A new chapter for Centre for Stories

January 12, 2026

As Centre for Stories enters its second decade, we are sharing an important update about our leadership.

Caroline Wood has stepped down as Chief Executive Officer at the end of 2025. From January 2026, Dr Robert Wood has taken on the role of CEO and Creative Director, alongside Cheryl Centen as General Manager.

This transition reflects a considered handover after ten years of growth, impact, and community-building. It is both a moment of gratitude and the beginning of a new chapter.

A decade of building a home for stories

Under Caroline’s leadership, Centre for Stories grew from an ambitious idea into a nationally recognised, community-led arts organisation. What began as the restoration of an old Queen Anne building on Aberdeen Street became something far more meaningful: a place where stories are taught, shared, and celebrated.

Over the years, Centre for Stories has supported writers and storytellers at every stage of their journey. Our programs have helped voices from across Western Australia find form, confidence, and audience. Writers from our community have been published and awarded, performed on major stages, and invited into national and international conversations. Our First Nations, youth, writing and oral storytelling programs have deepened in impact, grounded in strong partnerships and community trust.

“What I am most proud of is the feeling people describe when they walk through our doors,” Caroline Wood says. “We have created a welcoming and inclusive space where people feel safe to share their stories and be heard. That sense of belonging is at the heart of everything we do. As I step down as CEO, I do so with great confidence in the team and in the future of Centre for Stories.”

That sense of belonging will remain central to everything we do.

The next chapter

From January 2026, Dr Robert Wood serves as CEO and Creative Director. Robert has worked with Centre for Stories since 2018 and brings deep experience as a writer and academic, alongside a strong understanding of the organisation and its community.

“It is an honor and privilege to lead Centre for Stories,” Robert says. “With our commitment to storytelling, we can continue to nourish and empower diverse voices in a number of artistic ways. With a capable team and a strong community, we will grow in important ways in the years to come.”

Cheryl Centen steps into the role of General Manager, overseeing operations and organisational development to ensure the Centre remains well supported as it continues to grow.

“I’m looking forward to supporting this next phase at Centre for Stories,” Cheryl says. “With strong foundations in place, I’m confident that we, as an organisation, will continue to operate with integrity, intention, and sustainability, allowing our people, partnerships and programs to thrive.”

Centre for Stories is supported by an experienced and committed Board and a multidisciplinary team of writers, producers, facilitators and program staff. Our mission, programs and community partnerships continue without interruption.

We are deeply grateful to Caroline for the care, vision, and leadership she has given over the past decade. We look forward to the next chapter with Robert, Cheryl, our team, and the many writers, storytellers, supporters and partners who make this place what it is.

Centre for Stories remains what it has always been: a home for stories, and a place where people are welcomed, listened to, and supported to speak.

Read our Media Release.