Kylie Kwong lands $440,000 Powerhouse culinary ambassador role weeks after her associate contract ended

Celebrity chef Kylie Kwong has been awarded a two-year, $440,000 culinary ambassador contract with the Powerhouse Museum, just a month after the museum confirmed her earlier tenure had finished.

A NSW government contract notice published on October 3 shows Kwong was appointed Powerhouse’s culinary industry leader/ambassador, effective August 1. The role is believed to be part-time and does not involve catering or running food venues.

The Powerhouse said her work would focus on “industry engagement, participation in public programming and advocacy”. A spokesperson said the public would benefit from her experience as she helps design and deliver workshops, masterclasses, industry forums and food experiences at Powerhouse Parramatta.

Kwong was one of nine creative figures engaged under the museum’s $2.6 million “Associates” program, which ended on June 30. Then-chief executive Lisa Havilah told the Sydney MorningHerald on June 4: “Following the conclusion of the program, Associates will not be given continuing roles.”

The program, which also included artist Agatha Gothe-Snape, photographer Zan Wimberley and former cookbook publisher Julie Gibbs, cost $2.6 million over five years. The museum has not disclosed individual payments. Gibbs continues at the museum under a culinary archive adviser contract that expires in July next year.

The Powerhouse declined to say who approved the contract. A spokesperson said: “The contract was awarded through an open request for quote process advertised on Buy NSW, in line with the NSW Procurement Policy Framework, and was approved under the Powerhouse’s financial delegations.”

Havilah stood aside on August 27 pending a departmental investigation into “governance and procurement practices”, 72 days before the Parramatta museum was due to open. Kwong and Havilah have a long-running professional relationship, dating from Kwong’s curation of Carriageworks’ Night Market from 2017 to 2019. The Herald said it was not suggesting either person acted improperly. Neither responded to requests for comment.

The Public Service Association of NSW said the contract would deepen members’ concerns. PSA assistant secretary Troy Wright said: “The release of this new contract will only confirm our members’ concerns that the new museum is transforming into an entertainment precinct and not a museum at all.” He added that the operating model was “completely incongruous” with the Minns government’s efforts to cut spending on consultants. The PSA noted that a $220,000 salary is classed as executive level in the NSW public service.

Former trustee Leo Schofield questioned the museum’s focus on food. “I think it’s entirely inappropriate that the Powerhouse has concerned itself to this extent with food,” he said.

The appointment comes as the museum faces questions over a $70 million spending spree before its opening. Treasury Secretary Michael Coutts-Trotter has said work is under way to help the institution “live within its budget”. An executive procurement investigation has also been referred to the Independent Commission Against Corruption.

Powerhouse Parramatta will hold previews on November 6, ahead of its public opening the following day. Sydney restaurateur Simon Sandall will lead operations of its cafe, restaurant and bar, while procurement records show a further consultancy contract worth more than $200,000 for operational readiness of the museum’s food and beverage offerings.

Jonathan Jackson, 14th October 2026