Queensland Theatre together with the Queensland State Government have has announced the appointment of Dean Gibson, a Guugu Yimithirr man, as the new Chair of the Queensland Theatre Board.
Mr Gibson’s appointment follows the resignation of Elizabeth Jameson, who stepped down from the role on 26 May after an impressive tenure of service. During Ms Jameson’s tenure, Queensland Theatre experienced notable transformations, including the reimagining of the Bille Brown Theatre, the expansion of the Youth and Education Program, and the sustained operations during the pandemic.
Dean Gibson is a first nations filmmaker, storyteller and producer, with an impressive range of award-winning work featured on ABC, SBS and NITV. He is also familiar with Queensland Theatre, having been part of its Board for three years – starting in May 2021 – since becoming its Deputy Chair in June 2022. He also chaired the company’s Indigenous Reference Group, where he contributed to the artistic direction and programming of First Nations storytelling, as well as creating pathways and opportunities for First Nations artists and creatives.
Gibson was not the only new inclusion to the Queensland Theatre board. The board also welcomes three new members: Stephanie Parkin (Quandamooka woman, co-founder of Parallax Legal), Christine Castley (Chief Executive Officer of Multicultural Australia), and Michael Dart (Chief Customer Officer at Energy Queensland). They will join Mr Gibson and existing members Tracey Barker, Liz Burcham, Associate Professor Stephen Carleton, Rachel Crowley, and Susan Learmonth.
Please jump to the next page to read statements from key stakeholders from the Queensland State Government and Queensland Theatre:
