New Board Members Appointed to the Cultural Facilities Corporation

Michael Pettersson MLA

Minister for Business, Arts and Creative Industries
Minister for Children, Youth and Families 
Minister for Multicultural Affairs
Minister for Skills, Training and Industrial Relations

Member for Yerrabi

7 June 2025

New Board Members Appointed to the Cultural Facilities Corporation

Five new members have been appointed to the Board of the Cultural Facilities Corporation (CFC), ensuring strong leadership and continuity for one of Canberra’s most significant cultural institutions.

The CFC is an ACT Government enterprise established under the Cultural Facilities Corporation Act 1997, to manage the Canberra Theatre Centre; the Canberra Museum and Gallery, including the Nolan Collection; Lanyon Homestead, Mugga Mugga Cottage, and Calthorpes’ House.

From 1 July 2025, Dr Mathew Trinca AM will take up the role of Chair, bringing extensive experience in the museum and cultural sector, including board roles with the Canberra Symphony Orchestra, Blue Shield Australia, and the Asian Civilisation Museum Singapore. Joining him as Deputy Chair is Ms Toni Cody, a seasoned marketing and business consultant with a distinguished history of board service across major arts organisations including the Sydney Theatre Company and the Australian Ballet.

In addition, commencing on 1 July 2025 is Mr Richard Evans AM. Mr Evans, a prominent figure in the performing arts and tourism sectors, is currently Managing Director of the Australian Chamber Orchestra and Chair of the Confederation of Australian International Arts Festivals.

From 1 January 2026, Ms Liz Nield OAM and Mr Craig Dalzell will join the Board. Ms Nield is a philanthropy and communications specialist with leadership experience at the National Portrait Gallery and Opera Australia. Mr Dalzell brings deep expertise in financial oversight and commercial management, with a background spanning government, defence, and healthcare sectors.

These five new members will join Dr Rachael Coghlan, who has been reappointed as a member from 1 July 2025. Dr Coghlan, a respected leader in the Canberra arts community, brings valuable continuity and corporate knowledge.

The appointments follow a merit-based selection process.

Minister Pettersson welcomed the new members, saying that “the Cultural Facilities Corporation plays a vital role in enriching Canberra’s cultural life."

“The new Board members bring a wealth of experience and insight that will support the CFC’s continued success and growth, including the coming expansion of Canberra Theatre Centre.

“I also want to sincerely thank the outgoing Board members – Chair, Helen O’Neil, Genevieve Jacobs, Michael Sollis, Tim Lo Surdo and Christine Shannon – for the leadership, vision and energy they have provided to the Corporation over their terms."