![\"Linda](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/d4d8ad64be34fd17723e5390f042691099c35526.png\")
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August 27, 2026 \u2014 3:53pm<\/p>\n
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Remove items from your saved list<\/a> to add more.<\/p>\n AAA<\/p>\n Lisa Havilah, the high-profile leader of the Powerhouse Parramatta, has stepped down 72 days before the opening of its new billion-dollar headquarters in western Sydney, the state\u2019s biggest investment in culture since the Sydney Opera House.<\/p>\n In a shock development, staff were alerted on Thursday afternoon that Havilah had stood aside from her role of seven years pending completion of a departmental investigation into \u201cgovernance and procurement practices\u201d.<\/p>\n NSW Government Architect Abbie Galvin has been appointed interim chief executive, and the former chief executive of Sydney Opera House, Louise Herron, as strategic adviser.<\/p>\n Department secretary Melanie Hawes said in a letter to staff: \u201cAs you would be aware from recent media reports, there is an ongoing investigation into matters relating to governance and procurement practices at the Powerhouse.<\/p>\n \u201cAfter speaking with the chief executive earlier today, Lisa Havilah will be standing aside while the investigation is completed.<\/p>\n \u201cI recognise that this news comes at a significant time for the organisation, as we prepare for the opening of Powerhouse Parramatta. I know how much work, commitment and personal energy all of you have invested in reaching this milestone, and I want to assure you that there will be no impact to the existing programs of work, or the opening on November 7.\u201d<\/p>\n The extraordinary intervention comes weeks after the Herald published revelations<\/a> that the museum had burned through more than $70 million in the lead-up to its November 7 opening.<\/p>\n And it comes almost a year after the revelation of the existence of a protected whistleblower complaint<\/a> around procurement practices and job appointments at the Powerhouse.<\/p>\n The Powerhouse has spent more than $5 million on marketing and public relations in Australia and London, including $1.7 million-plus on a film and television documentary<\/a>, as well as $25 million building exhibits for five opening shows, not including object loans, freight and commissioning of new artworks.<\/p>\n Related Article NSW Treasury secretary Michael Coutts-Trotter told budget estimates on Friday he was concerned about pre-opening overspending by western Sydney\u2019s first cultural institution. Treasury parachuted Cassandra Wilkinson into the role of acting chief operating officer amid the spending disclosures.<\/p>\n The Herald understands the museum\u2019s board of trustees met two weeks ago to consider procurement issues at Parramatta. A meeting of the museum\u2019s executive had been convened for 2.30pm.<\/p>\n More to come.<\/p>\n Start the day with a summary of the day\u2019s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter<\/a>.<\/p>\n Save<\/p>\n You have reached your maximum number of saved items.<\/p>\n![\"CEO](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/b2b2e5137d929bf148d1cd946ec519267524b9d7.jpeg\")
CEO Lisa Havilah tours the new Powerhouse Parramatta. Janie Barrett<\/p>\n![\"Powerhouse](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/a1f3433eff65987be40e623b4f5a9c92a54fd82c.gif\")
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