Ian Plater was born and raised in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney on Gadigal land. Ian graduated from the University of Sydney in 1973 and commenced his first career with Arthur Andersen and became a Chartered Accountant. It was during this time that Ian met the dancers from NAISDA which led to the birth of Bangarra Dance Theatre. Ian was proud to have been one of the founding directors and continues his support and encouragement for Bangarra to this day. Ian went on to become a Director and Deputy Chair of the Australian Theatre for Young People (ATYP) bringing creative performing arts to young people. After 26 years at AA, Ian established his own business, now Zavanti Australia Group, providing solutions for community housing providers in Australia and New Zealand.  

Throughout his career, he has maintained extensive community activities, in addition to Bangarra and ATYP, as Ian believes it is important to play an active role applying my commercial experience and expressing my ideals in the broader community. These have included being a Councillor on Woollahra Council for 4 years, active involvement with his alumni university through its Boat Club and school alumni. Support for creative and performing arts though The Art Gallery of NSW, Opera Australia, Omega Ensemble and early days of the Museum of Contemporary Art, Sydney. 

Ian has been an active sportsman, rowing and coaching with the University of Sydney Boat Club, which he continues to support, ocean swimming and support for the Palm Beach Surf Club.