the team.
Garry Gary Beers
PRESIDENT
Garry is an a lifelong NRL supporter, serious inventor and passionate elder statesman of the Australian music industry.
With a career spanning over 40years, Garry Gary Beers has an impressive list of achievements. As bass guitarist for iconic super-band INXS, together they broke ground for Australian music worldwide, selling more than 75 million records, hundreds reaching platinum, gold alongside two diamond. Their list of accolades stands as an incredible legacy including; 7 MTV Awards, 3 Grammy nominations, Brit Awards, 6 Aria Awards and an Aria Hall of Fame induction and in 2025 were voted number one in the Triple J Hottest 100. INXS performed live to millions of fans worldwide including a historic sell out performance at Wembley Stadium to 74,000, earning the title of one of the greatest bands of all time.
Having lived in Los Angeles for close to 20 years, Beers set to work on GGB Basses, a patented line of Bass guitars that are revolutionising the music industry. He continues to record and perform with Ashenmoon and brings a trove of vision, talent and networks to Australian Made USA.
Sam Cook
Executive DIRECTOr
A multi-award winning Director, Producer and tech co-founder, the First Aboriginal Australian Professional Recording Academy® member (#GRAMMYs). A retired musician, she was the Director of The Dreaming Festival, a programmer of the Woodford Folk Festival and has delivered festivals and events worldwide including; Bob Marley Concert in Ethiopia, Bardi Dancers at Stonehenge UK, NextFest at LA State Fair, Juneteenth X Culver City Steps and the historic Grand Opening of the Sixth Street Bridge in Los Angeles.
Artistically, Sam is a writer, visual artist and graphic designer. Administratively, she started working in Aboriginal publishing at Broome based, Magabala Books ahead of becoming the CEO of Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company before launching her company The KMBA Creative LLC.
Arts Leader Honouree, NYC (2025), Recipient of the International woman of excellence (2020), UK Arts Council Fellowship (2007 and 2011), winner of National NAIDOC Aboriginal Youth of the Year (1999) and Broome Aboriginal Artist of the Year (1998), Sam was the founding Aboriginal columnist for Artshub and Tracker, founder of Australia’s Blak History Month and co-founder of Kaltja (pronounced Culture).
She is currently a member of the First Nations Independent Arts Alliance, Artivist Entertainment (w/ Aloe Blacc, Quetzal & Maya Jupiter), International Association of Blacks In Dance, Australians in Music and is a co-founder of the United Stages Collective, the first Aboriginal Australian led creative ensemble in the USA.
In 2022 Sam became the US Member Rep for APRA AMCOS, a consultancy working to build, nurture and support and advance Australian + New Zealand songwriter, composer, producer members. Recently she founded Honey Ant Press, a publishing imprint that sees her place power back into literature. Her cross platform experience and executive leadership is integral to Australian Made. Sam is a proud First Nations Australian from the Nyikina Nation.
Geoffrey Schuhkraft
Strategy director
Geoffrey Schuhkraft is a visionary, direct communicator, and long-term strategist with over 40 years of experience across politics, entertainment, and sports management. His exceptional business pedigree and the calibre of clients he has represented speak volumes about the respect he commands. Known for his strategic insight and ability to craft and implement transformative ideas, Geoffrey has built a reputation for enhancing personal, business, and political opportunities through clarity of vision and decisive action.
A pioneer of the Australian entertainment industry, Geoffrey has managed some of Australia’s most celebrated icons, including Trevor Hendy, Samantha Riley, Matthew Hayden, Lisa Curry, Grant Hackett, Tina Arena, and Little River Band. In 1985, he founded the talent management powerhouse International Quarterback Pty Ltd in Queensland, later expanding globally through ON International, established in 2006 with A.C. Milan superstar Clarence Seedorf. This partnership opened doors to the Middle East, where Geoffrey quickly developed deep networks across government, business, and cultural sectors.
Building on his international success, Geoffrey was appointed Senior Advisor for Middle East Relations to Gold Coast City in 2012, leading the development of its Sister City partnership with Dubai. In 2014, he took on a similar advisory role with Trade and Investment Queensland, leveraging his global relationships to advance trade and diplomatic opportunities for Queensland businesses. A passionate advocate for his home state, Geoffrey continues to foster strategic partnerships worldwide, combining experience, influence, and vision to drive meaningful global collaboration.
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Mark smythe
operations director
Mark Smythe is a New Zealand–born, LA-based music industry leader and composer whose career bridges high-level organisational expertise with internationally recognised creative achievement. Former Chief Operating Officer of the Society of Composers & Lyricists (2018–2020) and current Director of the Los Angeles College of Music, Mark has also taught film music at UCLA Extension and serves as a Media Composition professor at California State University, Northridge. He spent over a decade with APRA AMCOS in music royalty data analysis, bringing deep expertise in rights management, HR, event delivery, and meticulous operational oversight.
An award-winning composer of choral, film, and concert music, Mark was a 2024 Composer Fellow for the Choral Arts Initiative PREMIERE|Project Festival, where his Song of the Sea – Part I for choir and electric guitar premiered. His score for The Reef: Stalked (Hulu) earned nominations at both the SCL Awards (USA) and the World Soundtrack Awards (Belgium), with Movie Music UK likening it to early Basil Poledouris: “The first thing you notice is how beautiful large parts of it are.”
He holds a Master’s in Screen Composition from the Australian Film, Television and Radio School, and his credits include Love You Like That and The Possessed. His rare blend of leadership, global networks, and creative excellence makes him a strategic asset and ambassador for New Zealand worldwide.
INgrid proud
Major events director
Ingrid Proud is a prominent leader in Australia’s event industry, with more than 25 years of experience delivering major international events including the Olympics, Commonwealth Games, FIFA Women’s World Cup, and Rugby World Cup. Having lived and worked across Australia, the Middle East, China, Europe, and the UK, Ingrid brings a global perspective and an exceptional track record in project management, governance, and strategic operations.
As the founder and Managing Director of Cultures Connect, Ingrid leads a team that provides world-class operational and logistical support to governments, global sporting federations, tourism bodies, and private organisations. Her company specialises in facilitating inbound missions, major event activations, and seamless on-the-ground delivery for clients connecting with Queensland and beyond.
She has held key roles with Tourism and Events Queensland, Trade and Investment Queensland, Swimming Australia, ASM Global, and Suncorp Stadium, contributing to landmark projects such as the Dubai Expo (Qld Government), the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic announcement, and multiple Commonwealth Games. Renowned for her ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments, Ingrid consistently delivers outcomes that build enduring value and legacy.
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Ingrid is deeply committed to advancing innovation, inclusion, and excellence within the events sector. She has been recognised by the Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience (AIDR) for her leadership and authentic impact, and currently serves as a member of the Queensland XR Advisory Board and the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Legacy Committee. Born in country Queensland and now based in Brisbane, Ingrid continues to champion her state as a global hub for world-class events, helping organisations create connected, meaningful, and successful experiences.
Andrew furze
Creative producer
Andrew Furze is an LA based musician and producer with over thirty years experience in the music and television industries. He is an accomplished songwriter, producer, arranger, vocalist and instrumentalist. His first band, Girl Friday, was signed to Standard Records when he was 19. Furze's song-writing prowess saw him signed to a publishing deal and he was soon co-writing with a diverse range of acts, including Andrew De Silva, Delta Goodrem. Emmanuel Carella, Belinda Emmett, S2S and Rebecca Cartwright. He toured stadiums nationally as Music Director for Emmanuel Carella on Christina Aguilera's "Stripped" tour.
Hired as Performance Producer on Australia's "Aria Awards", Furze worked closely with artists, labels, managers and the network. Creatively, he oversaw all 13 performances - the most ever at an ARIAs. Acts included Jet, Missy Higgins, Guy Sebastian, Delta Goodrem, Kasey Chambers, Spiderbait, Pete Murray, John Butler, Eskimo Joe, LRB and the Wrights super group. Furze was subsequently approached by both M.T.V and Nickelodeon awards, but was drawn back to playing and writing. His next project "The Inches" signed to Sony after just 5 shows.
Returning to television Andrew took up music producer roles across a variety of productions, including Dancing With The Stars, The Voice, So You Think You Can Dance (3 seasons), The X Factor (2 seasons) and Celebrity Apprentice. He was also creative/music director for live tours, such as X Factor and Young Talent Time. Co-Founder of TAG Music, Furze has created an unique record production, artist development and management company bringing together a team of producers, engineers, songwriters and creatives all with credits amongst some of the biggest names in music including; Metallica, Smashing Pumpkins, Nikki Minaj, Miley Cyrus, Garry Clark Jr. and many more.
A music and sports manager based in Los Angeles, Paul is an expert in creative project management, social media, digital marketing, Film/TV licensing and brand partnerships.
Stepanek has built a solid reputation in music and sports representation. Through his management company he has built a roster of clients including some of the top emerging acts in the industry, along with world-renowned career artists who want a team approach to management and a next generation way of thinking.
His current roster includes legendary Australian rock act Sick Puppies, who formed in Sydney in 1997. The band rose to prominence in 2006 when their song "All the Same" supported the Free Hugs Campaign, receiving over 78 million views. They decided to move to Los Angeles when rock photographer Robert Knight, who would later co-star in a documentary called Rock Prophecies with the band, said to their manager, "You should move the band over here, I really think they will do well". With significant chart breakthroughs including the Hot 100 and recordings on the soundtrack of major television shows such as NCIS, they continue to be a hard working touring and recording act.
Stephanek continues to drive innovation in digital marketing and media, recently securing and releasing dynamic platforms and assets.
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Paul Stepanek
Talent Director
Adam Burke is a dual US–Australian entertainment lawyer, producer, and entrepreneur with more than 25 years of experience at the intersection of law, media, and global events. His career began in Los Angeles in the late 1990s after moving from Melbourne, where he was admitted to the California Bar and quickly established himself as a trusted advisor to high-profile clients including Elizabeth Taylor, Olympic Ceremonies producer Ric Birch, Nederlander Concerts, and LA’s Greek Theatre. Adam went on to co-found the media and entertainment firm Autonomy, managing major transactions, government contracts, and large-scale international projects including Mexico’s Bicentennial celebrations and negotiations with leading corporations such as NBC, Universal Music, and TED Conferences.
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In 2019, Adam expanded his focus to the non-profit and cultural diplomacy space as the founder and Executive Director of the Pitchhiker Foundation, a California-based organisation that helps music travel across borders. Through programs such as the Australian Music Alliance, KCRW’s Global Beat, Sonic Dialog, and The Cockatoo Newsletter, Adam connects artists, curators, and audiences across the United States and Australia—building pathways for creative exchange and professional mobility in the global music industry. Under his leadership, Pitchhiker has forged collaborations with institutions including KCRW, the Australian Consulate in Los Angeles, and the US State Department.
Alongside his non-profit work, Adam continues to lead Adam Burke Legal, a Los Angeles-based practice specialising in corporate, entertainment, and intellectual property law. His expertise spans Olympic and mega-event contracting, media production, brand partnerships, and cross-border business expansion. With a career that bridges the creative and corporate worlds, Adam brings a rare combination of legal precision, entrepreneurial insight, and international experience—helping artists, companies, and governments navigate complex deals while creating lasting cultural and commercial impact.
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Adam Burke
Legal + Major Olympic Ceremonies
Toby rand
Talent producer
Toby Rand is a multi-talented, award winning singer-songwriter, actor, composer and musician working between Los Angeles and Las Vegas.
Rand's stage presence has earned him a loyal following and seen him fronting Supergroup ‘STADIUM’ featuring members from INXS, Morrissey, and Dorothy and Ashenmoon alongside Garry Gary Beers. In 2006, RAND became household name for his appearance on the CBS TV show Rockstar: Supernova with Tommy Lee, Jason Newstead, Gilby Clarke, and Dave Navarro. The show was seen by over 20 million viewers each week and ended with RAND as runner-up and signed record deal.
As a result, Rand has a rich musical background and extensive touring experience across the globe with his (award-winning) band, JUKE KARTEL. Juke Kartel had numerous songs on charts around the world, and tours with Slash, Rockstar Supernova, Ozzy Osborne, Nickelback, Linkin Park and many more. He has collaborated with two-time Echo, BMI and Grammy award winner (producer/songwriter) Alex Geringas, and renowned Grammy award winning mixer, Mark Needham.
His voice and music are heard frequently in film and television and he has played the lead role in the theater production ROCKTOPIA. Rand is also involved in philanthropy. He uses his writing to support international Breast Cancer Research, the youth of Los Angeles, and his children’s animation projects; Eco Giraffe and Umbrella Girls.
Ben carey
Production+ Technical
Ben Carey is an Australian guitarist and actor who has played with bands such as Savage Garden, Tal Bachman, and Lifehouse.
From 1998 to 2000 Carey joined Savage Garden on their Affirmation World Tour as band guitarist, performing "I Knew I Loved You", "Affirmation", "Crash & Burn", and other songs. In 2004, Carey joined Lifehouse and featured in the band's videos "Broken", "Halfway Gone", "All In" and "Between the Raindrops".
Guitarist for Elvis Monroe, a super group comprised of himself, Bryan Hopkins of Paperback Hero, Matthew Nelson of Nelson, and Ryan MacMillan of Matchbox 20. Together they released a single; "Blue Collar Man", which was the theme song for season 3 of TV show "Vegas Rat Rods".
As an actor, Carey is known for Life Support, Lifehouse: Live In Portland and Disney's 2 Hour Tour. Now Las Vegas based, Carey has a longstanding residency and is a driving force behind corporate entertainment behemoth Radio XX while overseeing production across a range of Las Vegas venues.
He has not only built a reputation for excellence but has built a solid network and production company that can scale from intimate performances to
major events.
Ben Mansfield
Social impact director
Ben Mansfield is a globally respected executive and strategic problem-solver with more than 20 years of experience leading transformative initiatives across housing, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic development. As Social Impact Director he brings deep expertise in turning complex social and economic challenges into measurable outcomes—bridging the gap between vision and execution. His leadership has influenced portfolios exceeding $160 billion and delivered major programs for organisations including BHP, McKinsey,
Bovis Lendlease, Clear Dynamics, Australian Unity, and the Australian Government.
Earlier in his career, Ben played a pivotal role in major capital portfolios and urban development projects with the City of Gold Coast, earning the Project Management Institute’s 2011 Australian Young Project Manager of the Year award. At the heart of Ben’s work is a belief that thriving communities emerge from action, not theory. Having led critical infrastructure programs such as the Commonwealth Games and recovery efforts following the Samarco dam disaster, he understands that genuine impact comes from aligning social, environmental, and financial outcomes. At TerraRossa, Ben focuses on implementing scalable systems that integrate housing, healthcare, and economic opportunity—building communities that are sustainable, resilient, and equitable.
In addition to his executive work, Ben serves as a Board Member for Ballet Without Borders, reflecting his belief in the transformative power of culture and creativity. A passionate advocate for practical, people-first solutions, he specialises in strategic planning, business transformation, and digital innovation—helping governments, corporations, and communities move from planning to real progress. Originally from Sydney and now based in Melbourne with his young family, Ben's leadership style combines competitive drive with compassion—championing innovation, collaboration, and meaningful progress for people and communities around the world.
Amy Hayashi
Policy director
Amy Hayashi is an accomplished policy and housing expert with over two decades of experience spanning government, not-for-profit, and private sectors in Australia and the United States. A Monash University law graduate, Amy has built a career focused on equitable housing, social infrastructure, and community-led policy reform, with a deep understanding of the intersection between regulation, development, and social outcomes.
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As Director of Amy Hayashi Consulting, she leads strategic policy design and delivery for clients across housing, urban development, and social impact. Her recent engagements include serving as Principal Consultant to Homes Tasmania, where she drives state-level housing reform initiatives, and as Head of Infrastructure at SSI, overseeing the organisation’s housing and capital growth portfolio to support migrant and refugee communities.
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Previously, Amy held leadership roles at Mission Australia Housing, Enterprise Community Investment (New York), and The Doe Fund, and contributed to the 2022 federal election campaign for Independent MP Allegra Spender. With a global perspective and a record of driving complex, cross-sector collaboration, Amy brings strategic clarity, policy depth, and a results-oriented approach to every challenge she undertakes.