Wift Australia has appointed Victorian producer Leanne Tonkes as new chairman, and Queensland producer Bobbi-Lea Dionysius has been appointed vice-chairman.
The announcement was made by Tonkes of Western Australia along with fellow board member Maya Kavanagh at the Cinefestoz Film Festival. Here, Wift is currently hosting its annual author retreat in collaboration with festivals and Mindeoo photos.
Tonkes, CEO of production company Sense & Centsability, is my mistress, my second Melbourne, this is Desmondo Ray! It has credits spanning feature films, television, web series and live events including. She is currently producing the Shrimp Curry Christmas, a hallmark of the 2025 West Coast Vision, written on the star of director Fauzia Mirza. She is also the current officer and current chairman of the Melbourne Women of Film Festival.
“As the chairman of the Australian women’s committee, Film & TV, I imagine a bold new chapter in the organization. One challenges deep industry collaboration, national influence, and international strategic alliances that enhance the visibility, agency and creative leadership of Australian women,” she said.
“Together with my fellow board members, Wift will not only remove barriers to participation, but also develop initiatives that will actively build paths to leadership, career progression and creative control,” she said.
Tonkes inherits the role from the late Liz Tomkins, who passed away in late May. Under Tomkins, Wift Australia has been involved in full national representation for the first time in its history, leading international partnerships, launching initiatives such as the Elevateus Mentorship Program, the Cannes Catalysis Program and the introduction of re-enforced stamps into Australia.
“We are delighted to welcome Leanne as a new chair as we continue to celebrate the impact Liz has left on the organization,” Dionysisu said.
“Wift’s breadth of industry experience and six years of legacy knowledge of WIFT from the QLD Committee and QLD Chair over the past two years, Wift will ensure that Wift continues to increase its impact nationwide and globally.”
Tonkes and Dionysius officially began their roles on July 31, 2025 for a three-year term. Other members of the board include Jatika Maheshwary, Jacinta Legge-Wilkinson, Annisa Belonogoff, Amanda Browne, Manda Flett and Maya.
Kavanagh, Dianna La Grassa, Sue Marriott, Yolanda Peart-Smith, Sarah Price, Nadine Torney, Dale Thane, Ursula Woods.
