Helen Haines Reflects on Her Time with Ausdance VIC
After six years of dedicated service, Helen Haines is stepping down as Chair of the Board at Ausdance VIC. In this interview, she reflects on her journey, the changes she has witnessed, and her hopes for the future of the organisation and the dance community.
Getting started with Ausdance VIC
How did you first get involved with Ausdance VIC?
Helen Haines: It’s actually quite funny—I went back to my calendar recently and realised my first board meeting was on November 21, 2018. My last board meeting was on November 20, 2024—almost exactly six years later! I originally came across the opportunity through a LinkedIn post or a recommendation from a friend. At the time, I was looking for a board position that aligned with my professional background. I work across multiple industries, but the arts have always been my favourite. As a bookkeeper, the Treasurer role felt like a great fit, so I applied. After meeting with the previous treasurer, chair, and executive director, I stepped into a board that looked quite different from what it is today.
What specifically drew you to Ausdance VIC? Do you have a background in dance?
Helen Haines: I danced as a child up until the end of high school, and I absolutely loved it. Dance has always been my first love in the arts sector. My grandmother took me to the ballet every year when I was young, and I was always drawn to movement, even though I can’t hold a tune! As I got older, I leaned more towards musical theatre, but dance remained special to me. The role at Ausdance VIC was a perfect opportunity to merge my passion for the arts with my professional skills.
Reflecting on six years of change
Looking back on your time with Ausdance VIC, what have been the most significant changes?
Helen Haines: So much has changed. When I first joined, Ausdance VIC was very different—both in its focus and structure. The biggest shift has been in refining our direction. Pre-COVID, the organisation was involved in so many different areas, which can be challenging for a small team. While it’s great to be expansive, being focused is often more effective. Over time, we’ve honed in on key areas: advocacy, programming, and education. That clarity has been crucial.
The pandemic was also a turning point. It forced us to rethink our priorities and become an essential voice for the sector. Before COVID, some parts of the dance community weren’t as aware of Ausdance VIC’s role. Now, I think there’s a much stronger understanding of our advocacy work and the value we bring.
You’ve also seen a complete board transition. What are your thoughts on the current board’s composition?
Helen Haines: I think the current board is one of the strongest we’ve ever had, particularly in terms of representation from the dance sector. There’s been a lot of discussion in the arts about board diversity, and I’m really proud that we’ve built a skills-based board that also includes people deeply connected to the industry. This year, two dancers will be joining the board, which is fantastic. Our recruitment process has been very intentional—we don’t just look for professional expertise; we seek people who truly understand the sector. That’s essential for supporting the organisation effectively.
Proudest moments and lessons learned
What have you enjoyed most about being Chair?
Helen Haines: Without a doubt, working with the board. I genuinely love them, which has made the decision to step down bittersweet. We’ve been through so much together, from navigating COVID to restructuring the board and staff. There were difficult times, but I’m incredibly proud of how we pulled through.
Is there one moment that stands out as a major win?
Helen Haines: There have been so many! But I remember sitting at my last board meeting, looking around, and thinking, ‘This is such a strong, positive group.’ That was a great feeling. Other highlights include when the team secured funding for projects like Big Dance and Blue Sky Dance—those moments, when you see recognition and investment in the sector, are really rewarding.
Parting thoughts and looking ahead
Any final words of wisdom for the board, the team, or the dance community?
Helen Haines: For the board and staff—keep collaborating, stay open, and work as a team. It’s so important to maintain strong connections between the board and the organisation.
For the dance community—be engaged! Reach out, respond, and stay connected with Ausdance VIC. The more people work together, the better the outcomes for the entire sector. Dance can be a competitive industry, but collaboration is key. We should be supporting each other, not just competing for resources. And most importantly, don’t forget to enjoy it. We’re in the arts because we love it—so let’s make sure we have fun along the way.
What’s next for you?
Helen Haines: Professionally, my business is growing, so I’ll be focusing on that. I also joined my child’s school council, which has been more time-consuming than I anticipated! I’ll still be involved with Ausdance VIC through the Fundraising Committee and my role at Patrick School of the Arts. And who knows? I have a habit of stepping into new opportunities—I’ll see where I land next!