Previous officer Sam Yates was promoted in November to Country Arts SA’s central region manager after spending more than half a decade in Port Augusta.

Off the back of the Regional Centre for Culture Program and the Port Augusta Re-Imagines! initiative, Ms Twigg-Patterson said she was excited to continue the good vibe the city had for the arts.

“You’ve got one of the most amazing spaces with the barracks and institute,” she said.

Ms Twigg-Patterson has a strong background in the arts and media.

She was a graphic designer for 20 years before moving into public relations and north to Aboriginal art centres in the Anangu Pitantjatjara Yankunytjatjara lands.

She worked in Tjala Arts and then Papunya Tjupi Arts where her beloved whippet Purdey helped out as guard dog to the galleries.

“Purdey used to act as a guard dog to keep the camp dogs out of the spaces,” Ms Twigg-Patterson said.

“I don’t know if that would work here in Port Augusta (laughs) – we’ll have to see.”

Most recently Ms Twigg-Patterson lived in Sydney and travelled to Port Augusta in time to celebrate with the city for Australia Day.

She said she hoped to work closely with the arts community to showcase the great talent the region had, while attracting touring pieces and shows to the region to keep the vibe of Re-Imagines! alive.