As of August 1, allowances under Equity’s film and television agreements have increased. For a copy of the current allowances contact the Equity information desk on 1300 656 512.

Geoffrey Rush has been named the founding president of the new Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts. The body will manage the new film and TV awards that are to replace the AFI Awards. The awards will take place in January to coincide with the international awards season. Read more.

The Alliance met with the Convergence Review Committee this week and discussed the importance of maintaining levels of Australian content in a converged media and entertainment landscape.

Mary Poppins was the big winner at last night's Helpmann Awards.

It won best musical, best male and female actors in a musical for its leads Matt Lee and Verity Hunt-Ballard, best direction and choreography of a musical, best sound design and best music direction.

Cate Blanchett and Geoffrey Rush won the top acting awards. Blanchett won best female actor for her turn in the Sydney Theatre Company's play Uncle Vanya. Rush won the award for the best male actor for his role in the play The Diary Of A Madman, which picked up three awards, including best play director for Neil Armfield and best original score.

The Belvoir Theatre's The Wild Duck was named best play, with its supporting male and female actors, Anthony Phelan and Anita Hegh, winning in their categories.

The JC Williamson Award, recognising outstanding contribution to Australia's live performance industry, went to Jill Perryman, Toni Lamond and Nancye Hayes.