Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras can only happen with massive community effort and volunteerism, however it also depends on a backbone of dedicated specialist staff.

MICHAEL ROLIK - CEO

Michael has held this position with SGLMG since December 2009, after 15 years of volunteering with the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras in a variety of roles including Parade Start Director, Parade Co-chair, Sleaze Ball Co-chair, Parade Director, Treasurer and Board member. He has also worked in a range of senior management positions including a global talent management company, production management positions at the 2006 Doha Asian Games, plus working on the Sydney 2000 Opening Ceremony athlete’s parade. Most recently, he ran his own management consultancy working with corporate and not-for-profit sectors in Sydney, London and Hong Kong.

VICKTOR PETROFF - PARADE PRODUCER

With 19 large-scale, complex events under his belt, and 15 years of involvement with Mardi Gras Parade, Vicktor brings to his SGLMG role an invaluable depth of experience, which spans operations, broadcast, protocol, government relations, production as well as stage, volunteer and cast management of up to 10,000 people. Vicktor has worked on a diverse range of events from the Jeddah Economic Forum in Saudi Arabia to Sydney’s New Year’s Eve to the opening and closing ceremonies for the Olympic Games in Sydney, the Commonwealth Games in Manchester and the 15th Asian Games Doha in Qatar. Before his career in event management, Vicktor worked as a senior manager in the telecommunications sector.

DAMIEN EAMES - HEAD OF MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS

Damien began his career in TV production and enjoyed a spell as an economic researcher for the UK Labour Party before getting involved with digital media and marketing. He produced the very first internet strategy for the BBC, the first major European Union report on internet pornography and created business plans for a host of new digital TV channels in the UK, Europe and Asia, as well as project managing the roll-out of Vodafone Live! across Europe. Within months of arriving in Sydney, he got involved in marketing and communications for SGLMG, firstly as a volunteer and then as a staff member.

SAM SWEEDMAN - FESTIVAL PROGRAM MANAGER

Sam joined the SGLMG team in 2009, bringing to the organisation a solid background and wealth of experience in the arts and events industries. He had spent eight years managing the production of events across multiple art forms, specialising in large-scale festivals. He has worked variously as a stage manager – across festivals, including Queensland Multicultural Festival; corporate productions and exhibitions; and theatre, notably with Indigenous company Kooemba Jdarra – and production co-ordinator – again, for a wide range of events including the Brisbane Queer Film Festival, at Brisbane Powerhouse. His particular focus on cultural development has stood him in good stead to develop the Queer Thinking and cultural program for SGLMG.

PAUL HANSON - FINANCE AND OPERATIONS MANAGER

With more than twelve years experience in ticketing and event management for commercial theatre, the arts, sport and major events, Paul brings a range of skills to his Mardi Gras role including membership program development, direct marketing, box office management and event operations. Paul gained his experience working on a diverse range of events including the Australian Open Tennis Grand Slam, NRL, arena concerts, music festivals, commercial theatre, symphony orchestras and the Sydney Royal Easter Show. For Mardi Gras, Paul will focus on financial management and improving back office operations.

GORDON WHEATLEY - FINANCE AND OPERATIONS ADMINISTRATOR

Gordon started with SGLMG in August 2004, having worked in administration at Sydney Pride Centre. In the early days of SGLMG, there were just two staff members – the General Manager and Gordon. During his time with the organisation, Gordon has seen SGLMG grow from these humble beginnings into a small team of highly dedicated staff.

LIZA BAHAMONDES - EXECUTIVE AND PRODUCTION ASSISTANT

With ten years of experience as a senior manager and stylist in the fashion industry, Liza has brought a range of skills to her SGLMG role, including commercial, artistic and personnel management; and development of media and marketing strategies. For SGLMG, Liza provides support to the CEO and to the Festival Program Manager, as well as giving creative direction to the Youth Festival.

NICOLE GAFF - PARADE PRODUCTION COORDINATOR

Nicole started her relationship with SGLMG volunteering as a Stage Manager in 2007 and commenced working as Production Coordinator for Parade from December 2009. Nicole brings five years experience in the entertainment and events industry including venue and stage management with events such as the Edinburgh Fringe and Sydney Film Festival. She has managed independent theatre, worked in corporate hospitality events in both Australia and London, as well as coordinated various community events with L!vesites Newcastle. Most recently, Nicole has completed a national tour managing the corporate events and packages for Cirque du Soleil.

KATHERINE SHERRIE - MARKETING ASSISTANT

Katherine joined SGLMG in December 2010 as a Marketing Intern, assisting with media accreditation, copy writing, social media and online content. She is the 2012 season Marketing Assistant, and will be maintaining SGLMG's digital presence, as well as liasing with media, tourism operators and community groups. Prior to SGLMG, Katherine worked in consumer insights and strategy in the magazine industry, as well as doing some fashion PR. Katherine is also a Business student at the University of Sydney and is President of their LGBTQI student group 'SHADES'.