazzLab Orcheztra, Lo-res, TEK TEK Ensemble, Opa Bato and The Skulls. 

Gemma's ongoing commitment to community arts and cultural development has led to roles with organisations including Starlight Children's Foundation, YMCA and now The Boîte. Her diverse portfolio includes co-ordinating a TV channel for adolescent hospital patients, producing a skateboarding DVD, working as a sound designer for theatre and co-ordinating a mass “band battle” for Northcote’s High Noon Festival. An inspiring musical director, Gemma is a recipient of the Generations in Jazz Yamaha Jazz Spirit Award. As former Musical Director of Orkeztra Glasso Bashalde, she initiated the Darebin Music Feast / Orkeztra Glasso Bashalde Composition Competition, a statewide award for Victorian composers.

Thilaka Wickramasekera

Marketing Assistant (Intern)

Thilaka is an enthusiastic employee who can adapt quickly to new roles having worked in a variety of
different hospitality and retail positions over the past 6 years. Through those positions she has been
able to develop strong customer service and communication skills that reflect through her work. Thilaka
has completed her Certificate III in Business Admin and Travel, as well as volunteering in teaching at primary schools and the Catholic Care Van. She has a passion for travel to see the world and is always eager to learn new skills.