SPEAKERS
MEET OUR EDUCATORS IN 2025
SOPHIE THOMSON
Sophie is no stranger to us, her face lighting up ABC TV’s Gardening Australia. In addition she is a regular writer for the Gardening Australia Magazine and is heard weekly on talk back radio Adelaide. A self-confessed, obsessive compulsive gardener her enthusiasm is infectious as is evident in her best selling book “Sophie’s Patch” which describes how she took a dusty dry cow paddock and turned this into a beautiful working garden.
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SOPHIE THOMSON
Sophie is no stranger to us, her face lighting up ABC TV’s Gardening Australia. In addition she is a regular writer for the Gardening Australia Magazine and is heard weekly on talk back radio Adelaide. A self-confessed, obsessive compulsive gardener her enthusiasm is infectious as is evident in her best selling book “Sophie’s Patch” which describes how she took a dusty dry cow paddock and turned this into a beautiful working garden.
PHIL DUDMAN
Phil is a horticulturist and garden designer with a passion for growing organic food and teaching others how. When he’s not out in his patch, he is busy in his roles as Horticultural Editor of ABC Organic Gardener magazine and contributor to ABC Gardening Australia and Diggers Club magazines. Phil also hosts the Good Gardening radio program on ABC North Coast, is an author for ABC Books and was a regular TV presenter on Channel 9’s Garden Gurus.
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PHIL DUDMAN
Phil is a horticulturist and garden designer with a passion for growing organic food and teaching others how. When he’s not out in his patch, he is busy in his roles as Horticultural Editor of ABC Organic Gardener magazine and contributor to ABC Gardening Australia and Diggers Club magazines. Phil also hosts the Good Gardening radio program on ABC North Coast, is an author for ABC Books and was a regular TV presenter on Channel 9’s Garden Gurus.
Hannah Churton
Hannah Churton - aka The Worm Monger - worm farmer, food waste rioter and researcher. When the COVID pandemic hit, I was in a new city, with a new-ish baby and a profession that had shut shop. Craving social connection & community, I thought I’d make the most of a sh!tty situation through increasing the sh!t in my life. The good sh!t - worm sh!t. So I started a compost hub and verge garden from the confines of my home....
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Hannah Churton
Hannah Churton - aka The Worm Monger - worm farmer, food waste rioter and researcher.
When the COVID pandemic hit, I was in a new city, with a new-ish baby and a profession that had shut shop. Craving social connection & community, I thought I’d make the most of a sh!tty situation through increasing the sh!t in my life. The good sh!t - worm sh!t. So I started a compost hub and verge garden from the confines of my home. As the worm sh!t accrued and the veggies grew, so did the community - the (compost) worm had turned.
The Worm Monger is an educational platform that documents my community composting journey, riots against household food waste and offers to assist others do the same - whether at home, school or work. When you look closely, the compostabilities are truly endless!
The next chapter in my quirky campaign is becoming Doctor Food Waste - my PhD research focuses on turning horticultural food waste into high-value products (like pharmaceuticals, vitamins and plant-based 'plastics'). Get in touch if you’d love to know more!
Stuart Anderson
Stuart Anderson is the co-inventor of revolutionary honey extraction system the Flow Hive, which took a lifelong love of bees and a decade of work with his son, Cedar, to create. The Flow Hive shot to fame when through its record-breaking crowdfunding launch in February 2015. Alongside winning a slew of innovation and design awards, the Flow Hive has inspired thousands of new beekeepers around the world. There are now more than 100,000 Flow Hives in over 130 countries, helping...
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Stuart Anderson
Stuart Anderson is the co-inventor of revolutionary honey extraction system the Flow Hive, which took a lifelong love of bees and a decade of work with his son, Cedar, to create. The Flow Hive shot to fame when through its record-breaking crowdfunding launch in February 2015. Alongside winning a slew of innovation and design awards, the Flow Hive has inspired thousands of new beekeepers around the world. There are now more than 100,000 Flow Hives in over 130 countries, helping people foster a stronger connection with their environment and the pollinators that are vital to the food production systems we depend on. As a certified B Corp, Flow is committed to doing business in a regenerative, ethical and sustainable manner, while also generating a positive impact for pollinators and communities through research and impact projects. This includes the Billions of Blossoms initiative, Flow’s pollinator habitat conservation project which launched in January 2022 and has funded the planting of 1 million trees around the world. In addition to co-founding Beeinventive, the company behind the Flow Hive, Stuart has a long history of environmental activism and leadership in the not-for-profit community sector. He speaks at national and international events on beekeeping, pollinator protection and the use of innovative design to make a better world.
Kane Dabbous
Kane is founder of Red Soil Organics, which specialises in soil services. Biodynamic compost is a type of compost that is made using specific biodynamic methods to help increase the fertility of soil. It involves the use of special preparations and techniques such as crop rotation, cover cropping, and the use of manures and other natural sources of fertility. The result is a rich and nutrient-dense soil that provides the perfect environment for plants to thrive. They help farmers design...
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Kane Dabbous
Kane is founder of Red Soil Organics, which specialises in soil services. Biodynamic compost is a type of compost that is made using specific biodynamic methods to help increase the fertility of soil. It involves the use of special preparations and techniques such as crop rotation, cover cropping, and the use of manures and other natural sources of fertility. The result is a rich and nutrient-dense soil that provides the perfect environment for plants to thrive. They help farmers design and build self-sufficient farms that are sustainable, resilient, and productive. They believe in creating farming systems that are in harmony with nature and that help to regenerate the soil, rather than deplete it. Regenerative farming is a type of farming that aims to restore the health and vitality of the soil, and create a sustainable and self-sufficient farming system. We work with landowners to design and implement regenerative farming systems that are tailored to their specific needs and goals.
Julia Rose
Julia Rose is a remarkable artist who has captivated the art world with her outstanding talent and unique vision. She specializes in Floral Couture and interactive and immersive art installations. Through this work, she has carved a niche for herself in the realm of artistic expression. Julia Rose’s Floral Couture creations are a breathtaking blend of nature and fashion. She combines delicate blooms, vibrant petals, and lush greenery skillfully. She creates stunning wearable art pieces. These pieces transcend traditional fashion...
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Julia Rose
Julia Rose is a remarkable artist who has captivated the art world with her outstanding talent and unique vision. She specializes in Floral Couture and interactive and immersive art installations. Through this work, she has carved a niche for herself in the realm of artistic expression. Julia Rose’s Floral Couture creations are a breathtaking blend of nature and fashion. She combines delicate blooms, vibrant petals, and lush greenery skillfully. She creates stunning wearable art pieces. These pieces transcend traditional fashion boundaries. Her floral couture designs demonstrate her skill in transforming ordinary flowers. She turns them into exquisite pieces of artwork. These designs evoke both emotion and beauty. Julia Rose’s artistic talent shines through her Floral Couture creations and interactive and immersive art installations. Her ability to seamlessly blend nature, fashion, technology, and emotion is a testament to her brilliance as an artist. Julia Rose invites us to explore the extraordinary in the ordinary. She does this either through the delicate petals of her floral couture or the transformative experiences of her installations. She encourages us to embrace art that not only captures our attention but also stirs our souls.
Mickey Pascoe
Little Acre founders, Mickey and Amy Pascoe, started growing mushrooms in their backyard in Brisbane in 2017. Their hobby soon flourished into an urban gourmet mushroom farm, supplying top restaurants in the city with locally grown mushrooms. The pair have personally grown tonnes and tonnes of mushrooms and dedicated the last 8 years of their lives to becoming experts in this field. They have honed their craft, sought knowledge and training from overseas and toured facilities globally. Little Acre now...
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Mickey Pascoe
Little Acre founders, Mickey and Amy Pascoe, started growing mushrooms in their backyard in Brisbane in 2017. Their hobby soon flourished into an urban gourmet mushroom farm, supplying top restaurants in the city with locally grown mushrooms. The pair have personally grown tonnes and tonnes of mushrooms and dedicated the last 8 years of their lives to becoming experts in this field. They have honed their craft, sought knowledge and training from overseas and toured facilities globally. Little Acre now supports mushroom growers nationwide, offering mushroom kits, mushroom grain spawn, substrates, and growing supplies.
Jordan Alexander
Jordan is the founder of The Shed Organics, whose mission is to help home gardeners and businesses create thriving, sustainable gardens through organic practices. We offer master garden planning services, custom organic fertiliser blends, and practical advice for gardeners of all levels. Our vision is to inspire a healthier connection with the land and nature, encouraging barefoot gardening and natural solutions. The Shed Organics was born out of a backyard garden shed and the desire for local organic sources to...
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Jordan Alexander
Jordan is the founder of The Shed Organics, whose mission is to help home gardeners and businesses create thriving, sustainable gardens through organic practices. We offer master garden planning services, custom organic fertiliser blends, and practical advice for gardeners of all levels. Our vision is to inspire a healthier connection with the land and nature, encouraging barefoot gardening and natural solutions. The Shed Organics was born out of a backyard garden shed and the desire for local organic sources to add to our soils. We wanted to feed our soil the best quality nutrients we could find and generate soil fertility like no other. Our gardens have never been the same since and now we can share this with you. Our local friends and family, and greater community beyond!
At The Shed Organics, we believe in nourishing plants naturally with the best and cleanest soil amendments available, such as The Shed Organics #1 Blend, to ensure optimal plant growth and produce high-quality, nutrient-rich food. Our mission is to empower gardeners with the knowledge and tools to cultivate thriving gardens while minimizing harm to the environment. We strive to provide exceptional customer service, education, and premium organic products, to support our customers in their journey towards sustainable gardening and a healthier planet.
Shane Sadkowsky
The founder of Space Plants and a horticulture professional with specialist skills in vertical gardening, IRATA rope access and a Griffith University graduate with a Degree in Environmental Studies. He has been featured on ABC’s Gardening Australia and works with some of the best vertical garden systems in the world. He is on a mission to re-wild our city environments by helping people easily integrate more plants into their lives. He brings together a unique mixture of AgTec and Permaculture...
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Shane Sadkowsky
The founder of Space Plants and a horticulture professional with specialist skills in vertical gardening, IRATA rope access and a Griffith University graduate with a Degree in Environmental Studies. He has been featured on ABC’s Gardening Australia and works with some of the best vertical garden systems in the world. He is on a mission to re-wild our city environments by helping people easily integrate more plants into their lives. He brings together a unique mixture of AgTec and Permaculture grass roots sustainable gardening techniques to easily help anyone bring plants into their lives so we can all surround ourselves with beautiful and productive plants in a way that adds massive value to our everyday lives. Plants are an asset and will play a major role in how our homes, businesses and cities operate as we move towards sustainability. We all have the power to make the planet happier, healthier and more sustainable simply by learning about, listening to and taking care of one plant at a time.
Justine Dillon
Introducing Justine Dillon, a Kombumerri & Quandamooka woman and Traditional Owner of the beautiful Gold Coast and Moreton Bay area. As the Project Coordinator for Ngarang-Wal Gold Coast Aboriginal Association Incorporated & Guanaba Indigenous Protected Area, Justine is dedicated to environmental conservation and community engagement with Kombumerri culture. Hear Justine's First Nations perspective on urban greening and its ability to connect us with culture, each other and where we live. With her extensive experience in fire management, water quality testing, and...
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Justine Dillon
Introducing Justine Dillon, a Kombumerri & Quandamooka woman and Traditional Owner of the beautiful Gold Coast and Moreton Bay area. 
As the Project Coordinator for Ngarang-Wal Gold Coast Aboriginal Association Incorporated & Guanaba Indigenous Protected Area, Justine is dedicated to environmental conservation and community engagement with Kombumerri culture.
Hear Justine's First Nations perspective on urban greening and its ability to connect us with culture, each other and where we live.
With her extensive experience in fire management, water quality testing, and conservation landcare management, Justine brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to the conversation.
As the Project Coordinator for Ngarang-Wal Gold Coast Aboriginal Association Incorporated & Guanaba Indigenous Protected Area, Justine is dedicated to environmental conservation and community engagement with Kombumerri culture.
Hear Justine's First Nations perspective on urban greening and its ability to connect us with culture, each other and where we live.
With her extensive experience in fire management, water quality testing, and conservation landcare management, Justine brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to the conversation.
Costa Georgiadis (TBC)
Costa Georgiadis is a landscape architect who has an all-consuming passion for plants and people - he knows how to bring out the best in both of them, and takes great pleasure in bringing them together. Costa believes in embracing and celebrating mother nature's cycles and seasons and nurturing her balance, beauty and bounty organically. His holistic approach is all about gardening the soil and the soul.
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Costa Georgiadis (TBC)
Costa Georgiadis is a landscape architect who has an all-consuming passion for plants and people - he knows how to bring out the best in both of them, and takes great pleasure in bringing them together.
Costa believes in embracing and celebrating mother nature's cycles and seasons and nurturing her balance, beauty and bounty organically. His holistic approach is all about gardening the soil and the soul.
JOHN PALMER OAM
Trained in Agricultural science and Environmental Consulting John Palmer received an Order of Australia medal for services to the environment, particularly on the Gold Coast, in 2000. John respects indigenous values as an eco-tour guide in natural settings, identifying non-invasive and edible herbs, shrubs, trees & vines volunteering from around the world, growing in enriched local landscapes situations.
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JOHN PALMER OAM
Trained in Agricultural science and Environmental Consulting John Palmer received an Order of Australia medal for services to the environment, particularly on the Gold Coast, in 2000. John respects indigenous values as an eco-tour guide in natural settings, identifying non-invasive and edible herbs, shrubs, trees & vines volunteering from around the world, growing in enriched local landscapes situations.
DR KEVIN REDD
Kevin is an active member of Food Agribusiness Network FAN He grows a wide range of edible plants at his boutique nursery and demonstration gardens on the Sunshine Coast. Equally passionate about harvesting and using these amazing culinary ingredients, he will share some recipes and techniques for cooking and enjoying the seasonal abundance.
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DR KEVIN REDD
Kevin is an active member of Food Agribusiness Network FAN He grows a wide range of edible plants at his boutique nursery and demonstration gardens on the Sunshine Coast. Equally passionate about harvesting and using these amazing culinary ingredients, he will share some recipes and techniques for cooking and enjoying the seasonal abundance.
CLAIRE BICKLE
Claire, a dedicated horticulturalist based in Brisbane, has nurtured an unwavering love for gardening and nature throughout her life. Inspired by her grandmother, she has passed down this passion to her own children, fostering a shared appreciation for the natural world. With over three decades of experience in the field, Claire’s expertise is widely recognized, and she actively participates in various horticultural associations. Residing on a spacious property in the western suburbs, she takes pleasure in sustainable gardening practices, cultivating...
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CLAIRE BICKLE
Claire, a dedicated horticulturalist based in Brisbane, has nurtured an unwavering love for gardening and nature throughout her life. Inspired by her grandmother, she has passed down this passion to her own children, fostering a shared appreciation for the natural world. With over three decades of experience in the field, Claire’s expertise is widely recognized, and she actively participates in various horticultural associations. Residing on a spacious property in the western suburbs, she takes pleasure in sustainable gardening practices, cultivating organic fruits, vegetables, and herbs that seamlessly blend with the surrounding environment.
MORAG GAMBLE
Morag is a global leader of the permaculture movement for change and for the past 25 years. Local food systems and permaculture education have seen her teach in communities and universities around the globe. As a Global Permaculture Ambassador, Morag has led programs in 22 countries. She has lived and breathed the solution to move us beyond sustainability, to regeneration.
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MORAG GAMBLE
Morag is a global leader of the permaculture movement for change and for the past 25 years. Local food systems and permaculture education have seen her teach in communities and universities around the globe. As a Global Permaculture Ambassador, Morag has led programs in 22 countries. She has lived and breathed the solution to move us beyond sustainability, to regeneration.
GAVIN BULLOCK
31 years strong in the industry – and still growing – Gavin Bullock has been operating his own business since 2005. Throughout his career, he has worked in nurseries, vegetable farms, owned his own potting mix and soils business until he eventually created his own consultancy and landscaping business. Join Gavin on a walk and talk at Nerang Community Gardens. This year he’s talking Healthy Root Systems!
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GAVIN BULLOCK
31 years strong in the industry – and still growing – Gavin Bullock has been operating his own business since 2005. Throughout his career, he has worked in nurseries, vegetable farms, owned his own potting mix and soils business until he eventually created his own consultancy and landscaping business. Join Gavin on a walk and talk at Nerang Community Gardens. This year he’s talking Healthy Root Systems!
