Meet Our Team
Dijana Thompson
Creative Director
For over 18 years, this Sydney-based creative force has been transforming visions into unforgettable experiences. Her journey began in the vibrant 80s, and since then, she’s mastered every facet of event production, from initial concept to the nitty-gritty logistics. In the early 2000s, Dijana honed her focus on the art of event styling, becoming the go-to consultant for producers and companies seeking to create truly immersive events. Her secret? Crafting compelling narratives through design, tailoring every element to the unique story of each event.
As Creative Director of Sydney Props, Dijana continues to push the boundaries of event design, ensuring every brand activation and project leaves a lasting impression.
Andrew Wilkinson-Ellis
National Sales Director
Andrew Wilkinson-Ellis doesn’t just plan events; he designs experiences. From childhood lessons in business to a sharp Events Management degree, he’s always been motivated to create.
Driven by a passion for creativity and strategic thinking, Andrew joined Sydney Props Specialists as a Sales Executive and Stylist, where his innovative approach quickly set him apart.
Over the past 10 years, Andrew has evolved into the National Sales Director, leading with vision and inspiring a team dedicated to delivering exceptional, immersive experiences. His unique blend of strategic sales leadership and creative flair continues to redefine event theming and styling, making Andrew a driving force behind Sydney Props’ success and a true leader in the events industry.
Greg Hancock
CEO of the Sydney Props Group of Companies
Greg Hancock’s 35-year career in the event and travel industry, beginning with his band “Stolen Moments” and evolving into a diverse portfolio of companies like Sydney Props and Directions Conference & Incentive Management (DCIM), showcases remarkable resilience and innovation. Starting in 1987, he built an empire that navigated numerous economic and global crises, from the Gulf War to the COVID-19 pandemic, consistently adapting and expanding. His ventures, ranging from prop hire and event production to international incentive programs and even a patented conductive paint technology, demonstrate a keen ability to anticipate and meet the evolving needs of the events sector. Greg’s commitment to service excellence is evident in his philosophy of hiring exceptional staff and fostering a tight-knit team, ensuring high-quality delivery across over 3,000 events.
Greg’s dedication extends beyond his businesses, as he’s a long-standing advocate for the industry, supporting Meetings & Events Australia (MEA) and contributing to its growth. His leadership through crises, characterized by swift adaptation and a focus on client and staff well-being, has set a benchmark for resilience. His legacy, marked by innovation, service, and a commitment to giving back, positions him as a pivotal figure in the Australian events industry, inspiring future generations of professionals.
Craig Watson
General Manager Sydney Props Photo Studios.
Director / Treasurer Meetings and Events Australia
Studied – Sir Joseph Bank High School, UTS BComm.
With more than 10 years in management roles Craig brings a wealth of experience to the Australian events industry and has been instrumental in managing sales and operation teams producing medium to large scale events and activations.
Previously he worked in the fashion industry for 30 years both within Australia and internationally.
Current Craig sits on the national events association board of Meeting & Events Australia (MEA) board as both director and treasurer.
Constance Gulliver
Business Development Manager
Constance Gulliver is a highly experienced Senior Leader, bringing a wealth of expertise in Sales, Business Development, and Marketing to the Hotel, Hospitality, and Travel sectors. Her career is marked by a consistent record of driving growth and building strong client relationships. Notably, she served as Business Development Manager for Accor Hotels, overseeing the Mercure Gerringong Resort, and previously managed Events and Conferences at Novotel Wollongong. Her impactful tenure as Venue Sales Manager at the Hilton Hotel saw her orchestrate high-profile events for renowned venues, encompassing everything from gala openings and travel launches to corporate and social events.
Further demonstrating her diverse skillset, Gulliver excelled as Travel Advertising Manager for Vogue Magazine, where she cultivated relationships with key travel industry players and spearheaded promotional campaigns for a wide range of products and services. Her passion for the hospitality and travel industry, combined with her dedication to the people within it, fuels her continued success.
Jon O’Hanlon
Manager of Custom Elements
Jon is a creative force of nature. He’s not just an artist and designer; he’s a master craftsman with the technical skills to back it up. For over ten years, he’s been the engine room of Sydney Props Paint Space and Custom Elements division, the one who takes a project from a glimmer of inspiration to a stunning reality. He’s a perfectionist, ensuring every brushstroke, every detail, is flawlessly executed. Jon’s rare combination of artistic brilliance, technical expertise, and leadership skills makes him an indispensable part of our team. His impressive background speaks for itself:
Career Highlights:
- Owner/operator – Sydney Foamworks models and displays for 12 years
- Fine art exhibitor at Bandamorra Gallery, Katoomba (2000-2012)
- Special Projects, Art and Soul (2017-2020)
Rebecca Hall
Event Stylist
Rebecca is a multi-talented artist and maker with a BA in Dramatic Art (Production Crafts) from NIDA. Her training spanned sculpting, mould-making, welding, scenic art, and even special FX prosthetics.
For over a decade, she’s crafted props, puppets, and costumes for theatre, TV, commercials, and events, including work on The Lion King, “Hi-5”, and a Peter Alexander campaign. She also contributed to Luna Park Sydney’s mascots and the Seven Network/Jim Henson production, “Bambaloo”. Her impressive client list includes Sydney Theatre Company, Belvoir Street, and major TV networks.
A trained milliner, Rebecca also designs character masks and headwear. A long-time Sydney Props Group member, she evolved from prop maker to event stylist, playing a key role in countless activations.
Now a qualified florist from Pearsons School, Rebecca brings her passion for organic design to Events Revolution/Luxe Table Decor and Sydney Props Specialists. Working with silk and fresh flowers, she and her team create unique floral installations, from centerpieces to living walls, specializing in hanging greenery and textured designs.
Logan Alidenes
Set Finisher and Scenic Artist
Logan Alidenes is a true artist in our paint space! For the past three years, he’s been an invaluable member of the team, bringing an exceptional work ethic and professionalism to every project. Logan’s dedication to quality shines through in everything he does, earning him a reputation as a reliable and highly skilled teammate.
We’re incredibly lucky to have him, and we can’t wait to see all the amazing things he accomplishes in the years to come. Did we mention he’s also a Dulwich High School Visual Arts and Design HSC graduate? The talent speaks for itself!
Daniel Di Cesare
Carpenter
Daniel joined our team in September 2024, bringing with him a wealth of experience as a highly skilled carpenter.
Since his arrival, Dan has been an invaluable asset, consistently delivering high-quality work and showcasing exceptional craftsmanship. His expertise has not only elevated the quality of our projects but also enhanced the overall team dynamic.
We’re thrilled to have Dan on board and look forward to his continued contributions to our team’s success.
Certificate 3 in Carpentry and Construction – 4 years
Worked for Fox Studios on a dozen feature films, for example Pacific Rim 2, Hacksaw Ridge, Sang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Peter Rabbit.
Self employed for 6 years renovating and remodelling in a residential capacity.
Jeremy Hyland
Staging
Jeremy Hyland possesses a diverse skill set, demonstrated by his experience in both hands-on event production and audio engineering. At ALCHEMY Co., he excelled in managing logistics and on-site builds for high-end event sets, ensuring client satisfaction and adherence to safety standards. He translated complex blueprints into tangible realities, leading crews and overseeing all aspects of installation. His current work as a self-employed audio engineer showcases his technical and creative abilities in tracking, mixing, mastering, and production, reflecting a dedication to artistic excellence.
Hyland’s professional background extends to sales, marketing, and technical leadership. At Langtons Winery Direct, he cultivated strong winery relationships and drove direct-to-consumer sales through tailored services and engaging events. At Satellite Music Australia (SMA), he progressed from client management and sales, consistently exceeding KPIs and delivering technical solutions, to Technical Support Manager. In this role, he led nationwide AV rollouts, managed CRM systems, and spearheaded team development. These experiences highlight his ability to build strong client relationships, manage complex projects, and master cutting-edge technologies.
Sanjeev Adhikari
Warehouse Supervisor
Sanjeev Adhikari excels as a Warehouse Supervisor at Sydney Props Group, driving efficiency and safety through meticulous management of logistics operations. He has a proven track record of optimising storage utilisation, implementing effective inventory management systems, and ensuring strict compliance with safety regulations. Sanjeev’s ability to monitor staff performance, provide targeted training, and facilitate productive team meetings has consistently led to improved operational outcomes. He effectively manages day-to-day logistics, including incoming deliveries and personnel tasks, while also proactively addressing order management challenges and resolving customer or shipper complaints.
Furthermore, Sanjeev demonstrates strong strategic thinking by developing workflow optimisation strategies and maintaining robust relationships with customers, vendors, and transport companies. He is adept at utilizing inventory management software, conducting regular cycle counts, and ensuring accurate order fulfillment. He is also committed to fostering a safe work environment by establishing procedures for handling hazardous materials and providing comprehensive training to new employees. Sanjeev consistently meets company and department objectives within budget and time constraints, making him a valuable asset to Sydney Props Group.