Stephen Riseborough has been instrumental in the continued growth of the cherry industry. He and the team at CherryHill continue to be at the forefront of marketing and logistics.
Steven has pioneered cherry traceability and generated consumer enthusiasm with a game consumers can play to increase consumer insight. This was a brave project and done to benefit the whole industry. The results were outstanding and contributed to Australian cherries reputation globally.
Steven not only has an amazing facility that produces top quality cherries for export, but CherryHill’s commitment to agri-tourism and marketing is also outstanding. CherryHill has an open cellar door type of experience at their Yarra Valley property. They host many events such as the Cherry Blossom Festival event that is their busiest day of the year, they have a high tea experience in the orchard and at their cellar door they sell their very own cherry gin, and sodas. They have cherry ice cream and so much more, what they have developed in this Agri-tourism space is incredible.
Congratulations to Steven and his team at CherryHill Orchards.
Sally Bound is a quiet achiever whose working life has been spent supporting and advancing the development of Tasmania’s cherry industry and the people within it. As a tree fruit research and specialist, Sally has assisted the cherry industry through research including:
Throughout this work, Sally has sought the input and assistance of the industry’s leading orchardists in tackling the issues of the day, and regularly reports back on her findings through workshops, conferences, forums and direct one-on-one discussions.
This continuous two-way sharing of ideas meant that Sally’s work had a practical element that kept it grounded, relevant and able to be used by growers within their business.
Along this journey, Sally has also met and mentored a generation of research students who would go on to make their own contributions to the industry including: Penny Measham, Cameron Stone, Nadine Hoelzel, Matthew Calverly, Ian Cover and Michael Tarbath.
Congratulations Sally.
Legend of the industry, Graham Sebire and his family has been growing cherries since 1893, with Graeme taking the helm of the family orchards Wandin Valley Farms in 1963 (over 60 years!).
Together with his wife Eileen, children and grandchildren have made Wandin Valley Farms into Australia largest cherry producer, with an annual harvest season of over 12 weeks.
Graeme is a true gentleman of the cherry industry, with 2024 being his 70th cherry harvest and he is still very much involved in the day to day running of the farms.
Over the years Graeme has supported the Australian cherry industry and continued its growth and success.
Congratulations Graeme.
Steve has been a selfless contributor for many years to the cherry industry. Tirelessly giving his time and making their facility available whenever required.
Steve regularly shared his expertise openly without expectation. Steve has always been innovative and has an extensive knowledge of growing systems that he has always shared.
Chappies Choice has been an original pioneer of U Pick in the Silvan area for many decades, bringing thousands to the Yarra Valley before the area was known for tourism.
Steve has been a regular and valued member of the Victorian Cherry Association who always took time to give thoughtful feedback and discussion and will be sadly missed now he has retired. Steve always participated in regional panel forums.
Steve has mentored and been a great ambassador for the cherry industry. On behalf of the Australian cherry industry, thank you Steve.
Congratulations Steve.
Director
Tony Hannaford is a cherry grower from South Australia, producing based predominantly in the Torrens Valley of the Adelaide Hills.
Tony’s family have a long history of orcharding. Tony introduced cherries in 1985 and now has multiple varieties spanning a long season with fruit delivered across Australia and the globe. This is all supported by the latest technology in the packing shed.
Tony has long supported and been active for the cherry industry – having also served on the Cherry Industry Strategic Investment Advisory Panel.
Director
Nic Hansen is a fourth-generation cherry grower based in Southern Tasmania and brings deep grower knowledge and long-standing industry involvement to the CGA Board.
Nic grows sweet cherries at Old Beach and is part of Hansen Orchards, one of Tasmania’s largest cherry growing businesses. He has previously represented Tasmania as the State Director on the CGA Board and has served on the HIA Cherry SIAP, contributing to national industry planning and decision-making.
Nic is currently serving his second term as President of Fruit Growers Tasmania. He brings a strong grower perspective, practical experience, and a commitment to effective industry leadership, supporting CGA’s role as the national peak body for Australian cherry growers.
Honorary Treasurer
Grant Piggott has been Chief Executive Officer of Fruit Producers SA, the grower association for cherries in South Australia since 2023 and served as its representative on the Cherry Growers Australia Board from June 2024.
He brings significant experience in finance, strategy and commercial management. He is a qualified Chartered Accountant, a member of Australian Institute of Company Directors and has served for 15 years as an elected member in Local Government.
Grant treasures his childhood on a wheat sheep farm in the Upper North of South Australia, still owned by his family. He has maintained links to primary production for almost 30 years of his working career, primarily through his senior management role at the Royal Agricultural & Horticultural Society of SA.
In his short tenure as industry representative, he has developed a passion for the successful growing and marketing of quality cherries. Grant is convinced of the deserved glamour status of cherries – healthy, photogenic, delicious, easy to eat and inextricably associated with the joy of Summer and Christmas.
Following his involvement as part of the team which guided the change of Cherry Growers Australia to a company limited by guarantee in May 2025, Grant was invited to serve as a Director on the Board in September 2025 and was appointed Treasurer.
Director
Andrew Fairley bio coming soon
Director
Fiona has been an active participant in the cherry industry for 25 years. She was President of NSW Cherry Growers in the past and has served on the cherry Strategic Investment Advisory Panel (SIAP) for past 5 years.
Fiona is currently a board member of Apple & Pear Aust Ltd (APAL) and the FAR (finance, audit and risk) committee for APAL. APAL manage domestic and international brands of produce including Pink Lady® apples. APAL is also the PIB for the 400 plus growers of Australia.
Fiona manages the business activities of BiteRiot, reporting to a board each month. She brings a wealth of experience across corporate governance & strategic planning, finance, business and marketing to the CGA board.
Deputy Chair
Greg Perry brings extensive leadership experience across the cherry industry, infrastructure, and project management, with a strong focus on governance, strategy, and commercial oversight.
Raised in the cherry industry, Greg has a deep understanding of production challenges and the importance of long-term industry sustainability. He is the Managing Director of a project management consultancy, delivering complex infrastructure, development, and operational programs across multiple sectors.
Greg has held senior leadership and board-level roles in both industry and government-aligned organisations, including service on the NSW Cherry Growers Association board and advisory roles supporting strategic planning, regulatory compliance, and investment decision-making. His experience spans financial oversight, risk management, stakeholder engagement, and guiding organisations through periods of structural change.
Greg brings a practical, solutions-focused approach to the CGA Board, with a strong commitment to governance integrity, member representation, and supporting the continued growth and resilience of the Australian cherry industry.
Chair
I grew up on our family farm in Wandin and picked cherries at an early age.
I loved the camaraderie of working with people and still do today. It is a buzz that makes coming to work enjoyable regardless of what you are doing!!
I studied to be a secondary Art and Craft teacher. However, I wanted to work in the industry first so worked in design and sales in the textile industry in Melbourne and Sydney.
Missing the family business in Sydney I returned to the family, cherries, and WandinValley Farms.
In 2007 our family bought the remaining shares in Wandin Valley Farms, and we all became involved in the business.
In 2016 I became the CEO of Wandin Valley Farms.
I am proud of what we do and the industry we are involved in. We produce a product that is fresh, flavorsome, healthy and creates excitement all bundled in with Christmas and Summer!!
Elected to VCA committee 26th October 2009
Elected to President of VCA 17th October 2013
Elected to President of CGA 24th January 2024