The Team
NICK THORPE - Chief Product Officer
Alongside his career as a music journalist and musician, Nick has created digital products, or consulted on the same, since the 90’s.
Nick led multiple key roles across a 12 years period with the international Consultancy Thoughtworks, where he was a Principal Consultant and also served on the leadership team for the Australian business.
Nick has been working as a double bass player in South Australia and Victoria for 40+ years, most recently with The Prayerbabies, The Harmaniax, Peter and the Wolves, Louisa Wise, Blue Note, The Martini Set and country/bluegrass stalwarts Family Farm. He averages about 50 gigs a year in Victoria.
Nick is part of the Midnight Assembly recording project. He writes and releases original material as Stepkid, which includes hip hop collaborations with local Melbourne rising star 01.Ekka.
MARTIN PATEN - Chief Operating Officer
Martin Paten is widely respected as a key national figure in the Australian arts and cultural sectors, having built solid arts industry relationships across urban, regional and remote Australia, and internationally, for 30 years.
Martin delivered five resoundingly successful Castlemaine State Festival events from 2009 to 2017, establishing it unequivocally as Australia’s premier Regional Arts Festival, nationally and internationally.
Martin went to the Castlemaine State Festival following 10 years of senior management within the Arts and Culture Branch of the City of Melbourne, where he performed key roles managing their City Culture portfolio.
Martin was appointed to the role of Director and CEO, Footscray Community Arts Centre (FCAC) in 2017 where he led the organisation through significant business, structural and programming
change.
Martin left Footscray Community Arts Centre to take up the role of Manager Arts and Culture for the City of Greater Geelong in 2019, overseeing a $21M program, and further strengthening Geelong’s
reputation as a nationally significant cultural centre.
Martin launched an independent arts practice, Martin Paten & Co. in 2023, dedicated to assisting artists and organisations with bringing their creative ideas to life.
MARK RYALL - Chief Technology Officer
Mark Ryall is a seasoned technical leader with a career spanning over two decades in the software development industry.
He currently holds the position of Principal Engineer at Fresho.
Mark's technical experience is diverse, having contributed code and leadership to organisations like Automattic, Everyday Hero, ThoughtWorks and Urbanise.com.
Apart from his technical pursuits, Mark is passionate about music, as a diverse listener, a broadcaster and a multi-instrumentalist.
He’s a diehard believer in community radio, and blends his love for music and community service in his radio show about intergenerational music which he hosts with his child at the mighty 4ZZZ Radio in Brisbane.
Mark's dedication to making useful technology for humans is matched by his commitment to music and community, making him a multifaceted professional and creative force.
SPECIALIST INDUSTRY ADVISORS
Luca Cave Tech Leader
01.Ekka Hip Hop Artist, Social Media Coordinator, Entrepreneur
Phil Hickey Graphic Designer
Sharon Irish Tech Leader
Craig Kelly Graphic Designer, Bassist
Aron Lebani Tech Leader
Dr Ned Letcher Data Scientist
Paige Mulholland National Media Relations Advisor, Ukeleleist
Mark Pirie Project Manager
Patrick Quinlan Data Scientist, Guitarist
Lilly Ryan Cyber Security Advisor, RRR 'byte into it' Presenter
Frederic Robert PHD Astrophysicist
Jen Smith Tech Leader, Piano Accordionist
Karen Stewart LML Venue Liaison
Joe Sustaric Tech Leader
Tom Sulston Technologist, Social Impact Specialist, Mandolinist
Eugene Tang Tech Leader
Travis Winters Tech Leader, Blues Guitarist
Lily Ryan RRR “byte into it” Presenter