Become involved in iHemp Victoria

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Darren Christie, 

 Darren became a carpenter as a teenager. He had an early insight and passion for the

environment and the building industry at such an early age. He realised that sourcing timber

from old growth forests was not sustainable nor was it an acceptable future in the long-

term.  This led him to researching the potential of hemp as a viable alternative resource to timber use. He understood the environmental impacts of the building industry and the impact long term on availability of building products. His research showed the value of the short growth cycle of industrial hemp compared with the longer lifecycle of sustainable timber harvesting.    

Twenty-two years ago Darren became involved in this developing industry finding direction with other industry colleagues. Hemp fibre and wood fibre are similar in the characteristics required for many product lines. This makes industrial hemp an ideal commodity into the economy. He was an early member of the Industrial Hemp Association of Victoria, which became  IHemp Victoria. Over time he became the Chairman of IHemp Victoria, the position he

currently holds. In his role he has developed associations with The University of Melbourne Advanced Engineering & amp; Infrastructure Department. With his knowledge and experience, IHemp Victoria has partnered with the Australian Hemp Building Institute also within the university department.

Darren is a board member of the Australian Industrial Hemp Alliance and also helped with

establishing the Australian Hemp Council collaborating with state-to-state associations.

Colin Buckler Retailer/ Food /SkinCare

This Position is up for re election

 The Director and owner of Green Hemp Australia a highly respected and visible retail brand in Australia. Colin  has been involved in the hemp industry for 30 years and has a wide depth of knowledge in the retail sector 

 Team Member : Cert 3 Educational Curriculum, Trainer and Assessor

Malcolm  specialises in our Cert 3 course on growing/farming industrial.

Malcolm has had extensive experience in the curriculum arena over the past 30 years. 
He is a qualified trainer, assessor and course curriculum designer with also hands on experience as a stone fruit farmer and nursery grower. Malcolm trained in Horticulture the TAE quality auditing OHS and management and has worked for private and government TAFE institutions.  Through his company  The Management Edge (TME)  he recently worked with  Beijing Polytechnic and also worked with Indonesia, Nauru & India teaching Australian vocational teaching.   

Dr Mary Cole  PhD MAIA, MSAA, MGAIAC

Mary is a candidate for election onto the committee specializing in Soil Education.

Dr Mary Cole is a well-known academic, plant pathologist and soil microbiologist who provides instruction and workshops/courses in biological non chemical/sustainable agricultural farming practices to farmers, students, and consultants around the world. 

 As an Honorary Fellow at the University of Melbourne she supervises PhD students and her lab, Agpath P/L, provides summer vacation experience in soil microbiology and composting for graduates of Victorian and interstate universities .Dr Mary Cole is a well-known academic, plant pathologist and soil microbiologist who provides instruction and  workshops/courses in biological non-chemical/sustainable agricultural farming practices to farmers, students, and consultants around the world. As an Honorary Fellow at the

University of Melbourne she supervises PhD students and her lab, Agpath P/L, provides summer vacation experience in soil microbiology and composting for graduates of Victorian and interstate universities and farmers. She has 40 years of experience in soil health in agricultural systems in Australia and around the world. Her passion for the environment began as a small child in her father’s organic vegetable garden and has continued on her own farm where for 48 years has never seen a synthetic chemical

Dr David Wilson PhD

Sessional Lecturer at the University of Melbourne . Engineering Department 

Managing Director Master Research Australasia 

Dr Parmjit Randhawa PhD (Soil Science NZ)

Director ( Research & Commercialisation) at Greenlab Lincoln University  NZ.

 He is a leading researcher and advocate of Medicinal Cannabis and Hemp industry in Australia and New Zealand. 

Sean Dignum is Principal of SDA Strategic, a  advisory firm in the  private & government sectors agricultural, horticultural businesses,  energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, technology & retail. A registered primary producer &  Gippsland farm owner. 

Michele Tardini BA Comm/Media

 Michele is a a Natural Therapist & Building Biologist (sick building syndrome)  & advises on  toxic/healthy homes.  Director of HempPages.com.au  directory & Hemp Living Digital  Magazine on all things hemp.