Four Winds has announced that Louise Herron and Gabrielle Trainor will become Co-Chairs of the Far South Coast arts organisation in January 2027, succeeding Michael Darling, who is stepping down after almost 14 years on the Board, including eight as Chair.

Darling joined the Four Winds Board in 2013, having maintained a home in the Tilba area for many years, and became Chair in 2017. During his tenure, Four Winds navigated COVID-19, two bushfires, including one that came close to destroying the organisation’s buildings, and floods.

Under Darling’s leadership, Four Winds moved to an annual Easter festival in 2017, launched the Spring Youth Music Festival in 2018 and established a year-round program of events in 2024.

Darling has also championed Four Winds’ community engagement and Indigenous programming, including the appointment of Cheryl Overton (née Davison) as its first Indigenous Creative Director.

“It’s time for me to step down and I am delighted that the Board of Four Winds will be in such good hands,” Darling said. He will remain involved as an Ambassador.

Louise Herron and Gabrielle Trainor. Photo supplied

Herron, who has a home in Merimbula, was CEO of the Sydney Opera House...