Welcoming the Wheeler Centre’s new Chair

The Wheeler Centre is pleased to announce the appointment of a new Chair, Kate Torney, to the Wheeler Centre Board of Directors.

Minister for Creative Industries Steve Dimopoulos today announced Kate Torney’s appointment following her extensive career across the media, creative and philanthropic sectors.

‘From the media to literature and philanthropy Kate Torney has been championing books, writing, conversations, ideas and debate throughout her career,’ said Minister Steve Dimopoulos.

‘I look forward to Kate bringing her creative and strategic approach to this role as we continue to make Victoria a place that celebrates writers and recognises the role literature plays in all of our lives.’

Commencing her career as a journalist, Torney spent 25 years working in the media, including as News Director at the ABC, before she took on the role of CEO of State Library Victoria in 2015. During her time at the helm, Torney oversaw the Library’s once in a generation $88 million transformation which included raising $30 million in support from the philanthropic sector.

In 2020 she was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for her service to the broadcast, media and cultural sectors.

Since October 2021, Torney has been CEO of the Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation, the philanthropic body that raises funds to support the vital research and work of Melbourne’s Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre.

Kate Torney said, ‘It is an honour to take up this position at such an exciting time for the Wheeler Centre as it continues to inspire curiosity and connection, and to support, nurture and challenge writers, readers and thinkers.’

‘I look forward to working with a great board and a talented team to further build on the Wheeler Centre’s strong reputation as a unique, trusted, independent hub for ideas, story-telling and conversation.’

Torney takes on the board leadership from Julie Ligeti who has been Chair since March 2022. Ligeti oversaw the Wheeler Centre’s reopening and return to in-person events following the disruption of the pandemic. She will step down from the Chair role due to other professional committments but remains on the board.

Image credit: Abigail Varney