Ian Darling, Chairman, has announced he is to retire from the board of Sydney Theatre
Company after seven years as a director, and three years as Chairman. He will remain in
the post until February 2010 at which time distinguished businessman David Gonski AC
will take up the position.

Ian Darling said: “It has been a privilege to serve as Chairman of Sydney Theatre Company
working alongside an exceptional management team and board. The decision to leave has
been a tough one for me to make, particularly as the revitalised Company is making great
strides locally and internationally under the inspired direction of Andrew Upton and Cate
Blanchett. However, I believe arts companies benefit from regular opportunities to refresh
and renew governance and the time is right for change. I know David Gonski will bring
extraordinary business expertise, vision and energy to Sydney Theatre Company at an
important time in its history. ”

Award-winning documentary film director and producer, Ian Darling became Chairman of
both the Board and STC Foundation in 2006. He has overseen an important period of
transition at the Company, considerable artistic successes, expansion of the Company’s
Education and thriving artform development programs, significant upgrades at the
Company’s home base The Wharf, and the $5.8 million Greening of the Wharf project. He
leaves a Company in good financial health, on target to report a healthy profit from its
2009 season, with strong advance sales for 2010 and significantly increased levels of
sponsorship and philanthropic support.

David Gonski said: "I look forward to becoming Chairman of Sydney Theatre Company. I
admire the diversity and quality of the Company’s productions, the commitment to
education and the successes, particularly in recent years, in broadening its reach. I believe
there is great potential to build on these areas and I look forward to being part of that
process.”

Artistic Directors Andrew Upton and Cate Blanchett said: "We would like to express our
heartfelt thanks to our much-loved Chairman Ian Darling for his commitment and passion
for Sydney Theatre Company. His wise counsel and generosity during our first two years as
Artistic Directors have been invaluable.

"Its fantastic to have David Gonski join us. His business acumen, strategic vision and
commitment to the arts and the community make him a great Chairman and we look
forward to working closely with him."

One of David Gonski’s first duties will be to welcome a new Chief Operating Officer to the
Company to replace outgoing General Manager Rob Brookman. A rigorous search process
is currently underway and an announcement for Brookman’s replacement is anticipated in
early 2010, allowing for a smooth transition to take place before he leaves the Company at
the end of May 2010.

Sydney Theatre Company’s board is also comprised of Cate Blanchett, John Connolly,
Genevieve Lemon, Sandra Levy, Catherine Martin, Martin McCallum, Justin Miller, Simon
Mordant, Sam Mostyn, Andrew Stuart and Andrew Upton.