In other news:

• Stephen Brady to head TAFE NSW
• Qld recruits for Small Business Commissioner
• New CEO to start at North Burnett

Screen and arts executive Kyas Hepworth has been appointed as Head of Screen NSW, which is part of the state government’s arts, screen and culture agency, Create NSW.

In her role, she will lead the state’s film and production strategy, support screen stories and practitioners and promote the state as an attractive destination for all productions.

Ms Hepworth, a Bundjalung woman from Tweed Heads, joins from NITV, where she was Head of Commissioning and Programming.

She joins a list of women in senior leadership roles in the arts in NSW, including Create NSW interim CEO Annette Pitman, Sydney Opera House CEO Louise Herron and Australian Museum CEO Kim McKay.

Ms Hepworth will start in the role in July, taking over from Grainne Brunsdon, who departed the agency in March to join Screen Australia.

“I am incredibly excited to start my new role with Screen NSW to continue the incredible work of the many who have come before me cementing NSW as a global leader for screen creatives and production” Ms Hepworth said.

Stephen Brady appointed TAFE NSW MD

Acting TAFE NSW Managing Director Stephen Brady has been appointed to the permanent position, tasked with realising the government’s vision for the vocational education and training provider.

Mr Brady has more than 20 years of experience in executive leadership roles in the private and public sectors and was appointed acting managing director of TAFE NSW in December last year.

“This is a time when vocational and higher education has never played a more important role in supporting the state’s economy,” Mr Brady said in a statement.  

“My focus will be on positioning TAFE NSW to help industry, learners, and communities to thrive.”

Minister for Skills and Training Alister Henskens said Mr Brady would drive innovation and excellence at TAFE.

The state government delivered a $1.97 million operating budget for TAFE NSW in 2020-21 and has invested $515 million in capital funding to upgrade teaching equipment, facilities and digital infrastructure over the last two years.

Qld makes Small Business Commissioner role permanent

A national recruitment process will begin shortly for Queensland’s Small Business Commissioner following the passing of legislation to establish the position permanently in March.

Maree Adshead was temporarily appointed to the role in 2020, which was set up by the state government to assist businesses during the pandemic.

Since May 2020, the temporary Commissioner’s office has carried out more than 7,000 activities to assist small businesses, commercial tenants and landlords.

It received more than 5,000 enquiries and more than 1,000 disputes, performed over 600 outreach activities and advocated on behalf of small business in more than 200 matters.

“We have been able to resolve 66 per cent of the commercial lease disputes received by my office, which I believe has gone a long way towards relieving the financial stress and improving the mental health of our small businesses,” Ms Adshead said in a statement.

Monitors appointed to Darebin, Moira and Wodonga Councils

Municipal monitor appointments at Darebin City Council, Moira Shire Council and Wodonga City Council have been formalised as the Victorian government moves to improve council culture throughout the state.

John Watson will serve as monitor at Darebin City Council, Marg Allan at Moira Shire Council and Janet Dore at Wodonga City Council.

During their term, each monitor will work with their respective council to improve governance practices and help councillors ensure they are performing their roles in accordance with the Local Government Act 2020.

Mr Watson and Ms Dore will also support Darebin and Wodonga Councils respectively in the recruitment of new CEOs.

The monitors will be in place until the end of January 2023 and will need to provide regular progress reports to the Minister for Local Government and recommend any further actions as necessary.

It comes after the Victorian government conducted a wide-ranging study into what influences council culture as part of the Local Government Culture Project.

New CEO of North Burnett Regional Council starts this month

Margot Stork will take up her role as CEO of North Burnett Regional Council on May 23.

She has more than 20 years’ experience in chief executive and senior executive roles in both local and state governments.

North Burnett Councillors interviewed six shortlisted candidates, with the preferred applicant for the position agreed on by councillors to be Ms Stork.

Former Blacktown City Mayor given keys to the City

Alan Pendleton was presented a Key to the City for his 50 years of service at Blacktown City Council.

He served two terms as mayor of the City, between 1999 and 2004 and 2010 and 2012 and also served as Deputy Mayor from 2008 to 2009.

Mr Pendleton was a central figure in many developments at Blacktown City, including the construction of Denis Johnson Library and the enhancement of Blacktown Leisure Centre Stanhope.

He oversaw the multimillion-dollar refurbishment of the Grantham Heritage Building Estate and secured funding for the community resource hub at Mount Druitt.

Current mayor Tony Bleasdale presented him with the key earlier this month.

“There has never been a more determined advocate for the people of Blacktown City than Alan Pendleton,” he said in a statement.