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Courtney Gibson appointed Chair of Diversity Network

SAFC CEO Courtney Gibson replaces Neil Peplow as head of industry group addressing diversity on & off screen.

South Australian Film Corporation CEO Courtney Gibson has been named as the new Chair of the Screen Diversity and Inclusion Network, replacing inaugural chair and CEO of AFTRS Neil Peplow.

The SDIN was established last August by industry groups to promote diversity in front of and behind the camera. It includes all Free to Air networks, Foxtel, state funding bodies and more.

“The SDIN Chair position moves between member organisation as an expression of our collective commitment to building a more representative screen sector. I am delighted to be handing the helm over to Courtney, a passionate advocate with an impressive track record in leading for change. She will continue the charge in developing strong policies and actions to foster a diverse and inclusive screen industry,” said Peplow.

Gibson added, “I am delighted to be taking on chairing the SDIN – together there is so much great work we can do in improving practices, building relationships and sharing learnings to create new pathways and opportunities for great Australian talent from underrepresented groups. Our influences, decision-makers and screen stories need to reflect who we are today.”

Courtney Gibson has a strong history of supporting diversity and inclusion policies, including as the CEO of Screen NSW (now Create NSW). At Screen NSW, Courtney worked with industry to deliver gender equity in key creatives in funded television content within 12 months, and focused on proving funding and opportunity for underrepresented group, including through Screenability NSW paid attachments program and film festival for people with disabilities. She championed the organisations’ focus on supporting diverse and emerging voices, which she has committed to continuing now as the CEO of SAFC.

SDIN members have committed to a Charter around providing opportunities irrespective of gender, age, race, sexual orientation, nationality, religion, disability or geographic location. SDIN members include all the broadcasters, state and national screen agencies, guilds and business accoiation as well as MediaRING, FreeTV and AFTRS. SDIN members commit to supporting greater inclusiveness around workforce, talent development, training and partnerships. The SDIN Charter and a full list of members is available at www.sdin.com.au.

In 2018, the network will focus on holding itself accountable by developing a measurement system that will track progress around participation in the industry. There will also be a focus on the development of Diversity Action Plans and the creation of opportunities for practitioners from underrepresented communities.

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