100 Story Building farewells Sandeep Varma

Image by Gianna Rizzo

In July 2026, after nine years on the Board and eight years as Chair, Sandeep Varma concluded his role as Chair of the 100 Story Building Board. Sandeep will remain on the Board until the end of October 2026.

For almost a decade, Sandeep has been a constant and generous presence in the life of the organisation. His contribution has helped shape 100 Story Building through significant periods of growth and change, including settling in its third and final home in Footscray. His work as Chair has always been grounded in the belief in the power of storytelling to give children confidence, agency and a voice.

During his time as Chair, 100 Story Building grew its programs and reach, established the Story Hubs program in schools and continued to create spaces where children’s ideas are taken seriously and their creativity can lead the way. He brought curiosity, care and thoughtful leadership to the Board, and a deep commitment to the children, educators, artists and communities at the heart of our work.

“It’s time to pass on my leadership of this small but important organisation that means so much to me, that I wish I’d had as a child who learned Hindi before English. As I leave, there is a strong CEO in Lena Cirillo, an excellent board of directors, and we are more financially stable than we have ever been, having faced many churns of the ocean, and finding support from so many along the way to keep going.” Sandeep writes. 

We are grateful for the thought and commitment Sandeep has given to 100 Story Building over the past nine years. His contribution is part of the organisation’s story, and we look forward to carrying that work forward.

Thank you Sandeep on behalf of the team, Board and broader 100 Story Building community. A chorus of thanks can be heard from the trapdoor from the 99 levels below, but the loudest thank you comes in the form of a joyful buzz on Level 100 from the children and young people experiencing the transformative power of creativity and storytelling. 

We are pleased that long-standing board member Kartik Iyer will take over as Interim Chair while board recruitment commences.