Pavey is a legendary Australian production and lighting designer primarily working at music festivals all over the country - Splendour in the Grass, Byron Bay Bluesfest, the Good Things Festival, etc. Known for his huge character and expansive sense of humour, he is also an integral part of the management team at rental company Creative Production.

Robe: Where are you right now?

Pavey: If there was a paradise in the world right now, I am there … on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia.

Robe: What are you doing to fill the time whilst isolating / on lockdown?

Pavey: I was due for a good holiday, so I am reading, stand-up paddle boarding for a couple of hours each morning then the afternoon is filled with plenty of gardening! By the end of this isolating period, my yard will look better than most golf courses!

Robe: What’s the most creative thing you’re able to do in isolation?

Pavey: Lots of gardening and training on my trusty Hog 4 console and WYSIWYG. I’m also teaching my eldest son Harrison - who works with me at Creative Productions - the tricks of the trade.

Robe: Are you looking after anyone else during the Covid-19 crisis?

Pavey: Yes, my wife Julie and one of my sons – Riley – are all home with me so there’s always something happening.

Robe: Riley Pavey is a famous skateboarder … catch some of his effortless talent here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6RduGjQOico

Robe: Has anyone inspired you since this started?

Pavey: Not sure of inspired, but people on the frontline are amazing doctors, nurses, paramedics, first responders and all those involved in transporting and working in supermarkets keeping food stocked and available.

Something I saw that was touching was a young girl coming home from cancer treatment and the whole street was out welcoming her.

Nobody from any governments or the World Health Organisation!

Robe: Favourite book / movie / Netflix series / viral video

Pavey: Reading a lot of old books that I originally read many years ago including “The Lives of John Lennon” (1988 biography by American author Albert Goldman); Jimmy Barnes’ award winning and best-selling “Working Class Boy” and “Working Class Man” ; “Muhammad Ali Handbook” by Dave Zirin)

Robe: Pavey has worked with Jimmy Barnes for around 30 years, both as LD for Cold Chisel and for Barnes’ solo career.

Not a movie type of guy!

Pavey: I have only just got Netflix since the virus started, so lots of R-rated comedy for a laugh instead of doom and gloom … and (American comedian) Joe Rogan podcasts (with Jim Jeffries).

Robe: What’s the first thing you’d like to do when we are through it?

Pavey: Go on my dream European holiday – which was scheduled for April and to include a visit to the Robe factory as well as Prague, Greece and Italy!

Robe: Own question / answer / message of solidarity or something you’d like to say?

Pavey: This virus has devasted the festival industry worldwide, and personally, I think it will take some time before the authorities allow large gatherings and multi-day festivals where folks are camping!

I would like all my many friends around the world to get through this crazy time without any health issues … And for the world’s governments to know and be a little more prepared for something like this in the future!