Scottish-born, Alaine is the founder of Essence. Though she duxed her Business Degree at RMIT, she is a story-teller at heart and her working life is all creative and has been for over 30 years – music, writing, acting, directing, producing. She is the main playwright for Essence and works collaboratively with her team, producing works from concept to stage. She is very passionate about working with youth through schools and her Say It Out Loud youth drama program. She also feels invigorated and excited when working with (and learning from) diverse cultures, especially the Mãori culture.

Alaine advocates strongly for creative resources in Wyndham and launched WOMPA (West of Melbourne Performing Arts) one-act festival in 2023 – an annual event with the aim of networking and empowering creatives in the outer west of Melbourne.

Alaine believes, to her core, working collaboratively with individuals from all walks of life, in a safe environment, can create magic.

Deborah is a speaker, mindset coach, and founder of Deliberately Living You!. A proud Māori woman, former corporate GM, and current President of the Werribee Business and Tourism Association, she blends ancestral wisdom with executive leadership to help people reclaim their voice and rise with purpose. Deborah draws on storytelling, embodiment practices, and cultural empowerment to ignite authenticity and help others reconnect with their true desires. She brings to the board deep insight into identity, leadership, and the power of lived experience to connect with and support communities.

A graduate of QUT Academy of the Arts, Phil has worked in the performing arts industry for the past 30 years. He has performed around Australia and overseas in numerous productions. Phil has worked with Essence Productions since 2011, as a performer, director and dramaturge through development of new works. He is keen to be part of the development of Essence Productions and its growth to full potential.

Scott completed his Bachelors in Acting at Federation Uni in 2008 and has expanded his training in Stage Combat. He has worked for the Australian Shakespeare Company for over a decade, working on numerous shows as an actor and Fight Choreographer

Scott completed his Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping and is currently studying for his Diploma of Accounting at Victoria Uni Polytechnic.

Jeff has been a veterinarian for over 40 years, and the past 18 as owner and then director of clinics in Hoppers Crossing and Werribee. He is married to Ann and they have interests in theatre, local opera groups and the arts. Jeff has supported Essence for many years and is keen to see it grow and help the arts community develop in Wyndham and the West.

Wiremu Morris is a Māori theatre practitioner and cultural advisor whose work is grounded in whakapapa, lived experience, and community connection. Raised between Aotearoa and Melbourne, Wiremu maintains strong ties to te ao Māori through kapa haka, waiata, and ongoing engagement with Māori communities. Alongside his creative practice as an actor and storyteller, he brings a practical, values-led approach to cultural responsibility, supporting spaces whereculture is honoured with integrity, humility, and care.

In my role as Cultural Advisor, I offer myself as a trusted guide supporting artistic, operational, and governance decisions where culture is present or impacted. My focus is to help ensure our work is culturally safe, respectful, and accountable — not just in intention, but in practice. I work alongside the team to ask the right questions, hold space for reflection, and support decisions that honour both the people we represent and the communities we engage with.

Laura has been a Drama and English teacher at Werribee Secondary College for 8 years. She worked closely with Alaine for 6 years running the after-hours drama club at the school. She has a passion for working with young people and fostering their creativity within the performing arts. Laura’s role within Essence Theatre Productions is the Education Co-ordinator. In this role she networks with schools and ensures teachers are aware of opportunities for students to engage with performances and workshops run by ETP.

With over 48 years of senior leadership experience on major infrastructure projects at local, state and federal authorities I’ve channelled my expertise into empowering small business entrepreneurs from diverse cultural backgrounds.

As Founder and Managing Director of Oz Biz Network, I bridge cultural gaps in commerce and help multicultural businesses thrive across Australia. My approach is built on five core pillars: Leadership, Engagement, Integrity, Performance, and Vision.

We will deliver practical, culturally aware support through offering one-on-one mentoring and consulting with Essence.

Having seen much of their work and with our shared values and practices, we are excited to work with Essence and help guide their progress in the arts world.

Descendant of Samoa raised in Victoria. Equipped with experience in a variety of arts and mediums of expression. Elijah has a passion for working with young people and lifting their voices.

Determined to make peace within and among his environment, Elijah strives for dialogue and reasoning that enhances this ideal of peace in our time. A man of a few words, he believes in providing opportunity for the voices that need to be heard but aren’t.