STEPHEN HEAD – 2024 WESTERN AUSTRALIAN CINEMA PIONEERS OF THE YEAR Stephen Head was born in Geraldton, moving to Perth at the age of 1980 to go to Curtin University (Then WAIT) studying diagnostic radiology. Whilst at WAIT, in his spare time Stephen would help the Curtin University film club, ushering and learning projection, led…
SASHA CLOSE – SOUTH AUSTRALIAN CINEMA PIONEERS OF THE YEAR Sasha Close is a highly regarded executive in the Australian cinema and screen industry, with over two decades of experience spanning distribution, exhibition, programming, and film festivals. She began her career at United International Pictures before moving into exhibition and programming at Village Cinemas, where…
RICHARD PARTON – 2025 QUEENSLAND CINEMA PIONEER OF THE YEAR Richard Parton has been a stalwart of the industry – not just in Queensland, but nationally 3 for over 60 years. He started In the Industry in 1960 with Independent Film Distributors. In 1970 he joined Roadshow Film Distributors, operating out of Qld by Birch…
BETTY KELLY – 2025 VICTORIAN CINEMA PIONEERS OF THE YEAR For decades, anyone involved in Melbourne’s weekly film and theatre supplies pick-up & delivery run would have known Betty Kelly. Likewise, customers of a variety of theatre supply companies. Betty began her cinematic career when Ron Lorimer hired her to work at Greater Union Theatre…
JANE CORDEN – 2025 NSW/ACT CINEMA PIONEER OF THE YEAR For nearly four decades, Jane Corden has been a driving force behind the evolution of production accounting. From hands-on support to the development of industry-standard digital systems used around the world, her leadership, innovation, and mentorship have shaped how productions run and how production accountants…
ADRIENNE READ – 2025 RECIPIENT OF THE HUMANITARIAN AWARD Adrienne began her career on Skippy the Bush Kangaroo in 1967 doing Continuity, on both the television series and the feature film Skippy and the Intruders in 1969. This was followed by Between Wars, Caddie, Newsfront, The Removalists, and Starstruck amongst many more until 1985 when…
SUE MILLIKEN – 2025 NATIONAL CINEMA PIONEER OF THE YEAR With a formidable multi-decade career, she has produced some of Australia’s most iconic titles including The Odd Angry Shot, The Fringe Dwellers, Black Robe, Sirens, Dating the Enemy, Paradise Road, My Brother Jack and Ladies In Black. She co-wrote, with Bruce Beresford, the screenplay for…
KIM WILLIAMS – 2024 RECIPIENT OF THE HUMANITARIAN AWARD Kim Williams AM has received the Australian Cinema Pioneers Humanitarian Award, it has been announced. In announcing the Award, President of the Society of Australian Cinema Pioneers Lori Flekser said: “This Award recognises industry professionals who have made a significant and positive contribution to the Australian…
SCOTT NEESON – 2021 HUMANITARIAN AWARD RECIPIENT In 2019 the Society of Australian Cinema Pioneers instituted a Humanitarian Award to recognise outstanding and exceptional service to the cinema industry and/or the wider community by a member of the Society. This service might be for charity work, mentoring, community service or any other activities of merit.…
TOM JEFFREY – 2020 HUMANITARIAN AWARD RECIPIENT The Society of Australian Cinema Pioneers has instituted a Humanitarian Award to recognise outstanding and exceptional service to the cinema industry and/or the larger community by a member of the Australia Cinema Pioneers. This service might be for charity work, mentoring, community service and any other activities of…