Zhanae Dodd Named New Ausdance QLD Executive Director

Ausdance QLD is excited to announce the appointment of Zhanae Dodd as its new Executive Director, commencing immediately.

Dodd is a dynamic arts leader with experience across community engagement, governance and fundraising, advocacy and dance practice. She has a strong record in program delivery, partnership building and practical sector support, contributing to youth, arts and social initiatives not only across Queensland but nationally and internationally too.

A proud Ghungalu, Garumbal, Biri, Wirri/Widi, Kaanju, and Gurubil woman with deep roots in regional Queensland, Dodd brings an authentic, community-centred perspective to her role. Her extensive experience working with young people, in youth justice and child safety, has equipped her with profound expertise in safe practice, wellbeing, culturally responsive engagement, and the realities of regional life. Complementing this, her personal journey and professional practice in dance seamlessly blend with her strong operational and governance skills, enabling her to uniquely bridge bold creative vision with practical excellence.

Now based on Yuggera and Turrbal Country in Brisbane (Meanjin/Magan-Djin), Dodd brings energy and a strong advocate voice, with a clear commitment to strengthening outcomes for communities and artists. She sees this role as the natural intersection of her two great passions, dance and positive social change.

Dodd was appointed following a competitive and rigorous national recruitment process managed and led by Interim Chair, Robert McLellan. “Zhanae is an exceptional candidate who brings with her a wealth of experiences which will no doubt benefit our organisation, our members and the greater dance sector. She has successfully led teams, built programs from the ground up, and implemented strong compliance frameworks. This experience is invaluable as Ausdance QLD embarks upon a new chapter, and one that continues strives to authentically value and embrace the voices of Queensland’s dance communities, and one where locality places no bounds on equity for our members. Ausdance QLD’s Management Committee is delighted to welcome a regional Queensland dancer and arts administrator to the role,” McLellan said.

Incoming Executive Director Zhanae Dodd said: “I’m thrilled to step into this role and work with Queensland’s dance sector. I know first-hand the realities and challenges of building a creative career, and I understand how important strong peak bodies are in ensuring dance artists are supported and connected. My focus will be on delivering practical programs, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring the sector has the advocacy and resources it needs to thrive.”

An immediate priority for Dodd is leading the rollout of Safedance for Kids, Ausdance QLD’s major new child-safety education program for dance studios, teachers and parents.

Safedance for Kids will help the sector understand and implement the new Child Safe Standards and the Universal Principle for Cultural Safety ahead of the State’s 1 April 2026 compliance deadline. The program provides clear, practical resources tailored to Queensland’s many small and medium dance businesses.

“Studios and teachers are telling us they need practical guidance they can trust. Zhanae brings strong experience in child-safeguarding environments, program development and sector communication. Her Cultural awareness, values-driven leadership and operational clarity make her uniquely positioned to guide the sector through these changes,” said A/Executive Director, Ms Metcalfe.

Beyond Safedance for Kids and child safeguarding, Dodd will oversee Ausdance QLD’s broader strategic priorities, including capability-building, regional artist support, membership development, and strengthening partnerships.

“My priority is to listen, understand what the sector needs, and deliver programs that are practical, responsive and sustainable. Queensland’s dance community is incredibly diverse, and I look forward to supporting it with strong systems, clear communication and sector-wide collaboration,” said Dodd.