Senator the Hon. George Brandis S.C.

Minister for the Arts and Sport

Arts Minister, Senator George Brandis, today announced changes to the Festivals Australia Committee that will bring a mix of experience and fresh ideas to the Committee.

Committee member, Darren McCubbin, has been appointed chair for a two year term, and Toowoomba Mayor Di Thorley and the chief executive officer of the Queensland Arts Council Arthur Frame have been appointed as committee members. Committee member Barry McNamara has also been reappointed.

“I am delighted to have secured the services of such a talented new chair and three highly-skilled members to the Festivals Australia Committee,” Senator Brandis said.

“Darren McCubbin, as committee chair, brings extensive experience in regional arts and festivals, and in the performing arts industry and will provide valuable leadership to the committee.”

Mr McCubbin’s work in the arts sector has included service as director and event coordinator for the Wishbone Children’s Theatre; director, writer and performer for The Murder Company and providing artistic direction for the Waterwater and Shakespeare on the River festivals. He was a recipient of the Victorian Arts Council Award in 2000, is a councillor in the Shire of Wellington and has been a member of the Festivals Australia Committee for six years.

“Di Thorley is a prominent member of the Toowoomba community with experience in a number of sectors including farming, construction and hospitality and has been Mayor of the Toowoomba City Council for over six years.”

“Arthur Frame has been as an actor, director, artistic director, and theatre manager for a number of prominent theatre companies both in Australia and overseas. He is currently artistic director and chief executive officer of the Queensland Arts Council.”

“Barry McNamara has agreed to continue to serve the Committee, where he has made an important contribution over the past three years. A prominent member of the arts sector, having worked on large profile events such as the Coolangatta Rodeo, Wintersun Festival and the Olympic Torch Relay, he was actively involved in winning the bid to host the third Australian International Festivals and Events Conference in conjunction with the 2004 Wintersun festival.

The Festivals Australia Committee provides advice to the Minister for the Arts and Sport on the Australian Government’s Festivals Australia and Festivals Australia Regional Residencies programs.

The Festivals Australia program funds new arts projects at community festivals, while the Festivals Australia Regional Residencies program funds communities to engage artists to help them develop new locally-themed arts projects for community festivals or celebrations.

Visit www.dcita.gov.au/festivals and www.dcita.gov.au/festivals_residencies for more information .

Media contact: Travis Bell 0448 950 248

12 October 2007

136/07