Yirra Yaakin | Our Team

Natalie is one of Western Australia’s most respected arts leaders. She brings more than 30 years of leadership across the arts & culture, community, and commercial creative sectors. Her career has spanned roles as CEO, strategic advisor, and non-executive director, with a strong focus on transformation, collaboration and cultural integrity.

Prior to becoming the Executive Director of Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company in August 2025, Natalie was CEO of Short Back & Sidewalks, a national charity dedicated to creating positive connections for people experiencing homelessness and poverty. Previously, she was leading in the commercial creative industries as CEO of Block Branding and founding Chair of IN:WA. Her extensive experience in the performing arts sector, includes Co-CEO/Executive Director of Black Swan State Theatre Company, where she led significant organisational growth and change and alongside Artistic Director Matthew Lutton, was General Manager of ThinIce, a groundbreaking independent theatre company that partnered with leading festivals and performing arts organisations across Australia. She has held leadership positions at  Perth Theatre Company, PICA, Theatre North Launceston, and as a sessional academic at Edith Cowan University. Natalie has a degree in Arts Management from WAAPA (ECU) and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Natalie has extensive governance experience on national and state-based boards and advisory committees, including federal and state government appointments. As well as being Chair of Performing Lines, she is currently Chair of Seesaw Magazine –an independent arts media organisation, and Board Member of FutureNow, a multi-sector workforce development advisory body to the WA Government.