Peter McMullin appointed chair of Melbourne Recital Centre

Prominent Melbourne lawyer, businessman and philanthropist Peter McMullin AM (pictured right) has been appointed chair of the Melbourne Recital Centre.

The appointment was announced on May 6 by Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks (pictured left), who praised Mr McMullin’s extensive contributions to the arts and civic life in Victoria.

A well-known supporter of the creative sector, Mr McMullin has served on the Recital Centre board since 2021 and succeeds Emeritus Professor Andrea Hull AO, who held the role for the past six years, including throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I am deeply honoured to be appointed Chair of the Melbourne Recital Centre – one of the world's most impressive live music venues and a pivotal force shaping the future of live music experiences at the heart of our transforming arts precinct,” Mr McMullin said.

“Throughout my life, music has been a profound source of connection and inspiration, which is why I'm passionate about expanding the centre's reach and welcoming diverse new audiences.”

Mr McMullin brings decades of experience from both public and private sectors. He is the current Chairman and Director of the McMullin Group, a private investment business, and has been President of the Confederation of Asia Pacific Chambers of Commerce and Industry since 2021.

His public service includes past roles as Mayor of the City of Greater Geelong and Deputy Mayor of the City of Melbourne. In 2019, he founded the Good Business Foundation, which supports social impact initiatives globally.

Mr McMullin has also held board positions with the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Geelong Performing Arts Centre Trust, Museums Board of Victoria, Geelong Art Gallery and the Australian Chamber Orchestra.

His philanthropic legacy includes support for the Science Gallery Melbourne and the establishment of the Peter McMullin Centre on Statelessness at Melbourne University Law School – the world’s first academic centre dedicated to the issue.

In 2024, Southbank News reported that Mr McMullin and wife Ruth (pictured centre) had donated $2 million to construct a “transformative” new public arts space on Melbourne Recital Centre’s rooftop known as “The Beacon”.

Minister Brooks welcomed the appointment and acknowledged the contribution of the outgoing chair.

“I look forward to Peter bringing his considerable experience to this role, as the Melbourne Recital Centre continues to bring more diverse music offerings to a wide-ranging audience at its world-class facility,” he said.

“I would also like to thank Emeritus Professor Andrea Hull AO for her incredible leadership and dedication, particularly for steering the centre through the challenges of the pandemic.”

Mr McMullin will now lead the centre as it continues to play a central role in Victoria’s cultural calendar, presenting both local and international artists from its award-winning Southbank venue.