Karen Ingram walked along many career paths before she found her most recent job as an arts and community centre manager. She performed at St Martins Youth Theatre and worked in the music industry as band manager and publicist, as well as in the comedy sector. She’s been the ‘lead instigator/ranter’ in the punk band Cranky Pants and is also a published author of a memoir: Lifting the Lid.
I was tipped off by a friend that the position would soon become available after the long-standing manager was planning for retirement. I was jumping out of my skin at the thought of this dream job, as I had worked in health promotion in community health and completed a Bachelor of Arts (Community Development) and have managed to continue a self-driven personal and professional thread with First Nations engagement and advocacy. With the skills and knowledge developed in this setting, combined with my arts background, I knew I had a unique blend of experience and passions that would benefit the Centre. A bonus is that LJAC is located in Melbourne’s west and is a sublime beachside location, which I consider my neighbour/region-hood. I commenced my role in April 2022.
