Meet the Team
Board
Andrew Soter – Chair
Andrew has worked with a broad range of clients, ranging from some of Australia’s largest companies to the not-for-profit sector, leveraging 18 years’ experience of Government and business knowledge by enhancing a client’s understanding of the political decision-making process. Andrew identifies key decision-makers and influencers, outlines possible issues that may need to be overcome, and creates solid pitches and approach strategies in order to help achieve success. He has a passion for the Arts, sports and Community engagement. He also Chairs the Brisbane Bandits Professional Baseball Club and sits on numerous other boards.
Darren Rokesky – Director
Darren Rokesky is a professional engineer and business manager with over 34 years experience in the construction industry. Darren is currently the General Manager Operations and director for a National Engineering/environmental/quality inspection company. Darren was previously the owner and managing director of an engineering consultancy company for over 9 years servicing the building industry, and currently the owner of a local franchise Gym. Darren has been actively involved in Sunnybank Rugby since 1999 and has taken on roles such as junior and Colts II coach, trainer, manager, referee, age coordinator, member of both junior and senior rugby committees, senior chair for Sunnybank Rugby between 2017- 2019 and continues to play veterans rugby. Darren was appointed non-executive director to the Sunnybank Rugby Union Club Board on the 27 April 2018 and appointed to the SunPAC Board on 27 April 2018.
Paul Shih – Director
Paul Shih is one of the most well recognised community leaders and real estate trainers in the Brisbane Chinese and Taiwanese communities and is now the President for the Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce in Oceania. He has organised many major events including the Queensland Taiwan Festival for four years as well as Charity Concerts at SunPAC.
Michael Ma – Director
Michael Ma is an entrepreneur who has a longstanding devotion to community service. As a leader of Queensland Chinese United Council, he organises major events involving the Chinese community as well as broad cross culture societies, and is passionate about delivering charitable service to the vulnerable.
Staff
Matthew Farrell – Chief Executive Officer
Matthew Farrell has held executive roles in major performing arts and is a professional musician. In addition to his CEO role at SunPAC he holds a part time role as CEO with the national Lev Vlassenko Piano Competition. He was Director, Orchestra Management with Queensland Symphony Orchestra for 12 years with broad responsibilities which included commercial projects and community engagement. As a cellist Matthew has performed in Australia, Asia and Europe. He has held Principal positions with Victorian String Quartet, Queensland Philharmonic Orchestra, Queensland Symphony Orchestra and contemporary ensemble LOCANA. He taught cello at Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University for many years and has a long history of involvement with music and arts development including participation on several State and Federal inquiries and taskforces. Matthew is Chair of MBSQ which broadcasts 4MBS Classic FM and presents live events and festivals.
Malcolm Hancock BBS Acctg, CPA – Finance Manager & Company Secretary
Malcolm is a finance professional with over 20 years’ experience working for large corporate entities including Clorox and John Wiley & Son. He has also worked for Government and in private practice. Malcolm has been employed as Sunpac’s Finance Manager on a part-time basis for the past 3 years.
Loran Hackett – Venue Operations Manager
Loran first joined the Sunnybank precinct in 2011 working in various areas of the Sunnybank Community and Sports Club while studying. In 2016 Loran moved into the role of Function and Events Coordinator at SunPAC. As a Functions and Events Coordinator, she was able to hone in on her passion for helping clients create a memorable experience. Working in the precinct for a number of years she has developed an extensive knowledge and understanding of the local diverse community, as well as the required operations. From 2022, Loran has moved into the role of Venue Operations Manager.
Dave Schafer – Technical Operations
For the past 40 years, Dave has been involved in the entertainment industry in one way or another. Initially as a classically trained trumpet player, starting in the Queensland Youth Orchestra from school, then as a full time musician and instrumental music teacher, including many performance groups such as the Expo City Marching Band in 1988 and numerous orchestras and ensembles, culminating with national touring with nation and international acts in large driven rock bands. At the mid point of the nineties, Dave switched to audio engineering and production management. Starting his own company in 1996, it’s still going now. The unseen side of entertainment is where his passion lies.