What others say
Joel McKerrow
Poet. Performer. Educator. Artist Ambassador for TEAR Australia
Mardee never just hears what you have to say. She is one of those people who knows how to truly sit with someone. To hold space. To listen to the words and to listen to that which isn’t spoken, moreover to listen to the whisper that lies beneath it all. She is able to listen, but it doesn’t just stop there. She then takes the deep yearnings heard and reflects it back to the speaker that they may see themselves and the world in a different way. She does this for individuals. She does this for communities. She does this for creatives. She does this for the grieving. She builds a nest and the people come and they find rest and they find one who deeply cares for them.
And how do I know this – I have sat in that nest many a time over the last ten years
Andrew Palmer
Founder/Director The Beyond Festival Australia
I've watched Mardee from a distance and I've taken in the scope of what she can do:
She is an outstanding curator with a deep understanding of aesthetics, mood, process and the integration of art and experience. I've also worked with her close up as a leader. She is sensitive, caring, creative, joy-filled and profoundly personal. She listens. She responds with head and heart.
She sees beauty and dignity in all persons. In a word, she is 'genuine'.
Di Hocking
COMMUNITY WORKER
Mardee has a profound effectiveness for stepping into significant “life-moments” with people. She has developed a huge capacity in facilitating with a hopeful and understanding heart and I have seen the impact of her expertise. Mardee offers incredible expertise from a wide variety of perspectives. She has successfully facilitated opportunities for individuals, for families, for groups and communities. I know Mardee is able to navigate complex situations, and she is uniquely skilled in helping people.
Eugene Wong
Candlelight Productions Melbourne
We deeply appreciate the wisdom, discernment and guidance that has been provided to us over the years by Mardee. This has included spiritual formation, team development, retreats & mentoring for me as the head of the company.
Roma Waterman
Award Winning Songwriter, Speaker, Author
MarDee is an incredible support to me not only in mentoring, but coming alongside me in my artistic endeavors. The way MarDee speaks, listens, encourages, waits and celebrates with someone is the way she approaches her professional world. I have been profoundly impacted by her timely words, thoughtful responses, and needed laughter. She is professional, intelligent, efficient and yet kind, understanding, gracious and deeply knowing when to take needed time with people. Her creative endeavors are always successful,as they resonate deeply with people. I have no hesitation in trusting her character, skills or services.
Keith Dougall
Poatina Arts Tasmania
I am personally very grateful for Mardee's unique capacity to gently and respectfully walk alongside artists and communities. Not to take the reigns but to extend legitimacy, authenticity and respect as we each find our unique place.
Helen Wright
Annandale Creative Arts Centre Sydney
Over a number of years Mardee has sat on the Board of Breakthru’ Artz, a youth arts company in Sydney that I founded and directed. Dee provided support, wisdom and mentoring with unique and extensive experience in seeing the artists flourish in our inner Sydney community.
Thomas Gibbs
Artist & Teacher
As an artist, MarDee has encouraged me to pursue excellence in my practice. Through several initiatives I was introduced to a network of likeminded people, who encouraged and supported me in the early years of my painting profession. I was mentored by a skilled practitioner who offered invaluable feedback, whilst encouraging my passion to teach. This experience gave me confidence, and opened the opportunity for employment as an artist and teacher.
Bec Cameron
Creative Hearts School Tasmania
I am a better artist, teacher and person because of my mentoring experience with Mardee. While I still teach, I also run my own performing arts school. The way I approach these roles and indeed every relationship and interaction in life is influenced by my experiences with my mentor.
Sue Tinworth
PIPES Network
My life has been enriched by Mardee and her extraordinary rise in creative influence across Australia. I have deep confidence in her wisdom, insight, oversight, humility, graciousness and generosity and her ability to recognize and empower others to fulfill their life callings.