One of Australia’s most influential screen storytellers is stepping into a powerful new behind the scenes role that could shape what audiences see for years to come.
Screen Australia has today announced the appointment of Rachel Perkins as its inaugural Director of First Nations Strategy, placing a veteran filmmaker and industry leader at the helm of future policy and investment decisions.
A proud Arrernte and Kalkadoon woman and co founder of Blackfella Films, Perkins brings more than three decades of experience championing Indigenous self representation across film and television.
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Her career spans landmark titles including Mystery Road, Total Control, Redfern Now, Mabo and The Australian Wars, alongside leadership roles across organisations such as SBS, ABC, NITV and the Australian Film Commission.
Rachel Perkins on set, the kind of hands on creative leadership that has defined her career and now informs her move into a strategic role shaping First Nations storytelling at Screen Australia (image – supplied / John Platt)
Perkins said the agency plays a critical role in ensuring Australians see themselves reflected on screen and highlighted the opportunity to strengthen support for Indigenous creators.
“Screen Australia has such an important role in our nation’s cultural ecosystem, so I’m proud to play my part in ensuring all Australians continue to see themselves represented on screen.”
Screen Australia CEO Deirdre Brennan described the appointment as a pivotal moment for the agency and the broader industry, noting the increasing importance of First Nations stories to Australia’s screen future.
“Rachel’s appointment marks a bold new chapter, not just for Screen Australia’s First Nations Department, but for the future of local storytelling as a whole.”
In the newly created position, Perkins will guide the strategic direction of Screen Australia’s First Nations Department, shaping policy recommendations, investment priorities and engagement across government, culture and industry.
Perkins was also announced as a key speaker for the return of the Future Vision screen summit last year, a nod to her long track record guiding conversations about where Australian television and film are headed.
Perkins will commence in the role on 2 March 2026 and report directly to Brennan while working closely with Head of First Nations Content Gillian Moody Ardler.
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