NEWS

Public Galleries Association of Victoria (PGAV) is delighted to announce the appointment of Gail Harradine, a Wotjobaluk, Jadawadjali, Djubagalk woman and Curatorial Manager at Koorie Heritage Trust, as the inaugural First Nations Representative on its board.

This landmark position, created through close consultation with First Nations gallery leaders and formally adopted into the PGAV Rules of Association, will support PGAV to advance First Nations leadership and engagement across Victoria’s public gallery sector.

In addition to contributing to board decisions on all matters, Ms Harradine will advise on professional development and networking opportunities for First Nations gallery staff, and foster collaboration with First Nations artists, arts workers, community members and organisations. This appointment is a cornerstone of PGAV’s ongoing commitment to equity, inclusion and increasing First Nations representation across the sector’s workforce and leadership. 

Ms Harradine said of her appointment to the PGAV Board: “It is a privilege to join the PGAV Board and contribute to shaping a sector where First Nations voices, stories and leadership are not only supported but celebrated as central to Victoria’s creative future.”

PGAV President Danny Lacy welcomed Ms Harradine to the role on behalf of 75 public galleries.

“Ms Harradine brings an extraordinary depth of experience and cultural leadership to this pivotal role. We are honoured to welcome her as our inaugural First Nations Representative, ensuring First Peoples’ perspectives are not just heard, but woven into the very fabric of our decision making and the future of Victoria’s public gallery sector,” Mr Lacy said.

Tom Mosby, CEO of Koorie Heritage Trust said, "We are proud of Gail’s appointment to this important role. Her cultural knowledge and leadership will be invaluable in strengthening First Peoples representation and career development within Victoria’s galleries.”

Gail Harradine was born on Wotjobaluk country, renowned for its ancient salt lakes and mountains, including Djurite (Mt Arapiles) and Gariwerd (Grampians). 

As Curatorial Manager at Koorie Heritage Trust, Ms Harradine oversees dynamic exhibitions, public programs, and the stewardship of a significant collection of First Peoples art, cultural materials, and archives. Her extensive gallery experience includes roles at the National Museum of Australia, Museum Victoria, and Gasworks, as well as collaborative projects with other First Peoples creatives at major festivals.

She holds a Diploma of Fine Art from Ballarat University; a Graduate Diploma in Secondary Education and a Postgraduate qualification in Art Curatorial Studies from Melbourne University; a Graduate Diploma in Natural and Cultural Resource Management from Deakin University; as well as a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment; and further short courses in management. In her spare time, Gail recently completed a Master of Arts (Arts Management) at RMIT (with distinction) and is currently a PhD candidate (part-time) within RMIT’s School of Art via an exegesis art-based process, dedicated to her family, especially her mother, Aunty Leila Harradine.

Ms Harradine’s expertise spans curatorship, cultural heritage management, public gallery operations and arts education. She is recognised as an advocate and mentor for both artists and gallery professionals. Her ongoing contributions continue to shape Victoria’s cultural landscape through innovative programming, collection care and an enduring commitment to the representation and wellbeing of First Peoples communities.