After our AGM in May, the Yirra Yaakin Board is delighted to announce our newly appointed Chair Barbara Hostalek (Yawuru, Gija) and Vice Chair Paul Clowry (Murri).

Barbara has already made a significant contribution to the company, having been Vice Chair since 2024, as well as former Treasurer and is an active member of Yirra Yaakin’s playwrighting community, with her plays Thirst and Cracked staged by the company in recent years.  Paul joined the Board in 2024, has been highly engaged in the Governance Advisory Committee over this time and is an avid supporter of all of our programs. We look forward to our new Board leadership taking us into an exciting new period of growth and development.

The company wholeheartedly thanks Debra Miller (Noongar), who after three years as Chair, has handed over the role as part of a planned succession process. Debra has been an outstanding Chair, guiding the company through the tumultuous post pandemic years, advocating for Yirra Yaakin in the community and across our stakeholder groups and providing exemplary stewardship through both executive and artistic leadership transitions. As an experienced Director of seven years, we are grateful for Debra’s continued contribution to the company, as she hands over the reins to Barbara.  Yirra Yaakin is proud to be creating pathways for development of First Nations people across the organisation, including at governance level.

We also farewelled long standing Director Terry Grose.  Terry is the longest serving Board member and was the first Non-Aboriginal Director to join the corporation. At the AGM, Chair Debra Miller paid tribute to Terry “for his extraordinary 17 years of service and dedication to this company. Terry’s passionate commitment, professional wisdom, generosity, and unwavering belief in Yirra Yaakin are immeasurable. Over nearly two decades, he has helped guide and strengthen the company with integrity, compassion, and steadfast leadership”. Debra noted that Terry has served with distinction on both the Finance and Governance Advisory Committees and together with his partner Rosemary, have been extraordinary champions of Yirra Yaakin. “As long-term, generous financial supporters and passionate advocates for reconciliation, they have personally attended and celebrated every production and milestone along the way. While Terry is stepping down as a Board Director, he will always remain part of the Yirra Yaakin family – a lifelong and respected supporter of this company, which he has helped nurture, strengthen, and sustain for 17 years”. In response, Terry stated that he feels he has received far more from being involved in Yirra Yaakin than he has given, and has thoroughly enjoyed his association with the company. He looks forward to following Yirra Yaakin’s progress.

Also at the AGM, Rachael Pearson (Noongar) successfully completed her three-year Director term. Rachael shared that it has been a “privilege to serve on the board of such a vital arts organisation, honouring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures through powerful storytelling and community engagement”.  We sincerely thank and farewell Rachael for her support and commitment to our purpose over the last three years.

Yirra Yaakin looks forward to continuing to share stories and culture in 2026 and beyond, with a passionate and strong Board and staff team leading the way.