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SAFC farewells long-time receptionist Leanne Ridley
12 May 2026
The SAFC bids a very fond farewell to Leanne Ridley, who retires this month from her role as SAFC Receptionist after an incredible 25 years of service.
As the smiling face of the SAFC for more than two decades, greeting visitors, staff, tenants and the occasional Hollywood star from her position at the Reception desk, Leanne will be truly missed.
Leanne started as the SAFC’s receptionist in 2001, at the agency’s former studios in Hendon, after being encouraged to apply by a colleague. An experienced receptionist since the age of 16, Leanne didn’t need much convincing – as well as enjoying TV and movies, she lived only five minutes from the studios!
She remembers the Hendon days fondly, particularly the monthly “TGIF” social get-togethers for industry members, which often included visiting stars. On one occasion she ended up out for a night on the town with acclaimed actor Bryan Brown.
“We had lots of fun,” she says.
Leanne has met a truly impressive assortment of stars at Adelaide Studios over the years. She lists Jack Thompson, Hugo Weaving, Hilary Swank, Sam Neill, Rachael Ward, Gary Sweet, Rebecca Gibney, Geoffrey Rush and Daniel Radcliffe among the most memorable. She remembers being especially excited to meet LA Law and The Partridge Family star Susan Dey, who was in Adelaide to shoot the 2002 SAFC supported feature Disappearance – even though “no one else knew what the Partridge Family was!”
Beyond celebrities and Hollywood stars, Leanne says it’s the people that have made her job so special, from colleagues to Adelaide Studios tenants and local industry members driving productions across cast and crew. Leanne doesn’t hesitate to say that it’s the people she’ll miss the most when she leaves.
“I feel very blessed, I really do. Even when I was on holidays, I’d miss it. I’d miss work.”
She’ll also miss having her routine (she confesses she doesn’t like change!), but says she’s looking forward to spending more time with her grandchildren in her retirement.
SAFC Board Chair Mike Rann said it was hard to imagine the SAFC and Adelaide Studios without Leanne.
“Leanne Ridley has been a valued part of the SAFC for almost half of the agency’s existence, and has witnessed the evolution of the screen sector over the years, including the opening of Adelaide Studios in 2011. It is always a pleasure to be welcomed to the building by Leanne, and I know she is much loved by colleagues, tenants and visitors alike for her warm smile and easy-going nature. On behalf of the SAFC Board and team, I thank Leanne for her many years of service and wish her all the best with her retirement.”
Current and past SAFC staff, Adelaide Studios tenants and SAFC Board Chair Mike Rann came together to celebrate Leanne with a farewell morning tea.
