Lolly Jar Circus is Adelaide’s only inclusive circus classes for young people of all abilities.

Judy Bowden

Judy is a mother and a former civil litigation lawyer. She founded Lolly Jar Circus in 2013 to be a haven of inclusion, where all young people would feel safe, happy and accepted. For Judy, circus skills are tools for developing physical, mental and social health. She is constantly blown away by what our participants achieve, by the sensitivity of the trainers and the dedication of the board.

Founder and CEO

Michael Brown

Michael is a compassionate and authentic leader who has led state and national teams to deliver meaningful results for government and industry alike. Based on a foundation of knowledge, Michael dedicates himself to creating ecosystems that deliver economical value with increased social outcomes. Michael is pictured holding the Deb Dawson Award for Outstanding Service 2025.

Chair

Secretary

Robert Jones

Robert joined the board at the AGM in 2025. Robert is a transformational leader with extensive experience in operations management, strategic planning and business development.

Peter Featherston

Peter has been on the board since its first meeting in June 2013. He is a Chartered Accountant with Quantum Accounting. Having worked with clients across various industries and socio-economic backgrounds, Peter strongly believes that accounting is not only about numbers but also having care, empathy and understanding.

Treasurer

Tracey Corcoran

Tracey has extensive experience in working alongside infants, children and their families in the public service. In her various clinical, managerial and leadership roles, Tracey has worked in the fields of mental health, disability, child protection and child and family health.

Board Member

Ian Craig

Ian has been a member of the board since 2021. Ian's son Archer began attending LJC in 2017. Ian is a secondary special options teacher and has been teaching for 21 years. His understanding of teaching young people with disabilities and the governance issues that go with that is of great benefit to the board.

Board Member (parent rep)

Vicki Jacobs

Vicki Jacobs is a psychologist and has a Master of Business Management. She commenced her career as a computer systems analyst followed by a research psychologist in SAPOL. She then moved into management and consulting roles in the intellectual disability and health sectors, with specialties in women’s health, mental health and Aboriginal health.

Board Member

Jules is an experienced circus trainer and performer. Growing up at Cirkidz, she specialised in tumbling, acrobatics, skipping and juggling. She began teaching in 2019 and realised her passion for working with the next generation of circus stars. Outside of circus, Jules is studying to become a psychologist and has a particular interest in supporting young neurodivergent people.

Board Member (trainer rep)

Jules Macleod

Cathy Isam

Cathy joined the board in 2025. Cathy has an extensive career history, working across community, State and Commonwealth government sectors in health and community service related fields. Having originally trained as a social worker, most of her work has been in program and project management, business development and service improvement roles.

Ellie McMahon

Ellie joined the board in 2025. Ellie is a former paramedic turned people leader in the disability sector, and a passionate advocate for disability and mental health. With extensive experience in circus arts and theatre both in Australia and abroad, Ellie believes in the power of circus to spark confidence, joy and connection in young people.

Haydn Jones

Haydn joined the board in 2025. Haydn is a lawyer with a Masters of Public Policy. As a Law/legal & Policy Professional, his focus is on creating and implementing structural reforms that strengthen governance through collaborative think tanks designed to navigate an ever-evolving private sector.

Argyro Vourdoumpa

Argyro joined the board in 2025. Argyro has spent over a decade working in communications and community engagement across Australia and abroad, leading programs that bring people together through creativity and shared purpose. Her work has focused on amplifying diverse voices, building partnerships and helping diverse voices feel seen and valued.

The team