Queensland Ballet Announces New Chair of Board
Chair of the Board of Queensland Ballet, Julieanne Alroe, has stepped down, with Brett Clark being voted in overnight to take over the top job. Ms. Alroe has held the position since 2019 and leaves behind a legacy of outstanding contributions and transformative milestones.
Speaking at the Board meeting following the Company’s Annual General Meeting last night, Ms Alroe said after four rewarding years on the Board, the time had come to step aside and pass on the leadership.
“It is my immense pleasure to advise you that I will be succeeded as Chair by Brett Clark. He comes with more than a decade of experience on the Queensland Ballet Board (2009 – 2019), including six years as Chair, and is an energetic and highly-respected leader in our community.
“It has been a privilege to have worked alongside such a talented and committed team dedicated to furthering Queensland Ballet’s successful journey, contributing to the Company’s remarkable growth and contribution on and off the stage.
She cited personal reasons such as family health and a desire to travel as reasons behind the decision.
“COVID has a long tail and whilst we have made tremendous progress, including the re-opening of our Thomas Dixon Centre following extensive refurbishment, like all arts organisations, we still need to work hard to maintain our ethos of excellence in performance, pathways, and participation. We have asked a lot of our people over the last couple of years and we will continue to ask a lot of them. We are so proud of the opportunities that Queensland Ballet provides to artists and arts workers as well as our audiences and our community. A revitalised Board and an energised Chair will be a big help to the QB team as we continue to deepen our impact,” she said.
Artistic Director Li Cunxin AO said during her time as Chair of the Board, Julieanne Alroe has exemplified exceptional leadership, vision, and dedication to Queensland Ballet.
“Her remarkable expertise and unwavering commitment to the arts has played a pivotal role in guiding the Company through the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2022 floods and driving Queensland Ballet to new heights.
“Julieanne has left an indelible mark, and her legacy will continue to inspire us,” Mr Li said.
Under Ms. Alroe’s guidance, Queensland Ballet has experienced remarkable growth and achieved significant milestones. Alroe oversaw the commissioning and completion of two major infrastructure developments – the Thomas Dixon Centre in West End and the Queensland Ballet Academy at Kelvin Grove State College.
“Julieanne’s unwavering support for our artistic endeavours and bold visions have been integral in transforming Queensland Ballet into the world-class company it is today,” he said.
In 2020, Ms Alroe guided the company through the COVID-19 pandemic, an unprecedented challenge for the performing arts industry globally.
Under Julieanne’s strategic guidance and her tireless dedication, Queensland Ballet successfully navigated the global pandemic and was one of the only ballet companies in the world to perform to a live theatre audience during the period.
Executive Director Dilshani Weerasinghe acknowledged Ms. Alroe’s contribution to the Company on behalf of the staff, members, and stakeholders.
“We are grateful for her expertise and commitment to the artistic and operational aspects of our Company. Personally, she has been a supportive sounding-board as we navigated unknown waters and put our people at the centre of every decision.
We know she and her family will remain a part of the Queensland Ballet community audience members and supporters as we continue our journey, and we are very grateful to Julieanne for staying on as a Board Director which ensures a seamless transition for our new Chair. So much has happened over the last four years so there is much to share,” Ms Weerasinghe said.
Incoming Chair, Brett Clark said he’s looking forward to Queensland Ballet’s continuing evolution as a stalwart of the State’s cultural landscape.
“Queensland Ballet means a lot to the Clark family, and I’m honoured to be trusted with this responsibility once again. Ever since I first connected with QB in 2009, I’ve been enamoured with the spirit and tenacity of the team. They are inspiring in their passion and unrelenting belief that ballet has so much to offer to so many. I’m proud to back in the fold and not at all surprised that innovation and drive still sits at QB’s heart. Julieanne, the Board, Li and Dilshani have guided this Company through times of growth and uncertainty. I’m looking forward to all that’s to come as we continue to deliver magic to as many people as possible, of all ages, abilities, backgrounds throughout Queensland.”
Along with Brett Clark, Danielle McFall-Weiss will also be joining the Board of Directors. Directors who retired at the AGM at the end of their term are Gene Moyle, Amanda Talbot and Allan Pidgeon.
“I wish to thank the outgoing Board Members for their contribution, guidance and friendship. You will be missed but never far away,” Mr Li concluded.
Media enquiries:
Meryn Cooper | 0404 860 185 | mcooper@queenslandballet.com.au
