About Us
Bunbury Fringe was launched in 2017, with 24 shows/events/workshops in 5 local venues - the hub was found behind local surf shop Good Earth, the response was overwhelming. In 2018, the Fringe Garden evolved, adding another element to Bunbury Fringe, with a pop-up bar, food all night and DJ’s to see audiences through to midnight.
Year three saw the evolution to incorporation and the creation of a locally based, diversely experienced committee to help guide the event into the future. More locations, more events, and more people - both attendees and volunteers - saw 2019 exceed both expectations and projections.
In 2020, Fringe moved venue for the first time in order to accommodate a larger seating capacity - and, boy, did you guys fill those seats! 2021 saw us find what we hope to be a home at the Stirling Street Arts Centre. Our Garden stacked to the edges with happy faces and almost all shows sold out, the fifth year of Bunbury Fringe cemented for us that this festival was firmly anchored in the cultural program of Bunbury Geographe.
Bring on 2025, and the ninth year of Bunbury Fringe!
Thanks to originators Joel and Kelsie, the faith and commitment of sponsors like the City of Bunbury and many more local businesses, the hard work of the Fringe staff and committee, and the incredibly supportive patrons of Fringe, we are able to keep bringing colour and creativity to the Bunbury Geographe region!
COMMITTEE
Chairperson
Martyn Dunbar-Stuart
Committee Member
Melissa Ryan
Committee Member
Paul Harris
Vice Chairperson
Cherie Fielder
Committee Member
Bec Pyke
Committee Member
Andrew Malone
Secretary
Janine Stewart
Committee Member
Kyra Nimmo
Committee Member
Sarah Cawdell
The Fringe Team.
Jo O’Dea
Artistic Director
Jo is a trusted and respected member of the Western Australian creative community and her passion and expertise is instrumental in the delivery of signature events across the South West.
Giuseppe Rugnetta
Garden Curator
Known as The Papa Giuseppe, this talented local artist is experienced at creating large scale creative spaces both in Australia and overseas. Sep is also a talented muralist, known for his distinctive lettering style, and regularly teaches workshops.
Sam Wright
Marketing & Design
Sam is full bottle on all things event marketing! Backed by years of experience and a keen eye for detail, Sam is responsible for all marketing communications and designs for the festival.
Renee Carlson
Logistics
Renee is a trusted event curator and planner based in the South West. Being from the region, Renee possesses great contacts, especially in the local food and beverage space, that helps her create exciting and successful events for the local community.
Sarah Jane Bilston
Stage & Venue Management
Sarah Jane offers creative freelancing services throughout the South West, working to provide support for events, writing, and audio visual needs.
Terri Earl
Ticketing & Volunteers
Bunbury born and bred and a passionate volunteer for Fringe and other local events, Terri joins our team this year as the Ticketing and Volunteer Coordinator.