Tara James
Group CEO
Tara is an award-winning CEO who has led organisations through growth, change and transformation across more than 20 sectors, from biotech and clean technology to manufacturing, retail, hospitality and government. She has taken businesses through commercialisation, market expansion and large-scale operational change - and knows what it takes to deliver when the stakes are high.
At Northbourne Group, Tara leads a team of people across its four entities. She combines commercial rigour and clear accountability with a genuine belief that great events are built by great teams who care. By investing in people, capability and innovation, Tara ensures events and experiences of any scale are delivered safely, seamlessly and with the audience front of mind.
Meet the team
Greg Kopke
National Operations Manager
Greg Kopke is a seasoned hospitality and events professional with over 20 years of experience, specialising in large-scale and special event catering. Known for his high standards and detail-oriented approach, Greg has consistently delivered exceptional outcomes—from intimate weddings to major corporate events.
His personable nature and results-driven mindset are at the core of his client success stories, ensuring seamless and memorable experiences. Widely respected within the industry, Greg is renowned for his commitment to going above and beyond for clients and stakeholders alike.
Greta Hald
Finance & HR Manager
Greta brings over 12 years of hospitality management experience to Northbourne Group. She has extensive finance, bookkeeping, business and staff management skills within the hospitality, gaming and events industry and is known for her precise business acumen and meticulous nature.
Greta has been integral in delivering clients’ needs and leads the finance team in delivering over $22 million in client revenue transacted over the past financial year.
Jared Calnan
Venues Director (ACT)
Jared is an entrepreneur and hospitality innovator, best known as the co-founder of Canberra’s popular restaurants Lazy Su and Baby Su. With a background in music, marketing, and sales, he brings a fresh, creative approach to branding and customer experience.
He launched Lazy Su in 2017, known for its bold 80’s-inspired vibe and fusion of Japanese, Korean, and American flavors. Its success led to Baby Su in 2018—a fast-casual, delivery-focused spin-off.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Jared introduced a suburb-based “tour” delivery model that sold out citywide. Jared adds years of experience in venue management and creative innovation to Northbourne’s core leadership team to help elevate Venues Canberra’s stadium and event offerings.
Tara Haverfield
General Manager Venue Operations (ACT)
Bio incoming…
Peter Morris
Director
Pete has delivered bespoke licensing solutions and bars for clients such as Field Day, Homebake, Sydney Opera House, Parklife, Mardi Gras, Ultra Music & the City of Sydney to name a few. Pete’s understanding of Australia’s varied licensing legislation and compliance requirements and his high consultation capability ensures clients can achieve unique and event specific licensing needs.
Mal Smith
Director
Mal has been working in the festival space for over 25 years. From developing the RNA Brisbane’s bar systems to delivering many of Australia’s leading festival bars, Mal has done it all and always with his trademark calm nature. His ability to coordinate a team to deliver complex events in a variety of challenging environments sets him apart from his peers and ensures the day to day success of our client’s needs.
Ryan Sabet
Director
As Co-Founder and Director of Northbourne, Ryan has spent close to two decades building and delivering event and entertainment operations across Australia, spanning touring festivals, concert series, camping festivals and licensed venues through Northbourne and his company Kicks Entertainment. Ryan's strategic leadership, commercial acumen and deep understanding of large-scale event and bar management , reinforced by his position on the board of the Australian Festival Association, ensure Northbourne's clients receive tailored, expertly executed solutions for events of any size.