Centre for Stories’ Wood named Westpac Social Change Fellow

Creative director of Perth’s Centre for Stories Robert Wood has won a Westpac Social Change Fellowship.

Valued at $50,000, the national prize is awarded by the Westpac Foundation to 10 scholars each year. Wood will use his fellowship to improve his leadership and governance skills through mentoring with Noongar Elders, coaching with a number of corporate bodies and a study tour of Singapore (subject to travel circumstances).

‘This is a reflection of the Centre for Stories community and recent growth,’ said Wood. ‘It represents newfound respect for literature, the arts and beyond, especially with how we can have a social impact for our most vulnerable. That includes refugees, culturally and linguistically diverse people, those with disabilities, LGTBQIA+ youth, regional people, and many others who we have worked with.’

Centre for Stories said working with Westpac will allow Wood to extend his networks, engage with social impact leaders, foster new relationships between the arts and education, set an example of how literature matters to the community at large and provide nationally recognised benefits to Perth residents in particular.

‘For me personally, it is an opportunity to learn from the best in our city, nation and region; and to grow in unexpected ways,’ said Wood. ‘As a creative director, I am hopeful I can bring new insights to my fellow recipients as well.’

Wood’s fellowship starts now and concludes in 2022.

Category: Local news