AFDA Events Limited was established with the primary purpose of delivering the WFDF 2024 World Ultimate Championships as the Local Organizing Committee. Our company is dedicated to advancing the sport of Ultimate while supporting the broader community through our charitable objectives.
Our governance is overseen by a Board of Directors comprising four experienced individuals who bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the organization. They are responsible for strategic decision-making and ensuring that AFDA Events Limited operates in alignment with our mission and values.
We are supported by a committed team of three full-time staff members who handle the day-to-day operations and ensure the successful execution of our events. Their skills and dedication are pivotal in bringing our vision to life.
Additionally, our organization is bolstered by a strong volunteer team, whose contributions are invaluable to our success. These passionate individuals dedicate their time and energy to supporting the company’s objectives, making a meaningful impact on our events and the wider community.
Staff
Mat Ryan
Mat Ryan is the Tournament Director for the WFDF 2024 World Ultimate Championships, bringing over three decades of involvement in Ultimate across playing, coaching, administration, and organizing. Mat has represented Australia at several World Ultimate Championships, highlighted by his role in the Wombats’ historic silver medal win in 2000. He has also won three consecutive World Ultimate Spirit Championships with King Brown, showcasing his sportsmanship and dedication.
Off the field, Mat has been pivotal in advancing Ultimate in Queensland. He served as President of both the Queensland Flying Disc Association and the Brisbane Ultimate Disc Association, helping establish reliable leagues and facilities. He has also directed multiple national tournaments, including Australian Nationals and the iconic Halibut tournament. His extensive experience and commitment make him a driving force behind the success of the 2024 Championships and the growth of Ultimate.
Jack Lilwall
Jack is an experienced Ultimate lifer with a deep-rooted passion for the game, bringing over a decade of full time Tournament Directing the sport at both national and international levels and playing for even longer. Having managed teams in multiple World U24 & U20 Ultimate Championships, Jack is no stranger to the high stakes and meticulous planning required for success. His extensive background in event management, gained from directing tournaments in Canada with the Toronto Ultimate Club, National Championships with Ultimate Australia, years of local events and a few other world championships, for WUC 2024 he is closing in on his 70th tournament as a TD!
Jack’s unique perspective, having served as a player, team manager, live broadcaster and TOC at multiple world championships, allows him to understand the needs of athletes and staff alike. His ability to manage budgets, coordinate team campaigns domestically and internationally, schedule large scale events and liaise with various stakeholders ensures that teams and events under his management are well-prepared and supported. Jack’s role in the Ultimate community is not just a profession but a passion, one that he continues to pursue with (sometimes too much) enthusiasm and dedication with his recently founded club, Brisbanites Ultimate.
Natalie Robinson
Natalie Robinson is the CEO of the Queensland Ultimate Disc Association (QUDA). With a background in Environmental Science, Natalie has worked professionally in local government and the mining sector before transitioning to event management and sports administration.
In her role as Assistant Tournament Director for the World Ultimate Championships (WUC), Natalie has played a vital part in overall event planning, which includes coordinating logistics and collaborating with accommodation providers to establish a participant booking portal. She has been responsible for developing, reviewing, and updating content for the event website, as well as creating and monitoring social media posts to engage the community. She has also developed a comprehensive Tournament Handbook, which provides essential information to participants.
Natalie’s passion for Ultimate and her dedication to fostering a vibrant community are evident through her work. Outside of Ultimate, she enjoys exploring the natural beauty of Queensland, indulging in baked goods, and savoring good coffee.
Directors
Andrew Stanley
Andrew Stanley is the Chair of the Board of Directors of AFDA Events, the event company established to host the World Ultimate Championships 2024. Andrew has a background in Engineering, Management Consultancy and Program Delivery. He has worked across industries in building and construction management before moving to the financial services sector. Andrew had roles on the Sydney Olympics including: design overlay for the main stadium; Board governance working with the Company Secretary; as the Archery venue construction manager; and had Games time venue responsibilities across 2 venues. He has a strong background in corporate governance and has dealt extensively at the C suite level.
He was involved, prior to the winning of the bid, as a strategic advisor for the Bid Director now Tournament Director (TD) Mat Ryan. Andrew has continued to build a upon this strong relationships with the TD and has also taken on a primary role in securing category sponsors.
Andrew has represented Australia in Ultimate at 9 World Championship events at both Open and Masters level since 1990 until retiring from playing in 2010. He has been a player, player manager and team manager Chef de Mission.
Mel Gangemi
Mel Gangemi is the Secretary of AFDA Events. She has extensive experience as a sporting administrator, including as President and Secretary of the AFDA Board and Chair of the 2006 World Ultimate Club Championships in Perth, Australia. By day, she is a lawyer with the Australian Government Solicitor.
As Secretary of AFDA Events, Mel has oversight of the work of the Local Organising Committee. She provides direct support to Tournament Director, Mat Ryan, drawing upon her previous knowledge of running and attending major Ultimate Frisbee events.
After playing 16 straight nationals, Mel ‘official retired’ from playing ultimate. These days, Mel’s athletic pursuits including marathon running, bouldering and orienteering…and the occasional ultimate tournament.
Cushla McGuigan
Cushla McGuigan is a director on the board for the WFDF Ultimate World Championships 2024, bringing over a decade of expertise in major event planning and operations. Her impressive resume features key roles at some of the world’s largest sporting events, including the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Summer Olympic Games, the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games, and the Melbourne 2006 and Delhi 2010 Commonwealth Games. In 2006 while living in Doha, Qatar, Cushla played in an ultimate league and worked on the Asian Games. While her career has transitioned to the rail industry, Cushla continues to be actively engaged in the sports sector.
Outside of her profession, Cushla is passionate about teaching financial literacy, enjoys open water swimming, and manages a vibrant family life with two young children.
Matt Bialkowski
Matt Bialkowski is a senior leader with over 20 years of experience in high-performance sport, national sporting organizations, and all levels of government. Matt has developed strong liaison and key account management expertise with both Government and non-Government sectors, as well as with domestic and international governing bodies. His development of business and operations management in the sports, major events and Government sectors has shaped a strong understanding of varying levels of business acumen and sports operations management.
Matt has worked on and partnered with some of the largest major events in Queensland over the past decade including the G20 Summit, Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games, ICC T20 World Cup, NRL Magic Round, FIFA Women’s World Cup, Australian PGA Championships and many more. As the current CEO of Rowing Queensland, Matt applies his extensive expertise to drive strategic initiatives and enhance the sport’s development at all levels. His leadership is marked by a commitment to excellence and innovation in the sporting world.
