The Empire Celebrates Andrew Wielandt’S 19 Years of Dedicated Leadership as He Announces Retirement as Chair
The Empire today announced that Mr Andrew Wielandt will retire from the Board of Empire Theatres Pty Ltd and step down as Chair on 17 April 2026, marking the conclusion of 19 years of dedicated service to the organisation and the arts community.
During his tenure as Chair, Mr Wielandt provided strong leadership and strategic oversight to one of Australia’s largest regional performing arts venues, guiding its strategic direction and long-term sustainability.
Working alongside the Board, management team and the venue’s owner, Toowoomba Regional Council, he helped strengthen The Empire’s role as a cornerstone of cultural life across the region and supported the growth of artists, audiences and creative partnerships.
Mr Wielandt said serving the organisation had been a privilege.
“It has been an honour to serve the staff, Board and wider community for nearly two decades.
“I have had the opportunity to work alongside passionate and talented people who care deeply about the arts and the role The Empire plays in our region.
I am incredibly proud of what has been achieved together and I’m confident the organisation is well positioned for the future
Mr Andrew Wielandt
CEO of The Empire, Giuliana Bonel, expressed her respect and gratitude for Andrew’s tenure, leadership and support.
“Working alongside Andrew has been a privilege. His guidance, generosity and unwavering commitment to the organisation have earned my utmost respect.
“He has been a steadfast advocate for our organisation and for the arts more broadly, and I am deeply grateful for his trust and counsel. His legacy will be felt for many years to come,” Ms Bonel said.
Today, The Empire continues to thrive as a vibrant cultural hub, attracting more than 140,000 visitors annually and delivering a diverse program of performances, community engagement and youth development initiatives.
The Empire extends its sincere gratitude to Mr Wielandt for his leadership and advocacy, and looks forward to his continued connection as a supporter and champion of the organisation.
#What’s New
An all-singing, all-dancing, all-star cast of more than two dozen young performers will bring the worldwide smash-hit musical, & JULIET, to Toowoomba’s esteemed Empire Theatre in 2026.
The Empire Foundation has once again demonstrated its dedication to nurturing the next generation of performers, presenting the 2025 Youth Bursaries to outstanding young artists from across the region.
The Empire’s annual school holiday event, THRIVE Festival, has wrapped for 2025 with a record-breaking 5,127 people attending the four-day celebration of creativity, play and storytelling.
Shakespeare and a smash hit soundtrack collide at The Empire as preparations for the 2026 in-house production of & JULIET kick off with the appointment of Queensland-based Director, Tim Hill.
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.
