The Empire Welcomes New Board Chair and Directors
The Empire faces the future with a clear vision and renewed direction following the appointment of a new Chair and four additional Directors to its Board.
David Taplin was appointed Chair of the Board of Empire Theatres Pty Ltd following a competitive, independent and merit-based recruitment process.
Mr Taplin is joined by four new Directors – Jade Gardiner, David Chick, Fiona Gaske and Brett Bramwell – who all commence their appointments on 17 April 2026.
Together, they bring a broad range of skills, experience and perspectives to lead one of Australia’s most iconic cultural institutions into its next phase.
The Empire CEO Giuliana Bonel welcomed the new Chair and Directors while paying tribute to outgoing Chair Andrew Wielandt, who retires after 19 years of dedicated service to the organisation and the arts community.
“Under Andrew’s guidance, The Empire solidified its standing as a cultural cornerstone across the region, an institution that supports artists, engages audiences and forges enduring creative, community and commercial partnerships,” Ms Bonel said.
“The esteemed reputation The Empire enjoys, not just regionally but nationally, is a testament to Andrew’s strategic oversight.
“I also extend my sincere gratitude to Janelle Fletcher, Jim O’Dea, John Pearson, Kris Stewart and Suzie Byrnes, who are stepping down as Board Directors but who will continue to play vital roles as supporters and champions of this incredible institution.”
Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) partnered with executive recruitment specialist OnTalent to lead the search for the new Chair and Directors.
TRC endorsed the new appointments at a Special Meeting on Tuesday, 14 April, highlighting their ability to guide The Empire’s long-term operational performance, cultural vibrancy and strong connection to the community.
#What’s New
The Empire celebrates a million-dollar milestone this month, with the Friends of The Empire having donated more than $1M to the theatre since the group’s formation in 1997.
The Empire has lowered the curtain on a dazzling season of the global pop musical & JULIET, with the hit production wrapping up its sensational six-show run on Sunday 22 March.
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.
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.
