OUR BOARD

Our Chair

Leanne Tonkes is a veteran Australian producer across a varied slate in film, television and digital and long-running CEO of Sense & Centsability. Her productions include Stan’s first original film project, The Second, feature film My Mistress and series This Is Desmondo Ray! Tonkes is currently producing West Australian production, Prawn Curry Christmas, under the 2025 West Coast Visions initiative and Written in the Stars, directed by Fawzia Mirza.

Based in Victoria, Leanne envisions a bold new chapter for WIFT, one driven by deep industry collaboration, national influence, and international strategic alliances that elevate the visibility, agency, and creative leadership of Australian women in screen.

Join Us

  • Dale Thain is a performing arts Teaching Specialist with advanced qualifications in Drama, Dance and Production. With a passion for nurturing talent and championing new works for stage and screen, she is an advocate, director and writer who occasionally dabbles in performance.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

  • Dianna La Grassa is currently Bus Stop Film’s Chief Operating Officer (COO) and in-house Producer. As an MBA graduate, she has over 10 years of experience in the education sector as well as being a NIDA trained actress and emerging Film Producer/Director. She has produced over 30 short films including the award winning Groundhog Night, What Was It Like? and This is News in Radio.

  • Sarah Price is a highly experienced Casting Director, Digital Marketing Consultant, Creative Event Manager, and Entrepreneur based in the Northern Territory. With over 20 years in the industry, she has worked extensively in the arts, media, and not-for-profit sectors, bringing a deep understanding of marketing, PR, and events management to her diverse roles. Sarah’s career is defined by her belief that creativity is key not only in strategy and design but also in addressing the most pressing social challenges of our time.

    As a passionate advocate for the arts, Sarah is dedicated to expanding the role of creativity and innovation in both community and business settings. She sees these fields as vital to social change and is committed to helping organizations find innovative, creative solutions to complex societal problems. Her entrepreneurial spirit has driven her to forge new pathways and initiatives that promote the intersection of creativity, business, and social impact.

    Sarah’s extensive experience and dedication to fostering creativity in all aspects of her work make her a unique and influential figure in the Northern Territory's cultural landscape. Through her work in casting and digital marketing, along with her involvement in creative event management, she continues to push boundaries and challenge conventional thinking, shaping the future of the arts and community engagement in the region.

  • Based in southern Lutruwita (Tasmania), Ursula is a cinematographer and moving image artist with experience across a diverse range of productions, including narrative drama, documentary, experimental film, music videos, and gallery installations. 

  • Yolanda has been working in the film industry since 1997 in both Australia and the UK. She started in theatre in Hobart, studied fashion and moved off the island to pursue her career. Most of her time in the industry was spent on set as a costume standby but more recently has moved into the Costume Supervisor role. She believes networking is the key to a long and full career and is keen to be involved in WIFT to help others connect. 

  • Arrived in Australia 1957, educated in Melbourne at MacRob Girls High & Monash Uni (Hons Sociology/Politics). Travelled widely & lived in Darwin, San Francisco & Barcelona. Speak Spanish & a little French.

    Worked with First Nations communities 1975-79 as community devt/ social justice researcher. Senior officer in Victorian & Commonwealth employment generation programs 1981-85. Industrial Officer with Actors Equity then MEAA 1985-2002 working with performers & technicians in screen, theatre & live performance.

    2002 to present worked as freelance production manager & consultant on short films, international TV series & documentaries as well as lecturing in Arts/Screen production management & industrial relations at Melbourne Uni, Open Channel, VCA & other Victorian film schools.

    Served on Film Victoria Board, MEAA National Council, WIFT Vic Board (President for 8 years), National Cultural Industries Training Council.

Get Involved

We’re always looking for great people to join our advisory committees, help us plan events or volunteer with us. Get in touch with us today.