Claire’s rightful honour

Arts Centre Melbourne CEO Claire Spencer was awarded a member (AM) of the Order of Australia for her outstanding contribution to the field of performing arts on Australia Day.

Having previously worked in leadership roles at Sydney Opera House, she has held the mantle of CEO of the Arts Centre since 2014 and our beloved home of the arts continues to go from strength to strength under her direction.

Some of her major achievements have included establishing the Arts Wellbeing Collective, leading major consortium projects such as Asia TOPA, the regional TECH CONNECT program and the opening of the Australian Music Vault.

She also volunteers her time as a board director of the Pinnacle Foundation, which supports LGBTQIA+ students, and a member of Chief Executive Women, representing Australia’s most senior and distinguished women leaders.

“When I arrived in Australia [from England] 21 years ago, I could never have imagined this honour,” Claire said. “I am truly humbled by it.”

“I have never been more honoured to have first become an Australian citizen and, then second, to serve the Australian performing arts industry and community.”

“I thank the Governor General for this honour. I also acknowledge that all of my opportunities for services to the performing arts and the community have happened on the lands of the Eora and Kulin Nations and I pay my respect to elders past and present.”

Another Southbanker in the form of local resident Samuel Lipski was acknowledged as an Officer (AO) in the General Division of the Order of Australia.

Mr Lipski was rewarded for “distinguished service to the community through the promotion of strategic philanthropy, to education and to Australia-Israel relations”.

You can read more about Mr Lipski and his achievements in the March edition of Southbank News •