Introducing our new chair

Country Arts SA is thrilled to welcome experienced arts leader Christie Anthoney as its new chair, and also celebrates the recent appointments of four new board members.

Ms Anthoney was most recently Head of External Affairs at Adelaide Festival Centre, and has previously held leadership roles at Festivals Adelaide, Adelaide College of the Arts, and Adelaide Fringe.

Her experience spans senior management, artistic direction, public policy development, event delivery and strategic solutions – and she has a strong commitment to social outcomes that progress creativity, support artists and generate wellbeing.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Arts the Hon Kyam Maher MLC congratulated Ms Anthoney on her appointment.

“Ms Anthoney brings extensive board governance experience and a deep understanding of the arts,” he said.

“Her leadership will be invaluable as the South Australian Country Arts Trustcontinues its work supporting regional arts programming across South Australia.

“I also want to acknowledge the contribution of the Trust’s board members, whose dedication ensures country communities continue to benefit from a vibrant and accessible arts sector.”

Ms Anthoney has a strong connection with Country Arts SA’s work, having previously served on the board from 2014 to 2024.

“Country Arts SA plays a vital role in ensuring creativity flourishes across our regions, and I am delighted to accept the role of chair,” Ms Anthoney said.

“I am excited to work with such a talented group of people to celebrate and strengthen the extraordinary stories, artists and communities that define regional South Australia.”

Ms Anthoney replaces outgoing chair Shouwn Oosting, who made the difficult decision to step down for personal reasons.

Country Arts thanks Mr Oosting for his generous contribution to the organisation, particularly his leadership of the First Nations Advisory Committee.

Country Arts also acknowledges Emma Daly, Jack Ritchie, Michael Waite, and Lee-Ann Tjunypa Buckskin who have joined the Country Arts SA board in recent months.

Ms Daly represents the Limestone Coast region, drawing on her long-term executive background at Van Schaik’s Bio Gro, a third-generation family-owned business in Mount Gambier.

Representing the Local Government Association of South Australia, Mr Ritchie is a Port Lincoln councillor, Country Arts Foundation board member, and chair of Southern Arts Inc, which produces SALT Festival.

Mr Waite is the board member for the Adelaide Hills, Fleurieu and Kangaroo Island, bringing his experience as founder of both Waite Partners Advisory and Naracoorte Community News.

Narungga, Wirangu and Wotjobaluk woman Ms Buckskin is the First Nations board member, having also served on the Creative Australia and Tarnanthi boards, the National Museum of Australia Indigenous Advisory Committee, and the Country Arts SA First Nations Advisory Committee since its inception.

They joined existing board members Stephanie Toole, Ella Winnall and Simone Bailey.