Ms Nattrass has had a distinguished career in the arts. Her more recent roles have been as General Manager (CEO) of the Victorian Arts Centre (1989-1997), Artistic Director of two Melbourne Festivals (1998 and 1999), and of the Adelaide Festival (2002). Ms Nattrass has been active as a consultant in the Arts since 2000. She is currently Chair of the Confederation of Australian International Arts Festivals, and of the cultural program working group for the Melbourne 2007 World Swimming Championships. She is a board member of Federation Square, Melbourne & Olympic Parks and the Melbourne Football Club. She is a Trustee of the Sydney Opera House, the Harold Mitchell Foundation, the John Truscott Design Foundation and the Brian Stacey Memorial Trust.

In October 2006, Ms Nattrass was awarded the Dame Elisabeth Murdoch Cultural Leadership Award by the Australia Business Arts Foundation. The ABAF award acknowledges Ms Nattrass' contribution to the arts, and her impact and authority in many aspects of Australia's cultural life over four decades.

In April 2007, Ms Nattrass was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Green Room Awards Association. This award acknowledges her leadership and support for all aspects of the performing arts sector and the wider arts community.

Ms Nattrass was named as the recipient of the 2008 JC Williamson award in July 2008. Incorporated into the Helpmann Awards, this is the foremost honour that the Australian live entertainment industry can bestow.

An exhibition at the Arts Centre in Melbourne celebrates Sue Nattrass' career, and honours her 2007 'Lifetime Achievement Award' from the Green Room Awards Association.