Melbourne’s Midsumma Festival has announced the departure of its Festival Manager Monique Thorpe with former Midsumma Board Member Tennille Moisel stepping into the role to deliver the 2015 Festival. Monique has cited personal reasons for her departure to embark on a new chapter in her life.
“Monique has made an enormous contribution to Midsumma during her time as volunteer, coordinator and ultimately Festival Manager,” says Midsumma Chair, Aaron Hockly. “The Midsumma Festival is larger, more financially stable and better regarded due to Monique’s efforts. She will be missed by all involved with Midsumma.”
On her departure, Monique said: “It is with great sadness that I leave the Midsumma family, however I’m taking this opportunity after setting the foundations for the 2015 Festival, to re-enter the ‘real world’ outside of Midsumma.”
“I am leaving a very competent and passionate team at the helm and have every confidence in them. Highlights have included delivering Midsumma’s 25th anniversary Festival and the return of Carnival to its homeland at Alexandra Gardens in 2014.”
“I’m happy to be leaving the Festival in such a positive financial position after the profit of festival 2014 and thank you to everyone who has supported and enabled me in my role at Midsumma. I will miss you all.”
The board is pleased to announce that Tennille Moisel has been appointed Acting Festival Director until the end of the 2015 Midsumma Festival. This will give the board time to consider if improvements can be made to the organisational structure and advertise for a permanent replacement. Tennille will commence immediately on a part-time basis.
Monique’s title was due to change from Festival Manager to Festival Director imminently as the board believes this more correctly describes her role as the most senior employee of Midsumma. Accordingly, Tennille’s title will be Acting Festival Director.
Tennille is a Creative Arts graduate with a background in theatre and filmmaking. She has spent the last 10 years working as a strategy and commercial manager across a variety of industries. A passionate advocate for our community, she has served on the Midsumma board for just over 12 months until resigning to take up this appointment on 29 August 2014.
“The board is delighted that Tennille has agreed to step into this pivotal role on a temporary basis,” says Aaron. “Having been on the board for over a year and having been actively involved in a number of Midsumma events, Tennille is very familiar with the organisation, its stakeholders and its objectives.”
“She is passionate about Midsumma and the important role it plays in the community. Tennille’s extensive experience in operations and management are the skills the board believes are required most to build on Monique’s success.”
Monique’s final day will be on Friday 19 September 2014. The changes above are not expected to materially impact the delivery of the 2015 Midsumma Festival.
The 2015 Midsumma Festival runs from 18 January to 8 February. For more information, visit: www.midsumma.org.au for details.
Image: Monique Thorpe at the recent Midwinta Ball – photo by Matto Lucas Photography