The NSW Government has confirmed new appointees to the board of Venues NSW for the positions of Deputy Chairperson, Public Service Senior Executive Member, and 2 Member positions.
The Cabinet has endorsed the following individuals for the respective roles:
- Ms Rosheen Garnon (existing member) to the position of Deputy Chairperson
- Mr John Quayle (existing member) to the position of Board (Hunter)
- Ms Melanie Hawyes to the position of Public Service Senior Executive
- Ms Stephanie Brantz to the position of Board
- Mr David Tierney to the position of Board.
Multiple roles were advertised for the board of Venues NSW in June 2023, as the position of Chair and Member of the Public Service were vacant, and multiple members were set to have their term expire in November.
The NSW Government instructed the Premier’s Department and the Office of Sport to lead a recruitment process for this role.
An assessment panel shortlisted the candidates. The assessment panel was comprised of Office of Sport CEO Karen Jones, Diane Lesson (nominee of the Acting Secretary, Premier’s Department) and Axiom Managing Director Peter Perry.
A selection panel assessed candidates on their skills, experience, suitability and capability. The selection panel was comprised of International Olympics Committee Vice President John Coates AC, Office of Sport CEO Karen Jones and Axiom Managing Director Peter Perry.
Ms Stephanie Brantz has a background in broadcasting, including as a reporter, producer and commentator, is Chair of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Sports Diplomacy Advisory Council and is a Director on the Board of Football NSW. Ms Brantz also has a deep understanding of event acquisition and delivery in NSW, having been a member of the NSW Government’s ’10 World Cups in 10 years’ Advisory Committee and previously serving as a Trustee of the Sydney Cricket and Sports Ground Trust.
Mr David Tierney has 35 years of experience across a range of sectors, including construction and development, stadium and venue management, health and Federal and NSW State Governments. Mr Tierney helped to deliver the successful Sydney Olympic Games as part of the Sydney Organising Committee. Mr Tierney also played an important role in the transition of the facilities to their post-Olympics state as CEO of the Stadium Australia Trust and Founding CEO and Secretary of the Sydney Olympic Park Business Association. Mr Tierney’s extensive knowledge in capital works will be required as Venues NSW undertakes the redevelopment of Penrith Stadium and furthers plans for Hunter Park and Wollongong Entertainment precincts.
Ms Melanie Hawyes is currently Deputy Secretary, Crown Lands and Public Spaces, at the NSW Department of Planning and Environment. Ms Hawyes will serve in the position of Public Service Senior Executive on the Board of Venues NSW.
Ms Rosheen Garnon and Mr John Quayle are existing members of the Venues NSW board.
Mr Alan Jones AO and Mr Rod McGeoch AO will be departing from the board as their tenure expired on 30 November 2023.
NSW Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:
“I would like to thank Rod McGeoch AO for the work he has done during his time on the Venues NSW Board, including his time as acting Chairperson. His contributions and stewardship have helped to steer Venues NSW towards the successful organisation it is today.
“As we look to the future, Venues NSW has a range of exciting opportunities and challenges on the horizon. With the inclusion of CommBank and Accor Stadium management, as well as the revitalisation of our Wollongong and Hunter venues, our path to making NSW and our venues the premier destination in the Asia-Pacific region is before us.
“I would like to thank those that served on both the assessment and selection panel for their work throughout the process. Each of the candidates that have been selected are extremely qualified and will bring unique skills that will help boost Venues NSW.”