SANDRA MCMAHON

Originally from Sydney, Sandra has lived in Regional NSW for the past 27 years and has raised three children.  Sandra has worked in the Arts for the past 24 years.

Prior to her current position as Director Tamworth Regional Gallery, Sandra was Curator at the Western Plains Cultural Centre, Dubbo, Gallery Assistant at Helen Maxwell Gallery in Canberra and Administration Officer at Southern Tablelands Arts Goulburn, at Goulburn Regional Art Gallery as the Education/ Public Programs Officer, and was a part-time visual arts teacher at TAFE NSW at Moree, Quirindi and Tamworth Campuses.

Sandra has a Diploma in Visual Arts and a Graduate Diploma in Art History and Curatorship from ANU.

This year's Annual Upstairs Art Student Exhibition and Awards was officially opened by the Honourable George Souris MP, Member of Upper Hunter and Shadow Minister for Hospitality, Racing and Major Events.

This years judge of the Annual Upstairs Art Student Exhibition and Awards was Sandra McMahon, who is the Director of Tamworth Regional Gallery and Tamworth Powerstation Museum.

Born Gunnedah, New South Wales, 1949.
Educated at The Armidale School and University of New England.
Qualified Public Accountant, Company Auditor and Taxation Consultant.
Formerly partner in the accounting practice of Hudson, Souris and Co. at Singleton.

Elected Member for Upper Hunter in New South Wales Parliament, March, 1988 for the National Party.  Past Vice-Chairman of New South Wales Public Accounts Committee.

Former appointee to Council of University of Newcastle as New South Wales Parliament’s representative.

Formerly a Shire Councillor of Singleton Shire Council for seven years and its Deputy President for four years.

A University Sports Blue in Rugby, has represented the Gordon Club, New South Wales Country, Australian Universities and the Australian Colts rugby teams.

Past member of Sydney University Regiment.

Past Chairman of National Party Branch and Electorate Council and New South Wales Central Councillor.  Member of Rotary and past President of various community organizations including Pre-School Committee and Red Shield Appeal.

Appointed as Minister for Sport, Recreation and Racing and Minister Assisting the Premier in June 1991.
Appointed Minister for Finance and Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Ethnic Affairs in July 1992.
Appointed Minister for Land and Water Conservation in May 1993.

Elected Deputy Leader of the National Party May 1993.
Elected Leader of the National Party 14 January 1999.

Appointed Shadow Minister for Public Works & Roads following March 25th 1995 State Election.
Appointed Shadow Treasurer, Shadow Minister for Rural Affairs and Services and Shadow Minister for Gaming in April, 2002.
Appointed Shadow Minister for State Development and Shadow Minister for Gaming & Racing following March 22nd 2003 State Election.
Shadow Minister for Gaming & Racing and Sport & Recreation & Major Events March 24th,2007 Election.
Currently Shadow Minister for Hospitality & Tourism, Racing and Major Events.
Appointed 3.8.09 Treasurer of the WHIA – World Hellenic Inter-Parliamentary Association.
Married to Vassy and has a family of two sons.