2025 Adjudicators

Vocal and Choral - Benjamin Oxley

Junior Dance - Stefaan Morrow

Senior Dance - Stefaan Morrow

Woodwind/ Brass/ Bands/ Guitar - Jodie Blackshaw

Strings/ Piano - Gareth Jones

Jodie Blackshaw- Brass, Woodwind, Guitar & Bands

Dr. Jodie Blackshaw is a distinguished composer, educator, and researcher who has dedicated over 30 years to the advancement of music for the wind symphony and music education. She earned her PhD in Composition from the Australian National University in 2020, complementing a Bachelor of Music and a Graduate Diploma in Secondary Music. Her compositions, fusion of pedagogical processes and advocacy have been the subject of numerous post-graduate research papers, enhancing her academic presence in the field of wind music.

As a prominent figure in the international wind music community, Dr. Blackshaw serves as a Board Member for the World Association of Symphonic Bands and Ensembles (WASBE) and is the Chair of the WASBE Composer Network for the 2026-2028 term. The extent of Dr. Blackshaw’s reach is illustrated by an extensive portfolio of international composer residencies across secondary and tertiary institutions. These include prestigious engagements at the University of British Columbia, Ithaca College, and SUNY Potsdam as the Joy Douglass Visiting Master Teacher. Her global reach extends to residencies at the United Nations International School in Hanoi, the American School of Dubai, and Hong Kong International School, as well as numerous Australian institutions such as Barker College and Caulfield Grammar School.

Further Information: https://music.cass.anu.edu.au/people/dr-jodie-blackshaw

Stefaan Morrow-Dance

Staefaan Morrow

Born in Adelaide, South Australia, Stefaan began his training in classical ballet at age 9, under the

tutelage of Tatiana Slezenova and Terry Simpson. He commenced further study at the New Zealand

School of Dance, on full scholarship in 2012.

Stefaan joined Singapore Dance Theatre in 2014, touring across Asia, and performing a wide range of

classical and contemporary pieces from notable choreographers such as George Balanchine, Nils

Christe, Natalie Weir and Ma Cong.

Later in 2016 he commenced work with Theatre Pforzheim in Germany, where he stayed for 2 years,

touring and performing in numerous dance galas with companies from across Europe and beyond.

Stefaan then accepted a contract with the contemporary company Zfin Malta Dance Ensemble,

performing in Malta and Germany, before moving back to Adelaide in 2019.

Since returning he has been contracted with Lewis Major Projects performing in many professional

shows, including at the Adelaide Festival, and most recently completed national and international

tours in 2024/25.

Benjamin Oxley - Chore/Vocal Adjudicator

With nearly 40 years of teaching experience, Benjamin has helped many students achieve vocal freedom. My own teachers include Eduardo Asquez, Andrew Field and Vernon Mackie, a pupil of Edgar Herbert-Caesari, the author of many books on singing.

My students have achieved numerous exam, scholarship and competition successes, including recording contracts, West End musicals, entry into tertiary institutions, professional

work with opera companies, musical theatre and film credits.

I taught at The Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts in London, and also had a private studio in London.

After overseeing The Australian Singing Competition, I wrote the ebook SING TO WIN that outlines all the aspects of winning a singing competition.

I had the privilege of giving Violette from Nambucca Heads the Junior Championship prize at the 2024 Coffs Harbour Eisteddfod, and she was invited to sing at The Sydney Opera House. She has performed at NSW School Spectacular in November 2024.

Previously I have adjudicated for the Bathurst, Coffs Harbour, Gladstone, Kempsey, Lower Clarence Valley, Mildura, The National Eisteddfod, Northern Beaches, Ryde, Taree and Wollongong Eisteddfodau.

In 2026 I adjudicate the Hobart, Dubbo, Wagga Wagga and The National Eisteddfodau.

Gareth Jones - Piano and Strings

Gareth Jones, a former Dubbo local, graduated from the Queensland Conservatorium of Music in 2003 with a Bachelor of Music in piano and a Masters degree in Music studies. During this time he successfully sat for his Associate diploma in piano achieving a distinction and then completed his Licentiate diploma the following year. 

Since then Gareth has recorded 4 albums of piano music including one original album - Illustrations in 2020. He has become a regular adjudicator for the Sunshine Coast Junior Eisteddfod and the Queensland Piano Competition. He is currently the Head of Performance Music at Sheldon College in Brisbane which won an award in 2025 for The Best Performing Arts School in Australia. Gareth conducts choirs, string and concert orchestras while also arranging for these groups. He also plays cello and clarinet for leisure, amongst his piano teaching duties, and examines piano students for the Australian Music Examinations Board.