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Career Profiles
Becoming the Festival Director of CheeseFest in South Australia wasn’t part of my original plan. My journey to this role started in the wine industry, where I was deeply involved in marketing for our family vineyard in McLaren Vale, Coriole. It was during this time that I began to see the potential for pairing wine with cheese, which ultimately led me down a path I never imagined.
My background in marketing gave me the skills and confidence to pursue new ventures, and when the opportunity arose to acquire Woodside Cheese Wrights, I took the leap, despite having never made cheese before. It was a bold move, but I was confident in my business acumen and surrounded myself with a dedicated team to navigate the challenges ahead.
The transition to cheese making wasn’t easy, especially as a female in a male-dominated industry. I faced scepticism and resistance, but I refused to be deterred. Determined to learn from the best, I travelled to France, Italy, and the UK, immersing myself in the art and craft of cheese making and attending cheese festivals to soak up inspiration.
Inspired by my experiences abroad, I saw an opportunity to bring the cheese festival concept to South Australia. With the support of government seed funding, I launched the first CheeseFest in 2006, starting small but with big dreams. Over the years, CheeseFest has grown into a beloved annual event, attracting thousands of cheese enthusiasts from near and far.
As the curator of CheeseFest, I’m committed to showcasing the best of South Australia’s cheese producers and food artisans. It’s not just about cheese; it’s about celebrating the rich culinary heritage of our region and shining a spotlight on the talented individuals behind the food.
Running a successful festival requires passion, dedication, and attention to detail. From securing funding and organising entertainment to managing logistics and ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for attendees, there are countless moving parts to consider. But with the right team and a clear vision, anything is possible.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue growing CheeseFest and sharing my love of cheese with the world. It’s a joyous celebration of South Australia’s vibrant food culture, and I feel privileged to play a part in bringing it to life each year. Aspiring festival organisers, take note: with passion, perseverance, and a little cheese, anything is possible.
Pronouns: She/Her
Content supplied by: Kris Lloyd AM
Edited for clarity by: Dahlia Opala
There are so many incredibly inspiring professionals working in the South Australian festival and events sector. If you would like to nominate someone or yourself for a career profile, please reach out via the form below.
