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.
Neville Henderson – Vice President
I retired in 2008 from corporate life and worked the next 4 years on my brother’s sheep farm, near Kyneton, Vic. The country lifestyle gave rise to growing lavender, Pastoria Lavender, and so our journey started. Being part of TALGA has assisted us greatly as new lavender growers.
Along the way we have met many wonderful people here in Victoria and interstate.
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.”
Christine Hitchin – Publicity
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.”
Jens Volkmann – Board Member
Jens migrated to Australia in 2005 where he and his wife bought Charles Reuben Estate vineyard in 2013. They joined TALGA when they planned to expand the vineyard experience with lavender. In 2015 CRE planted 7500 Lavandula angustifolia on their property located near Richmond,Tasmania, making a wonderful display to passing traffic, in Summer.
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.”