Our Festival Cultural Ambassadors
Aisha Novakovich (Ambassadors co-creator)
Aisha was the Chair of Roots TV, a grassroots not-for-profit in WA that utilises film, digital media and the performing arts to provide platforms for multicultural and marginalised community members to develop and amplify their own stories.
Aisha is also the Founder of Modest Fashion Australia (MFA) and Secret Sky, a website that sells modest fashion products and supports local and international modest fashion designers.
Aisha graduated from the University of WA (UWA) with a Bachelor of Arts (Political Science and English majors), with Honours in Political Science and Feminist Literary Criticism, and a Bachelor of Law.
Rin Nelson
Rin is a West Australian born and raised, with proud Indonesian roots. When she is not full-time mum to her four awesome kids (and wifey to my top bloke Matt) herjoy lies in being The Foodie Mama on Instagram, writing reviews and photographing food.
Spending 9.5 years abroad has enriched her appreciation for the diversity we find in people today. And since returning to Perth in 2020, she is passionate about fair and equal representation of backgrounds and culture in social media. Rin is honoured to be an Ambassador and looks forward to being part of the Perth Fest family for a fourth year.
Thais Carrascoza
Thais Carrascoza is a Brazilian-born community leader and cultural advocate based in Perth. With a background in business and finance, she transitioned her career to community services and development to pursue her passion for community empowerment, social inclusion, and cultural diversity.
She is the Founder and President of the Brazilian Community Association WA, where she brings people together through cultural festivals, performances, workshops, and community projects that celebrate Brazilian heritage while fostering intercultural dialogue. Under her leadership, the Association has delivered sporting programs, expos, and cultural events that use art, music, and storytelling as tools for connection and belonging.
Thais has worked with local government and not-for-profit organisations, including the City of Cockburn and ASeTTS, where she supported multicultural initiatives, community support, and programs that give voice to diverse communities.
Recognised as a 2024 WA Training Awards winner for her achievements in community services, she is now pursuing a Master’s in Community Development at Murdoch University, where she continues to use culture, creativity, and community connections to foster inclusion and belonging across Western Australia.
Bec Ngyuen
Bec was born and raised in Perth, with a diverse heritage encompassing both Chinese and Vietnamese roots. She is honoured and excited to be a Perth Festival Ambassador so I can help champion equity; arts and culture; and engagement to the wider community.
With over a decade of experience in the arts (with a dual career in technology!), a strong and vocal advocate for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Colour) she brings a deep passion for creativity and supporting underrepresented communities to find their voice to tell their stories.
Colin Archibald
I am honoured to serve as a Cultural Ambassador for Perth Festival, representing diverse voices and stories that connect heritage, identity, and belonging. Of Jamaican heritage, born in London and now based in Perth, my journey has been shaped by resilience, creativity, and a deep commitment to community empowerment. As a storyteller, playwright, and curator, I use art to spark dialogue, challenge perspectives, and build bridges across cultures. My work explores personal and historical narratives that has resonated with audiences, while my community engagement work creates pathways for youth, underrepresented voices, and new cultural connections. At Perth Festival, I hope to amplify stories that inspire empathy, celebrate diversity, and showcase the transformative power of creativity by building awareness and accessibility to the arts.