A BOARD of Limestone Coast residents will take the reins for the 2020 Generations in Jazz event, which celebrates 30 years of the iconic music festival.
The newly-elected board – featuring chairman Peter Roberts, prominent Mount Gambier music icon Dale Cleves, Tanya Coxon, Wayne Glynn and Tourism Mount Gambier chair Kent Comley – will oversee the management of next year’s installment.
Over the years, the new board members have all played a role in making Generations in Jazz the success it now is.
Ms Coxon has previously spent five years as a volunteer in finance and logistics, while Mr Glynn is a prominent figure at South Gambier Football Club, which is a home away from home for students involved in the festival.
In addition, Mr Roberts, Mr Comley and Mr Cleves have been integral parts of the festival, holding management and board positions for many years.
Mr Comley said the board and management team had strong South East representation.
“I think it is so important to have the event represented by community members,” he said.
“People from outside bring other skills, but we really have the knowledge of the people, the place and the event.
“That makes for a great team and we are really looking forward to the future.”
Management of the event returned to local hands in June with Nigel Adams chairing the board, supported by members James Morrison and Barney McCusker.
It followed several different variations of the board featuring high profile chairmen from outside the community.
Discussions held over the last two months led to the latest appointments with complete local representation in the new-look structure.
Mr Roberts paid tribute to the three resigning board members in Mr Adams, Mr Morrison and Mr McCusker for their contribution to the event.
He acknowledged the ongoing contribution and support of Mr Morrison, stating the board was “thrilled” the world jazz icon would remain artistic director for the festival.
The board will be responsible for the strategic direction of the event, the financial responsibility, compliance and corporate governance, sponsorship and other usual board portfolios.
An event management team will be responsible for the operations of the event and the weekend’s activities with a familiar face taking on the event coordinator role for 2020.
After a hiatus of five years, Karyn Roberts will return in an official capacity, as she has done for the past 25 years, including a stint as chief executive officer.
Ms Roberts’ role is to work with everyone involved in the event to ensure the GIJ experience is the best that it can be for participants, volunteers and others alike who are connected with the event.
Other familiar names once again part of the management team are Greg Muller in site management, Christine Comley in accommodation and catering, Peter Burchell and Michael Gazzard in transport and parking and Fiona Unger in volunteering.
Mr Roberts said the management team was strong with a wealth of experience.
“The success and growth of the event can be attributed to many things, but none more so than community support and involvement,” he said.
“Over the years thousands of volunteers have worked tirelessly in many roles – from the scouts who remove rubbish from thousands of lunches for the participants, to the backstage and venue managers, the sporting clubs who control public car parking to ushers and door control of the big top which seated more than 6500 in 2019.
“Everyone is looking forward to … Mount Gambier embracing the event which brings great enjoyment and pride to us all.”
