BOARD
Guiding the Future of Australian Festivals
Meet the leaders behind our advocacy and support for Australia’s festival scene. With deep industry experience, our board drives our mission to strengthen and elevate festivals across the country.
Chair
Adelle Robinson (She/Her)
Managing Director, Fuzzy Operations
Adelle Robinson is a proud Wiradjuri woman. As Managing Director of Fuzzy Operations Adelle has over 20 years experience producing some of Australia largest festivals including Field Day, Harbourlife, Listen Out, Listen In, Groovin’ the Moo and Shore Thing.
Deputy Chair
Jess Ducrou (She/Her)
Splendour in the Grass Co-Founder
Jess Ducrou is the former co-CEO of Secret Sounds and founder of Australia’s most iconic festivals including Splendour in The Grass, Falls Music and Arts Festival and Harvest Rock. Jess is also Chair of the NSW Government’s Sound NSW Advisory Board.
Secretary
Jacqui Elmas (She/Her)
General Counsel, Frontier Touring and CMC Rocks Festival
Jacqui is currently General Counsel, Frontier Touring where she works across both the touring and festival businesses.
With over 25 years of industry experience, Jacqui has a strong commitment and passion to supporting the Australian music and festival scene.
Treasurer
Chris Reid (He/Him)
Partner, EY
Chris is Partner within EY’s Assurance Division (Audit), and has provided professional services at EY for over 23 years. Chris a passionate live music fan, regular attendee of music festivals, and brings his financial experience to the AFA Committee.
People & Culture
Di Sneddon (She/Her)
Senior Events 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.
Board Member
Adam Smith (He/Him)
Director, Yours and Owls
Adam Smith is the co-founder and Director of Yours and Owls, a renowned festival and events company based in Wollongong. With over 15 years of experience in the live music industry, Adam has played a key role in building Yours and Owls into a staple of the Australian festival scene, known for its innovative lineups and deep connection to the Wollongong community.
Board Member
Denis Sheahan (He/Him)
Director, Greenfield Events
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.
Board Member
Elise Huntley (She/Her)
Founder, Icon Associates
Elise is a proud Noonuccal woman with over 30 years’ experience behind her working across several disciplines in the music and entertainment industry. Through Icon Associates she has consulted to festivals such as Good Vibrations, V Festival, Bonnaroo (USA) and recently Splendour in the Grass, Falls Festivals and Harvest Rock in her previous role as Managing Director Festivals at Secret Sounds.
Board Member
Harley Evans (He/Him)
Managing Director, Moshtix
Harley is Managing Director of Moshtix Australia and New Zealand, with 20+ years in live events. He is a passionate advocate for the live entertainment industry, and Moshtix has been a proud supporter of many of Australia’s peak music bodies over the last 10 years.
Board Member
Jessie Parker (She/Her)
Festival Director (ANZ), Laneway Festival
Jessie Parker manages Laneway Festival, which tours six cities across Australia and New Zealand in partnership with TEG Live and has over 15 years’ experience in the live entertainment industry.
Board Member
Pete Sofo (He/Him)
Director of Festivals & Major Events, Untitled
Pete Sofo, Director of Festivals & Major Events at Untitled Group, has been a significant figure in the Australian music industry since 1999. After years of success in artist management and music agency, Pete moved into live events, bringing his expertise to Untitled Group, where he now oversees its expanding portfolio of festivals and major events.
Board Member
Ryan Sabet (He/Him)
Live Nation / Secret Sounds Group / Kicks
Ryan is the co-lead of festivals at Live Nation / Secret Sounds / Kicks. Ryan has operated award-winning music venues, developed and established festival brands like Spilt Milk and has delivered significant festivals & events across the country including projects for Government stakeholders. Ryan is an active member of the ACT’s Liquor Advisory Board, representing the Late Night Economy.
STAFF
Supporting Festivals Every Step of the Way
From daily operations to long-term strategy, our staff brings passion and expertise to every aspect of our work. Get to know the faces behind our mission.
CEO
Olly Arkins (She/Her)
With over a decade of experience in public policy, communications, and government relations, Olly has a background as a political adviser across NSW, Victoria, and Canberra, and in government affairs for Live Nation Australia and New Zealand. Olly has been instrumental in growing the AFA’s membership and influence, championing sustainable festival businesses amidst regulatory challenges and industry shifts.
Project Director & Head of Communications
Elliott Lauren-Ryan (She/Her)
Elliott brings over a decade of experience in the music, events, and creative sectors to her role at the AFA. With a background in project management, content creation, and client relations, Elliott focuses on strengthening connections within the industry and supporting the growth of Australia’s festival community.
Policy and Membership Officer
Lucy Anh (She/Her)
Lucy Anh brings diverse music experience to AFA as an artist and industry professional. Lucy's background spans policy advocacy, artist management and venue operations, with her unique perspective underpinning her passion for supporting the intersection of music, business and government.
The AFA is proudly supported by:
