Australia & NZ: TEG, Mardi Gras, Neil Cox

Neil Cox
 – Neil Cox

Neil Cox Dies

Neil Cox, whose lengthy career included being managing director of the Palais Theatre in Melbourne and Isaac Theatre Royal in Christchurch, died suddenly in New Zealand from heart disease.
Cox, who also worked as marketing manager for EMI Music NZ, was remembered for his drive, “smiley face” and ability to use his large network of contacts. Parliament presented him with the Arts Access Accolade for his determination to make the theatre accessible to all.
Noted Sally-Anne Coates, general manager of the Entertainment Venues Entertainment Venues Association of New Zealand, which earlier gave him an Industry Contribution award, 
“Neil was instrumental behind the Isaac Theatre Royal’s rebuild after the 2011 earthquakes, and received numerous accolades for his work to re-open the building.”

TEG Creates New Sport & Experiences Role
TEG hired Rachael Carroll to fill a new role of managing director for TEG Sport & Experiences. 
With a background in government agencies driving major event and tourism strategy and events as the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games and the New Zealand 2011 Rugby World Cup, she was most recently CEO and co-owner of event management and sports promotion company Duco Events.
Carroll’s new role calls for her to grow TEG Sport’s pipeline of major events and lead its portfolio of family entertainment, experiential and exhibition businesses, which includes Brickman Exhibitions, Life Like Touring, TEG Live and TEG Rockefeller.
TEG Live managing director Tim McGregor’s focus is shifting to the division’s concert touring and festivals portfolio.
Mardi Gras Parade Shifts To SCG For Second Year
For a second year, the internationally televised Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade will move to the 48, 601 capacity Sydney Cricket Ground March 5. At its traditional home of the Oxford Street precinct, it draws 250,000 to 300,000 spectators and total spend from interstate and international visitors reaches $390 million ($289 million).
This year, the parade had 5000 participants from more than 100 LGBTQI+ community groups, with a capped spectator crowd of 33,000 and a performance from singer Rita Ora.