About Us » Our Staff

Started his career in 1971 as a horticulturist and has lectured and written on self-sufficiency and horticulture since the 1970s. Former editor of Home Grown magazine and contributor to Grass Roots for over two decades. Author of Sustainable Agriculture (CSIRO/Landlinks Press). John has spent a lifetime putting sustainability into practice through growing food, recycling and natural building methods including mud brick and straw bale construction. He has been teaching and writing about sustainable living for more than fifty years.

Marie studied horticulture in Germany and permaculture in Australia. She has more than 12 years of practical experience working across horticulture and education, bringing together strong academic knowledge with practical industry skills.

Maggi worked for many years as Information Officer at Garden Organic (HDRA) in the United Kingdom. She has been one of the leading figures in the UK's organic gardening movement for decades and has more than fifty years of experience in organic horticulture.

Kerry has over twenty years' experience in aquatic, medical, agricultural and brewing microbiology. She has directed a number of health programs throughout Australia and Asia and is a passionate educator and tutor.

Diana has extensive experience in both horticulture and permaculture. She operates her own landscape gardening business, Arbella Gardens, and has been actively involved with conservation and volunteer organisations including the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers.

Megan has over ten years of experience in farming, conservation and horticulture. She spent two years working on organic farms throughout South America before teaching and practising permaculture in the UK. She now develops her sustainable property in North Wales.

With more than fifty years of experience in agriculture and wildlife management, Peter has worked as a university lecturer, wildlife park manager, animal breeder and equestrian science specialist. His extensive knowledge contributes significantly to ACS courses.

Jon-Paul has extensive experience in science communication, habitat restoration, permaculture and sustainable land management gained through projects around the world. He is currently undertaking postgraduate research at Durham University.

Marius specialised in animal science, wildlife management and production animal physiology. His experience spans wildlife management together with dairy, beef and poultry industries in both South Africa and the United Kingdom.

Adriana has lived a self-sufficient lifestyle for decades on rural properties near Melbourne. She has been a major contributor to books, magazines and ACS courses, writing extensively on practical sustainable living.

Gaynor has worked with ACS since 1986. After growing up on a Victorian farm she owned and operated a propagation nursery for more than twenty years. She combines expertise in horticulture with a passion for gardening, arts and student support.

Melissa has lived an off-grid, self-sufficient lifestyle across northern NSW and Tasmania. Alongside decades of practical experience, she is a qualified nutritional scientist with extensive experience in food, nutrition, education and technical writing.

A qualified veterinary surgeon and agricultural scientist, Gareth also holds postgraduate qualifications in education, wildlife conservation medicine, aquatic veterinary studies and wildlife biology, bringing exceptional academic and industry expertise.

Jade grew up in Scotland with a passion for horses and rural industries. She has built a career in education, technical writing and course development, while living sustainably on acreage in Australia, raising animals and producing much of her own food.

Mitchell has around thirty years of horticultural experience, including managing large rural properties, commercial flower production, food production systems and aquaculture, providing extensive practical knowledge across sustainable land management.

Timothy is an internationally recognised botanist, horticulturist, author and educator. Former Director of Oxford Botanic Garden, he led the garden for over 25 years, earning four Chelsea Flower Show Gold Medals while expanding important conservation projects.