Matthew Higgins, he/him

Matt Higgins is a strategist and advocate passionate about creativity and community building.

Higgins is a member of the Queensland Government’s LGBTIQ+ Roundtable, where he has helped champion Queensland’s first whole-of-government LGBTIQ+ Strategy. Having previously served on Townsville City Council’s Inclusive Communities Advisory Committee, Matt is deeply committed to amplifying intersectional voices and addressing the unique challenges facing regional LGBTIQ+ communities to shape a more inclusive and equitable future for all.

With over a decade of experience within the cultural and creative industries, he has championed LGBTIQ+ artists and partnered extensively with diverse stakeholders to drive positive outcomes for LGBTIQ+ communities through festivals and major events. Notably, Higgins produced Cher’s iconic performance at the largest LGBTIQ+ party in the southern hemisphere for Mardi Gras’ 40th anniversary. A City of Sydney Creative Fellowship recipient, he has launched several new LGBTIQ+ programs and events across New South Wales and Queensland.

He is currently State Manager Development and Partnerships (Queensland) at Creative Australia, where he contributes to the co-design and delivery of fundraising capability programs and services to empower Queensland artists and arts organisations to cultivate private sector support through philanthropy and partnerships.