01. What is your role within the industry (e.g. grower, COO, banana category  manager)? 

I am a fourth-generation banana farmer based in Atherton, Tablelands. Currently within the business, our operation is approximately 85 hectares of cavendish bananas and is continuing to expand.  

02. What is your background and how did you come to join the ABGC board? 

I joined the ABGC as soon as we planted our first bananas in 2011 because I recognised the importance of being part of our peak industry body. For me, being involved with ABGC means having a seat at the table and ensuring growers have a voice in the decisions that shape our businesses and the future of the Australian banana industry. 

My journey to the Board began in 2019 when I was invited to present at the Queensland Biosecurity Forum. ABGC Industry Strategy Manager, Michelle McKinlay, attended the event and encouraged me to consider nominating for the Board. Not long after, then-Board Director Paul Inderbitzin sent through the paperwork, and I decided it was a great opportunity to contribute more directly to the industry. 

Seven years later, I’m still proud to be involved. During my time on the Board, I’ve served as Treasurer and currently chair the Finance and Risk Committee, a role I’ve held for the past three years. 

As Chair of the committee, I work closely with ABGC Finance Officer, Diann Delai, to oversee the organisation’s financial performance and budget management. The committee reviews budgets, monitors financial outcomes and helps ensure ABGC remains financially strong and well-positioned to deliver for growers. While the Board’s primary focus is on governance and strategic direction, maintaining strong financial oversight is essential to supporting the organisation’s advocacy and industry initiatives. 

03. What key priorities are you focused on as a director? 

As a Director, I am focused on ensuring growers remain informed about industry developments and that ABGC continues to advocate strongly on their behalf. 

I believe the industry’s strength comes from working together, particularly when facing challenges such as Panama TR4 and import pressures. The industry is more spread out than it once was, which makes communication and representation even more important. Challenges like TR4 and imports are issues that affect all growers, and sticking together is how we’ll get through them. 

04. Why should banana farmers join ABGC? 

Personally, I believe the value of an ABGC membership is simple, if you want your voice to be heard and taken seriously, you need to have a seat at the decision-making table and that’s part of being involved in your industry body. 

ABGC represents growers on the critical issues that affect our ability to operate and grow our businesses. Whether it’s maintaining our social licence to operate, protecting the industry from biosecurity threats, or responding to import pressures, these are challenges that require a strong and united industry voice. The more growers who get involved, the stronger our industry becomes. 

05. What is a fun fact about you? 

When I am not on the farm, I keep busy with family life and fitness. 

I attend CrossFit classes four times a week and spends time supporting my kids in their sporting pursuits, with my sons playing football and my daughter involved in netball.