Donaldson to lead WA National Trust

Former Perth International Arts Festival general manager Julian Donaldson has taken the top job at the National Trust of Australia’s WA branch, replacing Tom Perrigo who served in the role for 25 years.

Commencing his new role later this month, Mr Donaldson will serve as chief executive for a five year term.

National Trust WA chairman Michael Murray said Mr Donaldson’s entrepreneurial and leadership skills were well demonstrated through his tenure at PIAF.

“We look forward to the Trust being the beneficiary of his undoubted vision and management skills,” Mr Murray said.

Mr Donaldson said it was a privilege to be appointed to the new role.

“I look forward to working with the council, staff, members and the broader community in tackling the important priorities of increasing the commitment of stakeholders for heritage projects and programs and in working to increase the resource to meet capital and recurrent investment for heritage projects, programs and the maintenance of places,” Mr Donaldson said.

PIAF chairman John Barrington paid tribute to Mr Donaldson’s achievements during the 10 years he spent managing the festival.

“He can be proud of his many achievements which included delivering The Giants to Perth in 2015, a triumph for the Festival and for WA, with attendances of 1.4 million,” Mr Barrington said.

“We wish him the very best in his new position at the National Trust of Australia WA.”

Mr Donaldson left PIAF in October last year.

He will begin in the new role on January 18.