Indigenous filmmaker Dean Gibson has become the first Aboriginal person to be appointed as chair of the Queensland Theatre Board.
The Guugu Yimithirr man replaces Elizabeth Jameson AM as chair after her eleven-year stint, with the Logie-winning filmmaker saying he hoped his time as chair reflects his commitment to robust storytelling and artistic opportunities, especially for 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," Gibson said.
"She has not only been a great friend but also a guiding light for Queensland Theatre."
A filmmaker with over 20 years experience, Gibson has directed productions for broadcast on ABC, NITV and SBS, as well for national and international audiences online, in a wide range of mediums, including children's television, documentary and drama.
He established and is the director of Bacon Factory Films, which was created in 2013 with a view to "give a voice to Indigenous people with a story to tell and to create films that would be around for future generations to watch, enjoy and learn from".
Incarceration Nation, a feature documentary Gibson wrote and directed for NITV/SBS focusing on the systemic racism of the justice system within Australia won the 2021/22 Logie for most outstanding factual or documentary program.
He also directed the Sesame Street film Five Kangaroos, featuring Jessica Mauboy; co-directed the series Handball Heroes, which screened on ABC3; and his most recent work, Tjitji Lullaby and Marringa Lullaby for ABC Kids, plays children to sleep nightly.
"Story is everything. It's the heart of who we are," Gibson said.
"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."
Gibson has served on the Queensland Theatre Board since May 2021, and assumed the role of deputy chair a year later.
As chair of the company's Indigenous Reference Group, he contributed to the company's artistic direction and programming of First Nations storytelling, as well as helping to guide pathways and opportunities for Indigenous artists and creatives.
"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," Gibson said.
Arts Minister Leeanne Enoch said Gibson will be a "champion of First Nations stories" in his new role, with his award-winning experience to "help drive the company to new levels of theatrical diversity, innovation and connection with audiences and communities".
The Queensland Theatre Board also welcomed three new members, including Quandamooka woman and co-founder of Parallax Legal, Stephanie Parkin, who as intellectual property lawyer has been dedicated to promoting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander rights and protocols within the arts and other industries.
