Full Breakdown
Powerhouse Parramatta CEO Steps Aside as Governance Probe Expands
9/1/2026, 8:31:59 AM
Leadership Change and Investigation
The chief executive of Powerhouse Parramatta, Lisa Havilah, has stood aside while a misconduct investigation into senior-level governance and procurement continues. The probe, launched after a whistle-blower complaint, was first opened in early 2025 and a formal inquiry began the previous December. Havilah’s departure follows a conversation with Melanie Hawyes, secretary of the NSW Department of Creative Industries, after further allegations emerged. The museum’s chief operating officer, Mark Wilsdon, is on leave and is providing information to investigators. Interim leadership has been assigned to Abbie Galvin, NSW Government Architect, as acting CEO, and Louise Herron AM, former Opera House chief executive, as strategic advisor.
Project Background and Financial Scrutiny
Powerhouse Parramatta is a $915 million (A$915 million) cultural complex slated to open on 7 November. It will house 30,000 sq m of exhibition space, a 600-seat theatre, a rooftop garden and 30 residential apartments. Recent reporting highlighted concerns over the museum’s spending trajectory, noting that the broader Powerhouse group had expended A$70 million in the lead-up to the Parramatta opening, including A$10 million on an immersive Es Devlin experience and A$362,000 on promotional films. Specific procurement deals under investigation total roughly $6 million, the threshold at which ministerial approval is normally required.
Official Statements & Responses
Arts Minister John Graham asserted that the issues, some dating back to 2023, have been addressed appropriately and expressed confidence that the museum will open as scheduled. He clarified that board members, including chair David Borger, are not implicated in the allegations and that the board’s audit committee is assisting investigators. A spokesperson for the Department of Creative Industries declined further comment, emphasizing that no formal findings have been released.
Data & Statistics
- Project cost: A$915 million ($651 million USD).
- Reported spend on documentary: at least A$1.7 million.
- Marketing budget: about A$5 million.
- Interior design for on-site accommodation: A$333,500.
- Procurement under review: approximately $6 million.
Verbatim Quotes
- “These allegations that have come to light need to be tested, and that is what this investigation will do,” — Hawyes. NSW, spokesperson
What’s Next
The museum remains on track for its 7 November opening, while the investigation proceeds. Interim leaders are expected to maintain operational continuity until the inquiry concludes.
