Courtney Sumner-Kimlin

Courtney Sumner-Kimlin
She/Her
Senior Operations Coordinator, Adelaide Fringe

My journey with Adelaide Fringe began through a traineeship delivered by AFL SportsReady, hosted by Fringe itself. During this 12-month program, I completed a Certificate III in Business while gaining hands-on experience across multiple departments. It was an incredible introduction—not just to the inner workings of a major festival, but to a community where I truly felt I belonged.

Following the traineeship, I was offered a role in the Diversity and Inclusion team, where I had the privilege of contributing to meaningful initiatives that aligned with my values. From there, I stepped into the world of operations, and I’ve continued to grow in this area—developing a deep understanding of what it takes to deliver an event as dynamic and complex as Adelaide Fringe.

I’m currently studying for a Certificate IV in Human Resource Management, which has enhanced how I approach team coordination, communication, and the systems that support great event delivery. Before Fringe, I worked in the fast food industry—an environment that taught me critical skills in customer service, multitasking, resilience, and working under pressure. Those early lessons continue to shape how I operate today.

My advice for anyone looking to break into the arts or events sector? Say yes—even when it feels outside your comfort zone. Traineeships, internships, and volunteer roles are powerful launchpads. Every experience adds value, and this industry thrives on passionate, adaptable people who are ready to learn and grow.

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This article is part of the Festival & Event Industry Career Profiles series, a collection highlighting the diverse stories of Adelaide’s finest festival professionals. 

Photography by: Jack Fenby