Our people

The Wine Grape Council of South Australia is here to help South Australian grape growers lead the way. Governance of the committee is maintained by a committee of eight grape grower members and two independents who represent the different grape growing regions of South Australia. 

The day to day running of the committee is maintained by a full time CEO, part-time Executive Assistant and staff contractors on an as needs basis. 

Committee Members 

Lachlan Allen
​​Interim Chair Region One
Adelaide Hills, Adelaide Plains, The Peninsulas and Mount Lofty Ranges 

Jenny Venus
​Region Five 
​Langhorne Creek
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Nick Price
​Independent

Adrian Hoffmann
​Region Two
Barossa Valley, Eden Valley and Barossa Other

Helen Strickland
​​Region Six
Bordertown, Mt Benson,
Mt Gambier, Padthaway, Robe, Wrattonbully & Limestone Coast 

Vacant
​Independent

James Meyer
​Region Three
Clare Valley & Flinders Ranges
​ 

Steve Fox
​Region Seven
Currency Creek, Kangaroo Island, McLaren Vale, Southern Fleurieu and Fleurieu Other

Martin Wirper
Region Four
Coonawarra

​Amanda Dimas​
Region Eight
Riverland and Lower Murray 

Staff

Lisa Bennier
Chief Executive Officer

Lisa was employed as the Chief Executive Officer of the Wine Grape Council of South Australia in June 2017.
Lisa brings experience across a range of industries including Hospitality, Finance, Retail, Mining and over 10 years in the Grape and Wine sector.
 
Lisa’s career has been predominantly based throughout rural South Australia which is where her interest remains. 
​
With a strong focus and passion for regional South Australia Lisa is committed to assisting Grape growers by advocating on their behalf, navigating through change and providing tools and information to prosper and add strength to our leading South Australian Grape and Wine regions.
 
Lisa resides in Langhorne Creek and holds a Graduate Certificate in Business from University of South Australia, she is also a Justice of the Peace.

Contact Details 
0419 039 508
[email protected]

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Elise White
Executive Assistant

Elise joined the Wine Grape Council of South Australia in September 2021 as the Executive Assistant.
A skilled and motivated Executive support specialist, Elise’s diverse experience has spanned a multitude of industry sectors
​(From Fashion Design to Town Planning to Information & Technology and now the Wine Industry).

Elise has extensive experience in performing a vast array of operational functions, as well as managing special projects and delivering process/system improvements with a keen eye for design and detail.
​
Elise's outside passions include DIY crafts, jewellery design, live music and keeping her blog updated, which has a focus on helping people find and make ‘meaningful’ gifts.

​Contact Details
[email protected]

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Victoria Eichner
Project Coordinator- GrowStrong

In January 2023, Victoria Eichner joined the Wine Grape Council of South Australia as a Project Coordinator for GrowStrong. Having worked in the wine sector as a freelancer for four years, she understands some of the challenges and opportunities it faces.
​
Along with her work with WGCSA, Victoria does freelance consulting, mostly aimed at improving or modifying processes for other small businesses.

Outside of work, Victoria lives close to the beach and enjoys nature photography.

Contact Details
[email protected]

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Sue Hall
Finance Officer

Sue joined the Wine Grape Council of South Australia in 2017 as the Finance Officer. 

Sue is familiar with the challenges and successes of the Wine Industry, having been involved in agricultural business since 2004.  When not in the office she enjoys time in the vineyard at Langhorne Creek, watching her kids play sport and a glass of wine.

Contact Details
[email protected]