Archer bows out of HOTA
HOTA is about to undergo its first major change with chair Robyn Archer to step down.
Gold Coast City councillors have been told Griffith University Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor Ned Pankhurst will take over from June 1.
Ms Archer leaves on May 31 after three years and starting the city’s biggest cultural expansion program. Council insiders suggest the appointment has been welcomed by all councillors, with Professor Pankhurst seen as the right fit after HOTA had established itself on the national arts stage.
“Councillors think it is a good appointment. Ned is a Gold Coast-centric guy. It’s a great move,” a council insider said. “With Robyn’s appointment, she was highly regarded in the arts and cultural sector. At the time we wanted to gain credibility. Robyn was the key to us gaining exposure in the national space.”
Ms Archer has just released a new album, Classic Cabaret Rarities, which has earned solid reviews, and her tenure was due to finish by June.
Former HOTA board member Cr Bob La Castra said: “Robyn has been tremendous. She’s done a great job. She’s been absolutely fabulous for this city. She is so knowledgeable and well connected.”
Council CEO Dale Dickson said yesterday Ms Archer should be credited with leaving HOTA in great shape and ensuring an orderly, smooth transition.
“Of course, Robyn’s contribution to the city extends beyond her role at HOTA after joining the city five years ago as Strategic Adviser, Arts and Culture ahead of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games,” Mr Dickson said.
“Her contribution to raising the city’s cultural profile and identity has been outstanding.”
Mr Dickson described Professor Pankhurst as “an eminent Gold Coaster and well credentialled” to lead the next stage of HOTA’s evolution.
“Professor Pankhurst has played a key role in the development and curation of the Griffith University campus during the past 15 years and the development of the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct as chair of its steering committee,” said Mr Dickson.
“He also brings interstate and international experience through his former roles as Pro Vice Chancellor – Science, Environment, Engineering and Technology at James Cook University and Killam Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Alberta.”