In a significant reshuffle, the South Australian Film Corporation (SAFC) has announced the appointment of eight new staff members to address existing vacancies and support its Strategic Plan 2025-2028. This move marks a pivotal moment for the organization as it seeks to bolster its leadership team and enhance its operational capabilities.
SAFC’s Strategic Leadership Overhaul
Mags Scholes has been appointed as production executive (SA led), bringing over 25 years of experience in agencies, production, and international projects. Her expertise in inclusive talent development and high-stakes content delivery will be crucial for SAFC’s future initiatives. Previously, she was head of content at Screen Queensland.
Neil Rennison steps in as acting game development executive, with a 25-year career in game development and as a 3D environment artist. As the founder of Tin Man Games, he has led the development of over 60 digital titles as creative director.
Jessica Giacco, now talent development manager, has over a decade of experience in creative development and industry programming, most recently serving as industry programs manager at Screen Producers Australia.
Astrid Samuel takes on the role of program systems manager, leveraging her extensive experience in change management and structured system building. Her previous roles include business affairs with Wild Bunch in Paris and overseeing operations at Odin’s Eye Entertainment in Sydney.
Gavin Heard joins as head of corporate, with more than 20 years of experience across the public and private sectors, including roles at the National Banking Corporation and the Office for the Commissioner of Public Sector Employment.
SAFC has also created new roles: Carmel Boffa as client services coordinator, Yanhui (James) Fu as cleaning and maintenance officer, and Brian Scarce as First Nations programs lead. Scarce, a Kokatha, Nukunu, and Mirning man, brings valuable experience in government, industry, and cultural projects focused on First Nations communities.
Prophecy International Faces Leadership Changes
In a surprising turn, Brad Thomas has resigned as CEO of South Australian software developer Prophecy International Holdings Ltd. Thomas, who joined the company in 2016 and became CEO in 2017, played a crucial role in advancing Prophecy’s products and expanding its international operations. Ed Reynolds, the current chair, has been appointed acting CEO while a new leader is sought.
Meanwhile, Matthew Michalewicz has resigned as a director of the board to avoid a conflict of interest amid a proposed merger with Complexica, where he has been CEO for over 11 years. The resignations, coupled with a warning of unexpectedly high customer losses, led to a 26.09% drop in Prophecy’s shares, placing it at the top of the Losers list in InDaily’s Business Insight.
New Leadership at GPEx
GPEx, a provider of clinical, educational, and technological capabilities for the primary care sector, has announced Beth McKenzie as its new CEO. McKenzie, a Chartered Accountant, has held senior leadership roles across commercial and education sectors, bringing expertise in strategy, financial management, and organizational transformation.
McKenzie, who joined GPEx as general manager of corporate and CFO in November 2024 and has been acting CEO since March 2025, expressed excitement about the opportunities for GPEx to enhance primary care with advanced digital capabilities. Her previous roles include CFO positions at Murray Zircon, Mitsubishi Motors Australia, and more.
Barunga West Council and Public Relations Changes
Barunga West Council CEO Maree Wauchope has announced her resignation to take up the role of executive director of property services at SA Housing Trust. During her tenure, the council invested in record levels of infrastructure and community initiatives, launching tourism campaigns and advocating for increased government funding.
In the public relations sector, Belinda Public Relations (BPR) has welcomed Kate Rosman and Chrissie Zikos to its team. Rosman brings expertise in media relations and event coordination, while Zikos has experience in social media strategy and content creation. BPR’s director, Belinda Bocson, expressed enthusiasm for their contributions to the agency’s storytelling and campaign delivery.
Educational and Corporate Board Appointments
Dara School has announced Tania Allen and Dr. Emma Goodall as co-principals. Allen, a teacher at Dara since 2017, and Goodall, a leader in inclusive and gifted education, will build on the school’s foundation for gifted education in South Australia.
Spacetalk has appointed John Bird to its board as an independent non-executive director and chair of the Audit & Risk Committee. Bird’s extensive experience in public companies, including strategic direction and mergers, will be vital as Spacetalk continues its growth, particularly in overseas markets.
These leadership changes across various sectors in South Australia highlight a dynamic period of transformation and growth, with each organization poised to tackle new challenges and opportunities in the coming years.
