RNCAS People
The RNCAS Office is located at Exhibition Park in Canberra (EPIC) at Mitchell, ACT. It is staffed by 10 personnel who bring a wealth of administrative, agricultural and corporate experience to their roles.
Garry Ashby
Chief Executive Officer
Garry commenced with RNCAS in September 2011. His role is, in accordance with the directives of the Board, either directly or through delegated authority, to provide leadership in the following areas: creation of strategic, tactical and financial planning; development of the Society’s goals and the measurement of performance of the approved goals; organisational development; liaison with the public and all internal and external stakeholders; development of member services; the development of the Society’s staff.
Garry has been involved in the Agricultural Show Movement for 17 years. For the last seven years he was the Event Production Manager for the Royal National Agricultural and Industrial Association of Queensland (RNA) Showgrounds, overseeing 250 events each year. This role also included being in charge of all operations and logistics for six Royal Queensland Shows. Prior to RNA, Garry was Manager of the Cairns Show Association for nine years, organising the Cairns Agricultural Show and managing the Cairns Showgrounds. Garry has a background in Education, with a Diploma of Teaching, and was a School Principal for 15 years. He also has a Post Graduate Diploma in Event Management (Studies).
Marni Tebbutt
Senior Executive Officer
Marni has been with RNCAS since December 2009, and she is responsible for the management and support of the Sections (committees) of the Royal National Capital Agricultural Society to assist them in the smooth running and staging of the major events managed by the society. She is also in charge of Staff and Section Management, Competitions Management & Budget Management. Additionally, Marni acts as the Senior Events manager, providing hands on operational support. Marni has a Bachelor of Accounting, a Diploma in Superannuation and is a Property Stock & Station Licensee with considerable corporate experience. She has previously been employed as an Insurance Assessor & Consultant, a Property Stock & Station Agent & Licensee, a Recruitment Consultant, Office & Finance Management for a corporate International Law Firm, and Event Management.
Maria Brozinic
Office Manager
Maria commenced with RNCAS in April 2006 and her duties include management of the reception area, including all visitors, correspondence, liaison with RNCAS stakeholders and shareholders, handling general enquiries, preparation of print productions, and managing the office resources and supplies. She has significant training and experience in business and office support, including reception & office management, database & data administration, secretarial support and publications management.
David Thomas
Finance Manager
David started at RNCAS in August 2008, and is responsible for the daily finance operations and recordings, and for presenting relevant financial records, as required, to Section Heads, Finance Committee, Board and Auditors. David has a rural background, having worked with Westpac Bank for 32 years, primarily in the rural sector in various States and the Northern Territory, as well as for a 2 year term in the Eastern Highlands of PNG. He has also worked in the financial department of a Real Estate Agent and NFP Organisation catering to the training and child care sectors.
Donna Georgievski
Finance Assistant
Donna started at RNCAS in March 2012 and assists with the daily finance operations and recordings. She has an IT background, working for 7 years in the public sector as a Business Process Analyst, primarily on financial systems in the Superannuation and Taxation domain. Donna has a background in agriculture, breeding small numbers of sheep and cattle on her property, and works casually for a local Merino stud.
Cathy Bryson
Sponsorship Manager
Cathy started with RNCAS in May 2012 and is responsible for all aspects of sponsorship across the entire suite of RNCAS events. Cathy has considerable experience in fundraising and event management. She is part of the Executive of the Fundraising Institute of Australia ACT Chapter and is an active Rotarian. She has successfully helped raise funds across the science, health, social and education sectors in the ACT, NSW and Victoria. Cathy has a heritage in regional NSW and is now based in Canberra. She has qualifications in Management and Sales and is currently studying for her International CFRE (Certificate in Fundraising Excellence) qualification.
Derek Hughes
Commercial Sites Manager
Derek has been with RNCAS since March 2007, and manages all aspects of the commercial sites at the ActewAGL Royal Canberra Show. Derek has been in sales for many years, with qualifications and experience in real estate and meat technology. Derek has strong links to agriculture, growing up in Dorset in England, which is one of England’s premier farming counties, and then working for many years in the meat trade.
Robert Mutton
Maintenance Supervisor & Stores Manager
Robert commenced at RNCAS in August 2008 and is responsible for the set up and take down for all RNCAS events, and the maintenance of show stock, supplies and equipment. He also supervises the work force at shows. Rob has strong agricultural roots, born into a farming family who raised cattle, sheep and pigs. He also worked in the family owned businesses including a chaff mill, stock & station agent and grain merchant.
Amanda Ogilvie
Horse Section Administrator
Amanda started at RNCAS in July 2011, and her primary role is managing the horse events at the ActewAGL Royal Canberra Show. Amanda has ties to agriculture and the equine industry, and has a Bachelor of Applied Science (Equine). Previously employed in diverse roles including executive editor and member registrar, Amanda has also run a successful editing and writing business.
