Our Team

Stephen Wood

Michelle Rhind

Michelle has worked in the convention and event industry for the past 14 years, including in New Zealand. Her extensive operational experience includes large scale global events, convention centres and off-site catering venues.

Nikhil Jain

Nikhil has been whipping up creative dishes, inspired by local produce, for 6 years at the National Convention Centre Canberra, heading up a 10-member kitchen team.

Before becoming Executive Chef at the centre, Nikhil worked for 6 years at an international 5-star hotel in Canberra. Before that he was cooking up a storm in the United Kingdom and India, working for global hotel companies. In Canberra, Nikhil has established a strong network of award-winning local producers and winemakers. He heads a highly organised and passionate team who operate like a finely tuned machine when meeting complex catering requirements for large gatherings.

Nikhil’s ultimate goal? To work with clients on development of menus, customising as required, and dishing up beautifully plated and tasting food and sourcing feedback.

Mary Nyam

Mary joined the National Convention Centre Canberra 6 years ago, having worked with the InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) in Dubai.

As a Senior Events Manager at the InterContinental Dubai Festival City Hotel, Mary worked on a six-member team delivering a wide range of events for up to 1,000 people, including conferences, product launches, weddings and social events. She began her career at the Taylor’s School of Hotel Management, completed her Diploma of Hotel Management in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. May has worked in Malaysia, for a Japanese hotel (range of duties), in Sudan and in Dubai.

Mary’s ultimate goal? Ensure conference objectives are met, and that implementation runs smoothly, and providing recommendations and solutions to guests and delegates as needed.

Halim Othman

For more than 29 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? - Provide a quality experience, operate an environmentally sustainable centre and showcasing Canberra as a unique destination.

Ringo Fung

For more than 18 years, Ringo has been pleasing guests and delegates at the National Convention Centre Canberra, including as Client Services Manager for nine years.

Ringo started in hospitality at the Centre as Food and Beverage Attendant. With ongoing training and promotions, he rose quickly up the ranks, pleasing clients with top-notch service. Anticipating the needs of conference organisers is key, ensuring attention to detail and friendly service, whether it’s serving a dynamite cup of coffee, a delicious meal or attending to a special dietary requirement. The ability to build strong relationships is important, from the first welcome to the final goodbye.

Ringo’s ultimate goal? Exceed expectations and make every guest comfortable and happy.