SKIWA Mentor · 2026 Cohort
Brooke Kelly
Events Lecturer · South Metropolitan TAFE
28 years in events — from a Fremantle Arts Centre traineeship to training the next generation.
My story
I left Year 12 with no plan and no idea what I wanted to do. I took on a business traineeship at the Fremantle Arts Centre — and stumbled into what's now a 28-year career in events.
Early on, I applied to study Arts Management at WAAPA three years in a row and got knocked back at interview each time. When the uni opened a few extra spots, I finally got in — and smashed my first year. Then I was offered a great event management and programming role, and chose real-world experience over finishing the degree.
From there my career evolved organically. I said yes to opportunities, figured things out as I went, and worked with major event players along the way. Now I train the next generation at South Metro TAFE — teaching the real version of the industry, and I love it. There's no perfect path. And sometimes the opportunities that change everything aren't the ones you plan for.
How I help
I help in practical ways rather than just offering advice — getting things set up and moving. I break things down so they don't feel overwhelming, build confidence, and show people how to handle real situations, especially when things go wrong. I share the mistakes I've made and what I'd do differently. My style is simple: help you figure it out, then set you up to keep going on your own.
Why I mentor
I genuinely enjoy helping people figure things out — especially at that early stage of not knowing where they fit or what they're capable of. Seeing the shift when someone realises they can actually do it — that's what I get out of it.
