
MEET THE TEAM

Chief Executive Officer
Brenz Saunders
Brenz Saunders brings a wealth of experience across both the private and government sectors, from successfully managing his own business to providing leadership within Aboriginal community-controlled organisations throughout South Australia. With a proven record in digital transformation, economic empowerment, community development, and sustainable business planning, Brenz will guide Tandanya towards a future of growth and resilience, positioning the organisation for both immediate progress and long-term success. As Chairperson of Tauondi Aboriginal College, Brenz played a pivotal role in driving transformation and growth, strengthening the organisations strategic foundations and ensuring it continued to service the community to meet the needs of Aboriginal learners across South Australia. His experience in leading Tauondi’s transformation uniquely positions him to understand the aspirations and priorities of Tandanya. In his new role, Brenz will lead the organisation into a new era of operations.

General Manager
Julia Tymukas
Julia has over thirty year’s extensive arts leadership and management experience working in the cultural sector in the United Kingdom and Australia. This has included establishing and developing the Basingstoke Festival, a three-week ongoing annual arts festival and leading and managing Emergency Exit Arts, a leading UK outdoor and participatory arts organisation. Prior to that Julia has led South Australian arts organisations such as Community Arts Network Port Community Arts Centre, Port Youth Theatre Workshop, Red Shed Theatre Company, and Junction Theatre Company. She is passionate about the role and value of the arts in building identity and bringing communities together to celebrate, learn, share and take pride in their achievements.

Executive Officer
Emma Zakarevicius
Emma Zakarevicius is an accomplished multi-disciplinary artist and arts administrator who recently returned from living in New York City where she completed a Master of Arts at the New School and a Master of Fine Arts at the New York Studio School of Drawing, Painting and Sculpture. After completing her studies Emma was the Studio Manager for award winning New York design firm Emerson, Wajdowicz Studios renowned for its multi-platform design projects with a focus on social justice, human rights, photojournalism and art. Prior to moving to New York, Emma worked in the Adelaide arts sector in numerous roles for organisations including the Come Out Festival (now Dream Big), Carclew Youth Arts in association with the Adelaide Festival of Arts (The Graffiti Research Lab) and the ASSIEJ World Congress and Performing Arts Festival for Young People. Emma is passionate about the importance of art as a vehicle for self-expression and believes that art education, particularly for children and young people, is essential to building vibrant, diverse communities.