Victorian Opera announces Board Appointment of the Hon. Heidi Victoria

Chair of Victorian Opera, Genevieve Overell AM, said: “We are pleased to welcome Heidi to the Board of Victorian Opera. She brings a wealth of experience from her years in public life alongside her incredible enthusiasm and love for the arts.”

On her appointment, Heidi said: “As a lifelong lover and supporter of opera, I am thrilled to join the Board of Victorian Opera. The organisation has earned a remarkable reputation for artistic excellence and community impact, and I look forward to contributing alongside the distinguished and talented team whose commitment and creativity have made it such a respected and valued institution.”

The former politician represented Bayswater in the Victorian Legislative Assembly for the Liberal Party from 2006 to 2018. She served as Minister for the Arts, Women’s Affairs, and Consumer Affairs (2013 – 2014) and held several shadow portfolios. Heidi is a professional photographer and a long-time advocate for the arts.

This appointment follows the retirement of former Director, Professor Richard Kurth, at Victorian Opera’s Annual General Meeting. As Director of the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music at the University of Melbourne, Professor Kurth provided invaluable service to both the Board and the company’s Artistic Committee across several years.

The appointment also follows the untimely passing of Board Member Josef Oduwo, who died after a brief illness in May 2026. Victorian Opera pays tribute to Josef and acknowledges his valued contribution to the Board and its Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee.

The Board of Victorian Opera comprises of Chair Genevieve Overell AM and Directors: Sharolyn Kimmorley AM, Sam Redston, Michael Smolders, Patricia Stebbens, Amanda Watt, Gillian Wong, and now, the Hon. Heidi Victoria.