At the CinefestOZ AGM, the Board elected southwest local Margaret Buswell as its new Chair.
Ms Buswell takes over the position from outgoing Chair and co-founder Helen Shervington AOM.
Ms Shervington said, “I am absolutely delighted Margaret is stepping into this role.”
“Margaret has been the CinefestOZ Deputy Chair for the past 6 years and has greatly contributed to the way our festival has evolved.”
“Margaret has very strong connections with our Southwest and regional host communities and brings a wealth of experience to the role through accounting background and her tourism business.”
“I wish Margaret and the Board all the very best as they take the next steps with the festival.”
New Chair Margaret Buswell expressed deep appreciation for outgoing Chair Helen Shervington.
“Helen is co-founder and tireless CinefestOZ advocate and contributor. Her vision and leadership have seen the festival flourish and grow into the largest Destination film festival in Australia.”
“During her six years as Chair, CinefestOZ was inducted into the Tourism Council WA Hall of Fame and is a finalist in the upcoming National Tourism Awards.”
“We thank Helen for her outstanding leadership and stewardship of the festival in some difficult times, she will continue as a Board member for the coming year.”
“We also thank outgoing Board Members, David Barton, Co-founder and inaugural Chair and Jen Burrows, former Treasurer.”
Continuing CinefestOZ Board members include Diana Wearing Smith, Jub Clerc, Gary Evershed as Deputy Chair and Treasurer, Emma Scotney as Deputy Chair and Pauline Vukelic as Secretary.
New Board Member, Duncan Ord is welcomed by the Board.
Duncan has experience in working at senior levels of government and communities in the spaces of culture, arts, education, training, planning and Aboriginal affairs. His previous roles include being the Dean of WAAPA, as well as the General manager of the WA Theatre Company and Black Swan Theatre.
Long standing and experienced CinefestOZ CEO, Malinda Nixon, continues in her role managing the festival which includes a $100 000 prize for an Australian feature film, a strong Indigenous film program and a nationally recognised schools’ program.
The 15th Season of CinefestOZ Film Festival will be held from the 24th of August – 28th August 2022, CinefestOZ Albany 28th April – 1st May
CinefestOZ thanks Presenting Partner Tourism WA, Premium Partners Screenwest and City of Busselton and Community Partner Rio Tinto. The festival acknowledges its strong support from Lotterywest and Screen Australia.
CinefestOZ would like to acknowledge the traditional owners of this land we live and work on and pay our respect to the Elders past, present and future.
For more information on the Board and CinefestOZ organisation click here.
CinefestOZ Albany
A reminder that CinefestOZ Albany is coming up! Enjoy an Albany getaway from
28th April – 1st May. Tickets are on sale from the 25th of March, so keep an eye out.
CinefestOZ Film Festival
Add the 24th of August – 28th August to your diary! Make the most of your down south trip by putting CinefestOZ on your bucket list.