Kirsty Parker, co-chair of Settlement Australia, has been appointed first head of First Nations South Australian Film Company (SAFC).
Parker, an Aboriginal woman from Ywararai in northwestern NSW, previously worked as a strategic advisor to Uluru Dialogue. Director of Aboriginal Issues and Settlement within the Attorney General Division of the SA Government. National Indigenous CEOs’ Center for Excellence. Editor of The Koori Mail, the National Indigenous Newspaper. Director of Tandanya National Institute of Culture in Adelaide. She was also elected co-chair of the first people of the Australian National Conference and runs her own independent Indigenous consultant.
Parker, who also signed the 2017 Uluru Statement, said he was “very happy” to join SAFC and shared “a commitment to elevating the voice and story of First Nations and fostering a representative and inclusive screen culture and industry.”
“The perspectives and insights of the First States are important, especially in Australia and in this important and challenging time,” she said.
“I believe storytelling, and truth telling, are essential to lift our voices and promote better relationships with everyone who walks our land. The pride of support, understanding and sharing for the people, culture and language of First Nations is transformational, nation-building and joy.
SAFC CEO Kate Croser said her organization is proud to enhance its support for First Nations South Australia’s screen sector with Parker’s appointment.
“Based on our commitment to elevate and defend Indigenous voices and narratives, we are pleased to welcome Kirsty into this new senior executive role, creating new opportunities for First Nations screen creatives and crew, and fostering South Australia’s signature and inclusive screen culture and industry,” she said.
“Kirstie brings impressive experience, extensive knowledge and deep networks to the agency locally and beyond. The SAFC team and I look forward to working with Kirstie to shape and drive the next exciting chapter of SAFC’s First Nations Screen strategy.”
Parker will begin her role on April 28th.
