CRAIG DENNIS (Chairman)

Craig Dennis along with his partner Susan Gawthorne moved back to Mudgee with a vision of setting up a small farm under permaculture principals. They purchased 100 acres on Aarons Pass in 2009 and hope to make Morrigan Farm a productive small holding. Craig completed his Permaculture Design Certificate in 2010 and set about transforming his farm under these principals

Craig has a strong interest in sustainable farming practices, soil management, pasture improvement without the use of chemicals and education. The farm focuses on breeding pure Wessex saddleback pigs, Dorper sheep , Belted Galloways, Suri Alpacas with a mix of pure breed poultry thrown in.

Craig has been involved with school education programs in the Blue mountains on backyard poultry keeping and hopes to inspire ‘city folk’ to produce as much food in their backyards as possible. Craig and Susan are often joined on the farm by their 6 sons who all have a love of the country life.

SONIA CHRISTIE (Vice-chair)

Sonia Christie, together with her husband and three children run Eastwood a mixed grazing property north west of Rylstone.  Sonia has implemented and manages a cell grazing system and has a passion for sustainable farming ideas and food production. The plan being on Eastwood, to improve biodiversity and sequester carbon in the soils whilst being profitable. Sonia uses Stressfree Stockmanship methods to make livestock management an easier, safer and a calmer way to rotate contented stock around the cell system.

Sonia has a background in health and so has an interest and understanding of the link between healthy landscapes, food production and human health outcomes.

As part of the Watershed executive, Sonia hopes to help promote and encourage the great range of projects and educational opportunities Watershed has on offer.

CHRISTINE McRAE (Secretary)

Christine grew up in the outer western suburbs of Sydney, surrounded by farmlands which were her playground for much of her earlier formative years. An appreciation of the natural environment developed, which was fostered by her mother and grandmother. With her husband Tony, she now runs a mixed grazing enterprise on native pastures in the Carcalgong and Bocoble/Queens Pinch areas to the south of Mudgee.  She is passionate about the importance of plant diversity in pastures, and likes nothing more than introducing landholders to the diversity of plant species on their properties. Christine recently completed a science degree with a Major in Botany through the University of New England. She is also a member of Stipa Native Grasses Association and various plant conservation groups.

HUNTER WHITE (Treasurer)

Hunter White is a farmer and company director who lives at Havilah, Mudgee (near Lue). With his wife Sue Ann, he operates a mixed farming enterprise in the Mudgee and Yeoval districts based on sustainable and regenerative land management. Hunter and Sue Ann are members of Watershed, Bingman and Little River Landcare groups.  In addition, Hunter is very involved with community activities including Mudgee Show Society, Mudgee Race Club and Lue-Havilah Bushfire Brigade.

Hunter is very focused on importance of the land to the Australian culture and well-being. Farmers have an enormous challenge as land managers to produce food sustainably within our complex ecosystems. This is a very exciting challenge which relies upon our heritage, education, innovation and, within the Landcare movement, building communities and open sharing of ideas and information, to achieve this.

From right, Hunter, Sue Ann, daughter Gina and sister Sarah Inglis.

NIGEL WHITE (Committee member)

We care for the land and the land cares for us.
5th and 6th generation landcarers (from left) Harry, Nigel and Jack White.