I have an extensive background in both the hemp industry and various sectors such as healthcare, education, and agriculture. 

My goal is to support the growth of the industrial hemp industry by utilising my business skills, networks and connections with local, state and national government agencies.  

As the President of the Victorian Hemp Association and Chair of the Australian Hemp Council, I have a pivotal position to influence and guide the growth of the industrial hemp industry in Australia.

I am passionate about the plant’s impact on society and the belief in its potential for social, economic, and environmental benefits. 

David is the founder of Southern Hemp a construction company that specialises in installing hempcrete, which is made with the hurd (inner stalk of hemp plant) mixed with water and lime.  While his business is based in Echuca, David travels across Victoria and NSW for his clients.  

Hempcrete is non-toxic, carbon negative, fire, termite, pest, and mould resistant. It’s also very breathable and suitable for a wide range of buildings.  As hempcrete provides excellent insulation, building your home with hempcrete can reduce your energy bills by 80%. 

David is passionate about educating people about hemp. He regularly attends exhibitions, conferences, field days and festivals to educate people about hempcrete and its benefits.  He also works with farmers in Victoria and southern New South Wales who are interested in growing hemp.

Matthew is the Director at Vic Hemp,  specialising in environmental monitoring & agricultural equipment automation. Matthew has over a decade of experience in commercial construction & service, with a proven track record in corporate sales working with multiple industries including Federal/State Government, Education, Healthcare & Commercial.

When he’s not developing technology for Australian farmers or working on the Industrial Hemp Industry, Matt enjoys PC gaming and spending time playing with his two huskies

Dan lives in northern Victoria where he currently grows industrial hemp. He works as a Landcare Facilitator where he supports volunteer Landcare groups and delivers environmental education to schools and sustainable agriculture workshops and events to community. Dan is passionate about landscape restoration, permaculture and now hemp! 

Stuart Gordon is a Senior Principal Research Scientist in CSIRO Agriculture and Food’s Systems Program where he leads CSIRO’s Advanced Natural Fibre Team. He holds wool and cotton classing certificates, a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Science and a PhD from La Trobe University.  He is also a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.  Stuart has been involved in natural fibre research, manufacture, and management for more than 30 years. 

Stuart currently leads projects in crop production, fibre metrology, post-harvest processing and product development. Stuart has been active in raising the profile of industrial hemp production and processing via projects with AgriFutures Australia, and editions of the Australian Industrial Hemp Conference.  

Stuart is an elected member of the International Textile Manufacturers Federation’s Committee for Cotton Test Methods and was a Non-Executive Director of the Victorian Government’s International Fibre Centre between 2010 and 2016. 

Prior to joining CSIRO, he worked as Technical Manager of Australia’s then largest cotton spinning company, Rocklea Spinning Mills.

Stuart has a keen interest in applied agricultural science and post-harvest processing, particularly the application of new technology to mitigate future environmental and health challenges. His experience has been at large corporates, academic institutions, government and non-for profits.  He enjoys finding innovative ways to solve problems with practical and pragmatic solutions in these areas. He is also interested in how business models, policies, legislation, and regulations influence innovation in these areas.

For 13 years I worked in the eco-tourism section of inbound and outbound marketing for Australia.

 In 2007 I switched careers and became a natural therapist to follow my passion for healthy living using bioresonace frequencies and organic foods to balance the body.

I am also a trained Building Biologist and was on their Institute committee. I test for toxins & EMFs in homes, and this led me to hemp.

Eleven years ago I tried to find hemp clothes, food etc as I was interested in hemp products and wanted to renovate my home with hemp. It was during this research that I discovered the industry needed help on many levels. This is where my journey began. 

I have sat on the board of 2 other hemp industry hemp associations in Victoria and built a website that communicated hemp information for Victorians.  I have helped hemp peak bodies like The Industrial Hemp Alliance and professionals in the industry through promoting hemp at expos, fairs, field days and shows around Victoria. 

I have been farming beef cattle and cropping in Gippsland for over 40 years and look forward to growing hemp for a better sustainable future for Victoria.