NAISDA welcomes new Chairman in 40th year

NAISDA Dance College recently announced that Sean Gordon will serve as new Chairperson. Over the past six years, the college has grown under the stewardship of outgoing Chair Nyunggai Warren Mundine.

“We have been honoured to enjoy the skills, experience and connections of Nyunggai Warren Mundine for some years now. His contribution to the governance and standing of NAISDA on a national level has been outstanding and has allowed the college to grow on an artistic and educational level,” said Kim Walker, Chief Executive Officer of NAISDA.

“Warren’s commitment to the college has led to substantial support from both the federal and state governments – funding without which we could simply not have implemented many of the programs that we have,” Walker continued. “Our student completion rates sit at 81.25 percent – double that of the national average. Our students travel from all over Australia to attend the Central Coast Campus and the passion and vision of the teachers and leaders has been allowed to flourish alongside Warren’s and the Board’s vision for the college.”

Nyunggai Warren Mundine had been Chair of NAISDA since 2010 and is stepping down from the role due to political and business commitments. He remains on the Board and will continue in his role as Chair of the NAISDA Foundation. Following in his well-trodden footsteps is Sean Gordon.

Gordon is a Wangkumarra/Barkintji man who grew up in Brewarrina, Western NSW. He is the Chief Executive Officer of Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council, Convenor of the Empowered Communities Leadership Group and Steering Committee Chairperson of Barang Regional Alliance. He’s a respected Aboriginal business leader not only on the Central Coast of NSW but also throughout the nation.

“I am very excited to have an opportunity to share my appreciation for the emerging talents of NAISDA’s developing students,” Gordon said. “The 40th anniversary year presents a unique opportunity to not only celebrate our past achievements, but to continue Warren’s incredible work in bringing our artists and their talents to the fore.”

“The Board and I will be looking to expand our curriculum and cultural programs to cover all aspects of performing arts training, growing our international touring and training program,” he continued. “The Board’s aspirations include a desire to grow NAISDA in terms of both facilities and Developing Artist intake numbers. It is our intention to expand NAISDA through Naya Wa Yugali, an International Contemporary Indigenous Performing Arts gathering place on the Central Coast that would be financed through the NAISDA Foundation with both state and federal support.”

He concluded, “The inspiring achievements of the college over four decades pave the way for a bright future, one that will see us reflect upon and cherish our artistic history. I am thrilled to have an opportunity to be a small part of that, without the need to take to the stage myself.”