Board of Directors

The Australian School Band and Orchestra Festival Ltd is company limited by guarantee and is listed on the Federal Government’s Register of Cultural Organisations (ROCO) as a tax-deductible entity.

Nada George
Director

Nada has a strong corporate background, and is currently Head of HR and a Board Member for American Express Australia. Nada combines her business skills and her passion for music and education of young people to support the Australian School Band and Orchestra vision, especially in the area of marketing and communications.

Don Shearman
Director

Don lectures in mathematics and statistics for Western Sydney University and is also involved in research in education. Don has worked as a high school band director and has been actively involved in community music organisations for over 40 years. A number of Don's ex-students are professional musicians and teachers.

Simon Thew
Director

Simon is Associate Conductor at Houston Ballet. He has also recently worked for The Australian Ballet, Orchestra Victoria, The Royal Ballet, Birmingham Royal Ballet, English National Ballet, and Opera Australia. Simon is a Churchill Fellow and is committed to music education through his work with ASBOF and other youth/community organisations.

Pat Devery
General Manager

Pat has a strong background in teaching and education administration. Pat has been actively involved with  the Australian School Band and Orchestra Festival for over 30 years. After teaching for over 25 year Pat now works with the Independent Education Union of Australia (NSW/ACT Branch) as a Professional Officer.