The City of Greater Bendigo has farewelled Manager Bendigo Venues & Events, David Lloyd.
Mr Lloyd joined the City in 2004 and over the past 16 years has helped shape a diverse performing arts program that has steadily grown theatre audiences and contributed to Greater Bendigo's reputation as a leading arts centre in regional Victoria.
The development and opening of Ulumbarra Theatre was a significant highlight of Mr Lloyd's time with the organisation, which resulted in winning the Performing Arts Connections Australian Venue of the Year in 2017. He was also thrilled to welcome the relocation of Arena Theatre Company to Bendigo in 2018.
Other achievements include participation in the Regional Centre for Culture and continued commitment to advancing reconciliation through the arts, as well as a major rebrand of The Capital as a venue, which included a shift in programming, development of an outstanding team and a focus on a seamless customer experience.
Mr Lloyd represented the industry as President of Performing Arts Connections Australia and the Victorian Association of Performing Arts Centres, which helped lift the profile of Bendigo's performing arts venues. Strong connections with Creative Victoria and Regional Arts Victoria were also developed over the past 16 years.
More recently, Mr Lloyd contributed to the development of the Greater CREATIVE Bendigo strategy to drive continued development locally of the arts and associated industries.
City Director Strategy and Growth Bernie O'Sullivan wished Mr Lloyd well.
"Under David's leadership, the Bendigo Venues & Events unit has delivered a vibrant and interesting program of performing arts and other experiences, including the highly regarded Bendigo Writers Festival and Bendigo International Festival of Exploratory Music, which have engaged people of all ages," Mr O'Sullivan said.
"We thank David for his service to the arts locally and our community."
Mr Lloyd said he would look back fondly on his time at the City.
"I would like to thank the wonderful Bendigo Venues & Events staff for their support and commitment to celebrating and promoting the arts. I would also like to acknowledge our loyal patrons and fantastic industry professionals who help make an experience at the theatre so special and memorable," he said.
"During my time at the City I am most proud of contributing to strengthening the organisation's relationship with the Dja Dja Wurrung community and know this will be continued through the new dedicated First Nations Art Officer role.
"I will watch on with interest and continued support for the arts in Bendigo."
