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New President For State Library Victoria

26 May 2021

Australia’s oldest and busiest public library, State Library Victoria enters a new chapter with the appointment of Christine Christian AO as its next president – the first woman to take the role since the Library opened 165 years ago.

Minister for Creative Industries Danny Pearson today announced Ms Christian’s appointment as the 24th President of the Library Board of Victoria, the governing body of State Library Victoria.

A leading Australian businesswoman and experienced company director, Ms Christian has 35-years’ experience in high-level positions spanning financial, investment, private equity and credit risk.

She is Chair of Auctus Investments Limited and holds non-executive director roles with finance company Humm Group Limited, financial technology company Credit Clear Limited, and investment firms MaxCap Group and Lonsec. She also serves on the boards of La Trobe University and the Cranlana Program.

Ms Christian has been a member of the Library Board of Victoria since 2013, serving as Deputy President since 2016. She played a key role in the Library’s $88.1 million Vision 2020 redevelopment.

Her generous philanthropic support enabled State Library Victoria to establish StartSpace, the Library’s first free business support service for new and early-stage business founders.

Last year Ms Christian was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia for her distinguished service to the financial and investment sectors, to women in business, and for her support for emerging entrepreneurs.

Ms Christian succeeds John Wylie AM who over his successful nine-year tenure as President championed and delivered the ambitious physical and organisational transformation of the Library.

In addition to Ms Christian’s appointment, board members Maria Myers AC, Maxine McKew and Adam Lewis have been reappointed for another term.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Creative Industries Danny Pearson

“I pay tribute to outgoing President John Wylie whose vision, drive, generosity and determination transformed our State Library, expanding and reimagining it for generations to come.”

“Christine will be an asset to the Library and is well placed to ensure it remains a thriving place of knowledge, ideas and connection at the heart of Victoria’s cultural life.”

Quotes attributable to incoming President of the Library Board of Victoria Christine Christian AO

“This is an extremely special moment for me. I feel honoured and privileged to be given this opportunity, together with the Board and management, to build on our exciting plans for this world class Library.”

“I look forward to continuing to promote the Library in its crucial task in society and to deliver on community expectations.”

Reviewed 26 May 2021

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