Written by Kianna Best on Sep 27, 2023. Posted in General Interest

Screen Queensland announces first head of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Programme

Screen Queensland announced today that Torres Strait Islander woman Danielle Ah Boo will take on the position as the first head of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Programme. This new leadership position has been created to champion the First Nations voices situated across the state’s screen industry. Ah Boo will start in her role form 3 October 2023.

“I am eagerly looking forward to amplifying Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices and stories in the screen industry, as truth-telling holds immense significance in shaping our nation’s history,” commented Ah Boo. “I have always had a passion for the screen industry. I have worked on the production side in the past and I’m excited to embark on this new journey. 

Image courtesy of Screen Queensland

Screen Queensland CEO Jacqui Feeney commented: ““Danielle’s appointment to the Screen Queensland leadership team will ensure we achieve meaningful progress in how we coordinate, cooperate and collaborate to build more sustainable opportunities and outcomes for First Nations screen stories in our state.”

Previously working in production for First Nations-founded agency Carbon Creative, Ah Boo’s career past has been rooted in representing a more diverse workforce in the industry. Also serving as treasurer and co-chair of Reconciliation Queensland, Ah Boo’s most recent role was as a financial consultant with Arrow Energy. Now moving into her upcoming leadership position, Ah Boo’s priorities lie with continuing to “elevate awareness of the cultural significance of First Nations heritage”, creating more opportunities for the communities and opening new doors for career potential.

Aaron Fa’Aoso and Dean Gibson, Screen Queensland board members and selection panellists stated: “The newly created Head of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Program position is a significant milestone for Screen Queensland and the broader sector. This role reports directly to the CEO, ensuring that the agency is focused on elevating and accelerating opportunities for First Nations storytelling right across its operations. This holistic strategy will provide a statewide approach to supporting First Nations practitioners at all levels of the industry, creating a stronger, more representative sector—one that can contribute to Queensland’s Path to Treaty through authentic screen content that encourages truth-telling and healing.”