NSW music policy director Lizzie Butterworth named CEO of Australian Festival Association

Lizzie Butterworth, the NSW government's director of policy for arts, music and the night-time economy, has been appointed chief executive of the Australian Festival Association, the trade body announced on 19 August 2026. She succeeds Olly Arkins, who departs 21 August after five years. Butterworth helped form Sound NSW and reform festival regulation; her new role puts that policy expertise on the industry side of licensing, insurance and regulatory debates. AFA members include Live Nation, Laneway and Groovin' The Moo.