Screen Australia has appointed Rachel Perkins as Director of First Nations Strategy.
A proud Arrernte and Kalkadoon woman with German and Irish heritage, Perkins is one of the nation’s most renowned screen practitioners, known for bringing compelling stories to life and advocating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander self-representation and equity for the past 30 years.
She has worked in leadership roles across a number of organisations, including AFTRS, SBS, ABC, the Australian Film Commission, NITV, Indigenous Screen Australia, the NSW Film and Television Office, the National Indigenous Media Association of Australia and the First Nations Heritage Protection Alliance.
She is also the co-founder of production company Blackfella Films, where she has long driven and shaped First Nations storytelling in Australia with a strong focus on self-representation, told by and with Indigenous media practitioners. Her credentials include work on “Mystery Road,” “Total Control,” “The Australian Wars,” “Redfern Now,” “Bran Nue Dae,” “Radiance,” “Mabo” and “First Australians.”
In the newly created role at Screen Australia, Perkins will lead the strategic direction for the First Nations Department and the broader sector by shaping recommendations for future policy, guiding investment priorities and driving engagement with government, culture and screen industry stakeholders.
“Screen Australia has such an important role in our nation’s cultural ecosystem, so I’m proud to play my part in ensuring all Australians continue to see themselves represented on screen,” she said of her appointment. “In particular, I’m passionate about the opportunity to provide the strategic support for First Nations creators and businesses to be empowered, own their stories and thrive.
“The First Nations Department has a long legacy of incredible work. I’m keen to continue championing our exceptional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander screen practitioners and forge a path for the next generation of talent – delivering the kind of stories that will enrich and uplift the entirety of Australia’s innovative screen industry and audiences across the globe.”
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Deirdre Brennan, CEO of Screen Australia, said Perkins’ appointment marks a bold chapter for the future of local storytelling.
“We created this new role because First Nations stories and contribution to our industry are more important than ever. Rachel’s deep experience across content, education, culture, advocacy and complex organisations makes her uniquely positioned to shape an exciting future for Screen Australia,” Brennan said.
“No doubt she’ll continue to strengthen a vibrant screen industry that reflects the depth and diversity of Australian stories.”
Perkins will commence the role on March 2nd, reporting directly to Brennan. She will also work closely with recently appointed Head of First Nations Content, Gillian Moody-Ardler, who provides creative and operational direction for First Nations content investment.