Idea to Impact with Refinery
The ultimate way to grow your creative practice into a sustainable business? By surrounding yourself with the right people and learning from the best. Rebecca Jamieson Dwyer discovers the Sunshine Coast arts initiative turning ideas into reality…
Now in its seventh year, The Refinery Creative Business Incubator program presented by SCCA has helped a whopping 86 creative practitioners test their ideas, exploring their potential to become thriving, sustainable ventures.
Led by inspirational facilitator Dr Hayley Linthwaite and featuring a stellar lineup of guest experts (including our very own Editor-in-Chief Deb Caruso, who shared her wisdom with this year’s R|7.0 cohort on the power of branding), it inspires creative individuals across all genres – including photography, fine art, music, ceramics and more – to understand their value, identify new markets, build an entrepreneurial mindset, and position themselves as creative leaders in their field.
The program culminates in a public showcase, where participants pitch their refined concepts to a network of industry, government and business leaders. The goal is to build confidence, clarity and momentum, but equally as important is the sense of camaraderie that grows within each cohort – a shared creative energy that leads to lasting friendships and future collaborations.
Past success stories include cellist Louise King, who launched the boutique, artist-led music festival Long Listen; jewellery maker Kate Foley, who opened her own jewellery and small objects gallery, Adorn, in Montville; interior designer Sally Stent of Eco Interiors, who carved out a niche in biophilic design; and Cooper Brady, the nurse-turned-in-demand wedding photographer known for capturing “photos you can feel”.
Another standout graduate, Jade Stevens, spent a decade in the Torres Strait before coming to The Refinery to research and plan her business concept Art Habit – an innovative platform that transforms luxury venues into immersive art experiences. She says The Refinery was a turning point for her.
“The absolute gold delivered through this program was invaluable,” she said. “R|6.0 equipped me with the confidence and readiness to launch my business, and I left feeling fully prepared to articulate and promote my vision seamlessly.”
Here’s a snapshot of the talented people in the current R|7.0 cohort – we can’t wait to follow along on their journeys of creative business discovery and growth!
Jenny Wynter @jenwynter
Jenny is an internationally award-winning comedian on a mission to boost people’s moods through high energy interactive comedy that’s as joyful and mind-blowing as it is kind. Whether through her hilarious corporate keynotes and live performances – that fuse music and comedy with warm-hearted audience interaction – her books, online community Funny Mummies, or her film and TV projects, Jenny’s unique comedy leaves people uplifted, more connected and re-energised.
Edwina Masson @call.me.edde
Grapevine is a digital sanctuary for artists of all disciplines, designed to keep creativity alive. In development for launch in January 2026 by musician and educator Edwina Masson, the Grapevine app is a platform for an artist community to gather, to collectively inspire each other, share, and create new work. In a world dominated by content culture, Grapevine is a refreshing reprieve for artists, driving them off their phones and into their studios. It tethers artists of all forms back to their creative selves.
Spencer Davids @tinymountainsmedia
Tiny Mountains inspires curiosity by building bespoke community events that gather and connect hinterland artists with audiences. For example, in September 2025, Tiny Mountains will present the history of the hinterlands region through projections on the historic Noosa Shire Council building. Driven to tell the stories from the hinterland areas, Tiny Mountains also curates events and workshops to teach residents how to tell their stories in visual media.
Georgia Haupt @gdocs.co
Georgia is a photographer and videographer who founded G Docs out of her passion for capturing the artistry of movement and her desire to champion performing artists. Specialising in dance, theatre, and music, G Docs captures the complete creative journey – from initial development, through to rehearsals and performance. With an understanding of how to visually capture the creative process, Georgia creates compelling visual assets that serve as both artistic archive and professional tool and assist artists to articulate their vision, expand their audience reach, and secure partners.
Sara Ingram @sara_ingram_art
Sara is a visual artist who creates bold, collectible ceramic and mixed media artworks that are political and speak with emotional honesty. Her provocative work spotlights the plights of those who feel unseen: people navigating mental health, marginalisation or disconnection.
Her practice is deeply personal and uses a raw, reflective process that transforms her lived experience into a powerful visual language. Sara’s ability to hold space for discomfort, complexity, and truth, enables her to lead and support a growing community of artists who share her passion for political art.
Mia Gimenez @gimenezvoiceacademy
Gimenez Voice Academy (GVA) empowers singers of all ages and stages to discover their voice – and themselves – through the transformative power of performance. From classical to theatrical to rock, GVA offers private coaching, creative workshops, artist development, and community-rooted performance experiences. Founded by award-winning performer and educator Mia Gimenez, GVA blends technical voice training with emotional freedom to inspire connection, confidence, and authenticity. Mia is bringing global experience and heart to the Sunshine Coast’s creative scene.
Ro Clark @roclarkart
Ro is a Sunshine Coast-based artist and qualified graphic designer with over 14 years’ industry experience. After acquiring a spinal cord injury in 2019, she found solace and expression through her painting. Ro works from her home studio, creating original acrylic artworks, limited edition prints and seamless repeat pattern designs. With a lifelong passion for art and design, Ro brings both technical skill and emotional depth to her practice. Her work invites you to connect and reflect as she shares her personal growth in understanding that pain and beauty can co-exist.
Mary McGilvray @marymcgilvray_photography
Mary is a photographer who empowers passionate female business owners and leaders to be seen for who they truly are – in work and in life – through story-led, personal branding photography. Mary partners with emerging and accomplished leaders who value connection, purpose, and making real impact. She guides them to reveal the person behind the business. Her calm and empowering sessions help clients reconnect with their values and vision and celebrate the real person. The result is imagery that builds trust, deepens connection and showcases the person standing confidently in their true character, ready to make a difference.
Kerrie Harth @kerrieharthcreative
Kerrie Harth is a passionate believer in the importance of child-led play and the role creativity plays in developing children’s thinking, negotiation and problem-solving skills. Her business centres on creating opportunities for joy, curiosity and creative expression in children. Through photography and immersive art experiences, she enables educators, parents and carers to bring creativity into children’s play.
SCCA Chair Liz Burcham said The Refinery 7.0 cohort reflects the broad range of creatives within the Sunshine Coast community.
“As the only program of its kind that supports the development of entrepreneurial knowledge and skills in the creative industries, we are proud to invest in the development of creative business leaders who are future-ready,” she said.
Follow The Refinery on social media @therefineryincubator to stay updated on the R|7.0 cohort’s journey, as well as discover other programs, short courses, talks and more!
