Wowser! Great appointment, even if only interim!

 

Katherine Connor | Executive Director | PAC Australia | +61 (0) 419 428 412   |  paca.org.au

 

From: Liz Astin <liz@vapac.org.au>
Sent: Wednesday, 17 June 2026 2:22 PM
To: Nkechi Anele <nkechi@vapac.org.au>; Jade Smith <jade@vapac.org.au>
Subject: Announcement from the VAPAC Chair | Interim Leadership Appointed & Executive Director Recruitment Underway

 

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Interim Leadership Appointed & Executive Director Recruitment Underway



Dear Members,



As your Chair, my priority is keeping our membership informed and maintaining confidence in the direction of VAPAC. I’m pleased to announce that Penny Miles has been appointed as Interim Executive Director, effective immediately, to maintain momentum while we undertake a formal recruitment process for the permanent Executive Director role.



About Penny Miles

Penny is a seasoned executive leader with over 30 years' experience across the creative industries and government. Her career spans senior roles in state and federal government, statutory agencies, cultural institutions and philanthropy, with deep expertise in arts and cultural funding models, workforce strategy, industry development and organisational governance.



As the facilitator and author of the 2026 National Performing Arts Technical Safety & Workforce Report, and having served as CEO of Arts On Tour, Executive Producer at Circa and Fund Manager for Playing Australia, Penny brings both sector-wide perspective and on-the-ground producing experience that few can match. She has also spent six years heading the NSW & ACT Venue Association and continues to advise organisations including Arts NSW, Moonee Valley Council, State Library Victoria, the Substation and HOTA on reform, strategy and governance.



Penny is a trusted advisor to governments, executives and boards on complex, high-impact decisions and we are fortunate to have her during this transition.



Recruiting our next Executive Director

Alongside this announcement, we are actively seeking our next permanent Executive Director, a leader who will shape the future of VAPAC and champion our sector.



The position is now open and we encourage suitably experienced candidates to apply. The role will be advertised across LinkedIn, ArtsHub and our website. For full details and to view the candidate pack, please visit the role listing on our website.



We warmly welcome you to share this opportunity within your networks. The strength of our sector lies in its people and finding the right leader matters to all of us.



Our team remains your best point of contact throughout this period. Each area of our work has a dedicated contact, ensuring you continue to receive informed, responsive support:

 

§   Jade Smith, Program Producer jade@vapac.org.au

§   Liz Astin, Marketing Manager liz@vapac.org.au

§   Nkechi Anele, Development Manager nkechi@vapac.org.au 



Thank you for your continued support of VAPAC. We look forward to updating you as this process progresses.



Warm regards,



Eli Dunlevie

VAPAC Chair

 

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