Musica Viva Australia has appointed Gunggari man Don Christopher to its Board of Directors.

Mr Christopher is the Executive Officer at the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) and has 14 years of experience across arts, education, non-profit and public sector roles.

He is a former baritone with the State Opera of South Australia, Opera Australia and Short Black Opera, and has worked with the ACT government in education and policy.

Mr Christopher joins the Board after completing the 2025 Observership Program, where he attended Board and committee meetings as a non-voting member for 12 months.

He said the appointment recognised the path he has taken across music, education and corporate work.

"I am both humbled and delighted to accept the generous invitation extended on behalf of Musica Viva Australia to join the Board of Directors," he said.

He added that the past year had highlighted the value of his professional journey.

Musica Viva Australia Chair Charles Graham said Mr Christopher's background in arts and education policy, along with his work as a performer and teacher, would strengthen the Board.

"We are grateful to The Observership Program for facilitating Don's year as an observer, supporting the arts through growing an active and engaged network of emerging leaders," he said.

The Board also thanked outgoing member Professor Malcolm Gillies AM FAHA, who stepped down earlier this year and mentored Mr Christopher during the Observership Program.

Musica Viva Australia operates as one of the country's oldest independent performing arts organisations and is progressing its Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan.

Reconciliation Australia CEO and proud Bundjalung woman Karen Mundine has noted the plan as an important stage in the organisation's reconciliation work and a period to build strong foundations for long-term outcomes.

The plan is designed to strengthen relationships, embed consultation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and guide Musica Viva Australia as it develops strategies aligned with its work across education and performance.

The Board also thanked outgoing member Professor Malcolm Gillies AM FAHA, who stepped down earlier this year and mentored Mr Christopher during the Observership Program.