27 02 2026 - Media release
Screen Australia announces Rachel Perkins as Director of First Nations Strategy
Rachel Perkins. Photo credit: John Platt.
Screen Australia has today announced the appointment of Rachel Perkins as Director of First Nations Strategy. A proud Arrernte and Kalkadoon woman with German and Irish heritage, Rachel is one of the nation's most renowned screen practitioners, bringing unique, compelling stories to life and advocating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander self-representation and equity for more than thirty years.
An agenda-setting filmmaker and policy leader, Rachel has lent her high-level expertise to a number of influential organisations in leadership roles across Screen Australia, AFTRS, SBS, ABC, the Australian Film Commission, NITV, Indigenous Screen Australia, the NSW Film and Television Office, the National Indigenous Media Association of Australia and the First Nations Heritage Protection Alliance.
As co-founder of production company Blackfella Films, Rachel has long driven and shaped First Nations storytelling in Australia with a strong focus on self-representation, told by and with Indigenous media practitioners. A transformative director, writer and producer for drama and documentary projects across TV and film, her credentials include work on pioneering and award-winning projects like Mystery Road, Total Control, The Australian Wars, Redfern Now, Bran Nue Dae, Radiance, Mabo and First Australians.
In the newly created role, Rachel will lead the strategic direction for Screen Australia's First Nations Department and the broader sector by shaping recommendations for future policy, guiding investment priorities and driving engagement with government, culture and screen industry stakeholders.
Rachel Perkins said, "Screen Australia has such an important role in our nation's cultural ecosystem, so I'm proud to play my part in ensuring all Australians continue to see themselves represented on screen. In particular, I'm passionate about the opportunity to provide the strategic support for First Nations creators and businesses to be empowered, own their stories and thrive."
"The First Nations Department has a long legacy of incredible work. I'm keen to continue championing our exceptional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander screen practitioners and forge a path for the next generation of talent – delivering the kind of stories that will enrich and uplift the entirety of Australia's innovative screen industry and audiences across the globe."
Screen Australia CEO Deirdre Brennan said, "Rachel's appointment marks a bold new chapter, not just for Screen Australia's First Nations Department, but for the future of local storytelling as a whole."
"We created this new role because First Nations stories and contribution to our industry are more important than ever. Rachel's deep experience across content, education, culture, advocacy and complex organisations makes her uniquely positioned to shape an exciting future for Screen Australia. No doubt she'll continue to strengthen a vibrant screen industry that reflects the depth and diversity of Australian stories."
Commencing in the position on 2 March 2026, Rachel will report directly to Brennan and will also work closely with recently appointed Head of First Nations Content, Gillian Moody-Ardler, who provides creative and operational direction for First Nations content investment.
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