New leader for DIVA

Drag Industry Variety Awards chairman Stuart Doherty has resigned from the DIVA board after seven years of service.

Doherty will be replaced by Paul Croft, who was voted into the top job at a meeting last week.

“I am extremely conscious of the contribution of the previous chairs of DIVA, and I know that I have a big challenge in front of me to live up to the standards they set,” Croft said.

“Fortunately, I have a talented board, as well as a number of former board members, to support me in this role.”

Doherty will be remembered for his fabulous costume designs and for the glamorous poster images he created during his involvement with DIVA, including Kitty Glitter as a DIVA Barbie doll, Dallas reclining in a champagne glass, and the fashion fantasy of DIVA 2005 with the four faces of drag – Courtney, Sexy Galexy, Penny D and Polly – perched on their letters to create the word DIVA. Last year he put 10 drag icons on the one poster to celebrate DIVA 2006.

Doherty will continue to work for DIVA this year as a volunteer creative consultant. He will be developing the theme for DIVA 2007 and will also style and create the poster and program.

“Many thanks for the great fun and support I have had on the board over the years, and congratulations and best wishes to Paul for the future,” Doherty said.

“I look forward to sitting in the audience for the first time.”

For more information on this year’s DIVAs visit www.divaawards.com.au.