Board appointments to enhance telling Australian stories

The Albanese Labor Government is today strengthening Australian storytelling – announcing the appointments of Ms Marta Dusseldorp, Ms Sacha Horler and Mr Nicholas Pickard as members of the Screen Australia Board, each for three-year terms.

Ms Marta Dusseldorp is a respected and award-winning Australian actor who has worked extensively in theatre, film and television. An example of Dusseldorp’s countless accolades include the AACTA Award for Best Lead Actress in a TV Drama for the ABC’s Janet King in which she featured in the title role and worked as the Associate Producer. In 2020, Ms Dusseldorp relocated to Tasmania and opened Archipelago Productions, producing feature films, television and works for stage and festivals. She recently finished filming Bay of Fires – an upcoming ABC drama – on location in Tasmania. Her appointment to the Screen Australia Board is illustrative of the agency’s function to support a highly creative Australian screen industry.

Ms Sacha Horler is also an award-winning Australian actor who has wide-ranging experience across the screen and stage. She is a highly regarded screen industry professional and is a strong advocate for the sector. Best known for her roles in Australian Government supported productions such as Peter Rabbit (2018), The Letdown (2017) and The Dressmaker (2015). Ms Horler has been recognised at the Australian Film Institute Awards as Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress.

Mr Nicholas Pickard brings extensive experience in the Australian and international public and corporate sector with leading expertise in creative and cultural industries. Mr Pickard is currently the Executive Director of Public Affairs and Government Relations for APRA AMCOS. Currently serving as Deputy Chair of Regional Arts NSW and the Chair of the Australian Society of Authors, Mr Pickard brings significant industry and governance experience to the Screen Australia Board.

Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke, said these appointments will strengthen the experience and knowledge of the Screen Australia Board.

“Telling Australian stories – here at home and overseas – is essential, and Screen Australia plays a vital role in that,” Minister Burke said.

“Making sure Screen Australia has strong and diverse leadership is essential to the prosperity of Australia’s screen sector – a key priority of our National Cultural Policy.”

"These three professionals are industry leaders in their own right, and I know their appointments will build on the important work of Screen Australia.”

For more information on Screen Australia, visit: www.screenaustralia.gov.au/about-us/who-we-are