Letisha Ackland

Letisha Ackland
She/Her
Founding Director, Balya Productions,

My name is Letisha Ackland, Proud Kokatha, Wirangu and Mirning Woman from Ceduna in the Far West of South Australia. The Founding Director of Balya Productions, a First Nations female led company that specialises in Production services, Event Management and Mentoring opportunities within the industry for First Nations Artists, Creatives and Community projections. I am one of the Event Organisers for Yabaardu in collaboration with Ceduna Aboriginal Corporation and the community and also the Event Organiser for the NAIDOC SA Family Festival in collaboration with the NAIDOC SA Committee.

I’m referred to as an ‘Industry weapon’ with many skills, wears many hats and has industry traits that puts her at the top of her game. From operating heavy machinery with ticket and license for many site and production work and an all round boss lady. From event manager, production manager, stage manager, tour manager and well trusted and respected person in South Australia Industry and beyond as one of the only First Nations females Nationally who is smashing down the stereotypical mainstream doors of the Live Music and Events Industry by leading by example and a community role model to many.

I was awarded NAIDOC SA 2024 ‘ Person of the Year’, and I have stage managed the National Indigenous Music Awards for the last 3 years and this year picked up Tour Manager opportunities with First Nations female artists Barkaa on various festivals and most recently Thelma Plum on her QLD leg of the her National tour ‘ Im Sorry, now say it back’. I try to support First Nations artists where possible on and off stage by supporting the Artists to just be the artist and take care of them behind the scenes, on stage and touring on some of their shows around the country when approached.

I pretty much fell into the industry and fell in love with the fast pace and hectic production schedule to smash out festivals and events. Mostly everyone knows me as Teesh and will often refer to me as an “Absolute gun”

How did you come to the role you are in today? Tell us about your career path/trajectory?
Consistency, Community, Culture and Connection

I really enjoyed music and the diversity of the connection Music makes in the industry with all cultures.
Not only one of the only females but the First Nations female working in events over the years from stagehand, to loading and unloading trucks, to working in theatres and Live Music Festivals and events. Now 16 years in the industry with a history of knowledge in Production, logistics, event management and now Business owner. Founded Balya Productions in 2019 delivering my first festival in my hometown Ceduna in regional and remote coast line in the Far West of South Australia

Did you study a specific degree or undertake other formal qualifications? If yes, please list the name of the program and educational provider.
Adelaide University 2008 – 2011 and studied:
Centre of Aboriginal Studies in Music
Sound Engineering – Cert III
Started out studying music at Centre for Aboriginal Studies in Music (CASM) with Guitar being my main instrument and then completing a Cert III in Sound
Engineering so 4 years of Studying at the Adelaide University.

What has your employment experience been like? What do you wish you had known before you started – what advice do you have for a person starting out in this sector?
I started out doing work experience at WOMADelaide and various major festivals as a stagehand through my studies and really enjoyed working with the people who became my mentors and still are to this day. I have worked at Adelaide Fringe in Production for 6 years delivering some of their biggest events, bumping in and out of venues and special events like the Adelaide Fringe Parade, Desert Fringe, the Siren’s, Street parties and built the last outdoor Fringe Club in my last year in 2018.

Did you volunteer, intern, or undertake a traineeship prior to formal employment in the sector?
I have always been employed and received a wage for my work in events but took on some volunteering roles at interstate festivals to get my foot in the door and a free ticket to festivals like Falls festival. I have built on my skill sets by doing Training courses in AutoCAD, Crowd Science management, Risk Management, building on production schedules, Budgets and event briefing Documents for suppliers and crew. I have my high risk Lice license to operate a Forklift, Elevated platform, Boom Lift and Telehandler.

I take pride in my skills as an operator and like to take care of the land and sites when operating to minimise any damage to sites and infrastructure. Suppliers, contractors, production crew and truck drivers know me as a good operator and it’s nice to know when they recognise you from site to site.

Not only am I a business owner but I’m also a well known footballer in Adelaide Footy League and SANFLW. I played 3 years as a SANFLW Player for North Adelaide Football Club (2) Central Districts Football Club (1). I retired from a higher level of football due to workloads becoming heavier and the commitments of SANFL. however am still playing football at Payneham Norwood Union Football.

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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