Born in Mount Gambier, South Australia, Rachael Walsh was awarded a scholarship to attend the Australian Ballet School in Melbourne and began her pursuit of a career as a professional ballet dancer. Upon graduation, she accepted a position with Queensland Ballet in 1997 and was promoted to Principal Artist in 2003. Rachael was acknowledged widely as an artist of unique musicality and dramatic quality, and during her career enjoyed performing a vast repertoire of renown classical and contemporary ballets and exciting new works. Her performing career, both here in Australia and on international stages, expands over 27 years with a return to stage in 2023 with Queensland Ballet in the blockbuster ballet, Derek Dean’s Strictly Gershwin.

Rachael’s interest in philanthropy and sustainability for the arts has led her commitment to building a legacy of support for the future of arts in Queensland, together with Queensland Ballet’s former Artistic Director Li Cunxin AO and Executive Director Dilshani Weerasinghe.

Rachael envisions a future where ballet and great artistic experiences is accessible to all, enriching people’s health, wellbeing and connectivity with community.

Rachael is currently Director of Development and Endowment for Queensland Ballet. Together with partner Michael, her greatest role yet is as Mother to Illiya, Margaux and Austin.

“Now more than ever, art is needed to lift the spirits of humanity, connect people, inspire young minds and give us hope for a great and bright future. Philanthropy is the most powerful gift in enabling a great vision for our connection with art and each other.”