VAPAC Announces Executive Director Melenie Stevenson to Depart
It is with both sincere gratitude and heartfelt thanks that we acknowledge the resignation of Melenie Stevenson from her role as Executive Director of the Victorian Association of Performing Arts Centres (VAPAC).
During her tenure leading VAPAC since mid-2024 and previously as Industry Development Manager, Melenie has demonstrated exceptional leadership marked by clarity of purpose, deep sector insight and a genuine commitment to collective impact. She has played a pivotal role in strengthening VAPAC’s position as a trusted and influential voice for the network and the broader performing arts sector. Her contribution has been defined by a strong and unwavering focus on sector advocacy, meaningful member engagement, strategic partnerships and sustainable organisational growth.
Melenie has been instrumental in shaping and advancing VAPAC’s strategic direction, guiding the development of a forward focused strategic plan while actively supporting the work of the Board and membership. Her leadership has consistently reflected a strong understanding of the sector’s challenges and opportunities, positioning VAPAC to respond with relevance and purpose.
A defining aspect of Melenie’s contribution has been her commitment to workforce development and sector capability. Through the delivery of critical, sector informed initiatives – including the CaPT (Circus and Physical Theatre) initiative and targeted technical workforce initiatives – she has helped highlight longstanding capability gaps whilst being a key contributor to pathways for skills development, workforce resilience and sector sustainability.
Melenie has also cultivated a highly engaged membership, creating meaningful opportunities for collaboration, knowledge sharing and peer exchange through well-designed professional development programs and sector led forums. In doing so, she has strengthened capability across the network and reinforced VAPAC’s role as a central platform for connection and collective progress.
Her leadership has guided VAPAC through a period of significant evolution, underpinned by a genuine commitment to supporting, empowering and connecting the sector. It is difficult to fully capture the breadth of Melenie’s contribution and impact; however, VAPAC is undoubtedly stronger for having benefited from her leadership, insight and dedication.
Melenie Stevenson reflects on her time with the organisation: “Leading VAPAC since June 2024 has been an extraordinary honour and one of the most fulfilling chapters of my professional career. During this time, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside an exceptional Board, passionate staff, committed members and valued sector partners, all united by a shared vision for the future of our industry. Together, we have guided the organisation through a period of considerable change, opportunity and growth. I am immensely proud of the progress we have achieved — strengthening the organisation’s influence, deepening engagement across the sector and building constructive relationships with State Government and key stakeholders to advance the priorities of our members and the communities we represent. What I will value most are the relationships, collaboration and collective commitment that have defined this journey. I am deeply grateful to everyone who has supported me, challenged me, and contributed to the important work we have undertaken together. As I step down, I do so with great confidence in the future of VAPAC. The foundations we have built together position the organisation strongly for the next phase of growth and impact, and I look forward to seeing the continued success that lies ahead.”
On behalf of the Board and members, we sincerely thank Melenie for her dedication, energy and passion, and acknowledge the positive legacy she leaves for VAPAC and its members.
We wish her every success in her future endeavours.
Melenie will end her tenure on Friday June 12th. The Board will be undertaking a recruitment process soon with an interim announcement to be made in the coming weeks, to ensure a smooth transition and continued support for our members.
