Barking Gecko Arts is delighted to announce the appointment of The Honourable David Templeman AM as Chair of its Board, succeeding long-serving Chair Tony Chong as part of a carefully planned succession process.
The transition comes at a defining moment for Barking Gecko Arts. Following the successful merger of Barking Gecko Theatre Company and AWESOME Arts, the company is building a bold new future as Western Australia’s creativity company for children, families and communities.
Tony Chong has helped lead the organisation through one of the most significant periods in its history, guiding it through organisational renewal, the landmark merger that created Barking Gecko Arts, and the development of an ambitious new vision for the role creativity can play in the lives of young people.
Tony will remain a Director for the balance of his final two-year Board term, ensuring continuity, supporting David’s transition and contributing his considerable experience to the company’s next stage of growth.
Barking Gecko Arts Chief Executive Officer Ryan Taaffe said Tony’s leadership had helped create the conditions for the company to imagine a much bigger future.
“Tony has been far more than a Chair. He has been a champion of artists, young people and the transformative potential of creativity,” Mr Taaffe said.
“He has led with generosity, courage and a genuine belief in what Barking Gecko Arts can become. His leadership helped bring two important Western Australian arts organisations together and created the platform from which we can now reach further, think bigger and make an even greater difference.
“The fact that Tony will remain on the Board is enormously valuable. It means this is not an ending, but a thoughtful and generous passing of the baton.”
Mr Chong said it had been a privilege to serve as Chair during such an important period in the company’s history.
“Barking Gecko Arts is an extraordinary company, filled with people who believe deeply in the creativity, curiosity and potential of every child,” Mr Chong said.
“I am immensely proud of what the Board, staff, artists and wider community have achieved together, particularly the successful creation of Barking Gecko Arts.
“This transition will provide both continuity and renewed leadership. David has an exceptional understanding of the arts, government and community, but most importantly, he shares our belief that creativity should be part of every child’s life.
“I look forward to supporting him and continuing to serve the company as a Director during the remainder of my term.”
David Templeman brings to the Chair extensive experience across arts, education, government and community leadership. A former teacher and performer, he served in the Western Australian Parliament for 24 years, including eight years as Minister for Culture and the Arts.
He is already deeply connected to Barking Gecko Arts as its Patron and Deputy Chair and has been a longstanding advocate for Western Australian artists, cultural organisations and creative opportunities for children and young people.
Mr Templeman said he was honoured to lead the Board into the company’s next chapter.
“Creativity gives children the confidence to imagine, question, connect and see new possibilities for themselves and their world,” Mr Templeman said.
“That is why Barking Gecko Arts matters. It is not simply an arts company, it is an organisation with the capacity to influence how children learn, grow, participate and thrive.
“Tony leaves an exceptional legacy as Chair. His vision and steady leadership have positioned Barking Gecko Arts for an exciting future, and I am very pleased that the Board and company will continue to benefit from his wisdom and experience.
“I am thrilled to take on this role and ambitious about what we can achieve together for children, families, artists and communities across Western Australia.”
Mr Taaffe said David’s appointment reflected the scale of Barking Gecko Arts’ future ambition.
“David brings an extraordinary combination of cultural leadership, public service, education experience, community connection and irrepressible creative energy,” Mr Taaffe said.
“He understands that a vibrant Western Australia depends not only on a strong economy, but on imagination, empathy, belonging and opportunity.
“With David as Chair, Tony continuing as a Director and a strong and diverse Board in place, Barking Gecko Arts is exceptionally well positioned for its next chapter.”
The Board has warmly thanked Tony Chong for his outstanding service as Chair and welcomed David Templeman to the role.
Together, they will support Barking Gecko Arts to "Imagine Bigger".
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Media enquiries
Ryan Taaffe
Chief Executive Officer
Barking Gecko Arts
gecko@barkinggecko.com.au
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