Minister for Education and Training and Minister for the Arts The Honourable Rod Welford 02/02/2007 LEAH PURCELL TO TEACH AND INSPIRE YOUNG INDIGENOUS PERFORMERS

Leading Indigenous actor, director and playwright Leah Purcell has been appointed Resident Artistic Director of the Aboriginal Centre for Performing Arts, Arts Minister Rod Welford announced today.

"Leah is a wonderful example of a talented Indigenous Queenslander who has achieved worldwide acclaim," Mr Welford said.

"Queensland is richly endowed with talented Indigenous artists and I cannot think of anyone better than Leah to inspire and develop young Indigenous performing artists.

"This is a real coup for us to have Leah accept this position."

The State Government funds the Aboriginal Centre for the Performing Arts (ACPA) to develop and train Indigenous performing artists.

The South -based school provides an environment to celebrate artistic excellence and gives a 'voice' to the next generation of Indigenous performing artists.

Leah Purcell said her early training with Michael Leslie, the first Artistic Director and Chief Executive Officer of ACPA, had launched her career.

"In a sense I was the first student of this school and at this stage of my career it's great to be able to give back to the community," she said.

"These kids look up to me because I am still performing. They are excited to know that I am one of them and that they too can break into the mainstream performing arts.

"This school is vital in allowing our Indigenous children to feel safe in an environment where they can express themselves.

"They may not all have the opportunity to go on to full-time performing careers, but it is a fantastic experience that will add to their confidence and self-esteem."

Leah Purcell grew up in Murgon, Queensland, and has featured in the films Jindabyne, Lantana, Somersault and The Proposition. Her semi-autobiographical play, Box the Pony toured Australia and internationally and she will soon appear in the TV show .