The Australian arts sector has witnessed significant leadership developments this week, with two major appointments highlighting the ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion in cultural institutions. The Public Galleries Association of Victoria has made history by appointing its first Indigenous representative to the board, while the Abbotsford Convent Foundation has welcomed a distinguished community leader to its governing body.
Gail Harradine, a Wotjobaluk, Jadawadjali, Djubagalk woman and Curatorial Manager at Koorie Heritage Trust, has been appointed as the inaugural First Nations Representative on the Public Galleries Association of Victoria (PGAV) Board. This groundbreaking position was established through extensive consultation with Indigenous gallery leaders and has been formally incorporated into the PGAV Rules of Association. The role represents a cornerstone of the organization's ongoing commitment to equity, inclusion, and increasing First Nations representation across the sector's workforce and leadership.
In her new capacity, Harradine will contribute to board decisions on all organizational matters while providing specialized guidance on professional development and networking opportunities for Indigenous gallery staff. She will also work to foster collaboration with First Nations artists, arts workers, community members, and cultural organizations throughout Victoria. "It is a privilege to join the PGAV Board and contribute to shaping a sector where First Nations voices, stories and leadership are not only supported but celebrated as central to Victoria's creative future," Harradine said of her appointment.
PGAV President Danny Lacy welcomed Harradine's appointment on behalf of the peak body's 76 public galleries, emphasizing the significance of her cultural leadership. "Ms. Harradine brings an extraordinary depth of experience and cultural leadership to this pivotal role. We are honored to welcome her as our inaugural First Nations Representative, ensuring First Peoples perspectives are not just heard, but woven into the very fabric of our decision making and the future of Victoria's public gallery sector," Lacy stated.
Tom Mosby, CEO of Koorie Heritage Trust, expressed pride in Harradine's appointment, noting that "her cultural knowledge and leadership will be invaluable in strengthening First Peoples representation and career development within Victoria's galleries." The appointment comes at a crucial time for the sector, as organizations across Australia work to address historical underrepresentation and create more inclusive cultural institutions.
Harradine brings extensive qualifications and experience to her new role. Born on Wotjobaluk country, known for its ancient salt lakes and mountains including Djurite (Mt Arapiles) and Gariwerd (Grampians), she currently oversees dynamic exhibitions, public programs, and the stewardship of a significant collection of First Peoples art, cultural materials, and archives at Koorie Heritage Trust. Her impressive gallery experience includes positions at the National Museum of Australia, Museum Victoria, and Gasworks, along with collaborative projects with other Indigenous creatives at major festivals.
Her academic credentials are equally impressive, including a Diploma of Fine Art from Ballarat University, a Graduate Diploma in Secondary Education, and a Postgraduate qualification in Art Curatorial Studies from Melbourne University. She also holds a Graduate Diploma in Natural and Cultural Resource Management from Deakin University, a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, and has completed additional management courses. Recently, Harradine completed a Master of Arts in Arts Management at RMIT with distinction and is currently pursuing a PhD part-time within RMIT's School of Art through an exegesis art-based process, which she has dedicated to her family, especially her mother, Aunty Leila Harradine.
Harradine's expertise spans curatorship, cultural heritage management, public gallery operations, and arts education. She is widely recognized as an advocate and mentor for both artists and gallery professionals, and her ongoing contributions continue to shape Victoria's cultural landscape through innovative programming, collection care, and an enduring commitment to the representation and wellbeing of First Peoples communities.
The PGAV serves as the peak body representing 76 galleries across metropolitan and regional Victoria, with significant impact on the state's cultural sector. According to the organization's data, 7.3 million people visited galleries last year, with regional galleries alone attracting 911,000 visitors. The Victorian gallery sector employs 723 full-time equivalent staff, supported by 1,188 volunteers, and is responsible for caring for collections valued at $5.2 billion.
In a separate but equally significant appointment, Vivienne Nguyen AM has joined the Board of Melbourne's Abbotsford Convent Foundation. Nguyen, who currently serves as Chairperson of the Victorian Multicultural Commission, brings an extensive track record as both a business executive and community leader across corporate, community, and government settings. Her previous roles include positions at AMP Asset Management and ANZ Banking Group, where she served as Head of Risk for the ANZ Margin Lending portfolio and contributed to their diversity strategy.
Nguyen's commitment to community service was formally recognized in 2021 when she was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to the multicultural community of Victoria. She played a critical role in the Victorian Government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic and serves on the Victorian Government's Anti-Racism Taskforce, which helps inform and drive the state's Anti-Racism Strategy, among other interdepartmental committees and ministerial advisory taskforces and councils.
Beyond her corporate career, Nguyen is a passionate advocate for grassroots participation and representation in civic engagement. Her numerous accolades include the Centenary Medal, recognition on the Victorian Women's Honour Roll, Rotary International's Paul Harris Fellow designation, and the Buddhist Council of Victoria's 2025 Dharmachakra Award for promoting interfaith harmony. These appointments reflect the arts sector's continued evolution toward more inclusive leadership that better represents Australia's diverse communities and cultural heritage.
