Meet our board
Our volunteer board is comprised of experienced members from diverse backgrounds, all driven by a shared passion to support activation and enhance vibrancy and economic sustainability in South Australia.
Our board members
Nicholas Begakis AO DUniv FAICD
Chairperson
Nicholas has an extensive governance and strategic board career, having served on over 40 boards. Appointed chair of Renew Adelaide in 2015, Nicholas initiated a strategic shift to place greater emphasis on economic development. He is deeply committed to promoting vibrancy and diversity in South Australia, recognising that these factors contribute to prosperity for all.
Nicholas brings a broad range of experience in various industries spanning manufacturing, food and agriculture, biotech, industrial advocacy, entrepreneurship, tertiary education, retail, charity NFP philanthropy and financial services.
Nicholas starts most mornings with a strong espresso at Lucia’s in Adelaide Central Market and also finds time to unwind with a good book, a game of backgammon, and exploring new culinary endeavors in the kitchen.
Andrew Jonats
Deputy Chair
Andrew has his finger on the pulse of the South Australian property industry, keeping the Renew team up to date with all the big industry trends and forecasts. Throughout his career, he’s worked in London, Sydney and Adelaide, advising multi-nationals and governments to not-for-profits and small, private operators.
In addition to his position on our board, Andrew enjoys partnering with us through his role as custodian of Adelaide Arcade, offering small, local businesses the opportunity to bring their concepts to life in the historic arcade.
When he’s not out there shaking hands and making entrepreneurial dreams come true, you’ll find him cooking up a storm on the BBQ or kicking back with a cold beer and fries on the Two Bit Villains balcony, watching the world go by.
He also loves cycling, crunching numbers, and a good launch party!
Kieren Chester
Secretary
Kieren, our longest serving board member, joined in 2013 and has witnessed Renew Adelaide’s evolution into an organisation that approaches its activation projects with thoughtful curation. Through our partnership with Cowell Clarke, Kieren provides valuable and ongoing pro bono legal support to the Renew Adelaide team.
When he’s not playing social soccer or sipping negronis in the west end, you’ll find him at a Renew Adelaide event where he makes it his mission to purchase something from every venture launch he attends.
Max Kim
Treasurer
On top of Max’s contribution to the board as treasurer and regular presenter at Renew Adelaide info sessions, he also supports our ventures with business advisory services and financial advice via our pro-bono partnership with Bentleys SA.
Max is an avid traveler and loves to share his best travel tips. As a regular at Soi38 below the Renew Adelaide office, he insists you try the sago dumplings.
Alison Lloydd-Wright
Alison is here to make South Australia a destination for young talent (say goodbye to the Adelaide “brain drain” narrative). Having held positions in state government for over 15 years – most recently as Deputy Chief Executive of Community, Culture & Place in the Department of the Premier and Cabinet – she’s now channelling her progressive approach to leadership, culture and strategy into her new business, The Good Trouble Group.
She brings a strategic approach and passion for local economic growth to Renew Adelaide’s board, ready to help young people kick goals in our incredible city. When she’s not snorkelling off some of SA’s world-class beaches, you can find her trying the newest restaurants. Or in some of her favourites – the Thai Room or Osteria Oggi. Or enjoying a creme brûlée at La Louisiane. Or having the best meal of her life at SiSea in the Adelaide Central Markets. (She told us this was possibly the most stressful question she has ever had to answer, since her favourite activity IS restaurants.)
Dave Court
Dave’s journey with Renew Adelaide started in 2014 with his first venture Created Range, a retail and art space in Regent Arcade, and with his second venture in 2017 with the street print magazine, Yewth Mag. He is a successful multi-disciplinary artist with an impressive list of art projects in his portfolio including work with Adelaide Fringe, Illuminate Adelaide, RCC, multiple public artworks and the Renew Adelaide supported immersive art project Mr IST.
Dave is a mentor to emerging creatives and is our close informant of SA’s creative entrepreneurs, providing a unique perspective on the needs and barriers within the arts industry. When he isn’t being a creative superhero, Dave treats himself to a Ying Chow feast and a gallery trail in the West End.
Gino Luglietti
Gino offers a culturally rich, community-minded perspective, shaped by a childhood spent across Darwin, Italy and the remote township of Jabiru in Kakadu. He speaks four languages, and credits his upbringing for his adaptability, curiosity and respect for diverse communities.
Passionate about supporting small businesses and building vibrant precincts (and the people who enjoy them), Gino has more than two decades’ experience across governments, peak bodies and not-for-profit boards. He’s worked nationally to unlock housing opportunities, deliver small business and community initiatives, and even secured government backing for a free CBD public transport trial to help people explore local businesses and contribute to a more happening city centre. Now that’s something we can get behind.
When he’s not working, you’ll find Gino weaving through the bustle of the Adelaide Central Market in search of ingredients for his next kitchen adventure (or misadventure). He’s a fan of local band C-Mac and the Clouds, and swears by Ballaboosta’s wood-fired chicken shawarma with toum.
Sharni Honor
Sharni is a driving force within South Australia’s music and arts landscape. Born and raised in Adelaide, she’s the co-creator of Summertown Studio and the creator of Porch Records, The Porch Sessions, and the state’s newest award-winning winter festival, Porch & Recreation. Sharni works full-time across her businesses while remaining an active contributor to the broader arts community.
Her experience includes work with WOMADelaide and Adelaide Festival, along with two years as a board director for Music SA. A passionate advocate for cultural connection on Kaurna Country, Sharni continues to shape spaces that celebrate creativity, community and live music.
Outside of her project work, she can often be found vinyl-DJing around the city. When it’s time to unwind, Sharni heads to Honeydripper for a Shirakawa cocktail and the consistently excellent music on the turntables.
Adrian Esplin
Adrian’s career spans over 30 years in commercial construction and development. As CEO of Sarah Constructions, he’s passionate about leading and driving continuous improvement. An engineer by trade, he has overseen the redevelopments of major retail precincts, including Burnside Village Shopping Centre and most recently, our beloved Adelaide Aquatic Centre.
Adrian is also committed to supporting the wider community as an adjunct lecturer for the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering at University of Adelaide, as well as current role as Immediate Past President on the Property Council.
When he gets a chance to slow down, you’ll find him with a glass of locally produced wine in hand or enjoying a dinner in the city.
Past board members
Sarah Curtis-Fawley
Olivia Moore (2021 – 2024)
Libby Parker (2021 – 2022)
Lilly Bukva (2013 – 2021)
Reb Rowe (2018 – 2021)
Bobette Scott (2021)
Brian Parkes (2021)
Fairlie Delbridge (2021)
Alistair Laycock (2016 – 2020)
Daniel Gannon (2015 – 2020)
Richard Harris (2014 – 2020)
Con Tragakis (2015-2019)
Lily Jacobs (2016-2018)
Sophie Kresevic (2016-2017)
Farrin Foster (2015-2017)
Nick Reade (2013 – 2016)
Jennifer Greer-Holmes (2012 – 2015)
Evan Jackson (2011 – 2015)
Phil Rundle (2011 – 2015)
Belinda Heggen (2012 – 2013)
Steve Maras (2011 – 2015)
Christie Anthoney (2011 – 2014)
Christian Stenta (2011 – 2013)
Mateus Nolasco (2013 – 2018)
Stephen Mitchell (Chair, 2010 – 2013)
Erin Green (2011 – 2012)
Matt Stuckey (2012- 2016)
Rod Lewis (2010 – 2011)
Steph Lyall (2010 – 2011)
Brigid Noone (2010 – 2011)
Lara Torr (2010 – 2012)
Dr Ianto Ware (2010-2013)
Get in touch
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