The federal government has appointed two new directors to the Wine Australia board to help strengthen the organisation’s role in supporting the wine sector – Darryn Hakof and Stephen Strachan.
Appointed for three-year terms, the new directors build on the board’s existing capability by adding complementary industry expertise, commercial experience and governance skills. Expanding the board from five to seven members also brings Wine Australia into line with other Research and Development Corporations, strengthening its capacity, governance and industry expertise at a time of significant change for Australia’s wine sector.
Dr Michele Allan will continue as acting chair, while recruitment of a permanent chair is finalised.
The organisation has been leading the charge, alongside Australian Grape & Wine, for Australia’s wine sector to respond to emerging opportunities and challenges across domestic and international markets. The organisations released the One Grape & Wine Sector Plan in mid-2024, and released its five-year Strategic Plan 2025-30 last July to help the wine sector recover in a challenging period,
Australia’s 2026 winegrape crush was the smallest since 2000, with serious market and financial strain identified as a major concern amongst growers. Oversupply, seasonal effects, weak demand, low prices, cancelled or delayed contracts and grapes left unpicked all impacted the crush.
Wine Australia is attempting to address these challenges through the launch of programs like the Australian Wine Future Fund and the National Vineyard register. Australian Grape and Wine was also recently selected to be a member group of Austrade’s new Trade Diversification Network (TDN), working with government and industry to support export opportunities for the sector under the $50 million Accessing New Markets Initiative.
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins, said Hakof and Strachan bring valuable skills, experience and industry knowledge that will further strengthen the board's capability and governance.
“These new directors will help Wine Australia support grape growers and winemakers to respond to current challenges and new opportunities in domestic and export markets,” said Collins.
“Since coming to office, the Albanese Labor Government has delivered over $90 million in funding to support the grape and wine sector, acknowledging how critical this industry is to Australia.”
