The formation of the Northbourne Group in 2022 joined two of Australia’s most experienced major event providers of bar operations and liquor licensing management to form Australia's most experienced and versatile event, bar & catering management team with over 60 years’ experience amongst our team.
Northbourne deliver enjoyable, compliant and profitable events of all sizes, ranging from boutique activations through to major music festivals. Northbourne provides not only a wealth of experience but also ensures that your catering revenue stream is handled professionally, efficiently and transparently.
Key info
+ As well as having extensive catering management experience, Northbourne partners have operated their own events and thus fundamentally understand a promoters needs
+ Northbourne utilises the most up to date cashless technology to ensure security and transparency for the promoter
+ Over the last financial year, Northbourne has managed gross catering revenues in excess of $22m for our clients with 100% compliance to local regulations and legislation.
+ Northbourne has extensive on ground experience at Australia’a major event spaces such as The Domain, Centennial Parklands, Sydney and Flemington Racecourse Melbourne, Brisbane’s RNA show-grounds & Melbourne’s Sidney Myer Music Bowl
+ Northbourne maintains wholesale trade accounts with most major liquor wholesalers, wine suppliers and major breweries enabling effective management of sponsor requirements and expectations
key personnel
MAL SMITH
Managing Director
Mal has been working in the festival space for over 25 years. From developing the RNA Brisbane’s bar systems to delivering many of Australia’s leading festival bars, Mal has done it all and always with his trademark calm nature.
His ability to coordinate a team to deliver complex events in a variety of challenging environments sets him apart from his peers and ensures the day to day success of our client’s needs.
Mal Smith has provided major event services for events catering to between 5,000 and 400,000 people for over 25 years and his experience includes some of Australia’s leading tourism, music and festival events including:
The Ekka (RNA Showgrounds Brisbane) 2005 – 2018
Flight Facilities – EQ Sydney – 2022
‘One From The Heart’ – Lismore 2022
Spring Loaded – Hastings 2022
Good Things Melbourne 2018,2019
Harbourlife Sydney 2007 – 2019
Listen Out Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, 2014- 2019
Listen Out Perth 2019
The Falls Festival Lorne and Marion Bay, 2013 – 2019
Spilt Milk, Canberra 2016 – 2019
Spilt Milk Ballarat 2019
The Commons Canberra 2016, 2017
Download Melbourne 2018, 2019, 2020
Download Sydney 2019, 2020
‘Across the Great Divide’ Powderfinger and Silverchair Tour 2007.
Coffs Harbour, Canberra, Wodonga, Mildura, Bendigo, Ballarat, Darwin,
Cairns, Mackay, Rockhampton, Toowoomba, Perth
Powderfinger Tour 2010, Albury, Ballarat, Bendigo and Canberra
Foreshore Music Festival, Canberra 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012
Cat Empire Tour, 2007 Canberra, Sydney, Sunshine Coast
Homebake, The Domain Sydney1999, 2000,2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011
Field Day, The Domain Sydney 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013
V Festival, Sydney 2007, Sydney 2008, Gold Coast 2008
The Great Escape, 2006, 2007
Cockatoo Island Festival 2005
Queenscliff Music Festival 1999, 2000,2001,2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
St.Kilda Festival 1999, 2000, 2008
Melbourne Music Festival 1994, 1995
GRETA HALD
Finance Manager
Greta brings over 12 years of hospitality management experience to Northbourne Group. She has extensive finance, bookkeeping, business and staff management skills within the hospitality, gaming and events industry and is known for her precise business acumen and meticulous nature.
Greta has been integral in delivering clients’ needs and leads the finance team in delivering over $22m in client revenue transacted over the past financial year.
Greg Kopke
Operations Manager
Greg is a hospitality & events 20 year veteran with a key focus on event catering. Having cut his teeth with the most difficult clients, newlyweds, Greg has brought in a high quality, high detail approach to major events.
Greg’s personable approach and results-driven attitude are key components of successful client outcomes. His willingness to go above and beyond to ensure a smooth outcome for clients and stakeholders is well known within the industry.
SAM O’KEEFFE
HR & Events Manager
Samantha has been working in Human Resources for over 25 years, specializing in People Management. Sam is responsible for building the wonderful morale and commitment to service that the Northbourne front of house staff deliver.
Good at wearing multiple hats, Samantha is skilful at responding quickly to changing circumstances and works with a proactive, diligent & flexible approach.