THE GROUNDED TEAM

Matthew is a trained chef turned farmer, writer, broadcaster and food activist. He co-owns Fat Pig Farm, a mixed enterprise on 70 acres south of Hobart in the Huon Valley. For over seven years he ran the on-farm dining room at Fat Pig with his partner Sadie where a team of talented cooks, growers, waiters, farmers and washer uppers took paddock to plate to its ultimate conclusion and grew just about everything served on site. In the process, they improved soil health, sequestered carbon and produced enough food for about 10 000 meals a year. He has been the host of six seasons of Gourmet Farmer on SBS, fronted two documentaries For The Love Of Meat and What’s The Catch, and is the author of over a dozen books on food, including his ethical meat manifesto On Eating Meat, the groundbreaking SOIL, and his most recent revelatory book, MILK.

Georgina is a regeneration systems consultant and knowledge broker. With a background in large scale international climate program design and acquisitions across Africa, Asia and Latin America, Georgina currently focuses her efforts on amplifying the voices of the Australian food and fibre industry. Supporting land stewards understanding of regeneration and ability to engage in systems thinking and commercial opportunities that foster ecological regeneration. Her current focus is on strengthening the existing and next generation of Australian farmers working hard to not only survive but thrive across our rich, diverse and complex landscapes.

Ollie began his farming journey at Victoria’s Ravens Creek Farm in 2013, spending weekends pitching in wherever he was needed. Two years later, he traded corporate life for the paddock, joining the farm full-time and deepening his hands-on understanding of regenerative agriculture.

In 2018, Ollie, his wife and daughter made the move to Tasmania, establishing Ashbrittle Farm in the Huon Valley and becoming part of a vibrant community of growers. Since then he has worked as Producer Liaison for Sprout Tasmania, co-run a blueberry farm, and built strong relationships across the state’s farming sector.

LAURA DALRYMPLE
MARKETING

Laura is a marketer, writer, brand-builder and advocate for better farming and food systems. From 2008 to 2025, she was co-owner of the award-winning, Sydney butchery, Feather and Bone, sourcing ethically-raised meat and poultry from regeneratively-managed farms, supporting a healthier, more nutritious market featuring short supply chains, greater transparency and real connection between farmers and consumers.
Motivated by a desire to tell the stories of visionary, holistic farmers and encourage consumers to become more active change agents in improving the food system, Laura wrote a fortnightly newsletter for 15 years, published articles in The Sydney Morning Herald and The Australian and regularly featured on Sydney ABC 702 Radio. Her book, ‘The Ethical Omnivore’, a guide for eating with good conscience, was published by Murdoch Books in 2020.

Nadia loves having her hands in the soil. She has spent years learning from growers around Australia. She managed the market garden at Fat Pig Farm for 4 years, co-managed Rocky Top Growers Collective for two years and is currently working with Felds Farm, where they are growing a diverse range of vegetables for a weekly CSA box program and for restaurants in Hobart. A skilled educator, farmer and advocate, she is passionate about growing and eating plants; about soil health and understanding the ecosystem under our feet; in supporting people to connect to their local food system and as well as empowering them to grow a little of their own food.

Fran hails from Aotearoa New Zealand where she resides having previously worked in the UK regenerative food and farming space for many years, including Groundswell Festival. Bumping into Matthew at last year’s festival, they immediately agreed that the energy and optimism could be replicated Downunder. Fran is a communications and events specialist bringing people together around soil, food and farming. She brings her wealth of experience in community building and her international network to support Grounded Australia.

Niall brings expertise in branding, design, web and digital marketing strategies.

Owner of brand and marketing consultancy AN IMPACT, Niall specialises in empowering organisations dedicated to making a meaningful impact in sectors crucial to global welfare: Agriculture, Renewable Energy, and Non-Profit.

Based in the Coal River Valley, Tasmania, Niall’s journey learning to be a vigneron, vintner and small acreage farmer allows him the perfect work/life balance away from screens and websites each day.

Sam Bartels is an agribusiness strategist based in Hobart who’s on a mission to elevate, amplify, and connect the people, businesses, and ideas either side of the farm gate that are actively improving the food system. Despite her city roots, Sam has been a passionate ag-nerd since day dot and now uses what she calls her ‘dual citizenship’ to serve as a conduit wherever she can. Over the past 15 years working in the ag sector, Sam has been engaged across a range of industries and arms of the supply web, and throughout this time has built specialised expertise in development, strategy, and stakeholder engagement. Sam will be helping us find partners that are as excited about Farming Better as we are!

With deep gratitude, we acknowledge the members of the 2024 advisory group who helped shape and launch Grounded. Your ideas, energy, and support made this journey possible.

Celia Leverton

Eli Court

Josh Mullens

Laura Dalrymple

Nadia Danti

Will Bignell

Chris Wieffering

Jade Miles

Kirsten Bradley

Matt Tack

Sam Bartels

Fran Bailey