Pilarsbook20042015

CAN MEMORIES 2004-2015

Pilar, This book is our heartfelt tribute to you, CAN’s longest serving Managing Director.

Those who have had the honour of working with or alongside you know that you are a passionate believer in the power of arts and culture to efect change.

For 11 years, you have been at the helm of CAN, and anyone who works in the tumultuous world of community arts knows that it can be such a roller coaster, that tenure should be measured in dog years.

As you set of to begin a new chapter in your life, we hope this collection of messages, milestones and memories shows just what a phenomenal amount you have achieved, what an immense impact you have had, and how greatly you are valued and will be missed.

You have outlasted seven Federal and two State Arts Ministers, and you have rolled with more policy and funding changes than could ever be set out in this book.

On behalf of the Board and Staf of CAN, we would like to dedicate this book to you and thank you for your passion and commitment to community arts.

ROCK HOLE LONG PIPE PROJECT September 2008

Just to say CONGRATS! What a fantastic opportunity, and what a legacy you leave behind. I have found your leadership in the CEG inspiring, and very much admire what you do and how you do it. I do hope you stay involved in our community! I hope our paths keep crossing, regardless of where you work.

BOURBY WEBSTER

YARNS OF THE HEART PROJECT

All the best for the future Pilar! A very worthwhile subject to study.

JO HUNTER

Started in 2009

This is a great loss for CAN but what a wonderful opportunity and change for you - brilliant!

Looking forward to our ongoing contact with whichever hats we are wearing at the time.

MARY-ELLEN KING

VOICES OF THE WHEATBELT: OUR PLACE, OUR STORIES PROJECT March 2009

Got the message yesterday you were leaving CANWA and then heard last night you had been awarded a scholarship at Curtin. Congratulations – a big step and an exciting one.

Warmest wishes JACQUIE THOMSON

VOICES OF THE WHEATBELT: OUR PLACE, OUR STORIES EXHIBITION LAUNCH June 2009

Wonderful news of what exciting times lie ahead for you Pilar. I have no doubt our paths will cross again. You have been an inspiration and a wonderful champion for all of us in the arts. We will be poorer for you leaving the sector, but that may only be for a time… JANE FRASER

PILAR & MARK PHOTO

You will be missed Pilar.

FRED CHANEY

February 2010

No No No... Na good luck Pilar and grow and become a greater powerful woman you are.

All the best, stay in touch.

Love xx DR MARK BIN BAKAR

So sad to hear that you are leaving CAN – you have been such a powerhouse and agent for change for the organisation and I have really enjoyed working with you over the years on various things. Still, you have given them 11 fantastic years, so they can’t complain!

What a great opportunity for you at Curtin! I think this deinitely means that our paths will cross again.

No doubt we will see you before you inish up, however I just wanted to say congrats on a job very well done at CAN! NATALIE JENKINS

VOICES OF THE WHEATBELT BROOKTON

Wishing you all the best for your next adventure Pilar! Hope great things come your way Love

April 2010

IVY PENNY

Less of the sadness – congratulations are surely in order – for what you have achieved and on securing this opportunity.

I know from our previous conversations that this new research opportunity is something that is close to your heart.

I am just pleased that you are still going to be around!

There is much that your future research could do to inluence the Museum, its design and its content.

Stay close – and good luck – and of course, I will see you before you leave, but hopefully, aterwards, too!

Kindest regards.

ALEC COLES

VOICES OF THE WHEATBELT PINGELLY April 2010

Wow, fantastic news, but sad for you as well I’m sure. The Curtin opportunity sounds wonderful and I wish you every success.

DAVID EDWARDS

Wonderful news for you, congratulations.

You have been a tremendous advocate and leader. All the very best over the next few weeks and then in your new endeavour. Well done.

CAROLYN CHARD

CAN WA TEAM GROUP SHOT May & August 2010

Well I have to say I was shocked to see this, that must have been a huge decision for you. But the Doctorate is amazing, congratulations you so deserve it.

I hope to catch you then before you leave and all the best for the future plans. Much love.

JASON CLEARY

ABAF AWARDS NIGHT September 2010 Congratulations on everything you achieved at CAN and I am sure there are many celebrations planned in your transition.

LENINE BOURKE

Wow Pilar, That’s big news and a very exciting opportunity for you!

You have been a wonderful, vivacious and exciting leader at CAN, you have lited its proile to national and international levels, and taken work with Indigenous communities to new heights.

I wish you every success with your future and look forward to hearing all about your future research and endeavours.

Much love and respect RICKY ARNOLD

VOICES OF THE WHEATBELT: WHEAT BEATS PROJECT

You did it! All the best with the new, exciting chapter. I hope we can be Phd buddies next year.

SIMONE RUANE

November 2010

All the best to you Pilar, please keep in touch with us here at the Aboriginal Workforce Development Centre.

CAROLYN DAVIS

CAN WA’S 25TH BIRTHDAY PARTY November 2010

Congratulations Pilar, Its been great getting to know you a little bit and I hope our paths cross again - the study sounds really interesting Keep in touch and if you’re ever in Tassie please visit us.

All the best for a wondrous future.

JAMI BLADEL

KELLERBERIN BALL

Well done at making the brave move.

PROF. PETER NEWMAN

December 2010

Congratulations on the 11 years of hard work at CAN (ex WA). You leave it in a strong position.

I will always remember at my irst RAA Conference in Mackay, less than 9 months ater starting at CDN, you were the only person who came up to me and introduced themselves to me. You have gone on to be a very generous and committed co-worker in this ield and a close colleague for sounding ideas and collaboration. Such a pity the distance was so great, I would have enjoyed working with you in WA. All the best for the research and you next challenge.

Please keep in touch.

JOHN SMITHIES

KEELA DREAMING FESTIVAL

Shock….life at CAN without Pilar. But… congratulations!!

Following your dreams… we will still see you. xx WARWICK HEMSLEY

March 2011

What a wonderful opportunity. Best of luck!

It has been a pleasure working with you. It’s a small world so I’m sure our paths will cross again!

All the best.

SAM WITTON

GNAROJIN CREEK POLES PROJECT

Congratulations and best wishes.

GARY EVERSHED

June 2011

That will most certainly be the end of an era! A great contribution and legacy for WA and CAN and it has always been wonderful working with you over so many years. Catch you soon.

SHANE COLQUHOUN

WHEAT BEATS NARROGIN LAUNCH

I just want to wish you well in your studies, really to enjoy it all, and I’m looking forward to reading the work of Dr Kasat.

June 2011

KATHLEEN BRODERICK

Good luck Pilar and thank you for your contribution to the arts and cultural landscape of WA. All the best COLIN HOLT

May I pass on my best regards for your future. You have done a great job at CAN and I’m sure you will continue to put the same efort and determination to your future adventures KELVYN EGLINTON

WHEAT BEATS PERTH LAUNCH

Very exciting move Pilar.

Best of luck KARIN BURRILL

July 2011

Thought this day would come...so happy for you moving on to further study!

I still consider you the best boss I’ve ever had (and I’ve now had a lot of bosses!) it’s the passion for everything you do and your determination for change, and striving for a better life for everyone is what shines through so brightly. Remember my days at CAN WA and the people with great fondness and love.

A thousand times good luck with the PhD - exciting times ahead! I’m sure our paths will cross again in the future, who knows where or when...wherever the great wind carries us across the sky, I guess!

Much love xx BEC SPEIDEL

YARNS OF THE HEART WA MUSEUM EXHIBITION LAUNCH September 2011

What a momentous decision. You have been an outstanding leader at CANWA and will be sorely missed… all the very best with your new adventure.

PROFESSOR NEIL DREW

CAN’S XMAS PARTY December 2011

Hey gorgeous woman - congratulations on all that you’ve achieved, all those you’ve inspired, all that you’ve learnt and all that you’ve given. So much growing, learning, inspiring and making a diference from one little Chilean bombshell! Keep it coming is all I can say - and that I love you lots.

JUNE MOORHOUSE

iCLICK LAUNCH January 2012

When you relocate to the world of ideas, remember that you can still holiday in the world of action and enjoy the scenery!

All the Best xx ROHAN MURRAY

Congratulations on the scholarship! I am so pleased for you. Your departure will be a sad loss for CANWA but I know you have been keen to take on a new challenge. I think this is perfect!

SALLY BASSER

Great transition for you Pilar and I know you will do well – Dr Kasat! nice ring to it. Thank you for all your work in the sector over many years, I am constantly hearing great stories back from the team here that deal with CAN and in my travels in previous roles in the South West have seen your great work all over the place.

All the very best, and good luck.

TIM HARTLAND

BROOKTON STENCIL ART PROJECT January 2012

Thank you Pilar and CAN for giving me the opportunity and motivation to go out and work amongst and alongside side my community to create and share community arts projects I wish you well in your next exiting chapter in your life!

ROSS STOREY

GROWING COMMUNITIES BOOK LAUNCH March 2012

Best of luck with your studies, I hope you ind it very rewarding. I hope you have opportunities to maintain your connection to the arts too.

PUI SAN WHITTAKER

Well done to Pilar and CAN for all their work, and here’s to another 30 years! Best of luck Pilar!

DAMIEN WEBB

NARROGIN YOUTH & ARTS FESTIVAL April 2012

Wow. Que suerte tienes! Se que es difĂ­cil dejar tu trabajo favorito. Pero adelante mujer. Nos veremos pronto espero.

Abrazos CHRIS CURNOW

Gosh this was big news! Congratulations on the PhD scholarship - how fantastic! But what a loss and change for CAN! I so hope we can stay in touch somehow. I am always buzzing ater our meetings and don’t want the buzz to stop!! You must be very proud of the shaping role you have played in CAN. I imagine there would never be an easy time to step away but what an opportunity to take your contribution to the world to another level. I know I will get the chance to say this again but all the very best for your studies and all the other amazing things you are going to do in your career/life.

ALISON DALZIEL

ON THEIR OWN EXHIBITION May 2012

Wow – that is big news Pilar – but very exciting!

Hopefully I’ll still get to see you at Chamber meetings and in other forums.

Congratulations on all you’ve achieved at CAN. AMY BARRETT-LENNARD

CEO SLEEPOUT NIGHT RAISING AWARNESS June 2012

Sad to hear you go. All the best for your research though.

KERRY O’SULLIVAN

Wow!!

You will be missed… by me and many others.

Thank you for delivering such an incredible network and support process for community arts. Thank you for all of your support during my Denmark Arts and Creative Albany years and more recently Ausdance WA. I will miss the ease at which you open your doors and make knowledge accessible. I love your energy, your willingness to show strength in vulnerability and strive to push through bias.

Your research sounds very exciting, and I can’t wait to hear how it is all going.

Good luck with the huge pack up and hand over you have ahead of you….. You will be a hard act to follow. xx JO SMITH

KAPOW! PROJECT September 2012

Pilar, I’m deinitely going to miss you – how strange it will be without you, and how will they ever replace you?!

Your passion, charisma and drive are incredible.

You have been such a vibrant and inspiring leader, to me and so many others.

I have loved working with you. Thank you so much for all you’ve taught me; for supporting, trusting and inspiring me; and for being such an awesome boss.

I wish you all the very best for your studies, I know it was a tough decision to make, but also that you’ll continue to do amazing things. Just keep on doing what you do. xxx SUZIE BOLTON

CHARRNOCK WOMAN SAND ANIMATION PROJECT October 2012

What fabulous news for your future. I am excited for you to be undertaking your doctorate.

And I’m sure for CAN it will be a shock to imagine life without your drive and commitment.

All the best to you for your future directions and successes.

SUE-ANNE WALLACE

MENTAL HEALTH GOOD OUTCOMES AWARDS October 2012 Congratulations! Sad to see you leave CAN, but what a wonderful opportunity!

All the very best!

PETE KIFT

Congratulations, Pilar, great news.

Best wishes for an exciting time ahead, and look forward to ‘crossing paths’.

WENDY NEWMAN

This is happy and sad news. On behalf of everyone at Creating Australia we wish you well for your new position at Curtin University!

STEFANIE VIANELLO

DREAM.PLAN.DO LAUNCH October 2012

I can tell you the arts won’t be the same without you - so don’t go too far away!

Congratulations on an outstanding contribution to the development of community arts and many other areas in WA – well done.

I had better have the opportunity to celebrate and say Adios properly at some time.

Take care, and deinitely the end of an era!

LINDSAY LOVERING

BANKSIA GROVE LAUNCH

Please wish the lovely Pilar all the best for me and I am sure I will see her around‌ best wishes.

PHILIP MITCHELL

October 2012 Oh Pilar,

Please extend my best wishes to Pilar, and wish her all the best for her academic life. Thank you for the support she has given over the years.

GWEN KNOX

Its with a heavy heart that we see you go! You have provided the industry with so much support, leadership and guidance over the years and I have always looked up to you with admiration and inspiration. I wish you all the very best and know that you will go on to do incredible things.

MONIQUE DOUGLAS

LWA END OF THE YEAR DINNER November 2012

Congrats Pilar - an exciting move.

Your contribution to CAN and the sector at large is immeasurable TOS MAHONEY

Pilar, you’re leaving, DAMN, you’re bloody great, you are.

Going to miss that infectious enthusiasm and that working of the connections. All the best with the study, and with it, I hope some new ideas can come to fruition that make a better world.

All the very best to you personally and this next stage of life and career as it takes you on a less familiar path and when we cross again I have no doubt we will all be richer for it.

Loved your work and will miss you lots.

STEVE SCARROTT

So sorry I cannot be there to say goodbye, but warmest wishes for your next adventure. I look forward to keeping in touch.

COLLEEN HAYWARD

CAN’S XMAS PARTY December 2012

Thanks Pilar for letting a Dutch girl on the team. Working at CAN was an amazing experience: such an awesome team, so many beautiful achievements and learning the Noongar way.

Muchas Gracias! Besos de Holanda!

MYLENE RAGON

Bon Voyage Matey!

Your energy and pizzazz are fabulous. Keep up the inspiring photography and best of luck with all your adventures.

Blessed Be FIONA BROWN

KEELA DREAMING FESTIVAL March 2013

CONGRATULATIONS – on the new opportunity …. as well as the tremendous body of work over the time at the helm at CANWA. Exciting !!!! (no-one to manage – YAY !!!)

Hopefully I will catch you around.

DAVID MELZER

BODDINGTON POLES LAUNCH May 2013

Oh Pilar! This is big news! And very exciting for you I imagine!

I hope we still ‘bump’ into each other whatever roles we are in in life… and I imagine we will. We may even initiate it now that we don’t have to deal with the work stuf!?

KATE GROSSO

THE SPIRIT OF YAGAN IS ALIVE AND WELL PROJECT May 2013

Congratulations Pilar, this sounds like an amazing opportunity and you leave CAN in such a strong position and eleven years is an incredible tenure. I wish you all the very best and look forward to catching up with Dr Kasat!

Congratulations again Pilar and best of luck for the next exciting chapter.

JOSEPHINE JOHNSON

BUSH BABIES KELLERBERRIN EXHIBITION

You will be missed Pilar.

June 2013

FRED CHANEY

Pilar, Congratulations!! –what an exciting opportunity!

You have made a tremendous impact on so many people both professionally and personally.

I am sure our paths will cross again in the future Best wishes as you take up this new challenge JODIE HOLBROOK

URBAN YOUTH CREW PERFORMANCE June 2013

Wow. That’s great (the study bit). You’re an amazing woman who’s achieved amazing things. They won’t be able to replace you.

Good luck xx COLIN WALKER

;) Love you COERT DU PLESSIS

STATIC CREW NAIDOC PERFORMANCE July 2013

How exciting for you!

I hope to catch up soon and hear more about that Doctorate and your plans.

TY HAYES

Although I didn’t really get a chance to work with you for more than a few months, I see you as the most amazing woman and also see what you have created here at CAN...what a phenomenal legacy you have let for us all to be a part of.

Good luck with your foray into academia...with love and respect.

CHRISSIE PARROTT

STRING THEORY SYDNEY EXHIBITION August 2013

While I’m sad that you will be leaving CAN, I’m happy that you will be doing your PhD, doing something that you love.

BONG

Congratulations on reaching a decision to take this exciting step. I look forward to the opportunities to catch up through LWA that I am conident will continue. I am sure that you are looking forward to building connections in a diferent sphere that is both academic and linked to the sustainability and development worlds.

IAN DUNCAN

BUSH BABIES NARROGIN EXHIBITION August 2013

All the very best for your future studies; well done you. You have been a brilliant leader Pilar, and very accessible and approachable which I have appreciated from my vantage point. It will be exciting to see who takes on the role and continues the work of CANWA as it goes ahead.

All the very best xx KAYE ABEL

I am sure CAN will miss you. You have done so much in your time there. I have only recently been conferred with my PhD and it has been a great journey – you were a part of it too!

All the very best with the next part of your life and may your last few months at CAN be wonderful.

DR SANDRA KREMPL

NOONGAR POP CULTURE PROJECT August 2013

So sad to hear that you are leaving, it won’t be the same without you, and the next person will have huge shoes to ill, all the best in your new endeavours, I have enjoyed working with CAN over the years. Til we meet again. All the best.

DELLA RAE MORRISON

DESERT FEET TOUR PROJECT September to November 2013

I am sorry I can’t be at your farewell which I know will be a fantastic gathering and recognition of your incredible work with CAN. It has always been a pleasure to work with you over many years and I have much admired your heartfelt commitment, passion and deep integrity in everything that you have done for CAN, artists, communities and the sector. My warmest best wishes for your next adventures! Have lots of fun too!

KARILYN BROWN

WARDANJI FESTIVAL November 2013

It has been such a pleasure working with you and getting to know you. You are a woman of vision and inspiration. I will miss being around your energy at work but I know we will continue our friendship into the future. Wishing you all the best with your new exciting journey.

Love Pauline & family xx PAULINE SIKWETI

STRING THEORY PICA EXHIBITION November 2013

WHHAATTTTTTT?????

Ok - I did NOT see that coming! Tis the year for change at CAN WA...sorry I mean CAN ;) But that’s awesome Pilar - congratulations on being ofered such a great opportunity! You smart cookie :) But man...CAN will not be the same without you.

Hope the Board are able to ind someone with even half the passion, love, support, energy, as you brought to the place xxx Ah, so weird to think of you not being there.....will take me a while to get used to that idea. Hopefully still get a chance to catch up either over here, or when I pop back to see everyone xx Missing you all.

NIKI DAVISON

CHARRNOCK WOMAN LAUNCH November 2013

Congratulations on the Doctoral scholarship, sounds like it will be a great opportunity and journey of discovery.

You will leave behind a strong legacy and growth of the organisation, which will be missed.

Hope to catch you before you leave to wish you all the best.

MARTY CUNNINGHAM

Thanks for your years of work with CAN. I’ll make sure the Minister sees the email.

All the best DAEVID ANDERSON

KARAMBANG FESTIVAL November 2013

You will be such a loss to the organisation, however having worked myself for a NGO (roughly for 11 years), I can fully understand your decision. There comes a time when one feels, one has done, what one can do and needs to move on.

I wish you all the best for the future and very much hope our paths will cross again!

UTA CONWAY

CAN’S XMAS PARTY December 2013

Through a strange set of circumstances I was working here for six months before even meeting you Pilar! I have to say though, the last six months have been a pleasure :) Your laugh, good humour and dance moves will be missed! All the best with the doctorate. ÂĄBuena suerte!

MATT SIVYER

Thanks for being you! Such a supportive, passionate, creative and driven leader that inspired us all who worked on your team. I learnt so much working with you, and let my time with CAN with the courage to take on my own creative pursuits. I wish you all the best as you embark on your next chapter and future study. I am sure that we will keep in touch for many years to come! Deinitely look me up if you come to NZ. EMMA FLETCHER

BROOME URBAN ART PROJECT January 2014

Hi Pilar I would have loved to come :( but I will be in Cambodia on two weeks leave and sooo looking forward to that. I am sure it will be a fantastic celebraciรณn! Hope we can stay in touch. All best xx JANE FRASER

PILAR’S GRADUATION February 2014

“A great adventure awaits you… all the best for it.”

DR. KIM DUNPHY

THE SPIRIT OF YAGAN LAUNCH March 2014

Thanks for informing of your departure.

I wish you all the best in achieving what you are reaching for. Who know we may cross paths again in the future.

All the best for now and into the future.

VANESSA CORUNNA

NOONGAR POP CULTURE LAUNCH April 2014

Very sad news for CAN WA, but excited for you on your new journey. Congratulations! What an honour to be head hunted to do a PhD - go you.

I am sure you will do amazing things and go amazing places.

Thank you so much for letting me be involved in all the exciting and important work you do at CAN WA, and for making CAN WA what it is today. It has been such a privilege to be involved.

Look forward to seeing what you do with your PhD. AMY QUAYLE

BUSH BABIES: HONOURING OUR ELDERS EXHIBITION - NARROGIN May 2014

Though I had only worked with you for a few short weeks, I came to know you as an amazing person. Your passion is contagious and your drive admirable! Thank you for giving me a chance to be your EA and for the opportunity to broaden my exposure in an understated sector.

All the best with your next journey!

MARY CHENG

HEALING SONGS FILMING May 2014

Pilar A truly great boss is hard to ind, diicult to part with and impossible to forget!

Thank you Pilar for all that you’ve done, for our Indigenous communities and beyond.

We thank you and love you with all our heart. Wishing you happiness for the future, the same happiness you’ve bought us and we did bring to you.

Farewell and we will see ya next time our family friend.

Love xx YOLANDE YARRAN

GNAALA KARLA BOOJA KARLA KURLINY: COMING BACK HOME May 2014

Congratulations on your news! Very sad for CAN and the sector but am sure you will never be far away from arts and social justice.

SIMONE FLAVELLE

NOONGAR POP FASHION PROJECT June to August 2014

I wish you all the best in your new adventures.

You are awesome leader Pilar!

ALICE LANGA

Pilar, you are such an inspiration. A true power house individual, working with you completely changed the course of my career for the better. Your drive, energy together with your incredible trust and belief in the people around you makes you an incredible person to know, work with and be led by.

Wishing you all the very best for your next chapter!

NICOLE WARREN

NANA PURPLE 100TH BIRTHDAY PARTY June 2014

Thank you for all your support with my irst Board appointment, thank you for sharing your dedication and passion for culture, community development and the arts, and thank you for the warmest of greetings and hugs whenever we caught up.

It has been an absolute pleasure to share the last two and half years with you on the CAN Board and I love your future focus toward sustainability.

My very best wishes to you as you take this next step and beyond.

ADAM MARR

“The joy of a spirit is the measure of its power.�

(Nino de Lendos, 1620-1705, France).

Long may your beautiful spirit live on Pilar.

ANNETTE EASSIE

BUSH BABIES: HONOURING OUR ELDERS EXHIBITION - WA MUSEUM July 2014

It has been an absolute honour and a privilege to work alongside you for the past ive years. You are such a strong, sincere and inspirational woman. Your commitment and the passion for what you do, is relected in the amazing organisation you have helped shape.

It’s going to be quite weird to work at CAN without you at the helm, but I know you will always stay connected to this place. So, it is with a mix of sadness in saying farewell and excitement in knowing that you are so ready for your next challenge that I say a temporary farewell and wish you all the best on your next adventure and I can tell you will dive in and take it on full throttle!!!

All the best Pilar. I will miss you xx MICHELLE WHITE

HIP HOP NAIDOC FAMILY DAY July 2014

Well this has come as a surprise!!! But what a marvelous opportunity for you to pursue your doctorate.

Look forward to sharing a goodbye and good luck drink or two with you.

JANE KING

BUSH BABIES BUNBURY PROJECT August 2014

Wishing you all the best.

SIAN BROWN

I had a feeling that this move was in progress. I just had no idea why or where to next. Following your heart is always an important part of life and sometimes takes a lot of courage. You have both in abundance. Congratulations on making this choice.

I hope to see you again soon.

JULIANA ABRAM

RURAL RHYTHMS PROJECT September 2014

Dear Pilar, you are such a beautiful lady with passion and talent. Whatever you do once you set mind to it, it will be accomplished.

I sincerely wish you happiness in life and great success in future!

GLORIA ZHANG

Pilar, it has been such an honour to work with you at CAN since 2008. With your committed and passionate leadership, CAN has continued to evolve and adapt, while staying true to its vision and maintaining the integrity of its work. I have treasured working in an environment where I am given the opportunity to thrive and have fun. Thank you for your warmth, your support, your creativity and your humour over the years. I will miss you Pilar!

Wishing you the very best with your studies.

JILL BROWN

HEAD TALES PROJECT September 2014

Lovely Pilar, Thank you for giving me the opportunity to grow in all diferent directions in community and the arts. This is not goodbye but cheers to the next chapter in your book and here’s to a lifelong friendship of big chats and warm cuddles. Love ya and will miss you in the oice.

NATALIE SCHOLTZ

Where to start! Back in 2006 I think?! What an inspiration you have been to me - as a staf member, Catalyst panel member and most recently as a Board member. You are one talented woman: passionate, committed, energetic, strong, and in possession of such a good sense of fun and humour! Not to mention how supportive, encouraging and appreciative you have been of me, as well as the many CAN staf. Those are certainly some big boots to ill! And while it may be farewell at CAN’s helm it is certainly not goodbye! I wish you all the very best for the next chapter…or rather chapterS (: of your life and PhD. Love always and keep on a rockin’!

SUSIE WALLER

NOONGAR POP FASHION SHOWCASE October 2014

You will be sorely missed, but the prospect of a PhD with scholarship is so exciting, I know why you couldn’t pass it up. All the. very best with it all.

MARGARET SEARES

HEALING SONGS ALBUM LAUNCH October 2014

Let it shine Congratulations on all you have achieved during your tenure at CAN WA, your legacy is a strong, robust and creative organisation.

JEREMY SMITH

BUSH BABIES MOORA PROJECT November 2014

Dear Pilar, When I irst arrived at CAN, I felt like a kid in a candy store. You had so many ideas and knowledge to pass on, everyday working with you has been delightful. But the store is closing too early for me, and I leave with my pockets half full. I admire you for all the work that you have done with the community, and your devotion towards a just and resilient society.

You are such a generous woman, and I feel so lucky I met you. All the best in your new adventure. It’s a brave move, and one that your heart has chosen. Your legacy will remain here at CAN, and also amongst the community. You leave behind so many smiles and memories.

CECILE LUCAS

YOUTH AWARDS NIGHT November 2014

Hey Pilar, So sad that you are leaving CAN. I don’t know how we are going to function without you but it should be ine. You have taught us well... Thank you so much for seeing potential in me and helping me become the leader I always wanted to be and helping me chase my dreams as a dancer. We will miss you and I hope nothing but success and happiness in your future endeavours. he people you come across and work with will have someone who is one in a million!

CONNIE YARRAN

BOYUP BROOK COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL February 2015

Pilar, excellent to hear that there is great work ahead of you!

Congratulations on your massive contribution to CAN. You have strengthen and grown this organisation and I hope you move onto new things knowing that you leave it in an admirable and socially powerful position.

Thank you for your work and dedication. All the best with the wrap up.

AMBER HASLER

LGA REPORT LAUNCH March 2015

Congratulations Pilar, that’s wonderful news for you. Great to have a new venture!

I think CAN and the arts sector will miss you profoundly. You’ve made a huge contribution. Enjoy your last weeks at CAN! See you on other side :) HELEN CURTIS

Wow! What a huge hole for CAN to ill! You have made such an enormous contribution to the organisation and the sector as a whole so you will leave with abundant good will for the next chapter of your life. I have little doubt that you will remain deeply connected to the arts it’s in your DNA. Of course we will continue to see you as a Chamber board member so it’s not goodbye as far as I’m concerned.

HENRY BOSTON

MOORDITJ DAY OUT FESTIVAL March 2015

Pilar, the journey with you & CAN has been so inspirational. You gave Noongar communities and Noongar people the opportunity to tell their stories and you inspired so many Noongar people and families. I thank you for giving us a door through to the Arts & Culture so we, as Noongars, can explore that world and continue that journey.

Thank you for showing us that there is something out there besides sitting around doing nothing, this journey we can get up and show others our culture and do it through songs, dance, doll making and eco-dyeing.

GERI HAYDEN

You will be sadly missed from CANWA – but a great boost for Curtin.

DAVID ANSELL

HEALING SONGS AUSTRALIA ELECTION COMMISSION PERFORMANCE May 2015

These are exciting new directions for you, for sure. On a personal note I would like to thank you for all you have done for CAN and for tirelessly raising the important issues that confront marginalised people in this state and the need for the arts to respond, nurture and support these communities.

DR RENÉE NEWMAN

Congratulations on all you have achieved with CAN. It must be quite an emotional moment for you but very exciting things ahead by the sounds of it.

ADRIAN BURNETT

WINMAR ROAD May 2014

CAN’S 3OTH ANNIVERSARY PARTY July 2015

Firstly congratulations on taking up the opportunity to pursue the Doctorate I think that is fantastic and your research topic is so important to the future of WA communities.

We will miss you from the leadership of CAN but you have built a resilient and capable organisation that will continue to lourish.

Very best wishes for the future.

DUNCAN ORD

A new start will make a diference in your life Pilar. It is a brave and smart decision. Be gentle on yourself in the transition. Thanks, your contribution does not go unrecognised.

LOCKIE MCDONALD

I only just saw the news that you have resigned.

Whilst I’m sure it must have been a tough decision, I am so happy for your choice to do a doctorate.

I really admire your ambition and passion for what you do, it’s very inspiring.

All the best with the MD/CEO hand over, and may you write the shit out of your doctorate.

All the best.

AMANDA CLARKE

Dearest Pilar, Today is a strange day for all of us. Full of nerves about unknown and excitement for the future.

You are leaving an organisation that you have led and grown over many years. The growth has been in size, reputation, heart and passion. You encourage people to dream; you see the possible in the impossible and with focus and purpose. Your fundamental belief that art and creativity make us better people who understand ourselves and the world more deeply is unwavering.

Having had the privilege to work with you so closely has meant that I’ve got to know you. And that will always be precious to me. You’ve inspired me as a leader, as a woman and as a friend.

So for now we say goodbye but i know that the friendship we have today will always be. Thank you Pilar Kasat - CAN will miss you for sure - but I will miss you immensely. I already do.

MONICA KANE

Would like to thank Pilar for giving me this fantastic opportunity to work with such beautiful and caring people. And too also work at what I love... ARTS. Farewell Pilar, I wish you all the best for the future.

MARCELLE RILEY

Hey Pilar! Thanks for all your hard work over the 11 years!

Despite me being at CAN for 11 months, I can see the impact you’ve had not just in the oice, but throughout the many communities you’ve worked in. I know you’ll be greatly missed by many. All the best for your next adventure!

SARAH FOSTER

BUSH BABIES GOOMALLING PROJECT June to August 2015

OMG!! Wowsers. Crikey.

Well, bloody good job Pilar. You have done amazing, amazing things for the sector, the state and hundreds of communities at CAN and I know how insanely hard you work.

THANK YOU And I’m happy for you. xx POPPY VAN OORDE-GRAINGER

BUSH BABIES GOOMALLING LAUNCH August 2015

I feel gited to have worked with someone with such drive, passion and clarity of vision, I wish you well as you continue your academic journey. You are simply one of the most vibrant and purposeful people I’ve ever met. I do hope we will continue working together – the social justice agenda is large and varied!

MATT BURROWS

Well done Pilar on an outstanding contribution to the sector. I’m sure it will continue in myriad ways. All best wishes for your doctoral studies.

TED SNELL

You will be missed Pilar - thank you so much for your passion, dedication and leadership. You are leaving mightily big shoes to ill. See you soon, I hope.

FIONA SYMONDS

When one considers Pilar’s background, it is not surprising she is such an outstanding advocate for the oppressed and voiceless.

Coming to Australia as a refugee (before that term had pejorative connotations) with little spoken English, she has become a leading advocate in community arts through her innate determination and force of character.

Pilar is recognised by her peers, both in Western Australia and nationally as an exemplar of her practice. Community Arts Network (CAN) has grown in so many ways that are not measured on a balance sheet. CAN has a reputation, in Western Australia and nationally not only by funding bodies but more importantly by the people CAN has the closest relationships, of delivering quality outcomes in a principled way, and with integrity. It has never been the case for Pilar of an outcome whatever the cost.

Pilar has an outstanding future waiting for her. She will continue to develop the conidence to back herself, and will remain an advocate for those who are without power.

GEORGE KINGSLEY

Thank you!