Events ‘think tank’ established to drive the tourism sector

A team made up of a TV star, food festival director and industry heads is being called up to help Steven Marshall find an Adelaide 500 replacement.

Premier Steven Marshall and the chair of the new advisory group, Nikki Govan. Picture: Tom Huntley

A TV star, an international food festival director and industry leaders have been tasked with developing a suite of new events to replace the Superloop Adelaide 500.

Premier Steven Marshall will Sunday unveil the Events Advisory Group, which will be responsible for finding a raft of tourism drawcards.

The new events were promised by Mr Marshall and the South Australian Tourism Commission after they announced the V8 car race through Adelaide’s streets would be scrapped.

Pressure will be on the group to deliver alternative events to replace the Superloop which, despite declining numbers, still drew a crowd of 206,000 in February.

New Festivals Adelaide CEO Justyna Jochym. Picture: Brad Fleet

Business SA’s Nikki Govan has been named chairwoman of the Events Advisory Group, which will meet for the first time this week and provide independent advice to the SATC.

Actor Hugh Sheridan, whose television career includes six seasons on the award-winning television program Packed to the Rafters, is also part of the 15-member group, along with Art Gallery of SA director Rhana Devenport, Festivals SA chief executive officer Justyna Jochym and LA Times Food Festival director Angus Dillon.

Mr Marshall said the group would act as a think tank to help supercharge the events offering in the state.

“We are committed to a world-class events calendar throughout the year in SA, because we know that it supports jobs and the economy,” he said.

“This is all part of our strong plan to boost bed nights, create jobs and produce high-quality and vibrant events for the people of SA.

“The new advisory group includes representatives from the events and tourism industry, hospitality and business sectors, who are all passionate about boosting our events and festivals calendar and driving visitation to SA.”