MEDIA RELEASE
April 2026
BLAKDANCE AUSTRALIA
BlakDance Charts a Bold Path Forward: Celebrating Kate Eltham's Contribution and Announcing Strong Leadership Transition
A new chapter for First Nations contemporary dance - built on a strong foundation, anchored in clear leadership and focused on strategic growth.
BlakDance Australia today announces the departure of Co-CEO and Business Director Kate Eltham, following her decision to step down from the role. Kate's contribution to BlakDance over many years has been extraordinary. We thank her warmly for her service and for her role in building this organisation into what it is today. BlakDance has a robust transition plan in place, reflecting the strength, depth and forward momentum of the organisation.
Kate Eltham has played a defining role in the development and growth of BlakDance. As Co-CEO and Business Director, she provided the operational and financial stewardship that enabled BlakDance to evolve from a grassroots organisation into a nationally significant force in First Nations contemporary dance. Under her leadership, BlakDance produced acclaimed works, built enduring sector partnerships and established the strong organisational infrastructure that underpins everything it does today.
We thank Kate deeply for her dedication, her care for this organisation and the sector, and for the lasting impact she leaves behind. We wish her every success in her next chapter..
““Kate has helped build the heart of this organisation. Her contribution to BlakDance and to the wider First Nations performing arts sector is one we will carry forward with gratitude and pride.””
A Clear, Confident Leadership Structure
BlakDance has moved to ensure stability and continuity across all areas of its work. In addition, we’re taking this opportunity of change to undertake a strategic and operational review to consider workforce models for our next chapter. To support this, the following team is in place:
Acting Co-CEO - Trudy Gunston
Trudy Gunston, a Kullilli woman, steps into the Acting Co-CEO role temporarily whilst BlakDance undertake a strategic review. Trudy’s leadership ensures seamless continuity of operations, people management and financial oversight, and her appointment as Acting Co-CEO is a direct and proud expression of BlakDance’s commitment to First Nations leadership at every level of the organisation.
Co-CEO & Executive Producer - Merindah Donnelly
Merindah Donnelly continues in her role as Co-CEO and Executive Producer, leading BlakDance’s artistic vision, national and international producing partnerships, sector relationships and strategic direction. Under Merindah’s leadership, BlakDance has experienced a period of remarkable creative and organisational growth, and that trajectory continues.
Chief of Staff - Sam Weingott
Sam Weingott joins BlakDance as Chief of Staff with more than 15 years' experience in senior leadership and executive advisory roles across media, government, health and major international organisations, including Bupa and Rio Tinto. A strategic communications and governance specialist with a PhD in AI and Communications, Sam brings the systems thinking, stakeholder expertise and organisational rigour. Sam also brings a meaningful connection to First Nations storytelling, having been on the Incarceration Nation team – a Logie Award-winning documentary made in partnership with First Nations leaders and communities that supported national policy dialogue.
Together, this leadership team provides clear coverage across BlakDance’s artistic, operational and governance functions, ensuring the organisation remains strong, stable and action-ready.
A Landmark Moment for First Nations Leadership in the Arts
This transition is intentional, values-led and years in the making. It is directly aligned with BlakDance's own First Nations Performing Arts Workforce Development Framework, which charts a clear pathway toward 100% First Nations employment in the sector.
It also marks a significant milestone for the Australian performing arts sector. BlakDance is believed to be one of the only Small to Medium (S2M) funded organisations in the country operating with two First Nations Co-CEOs, a powerful demonstration of self-determination, cultural leadership and organisational maturity.
BlakDance stands as a model for what First Nations-led governance looks like in practice: stronger, more resilient and more culturally grounded.
Stabilisation, Investment and Strategic Growth
BlakDance is investing deliberately in the people and systems that will drive its next phase of growth.
A Financial Officer is being actively recruited to strengthen financial leadership and long-term fiscal governance, supporting the organisation's expanding national and international program footprint.
BlakDance is also committed to the ongoing development of its team through mentoring, professional growth and clear leadership pathways. With a 90% First Nations workforce and a clear trajectory toward full First Nations employment - in line with the Workforce Development Framework, BlakDance's people are its greatest asset, and this investment reflects that.
Systems strengthening is also underway across governance, reporting, financial management and operational infrastructure, ensuring BlakDance is well-positioned to deliver on its Strategic Plan 2025–2029 and meet the growing ambitions of the organisation and the sector.
A Refreshed, High-Calibre Board Ready to Lead
BlakDance's recently reconstituted Board of Directors is a powerhouse of expertise, lived experience and genuine commitment to the organisation's mission. Chaired by Karina Hogan, the Board is composed primarily of First Nations directors a reflection of BlakDance's enduring commitment to cultural leadership and self-determination.
The Board is fully engaged and firmly supportive of BlakDance's stabilisation priorities and its ambition for long-term strategic and cultural growth. Their collective guidance is an asset of significant value to the organisation at this time.
““BlakDance is an organisation with extraordinary momentum. The Board has full confidence in the leadership team and the robust transition plan in place. We are focused on stabilising and strengthening the foundations that will enable BlakDance to grow - artistically, culturally and organisationally - for years to come.””
The Work - Stronger Than Ever
Across BlakDance's national and international program, work continues at full pace. Major productions including Garabari (Joel Bray Dance), currently on a landmark national tour, and The Other Side of Me (Gary Lang NT Dance Company) touring the East Coast and heading to Scotland and the UK - are progressing as planned. Preparing Ground, which sold out at Brisbane Festival, continues its journey, and BlakDance's international partnerships remain active and growing.
BlakDance's workforce development initiatives, including the First Nations Performing Arts Workforce Development Framework 2025–2030 - launched nationally in 2025 - continue to shape the future of the sector, creating pathways, building capacity and advancing systemic change.
““BlakDance is strong - in our people, our program, our governance and our vision. This transition reflects exactly the kind of organisation we are: one that plans carefully, acts decisively and keeps the work and the artists at the centre of everything. The future is bright, and we are moving toward it with confidence.””
END OF RELEASE
Media Enquiries
Sam Weingott, Chief of Staff
BlakDance Australia
sam.weingott@blakdance.org.au
BlakDance Australia acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises their continuing connection to land, water and community. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.