Kristy Board

Chief Baconeer & South Burnett Flavours Market Coordinator

Kristy is a fun and vivacious Baconeer with 1950's flair and a deep love of music, red lipstick, laughing out loud and of course... bacon.

Kristy is an avid supporter of economic and tourism development within the South Burnett and works across multiple organisations to get the South Burnett on the map as a food destination.

BaconFest has allowed Kristy to combine her love and passion in one place, leading her to create the Kingaroy BaconFest Pinup Pageant, South Burnett Flavours Farmers Market and taking the bacon reins as Chief Baconeer in 2020.

When Kristy was asked what her favourite bacon recipe was, she responded "Why devils on horseback, of course, can't beat a warm prune wrapped in bacony goodness, it takes me back to my Aunty Fay's dinner party's in the 80's".

Kylie Van Schyndel

Vice Chief & Volunteer Coordinator

Kylie grew up in the South Burnett and is passionate about supporting her local community. When she heard the name of some of the events planned for Kingaroy BaconFest, Kevin Bacon Movie Night, Wine and Swine and Little Piggies in the Park" she couldn't resist jumping on board the committee. Kylie is helping coordinate the Kevin Bacon Movie Night and the Volunteers. Kylie is excited about working with a group of like-minded passionate community members.

Michelle Price

Secretary

I’m Michelle. I enjoy fresh air, fresh sheets and fresh bacon. I love being part of the amazing team bringing bacon to the people. As a relative newcomer to Kingaroy, I have been so impressed with the people, produce and natural beauty of the South Burnett. My favourite bacon dish is Canadian Pancakes.

Debbie Cox

Treasurer

Debbie was born in Nanango but has lived in Kingaroy all her life. Debbie had also supported community groups from when her children were young. Debbie always puts her hand and Dales hand up whenever things need to be done. Debbie is very passionate about her children and grandchildren and still is there to support them. Debbie enjoys craft, reading and sleeping. Debbie’s favourite bacon recipe is bacon, Bree and cranberry tarts.

Kathryn Stevens

Kath Stevens - BaconFest Founder & Publicity Officer

Kathryn grew up in the Blue Mountains near Sydney and arrived in the South Burnett seven and half years ago with plans to grow vegies and start a family. While on maternity leave, from a career in radio journalism and public relations, she came up with a hair brained scheme for a festival celebrating the sizzling deliciousness of bacon.

The Kingaroy BaconFest journey has taught Kathryn there is no such thing as too many pig puns and no problem is too big for a committee motivated by bacon. Kathryn likes to think of bacon as the gaffer tape of the food world, it can fix just about anything! When she’s not planning a food festival Kathryn spends time enjoying the company of her exceedingly patient husband and two fabulous kids.

Stephanie Denman

Industry Development Coordinator

Stephanie has had a lifelong connection with the pig industry. From her younger years visiting family pig farms in the South Burnett through to working with pig producers to develop their business operations in her current role in the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.

Pork products and pig production is something that is in her genes. Her favourite bacon dish is roasted potato skins with apple sauce, grilled bacon pieces and sour cream.

Dale Cox

Logistics Coordinator

Dale was born in Kingaroy and has always had a strong connection with community groups. Dale will always be there to lend a hand to make an event come together. Dale has been in business for over thirty years and strives to be a calm member of any group. Dale’s favourite bacon dish is bacon sandwiches.

Gail Gibson

Ticketed Events Coordinator

Gail came to town in 2018 and loved the idea of the Bacon Festival. She loved the festival season from her hometown of Adelaide and wanted to help create that atmosphere in Kingaroy. Gail and her husband own Crowies Paints in town and volunteering was a way to use her skills to promote the town and connect with people. Gail, with her group of bacon lover helpers, organise the Long Table Breakfast and the Wine and Swine evening on the Friday night. Every event is better with bacon! Gail’s favourite bacon delight is Loaded Baked Potatoes with Bacon and Cheddar… mmm

Andrew Bryant

Vendor Coordinator

I'm Andrew, and I'm one of the neighbours from the North Burnett. I grew up and live in citrus-loving Gayndah, but still passionately love bacon. My favourite? You cannot beat good old bacon and eggs!

I'll be coordinating all the fantastic stall holders at Bacon Fest, and am eager to see and taste what bacon-based delicacies will be put forward - to see if my loyalty wavers from my current favourite breakfast!

Rob Fitz-Herbert

Entertainment Coordinator

Fitzy moved from Brisbane to the South Burnett with his beautiful family, eight years ago. He loves regional Queensland and had been visiting a local farm stay twice a year for half a decade before taking the plunge and making the move to a property just outside Kingaroy. He loves the friendly locals, vibrant community and beautiful countryside and wouldn’t live anywhere else for quids! As a talented musician, coordinator and communicator, he’s been involved with and supported numerous local fundraising initiatives. He was also President of the Kingaroy Chamber of Commerce and Industry from 2017 to 2019 and you can regularly catch him and his wife Clare at local events, pubs and clubs playing in the hugely popular local band, Ryza. Fitzy has been a huge supporter of BaconFest since its inception and performed on the main stage with Ryza in 2018 and 2019. At the start of 2020 he stepped up his involvement to accept the position of Entertainment Coordinator and can’t wait to get his bacon licking chops wrapped around the gig! He’s promised bacon lovers they can expect variety, some surprises and plenty of quality entertainment in 2021. Fitzy's favorite bacon indulgence is the classic Bacon Butty

Abigail Andersson

Pin-Up and Beard of BaconFest Co-ordinator

Abigail is passionate about all things community building. Born in Nanango, the South Burnett is not only her home and business life but at the heart of all her motivation. Don't go bacon her heart by missing out on this festival.

Damien Martoo

MC

After living in the South Burnett for 35 years Damien has taken every opportunity he can to be involved in community events. When Damien heard BaconFest was being planned, he knew he had to be involved in the most exciting new festival in Kingaroy. Damien is a butcher by trade (many years ago) so knows good fresh pork, ham and bacon when he eats it. Keep it simple mate. Damien suggests fresh sliced traditional ham off the bone with real butter and pepper on a crusty sesame seed roll or if you want to really mix it up, make it crispy bacon and add a running egg. Damien is looking forward to announcing everything that will be going on over the weekend and hopes to chat with as many of you as he can!!

Paul Reeves

Jack of All Trades

When Paul first heard of BaconFest, he knew he had to be involved in this sizzling event. Paul has lived in the area for a number of years with his wife and 3 gorgeous daughters. Paul is passionate about supporting his local community and is a valued member of the BaconFest Team. Paul owns and operates a small building company in Kingaroy and is proud to call Kingaroy home.

Mark Magisana

Sunpork Smokeoff Coordinator

Mark made the move to the South Burnett 15 years ago from the Darling Downs and hasn’t looked back since. This man appreciates good food and the South Burnett grows some of the best, so this dude is here to stay!
Mark is a self-confessed bacon enthusiast, in his words “crazy about bacon”, so when the Chief Baconeer tapped him on the shoulder about a position on the Committee, he jumped into it with the enthusiasm only a true Baconeer can possess.
Mark and his wife have raised their three Junior Baconeers here in the South Burnett, and all of them like nothing more than a bacon sanga, but Marks favourite…. Chicken Carbonara with loads of extra bacon.

Jules Entwistle

Social Media Coordinator

Turning up in the South Burnett in 2013 for a proposed 3-year stay with her husband's work, Jules & family are now in their 8th year here!

Leaving the city rat race to lap up the relaxed regional lifestyle is a move she would encourage anyone to do. Jules soon became a dedicated volunteer in her adopted town of Kumbia, holding various Committee positions and writing grant applications for local sporting clubs & community groups totalling over $300,000. Jules is also passionate about social media and believes that it's a really powerful tool when done well. Also ... she just really loves bacon .. but it's gotta be Aussie!

Kay and Ralph Clark

Tourism Baconeers

Ralph and Kay moved to Kingaroy from Brisbane 6 years ago and jumped feet first into community involvement. This dynamic duo volunteer two days a week at the Kingaroy Visitor Information Centre and have joined numerous committees that organise various events for Kingaroy each year.

Ralph and Kay are passionate about tourism and what the beautiful South Burnett has to offer visitors. When BaconFest was first developed they thought it was a great idea and had no hesitation in becoming involved as volunteers, to assist in making it the terrific event that it is today. In Late 2020 Ralph and Kay were tapped on the shoulder to become part of the fabulous organising committee after we observed their passion for visitor services at previous festivals. We are thrilled that they proudly accepted. Kay's favourite meal is Bacon and Cheese toasties and Ralph….well he says “anything with bacon!!!"

Jodie Warren

Merchandise Coordinator

Jodie knew she had to be on the BaconFest Committee after she and her husband visited the South Burnett for the first BaconFest in August 2018. The couple’s love for the region was instant, which led to them moving to South Burnett from Brisbane just one month later. Jodie and her husband (who just so happens to work at the Swickers Bacon Factory), were valuable volunteers at the 2019 festival, which led Jodie to put her hand up for a committee role in 2020. Jodie’s favourite bacon treat…. Hearty Bacon Soup!

Renee Bean

Website Coordinator

Bacon and barbells are two of Renee's favourite things! Renee grew up in Kingaroy and wanted to be a part of boosting this delicious event. With a diploma in Web Development, Renee refreshed the original Baconfest and helped make virtual Baconfest possible in 2020 during Covid restrictions.