BEc, Dip Decorative Arts
At 168¿ª½±¹ÙÍø’s 1957
The Hon Ashley Dawson-Damer AM (nee Mann) has throughout her life been an active supporter of the arts in Australia and has made a significant contribution through membership on the boards of several high-profile arts and cultural organisations.
A director of Yuills group of companies since 2000, Ashley Dawson-Damer is a foundation board director of the University of Technology Sydney, a board member of the Opera Australia Capital Fund (since 2014), a member of the Art Gallery of NSW Trust (since 2014) and a trustee of the National Gallery of Australia Foundation (since 2004). She was previously a Festival of Sydney board director from 2012 to 2016, alternate for the NSW Premier from 2012 to 2014, board director of the National Art School from 2012 to 2014, member of the National Gallery of Australia Council from 2005 to 2014, board member of the National Institute of Dramatic Art from 1997 to 2003, trustee of the Museum of Sydney Foundation from 1995 to 1999 and member of the Acquisitions Committee for the Australiana Fund from 1993 to 1994.
Ashley has also been a trustee of the National Gallery Foundation since 2004, and a member of the Opera Australia Capital Fund Council of Governors since 2005.
A published author, Ashley’s books include A Particular Woman (Ventura Press, 2020), a personal memoir of love, loss, resilience and courage, On Our Terms, a self-published life lessons book for women on health and happiness, and Ripe Energy, a lifestyle book on women’s health after 40. Ashley also spent several years as the Gardens Editor for Belle Magazine and has also contributed articles to Vogue Australia.
An experienced public speaker, Ashley is often called upon to guest lecture at high profile events, schools and universities.
In 2014, Ashley became a member of the Order of Australia for significant service to the visual and performing arts as a supporter and benefactor of cultural institutions, and to medical research, and in 2020, was awarded the Chevalier des Arts et de Lettres by the French Government.
View all notables