For two decades, Austage Events has been the unsung hero behind the dazzling spectacle of Melbourne Fashion Week, seamlessly blending audio-visual production, management, and technical direction to turn creative visions into unforgettable runway experiences. But here’s where it gets fascinating: their journey from a humble AV supplier to a trusted collaborator is a story of innovation, resilience, and the power of partnership. And this is the part most people miss—how their behind-the-scenes magic has shaped one of Australia’s most iconic fashion events.
2025 marked Austage’s 20th year collaborating with the City of Melbourne on Melbourne Fashion Week. To celebrate, they’ve reflected on their evolution, highlighting the incredible team efforts that have transformed the city’s most stylish week. It all began in 2005, when Austage launched its Melbourne office. Founding members Rod Marrison, Matt Wilson, and Nick Ellul were instrumental in establishing a local presence. Today, they’ve grown with the company, now serving as General Manager of Austage Events, Senior Production Manager, and General Manager of Austage Venues, respectively.
Austage’s involvement with Melbourne Fashion Week started that same year, initially supplying audio-visual equipment to Arts Events, the production company overseeing the week. Matt, who began as a technician, now leads the project for M/FW, working closely with the City of Melbourne’s event producers and partners like Resolution X. But here’s the controversial part: in an industry where relationships often come and go, Austage’s partnership with the City of Melbourne has endured—a rarity worth examining.
‘When the City of Melbourne brought things in-house, we were lucky enough to win the tender,’ Matt recalls. ‘That relationship has continued ever since.’ In the early years, the event was held entirely within the Melbourne Town Hall, a visually stunning but technically challenging venue. ‘It’s heritage-listed, with timber beams and no official weight rating in the roof,’ Rod explains. ‘Every year, we’d have to re-engineer it, and the sets were massive.’ Yet, these challenges became Austage’s strengths, solidifying their reputation as a problem-solving production partner.
‘We got really good at working in the Town Hall,’ Matt says. ‘We knew how to manage AV requirements within budget and work around rigging limitations to deliver a high-end show. That set us apart.’ But is technical expertise enough to sustain a 20-year partnership? The answer lies in something deeper: trust, flexibility, and a shared vision.
Today, Austage’s role extends far beyond lighting and sound. They handle logistics, seating layouts, and technical problem-solving, bringing foresight to preempt issues and ensure creative visions align with budgets. ‘We’re a crucial piece of the puzzle,’ Matt notes. ‘The City of Melbourne relies on us for venue expertise because we do 200 other events a year and have deep industry knowledge.’
This trust is built on empathy and flexibility. ‘It’s about being project-focused and understanding what the client wants to achieve,’ Rod emphasizes. ‘And being able to roll with the punches,’ Matt adds. ‘Just being friendly and helpful—like in life, being a good human being gets you a long way.’
Austage’s early involvement in planning is key. Matt and Senior Production Manager Mike Rankin attend site visits and contribute to venue selection and seating layouts. ‘Originally, we were brought in late, but now it’s almost a year-round project,’ Matt says. This proactive approach prevents common pitfalls like equipment mismatches or power supply issues, creating an efficient process for designing runway spaces.
‘Now, it starts with, ‘We want 750 seats in this venue,’ and Mike can plot it out,’ Matt explains. ‘We might not know the creative vision yet, but we know we’ll have lighting, audio, and video. Mike distributes everything evenly, then places seating around it so it all works cohesively before the design even goes out.’
But here’s where it gets controversial: while some AV companies heavily invested in virtual event capabilities during the pandemic, Austage took a strategic approach. ‘We built a streaming computer during COVID,’ Matt recalls, ‘but it could also be used as a high-end video playback machine once live events returned.’ This forward-thinking mindset has kept them adaptable in an ever-changing industry.
From beta cam decks and DVD players to LED technology and battery-powered lighting rigs, event technology has evolved dramatically over 20 years. ‘In the mid-2010s, it was all about complex multiblend projection and big sets,’ Rod says. ‘Now, what we used to do with small screens can be achieved with an 85-inch TV.’
While technical advancements have simplified some aspects, the move to multiple venues has added logistical complexity. From cactus gardens to basement carparks, Austage has embraced unconventional spaces. One standout example? The Little Bourke Street Runway, which returned in 2024 after a seven-year hiatus. Staged right on the road, it required ‘military precision,’ Rod notes. ‘You’re there at 2 pm, done by 10 pm—this massive show has come and gone.’
But here’s the question: What makes Austage truly unique? Is it their technical prowess, their adaptability, or their ability to make ‘big, weird spaces look cool’? Matt thinks it’s their culture. ‘A lot of our core crew and freelancers have been with us since the start. Clients know us, trust us, and enjoy working with us, and that makes all the difference.’
Looking ahead, Austage remains committed to staying adaptable and forward-thinking. ‘Fashion Week pushes everyone to be at their best,’ Rod says. ‘It’s challenging, but ultimately, it’s a great team exercise that builds camaraderie.’
Now, we want to hear from you: What do you think is the key to sustaining long-term partnerships in the events industry? Is it technical expertise, trust, or something else entirely? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
To see Austage in action, check out the documentary ‘First In, Last Out – Behind the Runway’ at www.austageevents.com.au/portfolio/behindtherunway/.
