The Australia Council wishes to acknowledge the passing of former colleague and First Nations cultural advocate Chris Bonney.

As a Program Officer in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Arts Division between February 2006 to May 2010, Chris Bonney managed a range of First Nations arts programs including the promotion of opportunities to artists and communities.

He was the Reserve Bank’s Manager Indigenous and Inclusion since 2021. Other roles included Program and Partnerships Manager at Supply Nation and Senior Engagement Officer at the NDIS Commission.

Executive Director First Nations Arts and Culture Franchesca Cubillo said: “We were deeply saddened by the news of the passing of a much-loved colleague and friend of Council. We acknowledge his past work at Council and his unwavering commitment to elevating and advocating for First Nations arts and culture. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to his friends, family and community.