Music Victoria has announced Sally Howland as its new chair of the Board of Directors.
Ms Howland, who comes to the position with four decades of music industry and governance experience, replaces Tim Northeast, who stepped down after almost 4 years of service at the recent Music Victoria board meeting. At the meeting, the other nine board of directors accepted Mr Northeast’s resignation, and immediately co-opted Ms Howland to fulfil the remainder of Mr Northeast’s one year term, which expires at the Music Victoria Annual General meeting on December 3.
“I have long admired the work of Music Victoria, so to now be invited to join the team is a great honour,” said Ms Howland, who works as an advisor to APRA AMCOS and has authored research projects into Indigenous Music projects for the Australia Council and the NSW government.
She is also a Non-Executive Director of the Archie Roach Foundation and Support Act Ltd (SAL), having been appointed Chair of the SAL Board in 2013.
“As Music Victoria heads into their 10-year milestone in 2020, coupled with the Victorian Government’s impending Creative State Strategy, we are well placed to realise the organisation’s ambitious growth agenda. To be working with the Board, our Executive team and our industry partners for the long-term economic and cultural benefit of the Victorian music industry is a rare privilege.”
Outgoing chair Mr Northeast, whose business interests include owning the Corner Hotel in Richmond and the Northcote Social Club, said it has been a great honour to serve as the Chair of the Music Victoria Board over the last four years.
“The vitality of the Victorian Music Industry is the envy of the rest of Australia and there is no doubt that Music Victoria has been, and will continue to be, instrumental in the ongoing growth and prosperity of the local music industry,” said Mr Northeast, who oversaw major growth in the organisation including the delivery of the Victorian Music Development Office.
“With a strong membership base, good governance standards and ongoing support from Government, Music Victoria is now well positioned to continue to grow and provide further opportunities and support for local musicians, venues and music businesses well into the future.”
“There are many people who contribute to the success of Music Victoria but in particular I'd like to thank CEO Patrick Donovan for his hard work and support as well as the many dedicated volunteer Board members I have served with. I wish Music Victoria all the very best for the future and in particular, want to welcome incoming Chair Sally Howland who will bring great energy and experience to the role.”
Deputy chair, Chelsea Wilson thanks Mr Northeast for his contribution to the organisation: “On behalf of the Music Victoria board, staff and members I'd like to thank Tim Northeast for his incredible contribution to the music community of Victoria. Under Tim's leadership over the past four years, Music Victoria has achieved major goals for the sector and created some monumental opportunities for Victorian musicians and industry workers - his tireless efforts have ensured the health of the organisation for its next iteration. The work of a not-for-profit chair is often invisible and under-recognised so we wish to recognise and thank Tim for his contribution and wish him luck with his future endeavours."
