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After four years as Managing Director of the Australian Festival Association (AFA), Julia Robinson is to leave the body that she has worked for since its creation to join the music sector’s ARIA and PPCA in the newly-created function of Head of Policy and Advocacy.

Announcing Robinson’s appointment, ARIA and PPCA Chief Executive, Annabelle Herd advised “I am thrilled to welcome someone as experienced, talented and undeniably passionate about the Australian music industry as Julia.

“Right now is a critical time to ensure the stories of Australian artists and industry professionals are heard loud and clear.”

With Robinson (pcitured) to join ARIA PPCA at the beginning of September, Herd added “I look forward to working with Julia as we continue to advocate the true economic, cultural and social value of Australian music and the positive impact that forward-thinking policy and support can have in creating more opportunities for it to be heard.”

Established in December 2018, the AFA, with Robinson in the Managing Director role, has represented the sector in battling the pandemic-powered shutdown, and paving the long road to recovery.

When she joined, festival organisers were confronted by bushfire season and a crisis with the-then NSW Government’s onerous licensing regime which causes several fests to fall over.

She will leave after developing and launching the AFA’s strategic plan for 2022-25.

Looking forward to her new role, Robinson stated “I’m delighted at the opportunity to join the team at such a pivotal time for Australian music.

“The live sector has been my home for a long time, but it is time to get a new perspective and I look forward to working with courageous and inspiring leaders like Annabelle and Vanessa towards a better future for our industry.”

At AFA, Robinson will hand over the reins to Mitch Wilson, who is promoted to Managing Director, effective from 15th August.

Wilson, whose experience spans six years in music and live events, has worked on 12-month contract with the AFA as a Project Manager, working alongside members in Victoria.

In a statement, AFA committee member Di Sneddon advised “Mitch brings a wealth of experience from various state and federal government advisor positions as well as working at Live Nation, Sydney WorldPride 2023 and Mardi Gras.

“We are of course sad to see Julia leave, but excited to promote Mitch into this role.”

On his new role, Wilson added “I’m thrilled to be stepping into the managing director role. Over the past year I’ve met so many of the AFA’s members.

“I’m excited to be working with both the Board and all our members to advocate for the festival industry as we continue to face a number of challenges. To those I haven’t met, I’m keen to get to know you all.”

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