Christine Christian becomes Library's first female Board President

Minister for Creative Industries, Danny Pearson today announced Christine Christian AO as the new President of the Library Board of Victoria, making her the first woman to be appointed to the position since the Library opened 165 years ago.

Ms Christian has been a member of the Library Board of Victoria since 2013 and the Library’s Deputy Board President since 2016. As the 24th Board President, she succeeds John Wylie AM, who oversaw the Library’s $88 million redevelopment during his nine-year tenure.

Ms Christian is a company director, investor and entrepreneur with a 35-year career that spans financial services, investment, private equity, credit risk, government and media. She was appointed Officer in the General Division of the Order of Australia in 2020 for her contribution to women in business, emerging entrepreneurs and for her services to the financial and investment sectors.

State Library Victoria CEO, Kate Torney said she is looking forward to continuing the important work of the Library with Ms Christian at the helm.

“Christine has been a devoted supporter of the Library for many years – both in her role as Deputy Board President and as a major donor, whose generosity resulted in StartSpace, the Library’s first free business support service for new and early-stage business founders.

“Her entrepreneurial spirit, business expertise and passion for the Library will help us to continue to expand the vital role the Library plays in the Victorian community,” Ms Torney said.

Minister for Creative Industries, Danny Pearson said Ms Christian is a fitting successor to Mr Wylie.

“I pay tribute to outgoing President John Wylie whose vision, drive, generosity and determination transformed our State Library, expanding and reimagining it for generations to come.

“Christine will be an asset to the Library and is well placed to ensure it remains a thriving place of knowledge, ideas and connection at the heart of Victoria’s cultural life,” Minister Pearson said.

Incoming President of the Library Board of Victoria, Christine Christian AO said she is thrilled to be appointed.

“This is an extremely special moment for me. I feel honoured and privileged to be given this opportunity, together with the Board and management, to build on our exciting plans for this world class Library.

“I look forward to continuing to promote the Library in its crucial task in society and to deliver on community expectations. Libraries have a major impact on society by creating equal opportunities and access to lifelong learning and education, research and innovation, and culture and recreation for all. In this way, libraries can contribute to building stronger societies and communities,” Ms Christian said.

In addition to Ms Christian’s appointment, Library Board members Maria Myers AC, Maxine McKew and Adam Lewis have been reappointed for another term.