“You will never be replaced”: Simon Thomas steps down as MADC Co-President

Co-President of the MADC, Simon Thomas is stepping down after a prolific and passionate run that saw the revitalisation of the MADC after Covid. Ensuring continuity of the MADC, Matt Lawson will stay on as President.

A crestfallen Lawson says: “I love Simon Thomas. There, I’ve said it. Having worked closely with Simon for the past five years has been a joy. It is perhaps too obvious to even say, but the MADC would not be where it is without him. And this may be even more obvious, but Simon is the real driving force behind the MADC. Working tirelessly, but always positively, he oversaw five transformative years of the MADC. From the rebrand of the MADC that widened its remit and ambition, to the seismic jump in scale of hosting the MADC Showcase events at the Forum. Of course, we have been lucky to have a committed committee, every step of the way, but allow me to make this about Simon. He has continued to support MADC Presents, expanding its scope of inspiration beyond advertising. He has helped young and emerging creatives with the launch of MADC Art of Craft series, plus numerous folio nights and competitions in partnership with LIA. His output and passion was prolific, so much so, I believe him to be a clown… as he has certainly left some big shoes to fill. I immediately apologize for that joke, yet I do not retract it. Turns out, I’m the clown. A sad clown. Simon, you will be missed. And never replaced. No one could ever replace you.”

Says Thomas: “Honestly, I don’t know where to start. Your kind words made me slightly uncomfortable, Matt (hence a career behind the camera) but thank you. There are so many key MADC legends behind MADC’s work, but I have to single you out, my Co-Presidente, partner in crime – it’s a partnership I never wanted to end because it’s been that good. I do love you, Matt Lawson (sorry Viv it’s true).

“Stepping down wasn’t easy as I’ve loved the last five years, but my cup is getting full and at risk of spilling over – and I don’t like mess. So with the MADC refreshed and firing, it felt like the right time to pass the baton.

“It takes a village, committee past and present – you made the magic happen. Thank you!  Special shoutout to Romanca Mundrea, Polly McGregor and Corey Esse (plus Robyn Bergmann, James Wills and the full MADC Committee) for jumping in and relaunching the club post-Rona in a way worthy of Australia’s oldest advertising club.

“Huge love to our 60 Industry Supporters and Creative Showcase sponsors – you back us, keep the lights on and the fire burning. Thank you!

“MADC is only just warming up, in fact it’s on the charge. With the 2026 events slate, the future is bright. Crazy bright.

“A huge thanks to Jay Hynes for following Matt and I over the course of our working journey and taking these photos. I feel they really capture the spirit of our relationship.

“Keep backing MADC and the power of creativity. ”

Simon would like to thank:

MADC Committee:
President: Matt Lawson
Vice President: Robyn Bergmann
Chief of Staff: Amy Lee
Treasurer: Eyvonne Carfora
Social Media Manager/Director of Comms: Monaliza Ziba
Director of Design: Alex Roby
Director of Education: Daniel Sparkes
Director of MADC Presents: Sarah Vincenzini
Director of MADC Major Events: Hannah Cleary
Director of MADC Creative Showcase: Victoria Conners

2025/26 MADC Industry Supporters:
ATime&Place, Alt.VFX, ARC Edit, Bang Bang Studios, Bullfrog, By All Means, Campaign Brief, Clemenger BBDO, Collider, Communicado, Cummins&Partners, DDB Melbourne, Droga5, Dentsu, Exit, Fenton Stephens, Fin Design+Effects, Final Sound, Finch, Good Oil, Guilty, Howatson+Company, Jay Hynes Photography, Kerfuffle, Leo, Little Black Book, Level Two Music, Manimal Post, MOFA, M&C Saatchi, Ogilvy, Pancho, Pangea, Pembleton, Photoplay Photography, Pixel, Poppet, Puffin Post, Revolver, Rumble Studios, Saatchi & Saatchi, SICKDOGWOLFMAN, SOMA Studios, Special Group, Splash, Squeak E. Clean, Sweetshop, Taboo, Talent Run, TBWA Melbourne, The Editors, The Producers, Thinkerbell, TOVO, Truce Films, Unlisted, VML.

2025 MADC Creative Showcase Sponsors:
Alt.vfx, Bang Bang Studios, Guilty, Level Two Music, Studio Pancho & Photoplay Photography

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