Actor and alumnus receives prestigious fellowship

Russell Dykstra’s name has become synonymous with the Australian entertainment industry, forever etched into film reels and programs of some of the biggest home-grown productions in the nation’s history.

The actor’s embodiment of raw and transformative roles has been celebrated with many prestigious acting awards, including the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA), Helpmann (national theatre award), and Equity Awards.

Now, he has returned to where he was educated to take the stage and accept his latest accolade: a Fellowship from the University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ).

Mr Dykstra said it was an honour that had him reflective, thrilled, and chuffed beyond belief.

“This is a recognition of my contribution to society in a greater way, and it’s particularly poignant coming from a different institution – an acknowledgement that isn't necessarily coming from my peers,” Mr Dykstra said.

“The people that helped, informed, and educated me, to a large degree, have tracked my career, followed it with interest, and have now given me this nod – it’s a real thrill.”

Mr Dykstra’s connection with UniSQ was forged when he was a small boy, taking the train from Brisbane to visit his grandmother and attend Toowoomba’s annual Carnival of Flowers.

“I can still remember the contrasts of the dinginess of the train into the burst of colours and magic of the gardens, as well as that rich, orange dirt that can help grow and flourish absolutely anything.

“Both my mother and grandmother were avid gardeners, so the love of nature was instilled in me from a young age. To this day, whenever I see Blueberry Ash or a Chinese Lantern, I always think of them and those early visits to Toowoomba.

“If we can connect with nature and get our hands in the earth, it can help us mentally, and I’ve been able to use that and draw on that throughout my career.

“It’s no wonder I chose to come back here to study.”

After graduating from UniSQ with a Diploma of Creative Arts in 1987, Mr Dykstra furthered his studies at the notable School of Jacques Lecoq in Paris and Ecole Philippe Gaulier in London – educational opportunities he said opened doors for him in the industry.

“My time studying at the University of Southern Queensland and overseas was an incredibly fruitful and enjoyable time where I learned an awful lot,” he said.

“By studying acting in a supportive environment, you are given a platform to fail. It is only through failing that we learn, and you are a lot better to fail in an environment where it is not going to affect your career.

“You are also given a considerable amount of time to set aside and learn and hone the skills you need to acquire the resilience and fully prepare yourself for the industry, ensuring you are ready by the time you graduate.”

And ready he was. It was not long after graduating that Mr Dykstra had television and theatre credits to his name. He even went on to write and produce his one-person show – Children of the Devil (1997) – a production he describes as the most “challenging, exhausting, creatively fulfilling” venture of his career.

By 1999, he had made his first feature film debut in Soft Fruit, which landed him his first Australian Film Industry Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role (1999) and a Film Critics’ Circle Award nomination (2000).

What followed was an illustrious career both on camera and stage, with Mr Dykstra appearing in critically acclaimed films such as Ned Kelly (2003), Romulus, My Father (2006), theatre productions like The Addams Family (2013), The Lion King (2014), and most recently in television series such as Rake (2018) and Ladies in Black (2024).

My Dykstra also served on the National Performers’ Committee (MEAA), was a board member for the Belvoir Theatre, and continually mentors and teaches young theatre students at institutions across the country.

Throughout his career, Mr Dykstra’s love of the environment was ever-present. He was awarded a Queensland Arts Council grant to tour a performance inspired by the work of environmentalist David Suzuki, marking his first contribution to the linkage of art, education, and the challenges of climate change.

It's a passion that continues for Mr Dykstra today, who can often be found in his garden or volunteering in bush care groups and community nurseries when not behind or in front of the camera.

It’s serendipitous that Mr Dykstra would return to Toowoomba, where that all began, in the very same week the Garden City celebrates its 75th anniversary of the Carnival of Flowers – a visit he calls a “full-circle moment”.

Reflecting on his enduring career backed by dedication and a commitment to the arts, Mr Dykstra said such a career could only be fostered by those with the necessary skills and talent and those courageous enough to work through the challenges the industry brings.

“You have to be made of a certain metal. You must be resilient, not take anything personally, stay as positive as you can, and look after your mental health.

“I love coming back to work and speak with young, enthusiastic acting students who are embarking on a career, and to have that ongoing relationship has been really special to me,” he said.

“I can’t wait to see how they are going to enlighten us next.”

Russell Dykstra was officially conferred as a Fellow of the University at the UniSQ Toowoomba campus yesterday (26 September).

The full list of UniSQ Honorary Award Recipients for 2024 are as follows:

• Professor Mary O’Kane AC – Doctor of the University
• Katherine Bennell-Pegg – Doctor of Engineering
• Professor John Billingsley – Emeritus Professor
• Professor Linda Galligan – Emeritus Professor
• Professor Patrick Danaher – Emeritus Professor
• Professor Rhod McNeill – Emeritus Professor
• Raynuha Sinnathamby – Fellow of the University
• Paul McVeigh – Fellow of the University
• Brett Otto – Fellow of the University
• Eve Fraser – Fellow of the University
• Russell Dykstra – Fellow of the University
• Trent Dalton – Fellow of the University