CHAIR REPORT

WELCOME TO OUR 2023 ANNUAL REPORT

On behalf of the management committee of CuriousWorks, it is a great pleasure to introduce the CuriousWorks annual report which summarises the outstanding programs and services which CuriousWorks facilitates. 2023 was a great year for CuriousWorks.

Our CEO, Kiri has finished her first full year with CuriousWorks and has dedicated herself to the dynamic leadership of CuriousWorks staff without whom it would be impossible to deliver our services and programs.

Undoubtedly the highlight of 2023 was the finalisation of CuriousWorks' new 4-year organisational strategy which formed the basis for the successful application to the newly formed Creative Australia for operational funding for 2025 -2028.  All of the CuriousWorks team worked very hard pulling the application together and our success ensures that CuriousWorks' key pillar of funding is secured.  It is not lost on us that these funding rounds are intensely competitive, and success is not guaranteed.  All at CuriousWorks are mindful and grateful for the ongoing support of the Federal and NSW governments in supporting the work that we do.

We have also seen some changes at the management committee level.

We have welcomed new general members Ashley Gray and Ameer Ali to the committee and farewelled Andrew Maiden after 5 years of service.

In addition, at the upcoming AGM we will also farewell Easha Ranasinghe who has been the CuriousWorks’ treasurer for 10 years.  Easha has brought rigour and discipline to CuriousWorks' financial records and it is because of her astute management that CuriousWorks can approach its work with confidence. Thank you, Easha.

This AGM will also mark a significant milestone for CuriousWorks as it releases its 100% membership of Co-Curious.  Initially founded as an entity for CuriousWorks founder S. Shakthidharan to undertake commercial film and television projects distinct from the work of CuriousWorks, Co-Curious has taken on different management and will continue its life as a production company run by Annabel Davis. Each of CuriousWorks and Co-Curious will have separate management bodies and separate financials.

I look forward to the implementation of the new strategic plan in 2024.

Amy Noble
Chair, CuriousWorks