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30 May, 2025
Bangarra welcomes the Governor-General as Patron, supporting the company’s values of cultural exchange and collaboration to foster mutual understanding.
We are delighted to announce that Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia has become Patron of Bangarra Dance Theatre.
As one of Australia’s leading performing arts companies, Bangarra has been sharing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture with communities and audiences across Australia and the world for 36 years.
A businesswoman and community leader, Her Excellency is known for her exceptional service to the Australian community. She has a long history in executive and governance roles across diverse sectors, including business, sport, environment, the arts, policy and not-for-profit.
The Governor-General said, “As a long-time audience member, I am proud to support Bangarra Dance Theatre. As Australia’s premiere First Nations performing arts company, Bangarra forms an integral part of the Australian cultural landscape, promoting learning, understanding and celebration of First Nations Cultures.”
Bangarra’s broad reach is both domestic and global, ranging from renowned international, national and regional touring performances to extensive youth and education programs, as well as First Nations employment pathways offered through the Russell Page Graduate Program and David Page Music Fellowship. Bangarra’s flagship youth program, Rekindling, has reached 2,000 young people in Communities since 2013, and its work with the NSW Department of Education through The Arts Unit’s NSW Public School Aboriginal Dance program, , delivers online and face-to-face dance and performance workshops.
“Alongside performances on stage, the work that Bangarra does in communities across the country through its impactful youth and education programs is vital and inspiring. I am very much looking forward to supporting these important initiatives,” said the Governor-General.
Bangarra Chair, Phillipa McDermott said that the appointment demonstrates a strong commitment to First Nations storytelling and culture.
“Her Excellency is deeply passionate about the purpose of Bangarra and First Nations storytelling. To have Australia’s Head of State as Patron of our Company represents a great step forward in embracing our shared history, and truth-telling. We welcome Her Excellency to the Bangarra Clan,” said Phillipa McDermott.