Powerhouse Parramatta, Sydney's eagerly anticipated $915 million cultural institution, faces a leadership shake-up just 10 weeks before its opening, as CEO Lisa Havilah steps down amid ongoing investigations into governance and procurement issues.
Since her appointment in 2018, Havilah had overseen the project from its inception, a significant undertaking that has seen the creation of a much-anticipated cultural hub in the city, comparable to the iconic Sydney Opera House which opened in 1973.
Following Havilah's departure, Abbie Galvin, the government architect for New South Wales, will take over as CEO, while Louise Herron, former CEO of the Sydney Opera House, will serve as strategic adviser. The much-anticipated opening date of November 7 remains unchanged, as the interim team takes the reins.
David Borger, president of the Powerhouse Trust, expressed the challenges of the situation, stating: 'Obviously, it’s not an ideal situation this close to the opening.'
The Department of Creative Industries has characterized the situation as 'complex', involving multiple lines of inquiry, and has declined to provide further details or comment on the ongoing investigation.
