Hayley Purbrick

Co-Founder

Echuca West, Victoria, Australia17 yrs 3 mos experience

Highly Stable

Key Highlights

Expert in sustainability and innovation for the wine sector.
Author of a personal story on environmental change.
Strong community engagement and leadership experience.

Stackforce AI infers this person is a Sustainability and Innovation expert in the wine industry with a focus on environmental strategy.

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Skills

Core Skills

SustainabilityInnovationSustainability StrategyConsultingEducationGovernanceStrategic LeadershipCommunity EngagementStrategy

Other Skills

Climate PlanningCarbon AccountabilityBiodiversity ProtectionStewardshipEnvironmental PerformanceIndustry CollaborationFacilitationCollaborationSustainability ReviewStrategic RecommendationsProgram DevelopmentFinancial OversightStrategic DirectionCommunity BuildingEvent Management

About

I work at the intersection of land, people and business. As Sustainability & Innovation Lead at Wine Victoria, I focus on helping the wine sector prepare for a changing environmental future. My work explores practical ways vineyards and wineries can strengthen resilience through better climate planning, carbon accountability, biodiversity protection and long-term stewardship of land and water. I grew up in Nagambie, surrounded by vineyards, wetlands and the rhythms of family business at Tahbilk. Those early experiences shaped the way I think about responsibility, community and the quiet influence businesses can have on the places they operate within. Over the past two decades I have worked across vineyard operations, sustainability strategy and wine business, while continuing to stay closely connected to farming and regional communities. I am currently writing Grounded in Place, a personal story which explores how individuals, businesses and communities can respond to environmental change by reconnecting with place, culture and responsibility. I believe the future of regional industries depends on how well we learn to care for both the land and each other, at the same time.

Experience

17 yrs 3 mos

Total Experience

8 yrs 4 mos

Average Tenure

3 yrs 3 mos

Current Experience

Wine victoria

2 roles

Sustainability & Innovation Lead

Sep 2025 – Present · 7 mos

Lead sustainability and innovation initiatives supporting the Victorian wine sector to strengthen environmental performance and prepare for climate risk.
Support industry adoption of sustainable winegrowing frameworks and certification pathways
Develop programs and resources to improve environmental performance across vineyards and wineries
Work with government, research bodies and regional partners on climate and sustainability initiatives
Contribute to sector strategy focused on long-term industry resilience

SustainabilityInnovationClimate PlanningCarbon AccountabilityBiodiversity ProtectionStewardship

Board Director (Former Treasurer & Deputy Chair)

Jan 2020 – Jan 2023 · 3 yrs

Board member supporting governance, financial oversight and strategic direction for Victoria’s peak wine industry body.
Served as Treasurer and Deputy Chair
Contributed to industry strategy, sector advocacy and sustainability leadership
Supported initiatives to strengthen the long-term competitiveness of Victorian wine

GovernanceFinancial OversightStrategic DirectionStrategic Leadership

Grounded in place

Author

Jan 2023 – Present · 3 yrs 3 mos

Author of an upcoming book that shares my personal story of how businesses and communities can respond to environmental change by reconnecting with place, responsibility and long-term thinking.

Independent consultant

Sustainability & Strategy Consultant (Selected Projects)

Jan 2023 – Present · 3 yrs 3 mos

Provide strategic advice on sustainability positioning, environmental performance and industry collaboration.
Projects include:
Net-zero working group facilitation for Australia’s First Families of Wine
Sustainability review and strategy recommendations for Willera Merinos
Waste and recycling education program development for Campaspe Shire Council

Sustainability StrategyEnvironmental PerformanceIndustry CollaborationConsulting

The riverina collective

Founder

Jan 2015 – Jan 2023 · 8 yrs

Community initiative supporting women across the Murray–Darling Basin during the Basin Plan transition.
Established network beginning with the event “How Water Works”, attended by 250 women
Developed into a regular gathering, innovation program and coworking space
Created a platform for regional women to share knowledge and support community resilience

Community BuildingEvent ManagementNetworkingCommunity Engagement

Tahbilk estate

Sustainability & Strategy Roles

Jan 2009 – Jan 2023 · 14 yrs

Tahbilk Group
Multi-generational family wine business with vertically integrated operations across vineyards, winemaking, tourism and direct-to-consumer sales.
Roles have included:
Environment Manager
Oversaw environmental strategy including carbon accounting and net-zero planning
Supported biodiversity and environmental management programs across estate vineyards, winery and whole business strategy.
Direct-to-Consumer Manager
Led wine club and tourism operations generating approximately $8M revenue annually
Oversaw customer experience, membership growth and cellar door visitation (36,000 visitors annually)
Family Governance & Brand Ambassador
Ongoing involvement in family business governance and transition planning
Represent the Tahbilk brand across industry and public engagement activities
Board Member (2019 – currently on sabbatical)