Launceston Festivale Committee Inc is an incorporated association. Festivale is run by a dedicated volunteer committee and employs a full time Event Manager to assist in the year-round planning and management of Festivale. An Event Officer and Site Manager are both engaged on a casual basis to assist with the final stages of planning and running the event. Each volunteer Committee member brings experience and expertise to the event in areas such as entertainment, food and beverages, logistics, finance and marketing.
David joined the committee in 2006 and took on the role of Chairman in 2018.
David is the Education Manager at TasTAFE Drysdale in Launceston and this compliments his involvement with Festivale. Previously involved with Agfest for many years, David has significant experience in event management and working with committees.
His focus is, along with the committee, to keep Festivale evolving and cement it as one of the top food, beverage and entertainment events in the country. Having seen the event increase in popularity over the years, David looks forward to ensuring this trend continues into the future.
Brett joined the committee in 2010. Brett is an Electrotechnology Teacher at TasTafe. Having also being involved with Agfest for many years, Brett has undertaken an entire Festivale design review and implemented many changes to the park layout.
Sharon joined the committee in 2018 and works in sales at LAFM/CHILLI Launceston. Having a background in print and marketing, and after being involved with Agfest for many years, Sharon heads up the Festivale marketing sub-committee. She believes in giving back to the community and that Festivale really does offer something for everyone.
Michael joined the committee in October 2017 as Treasurer. Michael is a founding partner of Newton and Henry (Accountants) – which enjoys an important sponsorship arrangement with Festivale. As appropriate financial management is critical for Festivale to ensure that it can meet the expectations of all stake holders and be financially viable for the future.
Chris joined the committee so long ago not even he can remember. An owner of VJAM, and a muso from way back, Chris looks after the staging and sound for Festivale in conjunction with the entertainment subcommittee.
Ros joined the committee in 2019 and is an owner and Director of Spikey Bridge Vineyard in Relbia. With a long career of event management, sponsorship and fundraising, Ros is passionate about Festivale as a celebration of Tasmania and what is has to offer. She enjoys being actively involved in the event and looks forward to Festvale continuing to be a great Tasmanian event.
Matt joined the committee in 2019 after spending a year on the entertainment subcommittee. Matt is currently employed as Business Development Manager at VJAM but is also a professional musician who has performed at Festivale for more than 15 years. Matt’s area of expertise is working on the entertainment lineup for Festivale and seeing local performers share the stage with great Australian acts.
Georgie joined the Committee in 2021 after two years on the Marketing Sub-Committee.
She works in television, radio & digital advertising at SCA as Senior Account Manager.
With numerous clients in events & entertainment, the industry has become a passion & she looks forward to contributing to the future success of Festivale.
Martin joined the committee in late 2018. A community pharmacist for 30 years, he has a strong understanding of customer service and brings an interest in IT to the event. Enthusiastic about the Tasmanian food, wine and spirit industries he has been a patron of Festivale since its inception. Martin is now enjoying being part of the team that brings this iconic event to Launceston every February.
Matt has a wealth of experience with Festivale, having been intimately involved in the event for several years. Initially serving as a crucial supplier for the occasion through his marquee company, he later assumed the position of site manager in 2019, a role he has adeptly fulfilled until 2023. Currently, he has gracefully transitioned into committee member, entrusting the responsibility of site management to his son, Josh. With a passionate commitment to enhancing Festivale's excellence, Matt brings a deep understanding of the event's intricacies and possesses the expertise needed to ensure its continued success.
Peter is a dedicated and experienced member of our committee with a passion for excellence in customer service and event management. With 39 years of service at Veolia, including roles in operations and business development, Peter brings a wealth of expertise to Festivale. His involvement in various committees such as Rowing Tasmania & Devonport Racing club committee showcases his commitment to delivering outstanding experiences. Joining the logistics sub-committee in 2022 and then Committee in 2023, Peter looks forward to contributing to Tasmania's best Summer event.
Best-selling Author, Acrobat, Merchant Banker. Stew is none of these. However, as a comedy producer he has brought some of the best and biggest names in Australian comedy to Tasmania for over 10 years now. As a comic and MC, performing at various festivals, and events both here and interstate, Stew brings years of event experience at both a local and State level and looks forward to contributing to the growth of the event. In his spare time he enjoys playing the clarinet with his pet Komodo Dragon, and finishing his bio with entirely fabricated facts.
Hayley was appointed in 2019, coming from a background in event management and marketing, Hayley is the driving force making sure the committee decisions are implemented and the entire event runs smoothly. She works closely with the other staff and the entire committee and enjoys building relationships with stallholders, suppliers and patrons alike.
Meet Josh - the true embodiment of Festivale's succession planning. From his roots in the marquee business, to his role as logistics supervisor since 2018 and builder by trade, Josh's journey has been a steady one. Stepping into the role of Site Manager, succeeding his father Matt, Josh's journey with Festivale comes full circle. Josh has an intimate understanding of the event and an unwavering commitment to excellence; he is set to infuse Festivale with his vibrant personality and energy and is positioned to keep our event on its highly successful trajectory.
