Over 100 industry leaders, movers, shakers, and influencers from Australia and New Zealand gathered at the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) in Sydney for the official launch of “LSC: The New Home for Robe in ANZ.” The event celebrated the Czech Republic-based moving light and LED manufacturer Robe lighting s.r.o.’s expansion into these key territories.
The launch was marked by the appointment of Darren McLanders as the Robe sales manager for ANZ. This move completes a formidable team representing three leading brands: Robe moving lights, LSC power and distribution, and Avolites visual control. The products are now readily available for the Australian and New Zealand markets.
A Celebration of Innovation and Creativity
The event provided attendees with the opportunity to explore Robe’s latest technologies in a vibrant, social, and creative atmosphere. Attendees spanned all sectors of the entertainment technology spectrum, including lighting and visual designers, programmers, managers, engineers, technicians, and artists actively working in the rental market, at venues, and in corporate entertainment and the arts.
This development follows a strategic re-boot of The Robe Group’s commercial activities across Australia and New Zealand, effective from July 1, 2025. This re-boot is coupled with the representation of other market-leading brands, LSC Control Systems and Avolites.
Showcasing Cutting-Edge Technology
Robe international product specialist Dave Whitehouse delivered a special presentation highlighting Robe’s T-series fixtures, specifically developed for the theatre and performing arts market, alongside other recent Robe technologies.
The event also featured a performance by Dave McCormack & The Polaroids in the foyer, which served as the main party and mingling area. McCormack, known for voicing Bandit Heeler in the award-winning animated series ‘Bluey,’ and as the frontman of Brisbane rock band Custard, performed a special set of eight songs. Each song was accompanied by lighting designed to showcase the features of various Robe products, programmed by Hamish Lee from Colourblind, assisted by Alex McCoy, using an Avolites D9 console.
Industry Leaders and Future Prospects
The event was attended by Robe lighting s.r.o.’s CEO and founder, Josef Valchar, global sales director Michel Arntz, and Jens Poehlker, managing director of Robe Asia Pacific. Arntz emphasized the significance of the Australian and New Zealand markets to Robe, stating,
“From the global perspective, this is a hugely significant territory with a lively production, performance, and arts scene and an existing healthy, strong rental sector. Robe has already gained a good reputation, and we see a lot of potential growth here.”
Arntz and Valchar expressed confidence in McLanders, describing him as the “perfect individual” for the role due to his enthusiasm, extensive contacts, excellent communication skills, and passion for the industry.
Looking Ahead
McLanders shared his excitement about the event, stating,
“It was great to see such a good turnout at NIDA and so much interest in Robe ANZ’s activities. There’s some hard work ahead for sure, but I am looking forward to all the challenges and rewards that will come with getting this market-leading brand the visibility and success it deserves.”
The event also featured additional production gear provided by Robe rental partners Harry The Hirer, Chameleon Touring Systems, Theatricks Productions, and Lux Imperium, along with Robe and LSC products installed at NIDA.
As Robe ANZ embarks on this new chapter, the company is poised to make significant strides in the Australian and New Zealand markets, leveraging its innovative products and strategic partnerships to drive growth and success.
