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 for 14 years. She was recently appointed to the role of Strategic Advisor at Parramatta’s new Powerhouse Museum complex.

Trainor, a Central Tilba resident for 15 years, has chaired the National Film & Sound Archive and held senior governance roles across the arts and public life.

“I’m delighted to be joining Four Winds as Co-Chair with Gabrielle,” Herron said. “We share a love of this region and a deep belief in the power of culture to bring people together.”

Trainor described Four Winds as “a unique organisation, in a magical part of the world”, adding that she looked forward to being part of its next stage.

Executive Director Leigh Small will step down in early 2027 but remain on the Board. A search for her successor is underway.

The 2027 Four Winds program will be announced in December.