- Aboriginal filmmaker Dean Gibson is the first Aboriginal person to be appointed as Chair of the Queensland Theatre Board
- Long-standing Queensland Theatre Chair Elizabeth Jameson AM has finished her term after 11 years with the company
- Intellectual property lawyer Stephanie Parkin, Multicultural Australia CEO Christine Castley and energy executive Michael Dart have been appointed as Board members
The Miles Government has today announced the appointment of Guugu Yimithirr man Dean Gibson as the new Chair of the Queensland Theatre Board, marking an important milestone as the first Aboriginal person to hold this leadership position with the company.
Mr Gibson’s appointment follows Elizabeth Jameson’s decision to step down from the role on 25 May, after 11 years of service.
Under Ms Jameson’s leadership, Queensland Theatre has undergone significant transformation, including reimaging of the Bille Brown Theatre as a nationally renowned space for creatives, the growth of the company’s Youth and Education Program and its sustained operations during the pandemic.
Mr Gibson is a renowned filmmaker, storyteller and producer, with his Logie Award-winning work featured on ABC, SBS and NITV and has served on the Queensland Theatre Board since May 2021.
Mr Gibson assumes the position of Chair following a term as Deputy Chair of Queensland Theatre since June 2022, and as Chair of the company’s Indigenous Reference Group where he has contributed to the company’s artistic direction and programming of First Nations storytelling, and guided pathways and opportunities for First Nations artists and creatives.
The Queensland Theatre Board also welcomes three new members – Stephanie Parkin, Christine Castley and Michael Dart – to work alongside Mr Gibson and existing members Tracey Barker, Liz Burcham, Associate Professor Stephen Carleton, Rachel Crowley and Susan Learmonth.
Stephanie Parkin is a Quandamooka woman, co-founder of Parallax Legal, and an intellectual property lawyer dedicated to promoting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander rights and protocols within the arts and other industries.
Christine Castley is Chief Executive Officer of Multicultural Australia, which provides services and support programs for refugees and migrant communities and has extensive senior leadership and advisory experience in state government.
Michael Dart is Chief Customer Officer, Energy Queensland with significant executive management, stakeholder relations, policy development and communications experience for state and local governments and private sectors.
As stated by the Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch:
“Queensland Theatre plays a vital role in sharing our stories, advancing our creative workforce and helping to shape our cultural identity as we look to the global stage of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” Minister Enoch said.
“Dean will be a champion of First Nations stories as Chair of Queensland Theatre, and his award-winning screen experience will help drive the company to new levels of theatrical diversity, innovation and connection with audiences and communities.
“I want to thank departing Chair Elizabeth Jameson for her distinguished service and acknowledge her extraordinary contributions and commitment to growing Queensland Theatre as an internationally renowned company.
“I also welcome new Board members Stephanie Parkin, Christine Castley and Michael Dart, who bring broad experience and will work with the new Chair and other members to secure Queensland Theatre’s continued success.”
As stated by new Queensland Theatre Chair, Dean Gibson:
Story is everything. It’s the heart of who we are. My career behind the camera has taught me that it all starts with a story and ends with a story. Story must be at the heart of this company—stories that challenge, stories that celebrate, and stories that bring truth to our past—they all have their place on our stages, across Queensland,” he said.
“I hope my time as Chair of Queensland Theatre reflects my commitment to robust storytelling and artistic opportunities, especially for our Queensland stories and artists.
As I step into this role following the outstanding service and oversight from Elizabeth Jameson, I am deeply grateful for her friendship, mentorship, and unwavering support. She has not only been a great friend but also a guiding light for Queensland Theatre.
“Moving forward, I warmly welcome Michael Dart, Stephanie Parkin and Christine Castley to the Board, knowing that their extensive experience and knowledge will greatly benefit the company.
“As we approach pivotal moments in our state, including truth-telling and the Brisbane Olympics 2032, I am confident that Queensland Theatre will play a pivotal role in amplifying our stories and people to the world through the magic and power of live theatre.”
As stated by Elizabeth Jameson AM:
“It has been an honour to serve the theatre-loving community of Queensland these past eight years, through a time of so much challenge and change.
“I pay tribute to the artistic giants of Queensland Theatre’s past and present on whose shoulders we all stand.
“It is pleasing to leave the company in such excellent hands under the board leadership of much-valued colleague Dean Gibson and the executive leadership of the visionary Criena Gehrke and I look forward to the doubtless exciting appointment of the next Artistic Director.”
