Chair

Julia White

Born and raised in Perth, Julia relocated to Melbourne in 1996, following the completion of her studies in Arts Management at WAAPA. Julia worked with the Melbourne Festival, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Australian Ballet School and Footscray Community Arts over a period of 10 years in a variety of roles that encompassed marketing, tour management, event management, venue management, business development, corporate sponsorship, and philanthropic engagement.

In 2006, Julia joined Melbourne Theatre Company as Development Director, responsible for steering the capital campaign behind the building of the new Southbank Theatre and MTC Headquarters. Upon the successful completion of this campaign, Julia jumped ship and left the arts industry to work with Zoos Victoria, securing funding to support the zoo’s conservation and animal welfare programs. As General Manager of Philanthropy, she oversaw the revitalisation of fundraising; securing over $20M in support of the zoo’s programs.

Julia  left working with Zoos Victoria to take up a position as Director of the Western Health Foundation, working to secure philanthropic and corporate support for the hospitals and health care services in Melbourne’s west. A proud westie, she is happy to be making a contribution to her own community. She has now assumed the role of Director of Advancement at University of Melbourne.

In addition to her professional roles, Julia also served as Chair of Polyglot Theatre for 5 years until 2014. She is currently on the Advisory Committee for the Brimbank Community Fund, supporting youth services in the west. In 2012 Julia became a foster parent to a teenage girl, who is still living at home (despite the fact that she’s now 22!).

Julia is a passionate advocate for the community, a keen consumer of the arts, and enjoys a decent glass of red.