Glasshouse boss looks to future

The father-of-two will be doing just that in his new job as Glasshouse manager.

“I’m very proactive in my past experience of getting out in the community and talking to people,” he said.

More than 200,000 people have been through the building in its first 12 months.

There have been sell-out shows and awards, and the gallery team is developing its association with national bodies.

Mr Conneely has almost 18 years’ experience in the music and entertainment industries.

His former roles include marketing and sponsorship management at Westfield and special projects director at Greenpeace Australia Pacific.

Mr Conneely’s wife, Jessica, is a professional ballet dancer.

He said the Glasshouse was such a fabulous looking space with a strong team of staff.

“It is something to be proud of,” Mr Conneely said.

“I’m happy to champion it within the community and at state and national level.”

Mr Conneely knew of the Glasshouse when he applied for the job.

He is now firmly focused on the future rather than the building’s controversy.

“I’m excited by the prospect of managing the Glasshouse,” he said.

“The Glasshouse team and the building is receiving rave reviews both locally and nationally - there is huge potential for growth and

community involvement.”

Port Macquarie-Hastings Council community and cultural development director Lesley Atkinson said the council was delighted to have someone of Mr Conneely’s experience and calibre to lead the Glasshouse team into a new era.

“He was an outstanding applicant with excellent marketing and management credentials,” she said.

Mr Conneely replaces former Glasshouse manager Agris Celinskis who resigned in February.