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Bus Stop Films Announces Board Changes
Published 20.04.26
Posted in News
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Bus Stop Films Announces Board Changes
Sydney, Australia Bus Stop Films, Australia's leading inclusive filmmaking social enterprise, today announced changes to its Board of Directors, farewelling two long-serving members and welcoming an exciting new voice to its governance leadership.
Farewell to Jennifer Collins and Joanna Agius OAM
Bus Stop Films has bid a heartfelt farewell to two dedicated Board members, Jennifer Collins and Joanna Agius OAM, both of whom have made an enduring contribution to the organisation's growth and mission.
One of Australia's leading television executives, Jennifer brought more than 30 years of screen industry expertise to the Bus Stop Films board. A valued source of production guidance and a passionate champion of the organisation's work, her contribution to Bus Stop Films has been immeasurable.
A proud Narungga woman and founder of Deaf Aboriginal Services, Joanna brought a deep personal and professional experience to the board. Her insight into Deaf First Nations perspectives has been an invaluable guide to Bus Stop Films' work.
Welcome, Kyas Hepworth
Bus Stop Films is delighted to welcome Kyas Hepworth to its Board of Directors.
Kyas Hepworth is a Bundjalung woman and a respected leader in the screen and creative arts sector, dedicated to championing First Nations and under-represented voices and bringing distinctive, genuine stories to the screen. She was the first First Nations person to head a screen funding body in Australia and has collaborated on and supported numerous high-profile productions that have reached global audiences. As Head of Screen NSW, she spearheaded the state’s film, digital games and production strategy, advancing NSW as a leading national and international screen and post-production destination. Under her leadership, NSW achieved its highest level of screen production, attracting major international projects such as Sony Pictures' Anyone But You, Universal Pictures' The Fall Guy, and Warner Bros. Pictures’ Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga. She also championed the development of NSW as a creative hub and supported initiatives to accelerate the careers of emerging practitioners from underrepresented communities. Before Screen NSW, Kyas was the Head of Commissioning and Programming at NITV (Special Broadcasting Services). Kyas has held board positions for AusFilm, Australian International Documentary Conference, the Screen Diversity Inclusion Network and NIDA academic board. In 2021, she was an Official Competition Jury Member for the 68th Sydney Film Festival, and in 2023, she was a Featured Speaker at the inaugural SXSW Sydney.
Kyas joins Bus Stop Films at an invigorating time for the organisation, in a year in which it will focuos on consolidation of its national programs, deepening its impact around intersectional inclusion, and growing its employment and training services to the commercial arts, media and production sectors. The social enterprise is also preparing for the release of its first feature film The social enterprise is also preparing for the release of its first feature film Boss Cat, a project Kyas championed along with dedication to inclusive filmmaking and initiatives to give access during her tenure at Screen NSW.
Chair Peter Tonagh said: "Jennifer and Joanna have each brought something truly irreplaceable to our Board. Jennifer's screen industry expertise and production guidance has strengthened our work in ways that will have a lasting impact. Joanna's insight into Deaf and Indigenous communities has kept our strategic thinking grounded in the voices that matter most. We are immensely grateful to both of them. We are equally thrilled to welcome Kyas, her creative leadership, industry relationships and commitment to representation align perfectly with where Bus Stop Films is headed, and her expertise will be invaluable as we grow our national footprint and deepen our partnerships with the commercial production sector."
Kyas Hepworth said: "Bus Stop Films is doing work that is genuinely transformative not just for the participants it supports, but for the screen industry as a whole. Intersectional inclusion isn't a box to tick; it makes our storytelling richer and our industry stronger. I'm honoured to join the Board and look forward to contributing to the next chapter of this remarkable organisation."
About Bus Stop Films
Bus Stop Films is Australia's leading disability led, inclusive filmmaking not-for-profit social enterprise, founded on the belief that people with disability deserve an equal place in the screen industry – both in front of and behind the camera. In operation since 2009, the organisation has grown from a single Sydney location to a national enterprise operating across 15 locations, supporting more than 250 participants each week through its Accessible Filmmaking Program. Bus Stop Films also runs Bus Stop Employment, supporting members to build careers in the screen industry, and delivers initiatives including the Driving Change Employment Summit, the Inclusive Producers Attachment Program, and the Lumina VFX program.
www.busstopfilms.com.au
Media enquiries:
Tracey Mair Ph: + 61 (0) 419 221 493 traceym@tmpublicity.com
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