Matilda Awards Welcomes Sue Rider As New Lead Judge

The Matilda Awards Executive Committee is pleased to announce that Sue Rider will take on the role as Lead Judge taking over the reigns from Susan Hetherington.

Matilda Awards Chair Jan Irvine said that while it was a shame Sue Hetherington had to step down from the role, Sue Rider will be an excellent replacement.

“Susan has done a fantastic job over the last two years and we can not thank her enough for her service in this critical role. We are lucky to have someone of Sue’s experience step up to lead the team and continue refining the Judging Panels processes. We are equally pleased that Susan will remain on the Judging Panel while Sue Rider steps into the Lead Judge role.”

Rider was an inaugural Matilda Award winner in 1988. She is a director, writer, actor, dramaturg, producer and former theatre reviewer. She has worked on over 180 stage productions and writing commissions across Australia and New Zealand in theatre, music theatre, opera, and theatre for young people.

Artistic Director of La Boite Theatre from 1993 – 2000, she has also served on grant committees, was Chair of Backbone Youth Arts (2008 – 2017) and regularly mentors emerging professionals through UQ and GU Conservatorium.

Sue is the recipient of 19 industry awards, including five Matilda Awards, three NZ Listener Awards, a Helpmann nomination, the Playlab Award and Alan Edwards Lifetime Achievement Award. She is a proud member of MEAA and AWG.