Opera Australia has released its 2021 Annual Report, posting an operating loss of $22.6 million.
Were it not for the sale of the company’s Alexandria warehouse generating a surplus of $37 million and COVID-related State and Federal government support totalling $21.1 million – including JobKeeper, the Federal Government’s Sustainability Fund and State support from Create NSW, Destination NSW and Creative Victoria – the company might not have survived.
Opera Australia CEO Fiona Allan. Photo © Pamela Raith Photography
Speaking to Limelight, Opera Australia CEO Fiona Allan, says, “We are in a better position because of the warehouse sale, but we are long way behind where we were in 2019, so there’s a hell of a lot of work for us to do to rebuild our financial position. COVID has knocked us hard, particularly having such a large work force. We are also very grateful for the funding we have received from State and Federal Government… but it’s a very difficult position.”
Allan joined the company at the end of 2021, replacing her predecessor Rory Jeffes, and says that OA still faces enormous challenges.
“I had anticipated on arrival at OA...
Judging by this piece Opera Australia has learnt nothing and forgotten nothing, building a new warehouse is one thing but making it a centre for opera is another, there are more then enough theatres in the states to perform, but the empire builders in OA would not countenance any state but NSW and the closer to Sydney the better!