Caroline Knaggs
Publicity Coordinator

A passionate, enthusiastic and dedicated volunteer, Caroline has a wealth of knowledge, skills and ideas derived from over 20 years experience volunteering in PR for a variety of not for profit organisations. She was recently selected to take part in the inaugural Women in Music Mentor Program, a nationwide initiative run by AIR, and backed by the Australian Government.

Caroline designs, develops and implements strategies to promote Play It Forward, our concerts, projects and events. She is involved in our PR from inception through to performance, including proofreading and editing collateral, writing press releases and publicising events through a wide variety of media and means. She has promoted concerts in Australia, the UK and the US.

Caroline is driven by her commitment to the inclusive ethos of Play It Forward and her desire to make a difference and to give back to the community.

Tineke Thijs Westwood
Choir Coordinator & Projects Manager

Tineke is a community leader and former business owner living in the Latrobe Valley in beautiful Gippsland who is passionate about sharing the joy of singing, Tineke’s involvement with Play It Forward commenced in 2013 with the Opera Australia Community Choirs project resulting in an unforgettable massed choir performance of 400 singers with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl in Melbourne, which touched her heart and was the start of a new beginning. 

Since that time, Tineke has been working closely with Jonathon Welch and Jan Hamilton at Play It Forward to deliver many community programs and projects to the Latrobe Valley in Gippsland.

Tineke has managed Play it Forward's Latrobe Valley Community Choir program since it began and, more recently, the YES I CAN! Gippsland Choir, an inclusive all abilities choir. The recent Australia Day 2022 Latrobe City Council Recognition Award for the My Valley, My Home virtual video project, demonstrated TIneke's deep belief in what can be achieved when a community comes together to reach a common goal whilst having fun. Through music and social interaction, Tineke brings people together to celebrate, raise awareness and stand up for our community giving a sense of belonging and building strong connections. 

Tom Corcoran
Stage Management & Special Projects

Tom graduated from the Victorian College of the Arts in 2017 where he undertook a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Production) majoring in Stage Management. During his time at VCA, he interned with Melbourne Theatre Company and Opera Australia.

Tom is a member of THECHOI!R and thoroughly enjoys being part of the administrative team for Play It Forward.

He has been part of the team that have brought Melbourne International Singers Festival, many other events and concerts at a variety of venues. Tom looks forward to many other exciting opportunities that the Play It Forward provide.

Michelle Fidler
Stage Management

Michelle has been involved in community music since roles in her secondary school musicals lead to the local theatre company and variety shows as fundraisers for local community groups.  

Michelle has sung with a number of choirs, including the Essendon Chorale, the Alphingtones, the CWA State Choir and THECHO!R, and has entertained at local festivals, hospitals and nursing homes with a small a cappella group.  She has undertaken various administrative roles with each of the choirs she has engaged with.  Since joining the Play It Forward team, Michelle has found that her range of experience comes together in her role as stage manager.  

Michelle has jointly coordinated the Music From the Wetlands Festival on the banks of the Yarra River in Alphington since 2015.   She is the Secretary of Melbourne Street Choir Inc; a member of the Governance Board of the Alphington Community Centre; and the Alphington Branch President and Mitchell Group Secretary of the Country Women's Association of Victoria Inc.