The iconic Circus Oz will close after 44 years, with the shut down blamed on change-adverse members.

Ordered to restructure their governance by funding organisations Australia Council for the Arts and Creative Victoria, members voted against it.

Treasurer Mike McCreadie told Joe Hildebrand given 70 per cent of their revenue is government funding, Circus Oz has no choice but to shut down.

“One of the sticking points for the government, they said ‘open up your membership to be more representative of the community in general’.

“You’re targeting diversity – cultural diversity, gender diversity, age diversity – and you should be able to put on people that have the appropriate skills for the board.

“A lot of those members … started the organisation, it has been their baby, their creation, and I suspect giving up control was just a bridge too far.”

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