BRISBANE POWERHOUSE WELCOMES NEW BOARD MEMBERS & ADVISORS

04 APR 2023

Diverse voices will shape the future growth of Brisbane Powerhouse with the establishment of the inaugural First Nations Advisory Committee and the appointment of two Board members, Toni Janke and Luke Furness.

Toni Janke is a consultant, coach and singer/songwriter who runs an Indigenous consultancy agency.

A commercial litigation lawyer, Luke Furness is a vocal champion for diversity and inclusion in the workplace. He will provide valuable legal and risk guidance and support the evolution of Brisbane Powerhouse’s Queer arts programs including the annual MELT Festival.

Pictured: Luke Furness (left) and Toni Janke (right).

Luke and Toni join Chair Valmay Hill and Directors Libby Anstis, Emma Fredericks, Catherine Michael and Penny Shield.

Ms Hill welcomed the fresh ideas the new appointees will bring to the Board.

“Both Toni and Luke possess that coveted combination of creative and commercial expertise and I look forward to tapping into their unique talents to continue driving Brisbane Powerhouse forward,” she said.

“Their appointments will add value and strength to the Board, helping Brisbane Powerhouse deepen its engagement with the cultural fabric of Brisbane.”

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said Brisbane Powerhouse has a fantastic team of Brisbane talent to manage one of the city’s greatest cultural assets.

“I am delighted to welcome the new members on board and have great confidence that Toni Janke and Luke Furness will inject the energy and new ideas to guide Brisbane Powerhouse into its exciting future,” Cr Schrinner said.

“We want to ensure the Brisbane Powerhouse precinct continues to evolve and remain an artistic, cultural and community home for all residents and visitors to our city.”

The inaugural First Nations Advisory Committee is chaired by Wuthathi and Meriam woman Toni Janke with Western Gugu Yalanji and Birri Gubba man Jungaji Brady and Angelina Hurley of Jagera, Gooreng Gooreng, Mununjali, Birriah and Kamilaroi descent.

Brisbane Powerhouse CEO/Artistic Director Kate Gould said she was delighted to work alongside the Advisory Committee on the development of First Nations programs and engagement with First Nations communities.

“Toni, Jungaji and Angelina each have diverse cultural knowledge and experience. I look forward to their valuable insight and considered guidance,” Ms Gould said.