Powerhouse Parramatta CEO steps aside amid governance probe, opening still set for November 7
Lisa Havilah has stepped down as CEO of Powerhouse Parramatta while NSW investigations into governance and procurement continue, but the museum’s November 7 launch remains unchanged.
The Minister for Arts in New South Wales disclosed that Lisa Havilah will stand aside as chief executive of Powerhouse Parramatta while state investigations examine the institution’s governance and procurement arrangements. The Department of Creative Industries characterized the issues as complex, involving multiple lines of inquiry, and noted that no formal findings have been issued. To guide the museum through its concluding phase, the government appointed architect Abbie Galvin as interim CEO and former Sydney Opera House chief Louise Herron as strategic advisor.
David Borger, president of the Powerhouse Trust, reiterated that the November 7 opening will go ahead as scheduled. Havilah, who has overseen the $915 million development since 2018 and previously led the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences, faced parliamentary questions earlier this year about alleged budget blowouts, which she refuted. Treasury executive Cassandra Wilkinson, appointed chief operating officer in July, continues in that role as the project moves toward its debut.
Why it matters
Leadership changes could affect the rollout of Western Sydney's biggest cultural project in decades.
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