The actor, director, theatre founder, and philanthropist, Carrillo Gantner, has for many years been dedicated to the development of the arts and culture across the breadth of Australian society, directed financial support for worthy activities and the people who drive them, and pursued a more global cultural awareness. This year Carrillo celebrates 25 years as a cultural leader in his numerous roles over the years, including cultural counsellor at the Australian embassy in Beijing; Melbourne city councillor; chair of Asialink, the Sidney Myer fund, the Australia Council Theatre Board, and the Melbourne International Comedy Festival; and his present position as chair of the Victorian Arts Centre. Carrillo’s hands-on involvement with the arts, especially through the Myer Trust, has made a major and lasting difference to the arts in Victoria and enriched the cultural life of the whole community.