Michael McDaniel Named New Chair of Bangarra Dance Theatre's Board

Bangarra Dance Theatre announced today that former Deputy Chair Michael McDaniel has been appointed as the new Chair of Bangarra's Board. Michael McDaniel has taken over the role, effective immediately, from Professor Larissa Behrendt who has stepped down as Chair of the Board after nine years of service to the company.

Artistic Director Stephen Page said, "Larissa has made an invaluable and immeasurable contribution to Bangarra over the last nine years and holds a special place in my heart. We look forward to continuing our association with her going forward. I am proud to welcome Michael McDaniel as our incoming Chair and know that with Michael at the helm of Bangarra, we are well placed for the next tide of our artistic and cultural journey."

An Aboriginal Australian and member of the Kalari Clan of the Wiradjuri Nation of NSW, Michael joined the Bangarra Board in November 2011 and in 2013 became Deputy Chair. In 2014 he was the Chair of the inaugural Corroboree Sydney Festival.

Bangarra Executive Director, Philippe Magid, said the company is delighted to be continuing its relationship with Michael and believes the Board will continue to benefit from his wealth of experience and dedication.

"During my first year with Bangarra, both Larissa and Michael have been a great support and have provided valuable and insightful leadership. I look forward to working alongside Michael in his new role as Chair to further realise Bangarra's place as Australia's leading Indigenous performing arts company." says Magid.

Michael McDaniel said of his appointment, "I am extremely honoured to be the new Chair of Bangarra Dance Theatre and very excited about working more closely with our exceptionally talented Artistic Director, Stephen Page and our outstanding Executive Director, Philippe Magid.

Bangarra is a national treasure. While honouring the most ancient thread of our national heritage it's an expression of our collective and contemporary national identity and an outstanding international ambassador for our country. Amongst major performing arts companies it is uniquely Australian. In commencing in the role I'd like to acknowledge the outgoing Chair, Professor Larissa Behrendt under whose leadership Bangarra has gone from strength to strength."

Michael McDaniel is a highly experienced and nationally accredited mediator, with considerable experience in private and public sector consultation and project managing relating to Indigenous affairs. His contributions to Indigenous higher education have spanned more than two decades. A Professor of Indigenous Education and Director of Jumbunna Indigenous House of Learning at the University of Technology Sydney, Michael has previously held similar roles at both University of Western Sydney and Macquarie University as well as part time lectureships at the Australian Catholic University and the University of Sydney. He is also a member of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Higher Education Network and theAustralian Government's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Higher Education Council (ATSIHEC).

Bangarra is currently on its largest ever regional tour as part of its 25th anniversary celebrations.