Sally Howland, Seb Chase Step Down From Support Act Board

Sally Howland is stepping down as chair of Support Act, after almost a quarter century with the music charity.

Howland is one of the most recognizable faces in the Australian music industry’s not-for-profit sector.

She worked with APRA AMCOS for over 30 years, including stints as head of member services, director of membership and, more recently, as an advisor, and has been chair of Support Act since 2013.

Also, Howland became chair of Music Victoria in 2019.

Her departure was announced following Support Act’s annual general meeting Thursday (Dec. 1).

Stepping up will be current co-deputy chairs Lynne Small and David Albert, who are named co-chairs.

“I have enjoyed my time enormously at Support Act. I’ve had the opportunity to work with wonderful people for a singular and united goal. All the while, whilst helping others who need it,” comments Howland in a statement.

“I’m hopeful for meaningful cultural change across the industry and am optimistic that a more equitable, fairer and just working conditions will be the norm.”

Among other board changes, Sebastian Chase announced his decision to step down as a director of the Support Act board after seven years, while Jonathan Carter joins the board as the APRA representative. Carter has served as an observer to the charity’s board for the past 12 months.

Seb Chase

“It’s a big day of change at Support Act and although we are greatly saddened that both Sally and Sebastian are leaving the board, we look forward to working with Lynne, David and Jonathan in their new positions,” comments Clive Miller, CEO of Support Act.

“Sally and Sebastian’s commitment to our cause has been unparalleled over the years, and we will be forever grateful. We wish them all the best for the future.”

Small has served as company secretary and treasurer of Support Act since its foundation, and director since 2013, and also chairs the audit, risk and compliance committee. She’s the COO of ARIA and PPCA, and is a director of the Australian Copyright Council.

Lynne Small

Albert is CEO of Alberts and has previously been co-chair of Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy Australia and a member of the boards of APRA, AMCOS and AMPAL. He joined Support Act in 2019 and is also on its audit, risk and compliance committee.

Aug. 8 marked 25 years since the launch of Support Act, an organisation that today provides essential crisis relief, mental health and wellbeing support for thousands across a range of services, including the charity’s “Wellbeing Helpline” and funeral support.

David Albert

Led by a foundation team of music industry professionals, and with financial support from founding members ARIA PPCA and APRA AMCOS, the organisation was incorporated as a public company limited by guarantee on Aug. 7, 1997, and formally launched the following day.

Support Act was granted charity status in 2000.