Our Team

General Manager - Stephen Wood

Stephen has worked in hospitality for more than 30 years, including 11 years as General Manager at the National Convention Centre Canberra.
A passionate events industry professional, Stephen holds a number of positions including Deputy Chair of Canberra Convention Bureau, Director of the Canberra Tourism Leaders Forum and Chair of the Australian Business Events Association ACT Chapter.  A keen supporter of Canberra and an advocate for business events nationally and internationally, Stephen believes strongly in the value of business events as a driver of innovation, economic development and positive social outcomes.

Director of Sales, Marketing & Events - Liz Bendeich

Liz brings a wealth of experience, spanning over 30 years in the business events industry, with a significant portion of her career dedicated to representing Canberra as the General Manager at the Canberra Convention Bureau. Since 2021, she has been an invaluable member of the NCCC Executive Team. Liz's career is defined by her unwavering commitment to delivering successful events, driven by her client-focused approach and innovative thinking. She has rightfully earned a strong reputation as a trusted and influential figure in the business events sector.

Director of Operations - Bandish Mehta

Bandish is a visionary leader in the development, direction, and implementation of operational and event services strategies at the National Convention Centre Canberra (NCCC), playing a pivotal role in driving client satisfaction, operational efficiency, and profit maximization. Bandish contributes to the strategic direction and growth of the Centre, aiming to establish it as the Best Venue Team in Australia.
With a comprehensive management approach that spans across various departments including Event Services, Facilities, and Maintenance, Bandish is committed to fostering a culture of high employee engagement, safety, and guest satisfaction.

Executive Chef - Prasantha Giragama

Our esteemed Executive Chef brings over three decades of culinary expertise, having led kitchens at prestigious venues such as the Australian Defence Academy and the Heritance Kandalama in Sri Lanka. Awarded numerous accolades, including Best Kitchen Team at the 2019 Culinary Art Competition in Colombo and Best Restaurant Cookery Employee by ACT Australian Hotels Association (AHA) in 2015, his guest-focused approach and innovative menus consistently delight diners. Committed to community and team development, he supports local suppliers and mentors his staff, fostering a culture of excellence and growth.

Senior Event Manager - Kat Wythes

Kat joins our team with over 10 years of experience in event management in prestigious hotels. She excels in organizing and executing high-profile events with meticulous attention to detail. She is well-known for her collaborative nature, innovative solutions and her ability to lead successful, high-impact events. Kat is committed to developing client relationships, with a key focus on client retention.

Business Development Manager - Tanve Kaley

With 12 years of experience in the hospitality industry and over 4 years specialising in Event Sales at prestigious hotels and iconic venues in Canberra, Tanve's passion for building strong relationships, innovative thinking, and thriving in challenging environments has been a driving force behind her success. Her extensive knowledge and keen insights into the industry allow her to deliver exceptional service and innovative solutions tailored to each client's unique needs.

Tanve is committed to fostering a collaborative and dynamic environment, where creativity and efficiency go hand in hand. Her enthusiasm for the industry and her unwavering commitment to client satisfaction make her a key player in driving the continued success of the NCCC.

Event Manager - Will Bickerstaff

With over seven years of experience in the events industry and originating from the UK, Will joined the team at the National Convention Centre Canberra in early 2023. His professional journey mirrors a profound enthusiasm for curating unforgettable experiences, being known for his commitment to excellence and keen eye for detail.

Event Manager - Chelsey Clark

Chelsey brings over nine years of experience planning and managing events, including large conferences, dinners and exhibitions. In her most recent role as an Event Manager in the UK, where she worked for five years, she demonstrated exceptional organisational and communication skills, significantly contributing to the team’s success.

Facilities Manager - Halim Othman

For more than 35 years, Halim has dedicated his career to the guests and delegates who use the National Convention Centre Canberra every year. He assumes the all-important role of Facilities Manager.

He started working in the hospitality industry in Malaysia as an Assistant Chief Steward before moving to Brunei to work for an international hotel brand as a Stewarding Manager. He has also worked in Brisbane, Darwin and New Zealand. Once in Canberra, he was part of the opening team for the Crowne Plaza and the National Convention Centre Canberra.

Halim’s ultimate goal? To provide a quality experience, operate an environmentally sustainable centre and showcasing Canberra as a unique destination.

Maintenance Manager - Steve Marr

Steve Marr brings over three decades of experience in the maintenance industry, with the last 22 years dedicated to ensuring the NCCC operates at peak efficiency as its esteemed Maintenance Manager. His expertise has been pivotal in guaranteeing that all aspects of the NCCC's infrastructure perform flawlessly, contributing significantly to the smooth execution of events and the overall satisfaction of clients and guests. Steve's deep understanding of the intricacies of building maintenance and his commitment to operational excellence make him a cornerstone of the NCCC's success and reputation as a leading venue.