Christian Thuesen is the Practice and Delivery Director for CIIRCL.

He specialises in the technical resolution and delivery of architectural and industrial design, with a portfolio that includes delivery leadership roles on major infrastructure projects across Australia and New Zealand. He seeks to integrate sustainable materials and intelligent assembly methods to create efficient, user-focused solutions. With a passion for design innovation and practical delivery, Christian is particularly excited by the technological advancements emerging in the field of plant-based materials.

The AHC and it’s Member Organisations

The AHC was established in August 2020 as an Incorporated Association registered in South Australia.

The AHC was conceived to comprise seven member associations representing the hemp industry in each state and the NT. Each member association appoints a Councillor to join the AHC.

The seven Councillors constitute the Management Committee of the AHC Association and have full control over the affairs of the AHC.

The AHC also has provision for Affiliate Membership without voting rights.

The AHC may establish subcommittees and other working groups to assist in the pursuit of its objectives.

While the AHC seeks to present a unified voice to government and national agencies, the state member associations remain fully autonomous and the AHC does not exercise any control over its members’ internal affairs.

Dr. Nana Bortsie-Aryee is a sustainability and strategy expert specializing in Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) and International Material Flow Management. As Program Director at Global GreenTag International, he leads product certification programs focused on environmental and social sustainability within the built environment.

He earned two Master’s degrees in Germany and Japan and a PhD from the University of Otago. With extensive experience in sustainability across Africa, the US, Europe, Asia, and New Zealand, he champions material use transparency within green buildings, greenhouse gas emissions and water footprint disclosure, renewable energy, clean technologies, and sustainable resource management, driving impactful solutions for global environmental challenges.

Vlad is a commercial strategist with over 30 years of experience scaling innovation-led organisations across technology, energy, health, and circular economy.

He has held executive and advisory roles in deep-tech ventures, smart cities initiatives, and sustainability programs, with a focus on commercialising solutions that deliver measurable impact.

Vlad is the Co-Founder and Commercial Director of Sebstainable, where he leads integrated decarbonisation programs by aligning industry, government, and research partners. He has supported high-impact project development across Australia through investment readiness, grant strategy, and innovation stacking.

Scott Barnes is a scientist, early adopter and convert to electric vehicles and well insulated comfortable homes. Scott trained as an Agricultural Scientist and has worked in Australia, Canada and Sweden in agriculture, animal production, and material science.

He is now as Technical Research Manager for RACE for 2030 CRC.

Leigh Fletcher has developed sound knowledge and understanding of hemp processing, products and market dynamics during the development of Murray Industrial Hemp and its hemp precinct project.

Leigh has also built strong relationships with industry partners, investors, growers and local stakeholders, enhancing their ability to execute complex projects.

Alf Wheeler is the Founder and CEO of Zeo Sustainable Materials, a company revolutionising green manufacturing by transforming waste cellulose—such as hemp and recycled paper—into premium, petrochemical-free products.

With decades of experience in design, manufacturing, and entrepreneurship, Alf leads the development of Zeoform Micro Pulp™, a natural, high-performance material used in sustainable construction, furniture, and interiors. Passionate about circular design and climate-positive innovation,

Alf is a vocal advocate for regenerative materials and localised manufacturing. His mission: to prove that beautifully crafted, biodegradable products can compete at the highest level—without compromise.

Jailene Santana is Forest Futures Specialist at WWF-Australia. As Forest Futures Specialist, Jailene works to advocate for sustainable timber production through an expansion of FSC-certified plantations, increased engineered-wood-product manufacturing facilities and timber-alternatives around Australia.

Jailene has a background in Sustainable Development Economics and Policy, specialising in just and equitable industry transitions for regional communities amidst the polycrisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and resulting global economic trends.

Dr Rachel Goldlust is a qualified town planner, sustainability researcher and founder of Natural Building Australia, an online portal seeking to grow and connect trades, research and experience for building with natural materials across Australia.

Following years of research, running workshops and consulting, Rachel enjoys sharing her passion for sustainable design and education to better the relationship our homes have with the broader environment.

Dr Massoud Sofi is a Senior Research Fellow in the Department of Infrastructure Engineering (The University of Melbourne) and the Chief Investigator (CI) of several CRC Projects (Australian Federal Government funded projects). Massoud is a structural engineer by qualification.

His research interests include sustainable construction materials, upcycling of industrial by-products, fit-for-purpose concrete mix selection and technology, in-situ health diagnostics and monitoring of civil infrastructure. Massoud is the co-editor of Electronic Journal of Structural Engineering (eJSE ) and a fellow of Engineers Australia

Dr Massoud Sofi is a Senior Research Fellow in the Department of Infrastructure Engineering (The University of Melbourne) and the Chief Investigator (CI) of several CRC Projects (Australian Federal Government funded projects). Massoud is a structural engineer by qualification.

His research interests include sustainable construction materials, upcycling of industrial by-products, fit-for-purpose concrete mix selection and technology, in-situ health diagnostics and monitoring of civil infrastructure. Massoud is the co-editor of Electronic Journal of Structural Engineering (eJSE ) and a fellow of Engineers Australia

I am part of Standards Australia’s Engagement team, working with stakeholders across both the manufacturing and agricultural sectors. I have almost 5 years of experience in standardization after graduating the University of Technology in Sydney with a Bachelor of Management.

I have worked at both Australia and the UK’s national standards bodies, whilst also engaging closely with the global and European standards organisations, on dozens of standards across multiple sectors. I have worked closely with the Australian Hemp Council on developing standards in the Hempcrete Composite Construction space and am passionate about the opportunity to work with emerging industries in the manufacturing and agricultural sectors.

David is Professor of Agricultural and Resource Economics at the La Trobe Business School and co-lead of the ‘Food Business, Food Security and Digital Agriculture’ research domain at LISAF. He is also an Honorary Senior Fellow at the University of Queensland’s School of Economics.

With more than 20 years of international experience, David has led numerous research initiatives and collaborated extensively with industry, government, and community stakeholders. He has produced over 60 research articles and reports, including multiple studies published in the Australian Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics.

Ernesto Valenzuela is a Senior Lecturer in Agricultural Economics at La Trobe University, Australia. He holds a PhD in Agricultural Economics from Purdue University (USA) and an MSC in Agribusiness from Southern Illinois University (USA). He has authored over 90 scholarly publications in agricultural economics, socio-economics indexes, climate change, and regional economics.

Beyond academia, Ernesto has advised governments and international agencies through consultancy and commissioned work, including projects for the World Bank, United Nations, CSIRO, AgriFutures, Regional Development Victoria, and Rio Tinto.

His recent research includes the 2024 report Hemp in Gippsland: Potential Multi-Industry Development (prepared for CSIRO and Regional Development Victoria), exploring hemp’s role in regional diversification. In 2025, he co-authored a report for the Warner Research Institute on the economic viability of hempcrete as a low-emissions, affordable material for modular housing.

At Southern Hemp, we specialise in creating sustainable, comfortable, and energy-efficient homes with hempcrete.

With over a decade of experience, we’re trusted across Victoria and beyond for our expertise, quality craftsmanship, and commitment to a greener future.

Hemp Inside is an Australian-owned company pioneering sustainable practices and regional manufacturing with industrial hemp.

Through circular design and whole-plant utilisation, we transform locally grown hemp into high-value building materials, textiles and seed-based wellness products. We’re building a resilient, low-carbon supply chain right here in Australia.

For more than 20 years, Across International has been manufacturing industry-grade laboratory supplies, providing reliable tools to various universities, research facilities, and laboratories in Australia. As an ISO-certified laboratory equipment supplier, we have consistently delivered cutting-edge equipment designed to meet our clients’ requirements.

The Warner Research Institute is a certified Not-for-Profit Research Organisation registered with the Australian Government as a Deductible Gift Recipient. Our core purpose is to foster and promote scientific research that helps create a sustainable, equitable world.

Klara Marosszeky is the Founder/ Managing Director of Australian Hemp Masonry, Australia’s lead organisation in hemp building materials research.

AHM manufactures in Sydney and supplies BCA compliant Australian hemp building materials for new residential and commercial builds and retrofits. 2 recent commercial projects have won national and international architectural awards.

As a qualified educator, Klara delivers training to Owner Builders and Builders and works closely with Architects and Building Designers, as well as hemp processors. She has been involved in hemp cropping since 1999 and building materials research since 2000 and is actively involved in the AU NZ Standards Working Groups.

Shishir Chowkse is Head of Finance at Birchal, Australia’s leading equity crowdfunding platform. With a CPA background, he has partnered with global venture capital firms and guided high-growth companies through multiple funding rounds.

As a founding team member of several unicorn startups, Shishir combines deep operational expertise with strategic vision to scale businesses across Australia, India and North America. His strengths include financial modelling, investor relations and capital markets strategy.

Known for his analytical rigour and collaborative leadership, Shishir is passionate about empowering entrepreneurs and supporting the next generation of game-changing ventures.

A/Prof Monika Doblin is a plant bio(tech)logist with over 20 years of research experience in investigating the structure and function of cell surfaces and their constituent molecules (polysaccharides, glycoproteins and cognate enzymes). She uses multidisciplinary approaches to answer questions about how cell surface polymers and compounds are made, assembled & remodelled to suit plant function, and to tailor them for end-use applications.

Her research spans fundamental science to applied industry projects, the latter focused on utilising scientific knowledge to make renewable resources more productive for human use. Current projects include those aimed at understanding how soluble dietary fibre is made in cereals and enhancing the productivity of medicinal and horticultural plant species.

Mark Gilder – Head of Development, Urban Planning & Technology – Ciircl

Mark Gilder is an architect, urban strategist and industrial designer with over two decades of international experience in the design and delivery of complex, award-winning projects across sectors including infrastructure, housing, transport, and urban development.
In 2024, Mark co-founded Cortese Gilder, a progressive practice that integrates architecture, urban design, and planning with a focus on modular housing and sustainable transport. The practice is committed to delivering socially responsive and environmentally responsible outcomes at all scales.

As part of this practice, Mark co-leads Ciircl, a transformative initiative that reimagines how low-carbon urban assets can be leveraged to generate both financial and social value. Ciircl is accelerating Australia’s transition to a circular carbon economy by enabling housing at scale that is equitable, affordable, and climate-positive.

Ciircl has developed an innovative suite of modular housing systems supported by a scalable, high-efficiency supply chain designed for mass delivery across Australia. These systems prioritise disassembly, reuse, and rapid on-site assembly, using prefabricated, flat-packed components. The construction palette incorporates a wide range of biogenic materials, dramatically reducing embodied carbon and positioning Ciircl at the forefront of sustainable housing innovation.

Winton Evers is a carbon accounting and sustainability strategy expert with over 16 years of experience. Winton holds a Master of Science, major in Climate Change and many other qualifications.

Founder of Eco Profit Management Pty Ltd, he integrates financial systems with ESG reporting, climate governance, and emissions reduction. A registered Climate Active consultant, Winton works with major organisations whilst leading training for Carbon Training International.

He designs capacity-building programs that deliver measurable carbon and financial outcomes across the corporate, government, university and community sectors. He develops tools to address specific information requirements in carbon accounting including his Hemp Data Platform.

Matthew Lariba-Taing is a strategic business leader and technical innovator with over a decade of experience spanning infrastructure systems, industrial automation, and emerging agricultural markets.

As co-founder and Director of Hemp Inside, he applies deep industry knowledge to commercialize sustainable hemp-based products across Australia. He also serves as President of the Australian Hemp Council, guiding national governance and policy reform.

With a background in Building Management Systems for a leading OEM (Johnson Controls) and advanced IoT development in agtech, Matthew’s career bridges technology, stakeholder management, and purpose-driven entrepreneurship. He is committed to scalable, circular economy solutions that deliver measurable environmental and commercial outcomes.

Dr Ricarda Jost is a senior research fellow in the ARC Research Hub for Protected Cropping (PC Hub) at La Trobe University, and scientific advisor of the recently established La Trobe University node of the NCRIS-funded Australian Plant Phenomics Network. Her background is in plant molecular physiology and plant nutrition, as well as optimizing plant performance in protected cropping environments – in particular medicinal plant cultivation.

Her research has been diverse and impactful, ranging from identifying key regulators of nutrient signalling in model species and the role of phospholipids in early drought response of cereal roots to understanding phosphate toxicity in Australian Proteaceae. This has led her to investigate how manipulation of underlying response networks may enhance crop productivity, nutritional quality and sustainability of food production.

Throughout her career, she has benefitted from working together with internationally renowned experts at the Leibnitz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK) in Germany, as well as at the Australian National University, the University of Western Australia and La Trobe University. She recently edited a special issue on medicinal plants in the Journal of Experimental Botany. Her work has been cited extensively, reflecting her profound contributions to the field.

For over 25 years Phil has overseen the investment of AU$22m+ into R&D for the development the entire hemp value chain, paddock to product. Phil set-up commercial hemp businesses in Australia, Europe and the USA.

After retiring from an active role in that industry, Phil set up the Warner Research Institute, a not-for-profit, ACNC, DGR entity that funds research that optimise the ongoing use, and continual reuse of our material resources in disposable and non-disposable consumer goods and eliminate waste of both materials and their embodied energy without further degradation to the natural environment.

Mark Bytheway has more than 35 years capital markets experience, including work in investment banking, corporate advisory, credit risk, analysis funds management, and most recently, in sustainable finance.

In 2000, Mark founded the Sustainable Investment Research Institute, (SIRIS), Australia’s first, dedicated, independent, specialist sustainable, responsible and impact investment research group, providing research and analysis to local, regional and global financiers, investors, asset owners and research groups. He currently provides research and advisory services to several asset managers, companies and family offices regarding ESG, and sustainable and impact investments.

Mark holds directorships in Rescope Wealth, US-based ESG AI and analytics group, KPX LLC, social and media impact investment platform, Qvests. He was a founding member of the UNEP Australasian SRI Advisory Committee and a former Trustee of the OXFAM CAA Ethical Investment Trust and degrees in law and economics and a Master of Environmental Science.

He maintains a strong interest in working with sustainable industries and entities and those seeking to transition to lower impacts, through with providing research, analysis and financing advice and support.

Bob Doyle was a dairy farmer for over 20 years before becoming involved with the hemp industry and growing his first hemp crop for Ecofibre in 2010. With Dungog Hemp he went on to build a decorticator which was able to produce hurd for over 150 houses. This left him with a lot of baste fibre for which there was no ready market in Australia. However in 2022 he was able to sell a container of fibre to China which is becoming an increasingly significant opportunity for Australian hemp fibre.

Bob has been involved in all aspects of the hemp production chain which includes a more recent development to secure and store seed through the Hunter Valley Hemp Seed and Grain company.

As part of Doyle Rural Services Bob also manages agricultural properties for clients, including coal mines.

Richard is looking forward to being the MC at the Hemp Connect forum in June 2025.

And to bring forward the connections and highlight the products being made from hemp fiber, particularly in the building industry.

Richard has been involved in the hemp industry since 1997, via Hemptastic NZ limited and more recently Hemp Seed Foods Ltd.

For the last 5 years Richard has been the Chair of the NZHIA and has been the treasurer since 1998.

During this time there have been some amazing developments in the industrial hemp world and Richard is proud to be part of the industry and promoting them at the three iHemp Summits in Aotearoa/NZ since 2018.

Recently the NZHIA and others have been working with the Government and are excited about the opportunity to review the NZ regulations to allow full plant utilisation.

Barriers to hemp masonry use in public and commercial construction

The built environment is responsible for 39% of global energy related carbon emissions. The World Green Building Council vision is that by 2030 all new building have at least 40% less embodied carbon. Hemp masonry construction – carbon sequestering, locally produced and highly insulative – offers clients and built environment practitioners a path to this vision, with significant other benefits for building occupants and biodiversity.

Although hemp masonry is becoming an increasingly popular construction system for off-grid and / or sustainable residential construction, the rigorous and risk averse methods for procurement and delivery of public buildings presents significant challenges to broad adoption of hemp masonry.

The presentation will provide an overview of lessons learned in the design, approvals and construction of Class 9b (public) hemp masonry buildings in Victoria (Mildura and Meeniyan).

Anna is a registered Architect and co-founder of Footscray-based architectural consultancy Public Realm Lab.

She is an advocate, researcher and adviser on the ways in which the built environment can foster inclusivity, creativity and sustainability by putting human experience at the centre of strategic and design thinking. Anna has over a decade of major project experience spanning masterplanning, strategic facilities planning, architectural design and delivery for local councils, state government departments, not-for-profit organisations and tertiary institutions. Anna was the lead Architect for Powerhouse Place – the revitalisation of the Powerhouse on the Mighty Murray in Mildura which was awarded the Victorian Architecture Medal in 2024. Powerhouse Place delivered the first 3 public hemp masonry buildings in Australia.

She is the recipient of the Dulux Study Tour and Marten Bequest Scholarship.

Anna is also a non-Executive Director of Footscray Community Arts – an internationally recognised organisation that advocates for all communities to be valued as makers of culture.

Alastair Flynn is a Woods Bagot associate principal with extensive experience in large-scale public buildings, managing complex stakeholder groups across multidisciplinary project teams.

Alastair is the project architect on the University of Tasmania redevelopment project, leading the design and adaptive reuse of the heritage-listed Forestry building for the University of Tasmania.

UTAS Forestry: Sustainability in Practice

Hobart’s historic Forestry building is undergoing a restoration, set to become a new, inner-city hub for learning, research, collaboration and community. Woods Bagot are the architects restoring and redeveloping the site as the centrepiece of the University of Tasmania’s city campus transformation.

UTAS is the leading university in the world for climate action, and as such, the project needed to be underpinned by the highest environmental responsibility standards, targeting 40 percent less embodied carbon than comparable buildings and retaining more than 60 percent of the existing structure. Through adaptive reuse and a comprehensively circular strategy, the project uses material recovery where possible, eliminating carbon-intensive materials, and introducing only sustainable materials. Once completed, the UTAS forestry building will be the largest example of a commercial use of hempcrete in Australia.

Woods Bagot Associate Principal and project leader Alastair Flynn will be discussing the role of hempcrete – a highly sustainable, carbon-negative construction material – and its extensive application in the campus regeneration. Flynn will take audiences through the design, prototyping, fire testing processes involved in unlocking hempcrete for commercial application in Australia, and share how the material is contributing to a vibrant, sustainable, accessible and highly connected campus for the residents of Hobart.