Leadership transition underway at GALA

Kelso Looker learning the ropes with Dorothy Lockyer

03rd Jun 2025

Zander Lloyd

By Zander Lloyd

Change is underway at the Guyra Adult Learning Association (GALA). Long standing Executive Officer Dorothy Lockyer is preparing to step back and Kelso Looker has joined the team. He will transition into the role over the coming months.
Dorothy has been the Executive Officer at GALA for ‘Quite a number of years’. During that time the organisation has grown from conducting sewing lessons in people’s homes and providing basic computer classes (with a $2000 grant), to employing multiple trainers and office staff who conduct training courses across the New England.
As Executive officer Dorothy currently oversees the running of the Guyra office as well as offices in Armidale and Glen Innes. After many years at the helm she has now decided to step back and has welcomed Kelso Looker to the team. Plans are that by the end of July he will take on many of the Executive Officer duties.
Kelso is no stranger to the area and has a lot of family connections to the Guyra district. His Grandparents still live around Ben Lomond where his father grew up and Kelso has lived between Glen Innes, Ben Lomond, Llangothlin and Armidale since he left school.
He is already familiar with the business through involvement with the management committee and has worked with the team in a voluntary capacity with the Armidale and Guyra Show Societies.
“So far it has been a really easy transition because I’m already familiar with the people and the programs,” Kelso said.
“I’ve been very busy familiarising myself with the programs already in place and I’ve learnt a lot of stuff very quickly.
“From answering the phone to dealing with the customers I’ve been busy getting to know how everything works.
“I think GALA is a vital part of the community and helps to keep the town thriving.
“It is a quiet gem - not many know exactly what we do but if we didn’t do it everyone would notice.”
“I’m looking forward to working with the team and building on the great work that Dot has done during her time here.”

Going strong for 100 years

Phone	(02) 6779 2347
Email	Contact Us
Social

Leadership transition underway at GALA

Menu

News

Contact