The Empire's Board Names New Directors
Three new directors were appointed to The Empire's Board in January 2024.
The Empire has announced the appointment of three new Directors to The Empire’s Board, officially welcoming Kris Stewart, Emily Montgomery and Jim O’Dea in late January.
Chairman of The Empire Board, Andrew Wielandt said he was very happy with the addition of Mr Stewart, Ms Montgomery and Mr O’Dea to the Board of Directors, noting their knowledge and experience as an asset to The Empire moving forward.
“We received a number of applications from highly qualified and enthusiastic candidates which made the choice ever more difficult,” Mr Wielandt said.
The Board is excited about the future of the Empire and is looking forward to working with Mr Stewart, Ms Montgomery and Mr O’Dea.
Andrew Wielandt
Artistic leader and creative industry executive, Kris Stewart has a focus on cultural production, institutional growth and launching major events, and is currently working as the Chief Executive Officer for Queensland music’s peak body, QMusic.
Mr Stewart is the former artistic director of Brisbane Powerhouse, producer of several national arts festivals including the largest music industry event in the Southern Hemisphere, BIGSOUND and current member of Sunshine Coast Arts Advisory Board and the National Film and Sound Archive Advisory Panel.
A Senior Project Office with Queensland Government’s Department of Environment and Science, Emily Montgomery is passionate about culture, particularly language, dance, art and storytelling as well as creative lasting positive change.
A proud Aboriginal woman, Ms Montgomery has extensive experience in event management, stakeholder and community engagement and currently serves as a Director on the Board of Aboriginal Family Legal Services Queensland and has held University of Southern Queensland roles including First Nations Engagement Manager, Evaluation Coordinator and Senior Indigenous Outreach and Engagement Officer.
Business owner and Operations Manager at engineering and waste management company Proterra Group, Jim O’Dea also currently serves on the board of Highfields Chamber of Commerce and has experience in strategic planning and governance.
Mr O’Dea’s personal connection to The Empire began in 2017 when he worked for Toowoomba Regional Council as Lead Project Manager for the design phase of the multi-stage refurbishment of The Empire’s auditorium and front of house areas.
Mr Stewart, Ms Montgomery and Mr O’Dea have been endorsed by Toowoomba Regional Council and are now serving members of The Empire’s Board of Directors.
#What’s New
The Empire’s popular school holiday event, THRIVE Festival, is set to return from September 25-28, this year plunging beneath the waves and celebrating the wonders of the ocean.
Following the incredible success of 2024’s Come From Away, The Empire is thrilled to announce the next in-house mainstage production, award-winning smash-hit coming of age jukebox musical, & JULIET.
The Empire Foundation’s commitment to the development of young artists in the region continues with the opening of applications for The Empire Foundation 2025 Youth Bursaries.
After six months of sold-out performances, Theatre of Magic is extending their season by popular demand for the remainder of 2025, including four special performances to celebrate the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers.
The vibrance and talent of Southern Queensland’s artists takes centre stage with the launch of a premium publication, Under the Southern Sky – Arts and Culture of Southern Queensland, a showcase of the region’s incredible skill and creativity.
Shining a Spotlight on the community powering The Empire’s success
