Vineyard owners are often surprised to learn that all Vinehealth Australia biosecurity activities are carried out by a small team of four people, including two part-time staff.
Who are these people, and why were they drawn to the wine industry and specifically Vinehealth Australia? Meet Sam, Warren, Jo and Brendan.
Sam Scarratt is the CEO and has been at Vinehealth for 3.5 months. Sam’s role is to lead the organisation, working with the other staff and the Board to ensure Vinehealth is delivering the services that South Australian vineyard owners need. “It’s the collaboration within the grape and wine industry that I love. People are willing to share ideas to see the whole industry benefit,” Sam said.
Warren Birchmore is the Technical Manager and has been at Vinehealth for 13 months. His role covers many aspects of biosecurity including preparedness and converting complex research outcomes into easy to understand and adoptable activities. “I started nearly 30 years ago in vineyards at Padthaway as a vineyard operator. I’m now injecting my significant industry knowledge into keeping all South Australian vineyards safe,” Warren said.
Jo Bainbridge is the Systems Manager and has been at Vinehealth for more than seven years. She’s the friendly voice you hear when you phone Vinehealth and her main role is ensuring that the data held in the Vineyard Register is up to date and accurate. The System Manager’s role flows into managing the annual Notice of Assessment. “The one-on-one personal service delivery to vineyard owners is an element of my role that I am dedicated to performing with respect, sensitivity and empathy,” Jo said.
Brendan Tully is the GIS Specialist and has been at Vinehealth since 2010. Brendan’s main role is the maintenance of map data on the Vineyard Register. “I enjoy working on interesting projects and over the 14 years that I have been with the organisation, from the Phylloxera Board days to now Vinehealth, there have been many. It’s rewarding to make a difference and contribute to such an important industry,” Brendan said.
To learn more about Vinehealth Australia, click here.
