The woman who has inspired and lent a helping hand to artists has resigned as the regional arts development officer to take up a position with Parramatta Council.

Orana Arts board chairwoman Jen Shearing said Ms Spencer would be greatly missed and always welcome in the Orana Arts area.

Ms Spencer packed her six years with the organisation with activities to raise the profile of the arts.

In 2006 she was part of an Orana Arts group that slept outside the Western Plains Cultural Centre to be the first through its doors and was Marilyn Monroe and other living statues at Dubbo events.

Ms Spencer was an absolute stalwart of the regional arts board and regional arts programs and a support to artists, Ms Shearing said.

“Merryn has shown great commitment to regional arts and also to the community to the point where she was an elected councillor at Gilgandra,” she said.

“All her talents were acknowledged through Women Out West’s inaugural Woman of the Year Award (which Ms Spencer won).”

Ms Spencer informed supporters of her new role as

creative broker through an email on Friday.

“Throughout this time I have learned so much and come into contact with so many unbelievably dedicated and strong people, as artists, as volunteers, in the local or state government or private sector roles within the region,” she said.

“I have had some unique opportunities for personal growth and will be eternally grateful for making a real difference in the communities within the Orana Arts geographic mandate.”

Orana Arts advertised the vacant position and applications have now closed.

Interviews will be conducted next week and Ms Shearing was preparing for a tough job because “there’s a big pair of shoes to fill”.