Media Release, New Chief Executive Officer for The Sovereign Hill Museums Association, Sovereign Hill Museums Association, 22 May 2026

The Sovereign Hill Museums Association has appointed Craig Mathieson as its new Chief Executive Officer.

Craig is an experienced Chief Executive Officer, currently leading YMCA Ballarat, a large, purpose-driven organisation operating across more than 100 locations in Victoria with around 700 staff.

Craig will bring strong strategic leadership, financial stewardship and governance experience to The Sovereign Hill Museums Association, having driven organisational growth, strengthened sustainability, and long-term planning during his time at the YMCA. Craig’s strengths include leading complex operations at scale, building capable teams, and maintaining a strong focus on service quality and participant experience.

The Sovereign Hill Museums Association Chair Angela Carey said the Board was pleased to welcome Craig to the organisation.

“Craig has extensive stakeholder engagement experience, working closely with government, industry and community partners and contributing to major policy and funding discussions. He has obvious skills as a collaborative, outcomes-focused leader who has a strong commitment to mission-driven organisations, regional impact and partnership-building.”

Mr Mathieson said he was excited to be joining an organisation as iconic as Sovereign Hill. “I am incredibly honoured to be joining The Sovereign Hill Museums Association as

Chief Executive Officer. I look forward to working alongside the Board, staff, volunteers,

and community partners to build on the organisation’s strong foundations, continue enhancing the visitor experience, and help ensure Sovereign Hill remains a vibrant, world-class cultural tourism destination for generations to come.”

The appointment follows an extensive national recruitment process undertaken by The Sovereign Hill Museums Association Board, focused on identifying a leader who will guide the organisation through its next phase while honouring its heritage, partnerships and public purpose.

Craig will take up his position on 13 July. Katrina Nitschke, Interim CEO and Chief Museums Officer, will continue in the role until that time.