South Australia's longest standing multi-art form and cultural organisation Carclew has announced one of the country's leading arts identities as its new Chair.
Rachel Healy will bring a wealth of experience to the role with a career in the arts and cultural sector spanning 30 years.
Ms Healy is the Co-Artistic Director of the Adelaide Festival and has previously held prominent roles with Sydney's Belvoir St Theatre, the Sydney Opera House and the City of Sydney as Executive Manager of Culture.
Ms Healy replaces outgoing Carclew Chair, one of the state's most beloved media personalities, Jane Doyle, who held the position for nine years.
Minister for Education John Gardner congratulated Ms Doyle on her outstanding contribution to the organisation.
"Jane is incredibly passionate about the arts and engaging young people in creative activities and I want to thank her for her significant contribution as Carclew Chair," said Minister Gardner.
"Jane is well-known to all South Australians for her work in the media as a respected television presenter, but away from the small screen she has shown a terrific dedication to promoting the children's and young people's arts and cultural programs of Carclew and the many benefits these provide.
"While Jane has left some very big shoes to fill, I am confident new Carclew Chair Rachel Healy will do an excellent job.
"Rachel has an impressive history in the arts and cultural sector and has served on many arts boards so she will be a great fit for Carclew."
Carclew Chief Executive Tricia Walton said Ms Doyle has done an incredible job as Chair.
"It is difficult to thank someone who has committed nine years of their spare time and energy to support your work, as Jane Doyle has done for Carclew," said Ms Walton.
"She has been an inspiring and dedicated Chair and has brought her flare and thoughtfulness to every meeting and every interaction between.
"Jane has helped Carclew welcome new and valued partners and supporters and chaired us through both calm and choppy waters with aplomb.
"She will be greatly missed but more than ably replaced by Rachel Healy.
"During my time as Chief Executive at Carclew I have had the absolute pleasure of working with some amazing women who have Chaired the Board, and Rachel will be continuing that tradition!"
Ms Doyle said it has been an absolute privilege to chair Carclew for the past nine years.
"As a first time Chair, it was a steep learning curve and I'm extremely grateful to CE Tricia Walton and her staff for their professionalism, enthusiasm and friendship," said Ms Doyle.
"I'm also most thankful to Board members, past and present, who have offered unwavering support and commitment to Carclew's mission to transform young lives through creativity.
"As Carclew heads into its 50th year in 2022, I know all will welcome the exciting appointment of new Chair Rachel Healy whose own outstanding creative career began within the walls of Carclew House.
"May the birthday celebrations indeed be golden!"
Ms Healy described the appointment as an honour.
"I am a passionate believer in the role and value of youth arts and so I am delighted and honoured to take on the role of Chair of Carclew following Jane Doyle's outstanding guidance and stewardship," said Ms Healy.
"As a theatre-mad teenager I was an active member of Essai Youth Theatre based at Carclew and my first two professional roles after studying at Adelaide University was as Assistant Editor then Editor of Lowdown Magazine, also at Carclew.
"There are thousands like me whose love of the arts was catalysed by their experiences at Carclew and I am so looking forward to working with Tricia and the Board on supporting the future ambitions of this extraordinary organisation."
Celebrating its 50th year next year, Carclew is dedicated to artistic outcomes by and for young people aged 26 and under.
Since 1972 Carclew has been delivering an ever-evolving range of programs and experiences that transform young lives through creativity.
Programs focus on outcomes for children, for young people, and for emerging creatives establishing their careers.
