by FilmInk Staff
The Society of Australian Cinema Pioneers has announced that one of Australia’s most highly respected producers and film industry advocates Sue Milliken AO will receive the Society’s top honour at a presentation at the Society’s National Dinner on 27 November 2025 in Sydney.
With a formidable multi-decade career, she has produced some of Australia’s most iconic titles including The Odd Angry Shot, The Fringe Dwellers, Black Robe, Sirens, Dating the
Enemy, Paradise Road, My Brother Jack and Ladies In Black. She co-wrote, with Bruce Beresford, the screenplay for Ladies in Black which was nominated for an AACTA Award. Sue Milliken has also worked behind the scenes as an advocate for the good and betterment of the Australian film industry.
She was a founding member of the Screen Producers’ Association of Australia (SPA) representing producers and lobbying government and industry for support for Australian films. She served on the Council of SPA and as President, and helped to create the first film industry safety code in Australia, ensuring the safety of crews, cast and productions. Sue set up the first completion guarantor in Australia, ensuring that film investors were confident the films they invested in would be completed to the expected quality, budget and schedule. She represented Film Finances, the world’s leading completion guarantee company, from 1980 till 2009, and during this time Film Finances successfully delivered over two billion dollars’ worth of Australian films and television productions.
Sue chaired the Australian Film Commission in the early ’90s. She reviewed both the South Australian and West Australian film funding organisations for their respective governments, resulting in wide ranging improvements to the film support in both states. She subsequently served for five years on the Screen West board and led the push (with Tony Buckley) to save the National Film and Sound Archive.
She helped to establish, with CEO Cathy Robinson, the Indigenous Branch of the Australian Film Commission, and has continued to be an advocate for indigenous films and filmmakers. She served as President of the Society of Australian Cinema Pioneers in 2013, and led the modernising of the Society which included establishment of the Society’s Constitution.
Sue has written three books on the industry – a memoir, Selective Memory, a book of correspondence with Bruce Beresford, There’s a Fax from Bruce and a book on producing, with Andrena Finlay – Producing for the Screen.
Among numerous awards and accolades, Sue Milliken was appointed an Officer (AO) in the General Division of the Order of Australia in the 2008 Queen’s New Year Honours List. This prestigious award was granted for her significant contributions to the Australian film and television industry and her support of indigenous filmmakers.
President of the Society of Australian Cinema Pioneers, Lori Flekser said: “Sue Milliken truly is one of our industry’s greats. Over a long and distinguished career, she has not only
mentored and assisted the careers of many, both in front of and behind the camera, but has made a meaningful contribution to advancing the screen industry in her leadership as a strong and effective advocate including lobbying to increase Government support, strengthening investment, creating strong State and Federal screen bodies, engaging in education and professional development initiatives, as well as finding innovative and powerful ways to tell Australian stories.
“Sue Milliken embodies all that the Society of Australian Cinema Pioneers stands for and is a worthy recipient of our greatest honour,” Flekser continued.
Recognising an Australian Cinema Pioneer’s extraordinary achievements in and contribution to the Australian Cinema industry, the award was first presented in 1969, with previous recipients including champion of Australian Cinema David Stratton AM, joint recipients Andrew Mackie and Richard Payten, Academy Award winning cinematographer
Russell Boyd ACS ASC (Picnic At Hanging Rock, Master & Commander: The Far Side of the World*), producers Jill Robb (Careful He Might Hear You) and Patricia Lovell AM MBE (Gallipoli, Picnic At Hanging Rock), arthouse distributor and cinema owner/exhibitor Natalie Miller AO, and Animal Logic’s Zareh Nalbandian (Peter Rabbit, The
Lego Movie, Happy Feet).
The Society of Australian Cinema Pioneers is proud to announce the recipient of the 2025 AUSTRALIAN CINEMA PIONEER HUMANITARIAN AWARD
The Society of Australian Cinema Pioneers instituted a Humanitarian Award in 2019 to recognise outstanding and exceptional service to the cinema industry and/or the wider community by a member of the Society. This service might be for charity work, mentoring, community service or any other aceviees of merit. The award is only made when there is an outstanding candidate. Previous recipients are Murray Forrest AM (2019), Tom Jeffrey AM (2020), Scott Neeson (2021) and Kim Williams AM (2024).
Adrienne Read has been named the 2025 recipient of the Australian Cinema Pioneers Humanitarian Award
Adrienne began her film career in 1967 on Skippy the Bush Kangaroo and went on to work on numerous acclaimed Australian films including Newsfront, Caddie, and The Wog Boy. After leaving the industry due to health issues, she founded a successful fitness business for over-50s, then dedicated over 15 years to voluntary work, supporting elderly and isolated individuals.
“I am deeply honoured to be the first woman to receive this presegious award,” said Adrienne.
“It’s an incredible privilege.”
She hopes her recognieon will inspire fellow Cinema Pioneers to explore the rewards of volunteer work in reerement, and to conenue making a meaningful contribueon to their
community.
President of the Society of Australian Cinema Pioneers, Lori Flekser said: “The National Executive Committee is thrilled to name Adrienne Read to the list of incredible recipients of the Cinema Pioneers Humanitarian Award. After her many years of service to the film industry, Adrienne opted to spend her retirement ministering to the needs of others. Social
isolation is a critical issue for older Australians and so relevant to many members of the Cinema Pioneers. Adrienne is our hero for devoting her time to supporting and assisting so many and we’re honoured to have the opportunity to recognise her”.
The recipients of the 2025 INDIVIDUAL STATE AWARDS have been announced by The Society of Australian Cinema Pioneers
2025 Queensland Cinema Pioneer of the Year – RICHARD PARTON
Richard Parton has been a key figure in the Australian cinema industry for over 60 years, beginning in 1960 with Independent Film Distributors and later joining Roadshow Film
Distributors and Birch Carroll and Coyle. He rose to become General Manager of the Greater Union Cinema Circuit in Sydney before returning to Queensland, where he helped expand cinemas and contributed to the Australian International Movie Convention. Even in retirement, Richard remains active through the industry’s Benevolent Society in Queensland.
2025 Victorian Cinema Pioneer of the Year – BETTY KELLY
Betty Kelly is a beloved figure in Melbourne’s cinema industry, known for her decades of dedication to film and theatre supply distribution. Beginning her career at Greater Union
Theatre Supplies, she worked alongside some of the industry’s key players and adapted through major transitions, including the formation of G.U.V.T. and roles at Infa Set and
Specialty Theatre Supplies. Renowned for her warmth, efficiency, and professionalism, Betty left a lasting impression on colleagues and customers alike.
2025 South Australian Cinema Pioneer of the Year – SASHA CLOSE
Sasha Close is a respected leader in the Australian cinema industry with over 20 years of experience across distribution, exhibition, programming, and film festivals, including senior roles at Village Cinemas, Wallis Cinemas, and as Head of Programming for major festivals. A passionate advocate for independent cinema and gender equity, she has held key industry positions, received the Natalie Miller Fellowship, and now leads Marketing and Business Development at The Mercury in Adelaide.
2025 Western Australian Cinema Pioneer of the Year – STEPHEN HEAD
With over 45 years of experience in the cinema industry, Stephen is a highly respected leader and the go-to expert for information on cinema equipment, mechanical services, projection systems, seating, and merchandising equipment. Always generous with his expertise, Stephen is a trusted resource and invaluable asset—not only to his employer, Event Cinemas, but to the entire cinema industry.
2025 New South Wales Cinema Pioneer of the Year – JANE CORDEN
Jane Corden has spent nearly four decades revolutionising production accounting through leadership, innovation, and mentorship. Originally from Scotland, Jane’s career began
unexpectedly in Australia with Moneypenny, where she quickly rose through the ranks, eventually taking over the company in 1988. She pioneered the shift to digital accounting
tools and expanded Moneypenny internationally, including launching operations in South Africa and the UK. Throughout massive industry changes, she guided filmmakers through new financial landscapes, advocated for diversity and women in the screen industry, and mentored hundreds of accountants. Her work has left an enduring mark on global production practices, and she dedicates her award to all production accountants—past, present, and future.
