Mission Statement
Of the Australian Festival Association
Our aims are to make festivals safer for patrons and reduce friction between festival promoters and regulatory bodies, by aligning evidence-based practices and decades of combined industry experience with the requirements of government policy.
We are also committed to ensuring the ongoing viability of festivals as thriving businesses, significant municipal events and sites of global cultural exchange in the interest of all Australians.
Achievements
Since the launch of the AFA in 2018, we have been hard at work for our members. In less than two years, we are proud to report on some of our more notable achievements.
We co-chaired a legislated roundtable with Government and Industry Music Festival representatives and have 4 of the 10 Industry seats at that table
We have been called to give evidence at the Senate Select Committee Hearing into the Federal Government’s handling of COVID-19
Alongside the Australian Music Industry Network, launched the ilostmygig website, receiving 12,000 submissions in just over 4 weeks
Hold a position on the Executive Committee of the newly established Live Entertainment Forum (LEIF)
General Manager is on the Mass Gathering Collaboration Strategic Advisory Network.
General Manager is a Music Australia Councillor
Has received funding from NSW Health to develop Harm Minimisation Training programs for festival staff, suppliers and patrons
Is included in Industry Roundtables across the country, contributing to the sector on behalf of our members
The AFA continues to do this by:
Connecting festival industry professionals with stakeholders and regulatory bodies
Proactively working with regulatory bodies on behalf of the festival industry
Recognising the cultural contribution festivals make to Australian society and upholding the reputation of music festivals in Australia and internationally
The AFA membership comprises of stakeholders in the festival industry from multiple sectors, including:
Promoters
Producers
Cultural organisations
Councils
Operators including production management, site management, bar operators, venues, medical management, security companies
The Australia Festival Association will work to:
Maintain an established organisation that can work with regulatory bodies on behalf of the festival industry
Provide an organisation that is accessible for all stakeholders and industry
Develop ‘best practice’ across all platforms
Represent the Industry to the media
AFA Management Committee (Board)
The AFA’s Committee (also known as the board) was re-elected by members at the AGM in December 2021, from nominated candidates.
Adelle Robinson
Chair
Managing Director, Fuzzy Operations
Adelle Robinson is a proud Wiradurji woman.
As Managing Director of Fuzzy Operations Adelle has over 20 years experience producing some of Australia largest festivals including Field Day, Harbourlife, Shore Thing, Listen Out and Listen In.
Christopher Reid
Treasurer
Partner, Ernst & Young
Christopher Reid is Partner within EY’s Assurance Division (Audit), and has provided professional services at EY for almost 21 years, including in the last 6 as a Partner. Chris is a passionate and devoted music fan and lover of music festivals. I live for music, the industry and the community.
Kat Holloway
Secretary
General Manager, Cattleyard
With 17 years of experience as General Manager of Cattleyard, Kathryn works on Groovin the Moo and pursues her love of management in the community sector with NGO Newtown Festival.
Danny Rogers
Director & Co-founder, Laneway
Danny Rogers is an established music industry professional with over 20 year’s experience in artist management, publishing, touring & festivals. Rogers is the Director & co-founder of Laneway Festival.
Denis Sheahan
Director, DSEM
Denis Sheahan – event manager with three decades of experience in the event industry. His current clients are some of the largest arts & music events in Australia with a strong focus on consultation.
Dianne Sneddon
Event Manager, City of Port Phillip
With over 25 years of events experience, Di Sneddon combines a very hands-on background of managing events with her current role as an Event Manager at the City of Port Phillip.
Jacqui Elmas
In-house Counsel, Chugg Entertainment
Jacqui is currently General Counsel, Chugg Entertainment (part of the Mushroom Group) where she works across the touring and festival business as well as label and artist management with Chugg Music.
Jessica Ducrou
co-CEO, Secret Sounds
Jess Ducrou is co-CEO of Secret Sounds, a Live Nation partner, and producer of Australia’s premier festivals including Splendour In The Grass and Falls Music and Arts Festival.
Kat Dopper
Founder & Director, Heaps Gay
Kat Dopper is the Founder and Director of Heaps Gay, Australia’s largest Independent LGBTQIA+ events organization which focuses on creating safe and inclusive events & festivals around Australia.
Zack Alcott
Snr Engmnt Consultant, Get Skilled Access
Zack Alcott, Senior Engagement Consultant at Get Skilled Access also sits on the board of the Dylan Alcott Foundation and manages Ability Fest – Australia’s first inclusive music festival.
AFA Steering Committee Group
The AFA Steering Committee members include:
Chris Bausor – Ice Cream Factory/Barpop
David Wrobel – Colbrow Medical
Julia Robinson – AFA (Chair)
Josh Chapman – SUBVRT
Simone Elbeb – ISEC Security (Regular proxy: Peter Armstrong)
Russell Steele – RSA Professionals
Tara Benney – Strawberry Fields
The AFA Steering Committee Terms of Reference may be found here.
Governance
The Australian Festival Association Inc. (AFA) is an NSW Incorporated Association under the Corporations Act 2001 (Corporations Act) as an “other incorporated entity”. An “other incorporated entity” includes an entity that has the same characteristics as a company but is not incorporated as a corporation’s law company.
All incorporated organisations in Australia are required to have a constitution.
The key element of the AFA’s governance structure is the Management Committee, which operates according to the rules set out in the AFA Constitution (link below).
The AFA’s needs have evolved over time to meet the needs of members, and the changing nature of the industry. As a result, the AFA is currently preparing a set of bylaws.
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