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.

Brad Wright – EVENT PRODUCER

Brad Wright is our Event Producer with responsibility for the entire Sydney Mardi Gras event portfolio including Fair Day, the Parade and our major dance parties. Brad is a highly accomplished Event Producer having produced an extensive range of events in both the corporate and community sectors including some of the largest Sleaze Ball and Mardi Gras Parties, most recently the highly acclaimed 2012 Mardi Gras Party, Mardigrasland. Brad has developed strong relationships and networks within government, community, entertainment and event production industries over his 18 year career which he continues to develop further.

James Rongen-Hall – FESTIVAL ASSOCIATE PRODUCER

James is an accomplished producer with broad experience from theatre and music to television and major events. Prior to joining SGLMG in the lead up to the 2012 Sydney Mardi Gras Festival, James spent  five years in senior producing and production management roles at Sydney Opera House. During this time, James was involved in the development of festivals and major events such as Vivid Live, GRAPHIC, Spring Dance, Open Day and Summer at the House, as well as collaborating with SGLMG on numerous Sydney Mardi Gras Festival productions. James has a background in design and art direction for theatre and film, and has also worked in marketing and communications roles.

Liza Bahamondes – FESTIVAL PROGRAM MANAGER

Liza joined SGLMG in January 2011 as a volunteer at the creative workshop. In 2011 Liza provided support to the CEO and to the Festival Program Manager, as well as giving creative direction to the Youth Festival. She is the 2012 Festival Program Manager, and will continue to develop audiences within the youth sector and will build on SGLMG’s relationships with arts organisations, artists and community groups. 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.