Meet the TALGA Team
Years of experience and dedicated to all things lavender
Gary Young – President
After many years in the aviation industry my wife Anne and I decided to
relocate from Brisbane for a ‘tree change’ and decided to move to the Lockyer Valley to a 45 acre property. We named the property ‘Holmwood’.
We started planting olive trees and having read that olives and lavender are
companion plants we decided to attend a Lavender conference held in Stanthorpe, Qld in 2003.
The conference was organised by TALGA and hosted by Tere and Peter Bonner. We were most impressed and came away enthusiastic about growing lavender. After many trials and losses of plants, navigating steep learning curves and flood events along the way we had success. We now make a range of Holmwood products including soaps, body washes and skin care products and a large range of craft products which we sell at our
property shop and local markets.
We have been members of TALGA for over 15 years.
Christine Hitchin – Vice President
Christine & Tony Hitchin established their lavender property in 1990. From being specialist growers and distillers of lavender oil, they have evolved to manufacturing authentic, natural, hand made products, using lavender and a range of Australian essential oils. Their product range reflect the botanical flora found on their property together with honey and beeswax which feature in many products.
“Being long-term members of TALGA allows us to keep up to date with industry best practice and quality standards and of course the friendship of like-minded people.”
Fiona Glover – Secretary
Fiona has always enjoyed gardening since childhood. However, she only started growing Lavender for cut dried flower and oil, by recommendation, when the family bought land on old gold diggings at Barkly, Central West Vic, in 1990.
Fiona uses Lavender in floristry, aromatherapy, and culinary projects. She has been a member of TALGA since 2000.
“I enjoy being a member of TALGA, you meet lots of people and make lasting friendships.”
Neville Sargeant – Treasurer
I have been associated with TALGA for over 24 Years assisting my late wife Jean Sargeant who established Lucys Lavender in 1997, and who served TALGA for many years, first as Treasurer and then President of TALGA until July 2017.
Lucys Lavender is still producing Lavender although not open to the public now.
As a retired electrical contractor and running my own business for 55 years in the Yarra Valley, Vic. I have been able to use my knowledge of bookkeeping and business skills in the role of Treasurer of TALGA for the last 9 Years.
“I enjoy contributing in this position and assisting the TALGA team wherever it is required.”
Kellie Oxenford – Board Member
Started growing & distilling lavender in 2003 along with my husband Matthew and we are passionate about lavender and its diverse uses.
“I enjoy being a member of TALGA and I have made lifelong friendships. TALGA members are so willing to Share and network about our wonderful industry.”
Louise Bickerton – Board Member
My husband and I grow 8 varieties of commercial lavender on our 25 acre farm in the Blue Mountains just to the west of Sydney and we are enjoying the challenge of creating an unique product range using many ingredients grown on our property. It is a pleasure to be involved in TALGA committee and I look forward to assisting the Association and supporting our Aussie Lavender industry.
Thomas Mahar – Board Member
Hahndorf Lavender Estate is a family buisness growing 5 different varieties of lavender for commercial use on a 43 acre property just outside of Hahndorf, South Australia. To date we have planted 50,000 plants and will be doubling in size over the course of the next 2 years. Its great being apart of the TALGA committee and assisting the association members and Australian lavender industry grown to it full potential.