Sustainable Winegrowing Australia is excited to announce the appointment of Siobhan Toohill as the independent Chair, marking an important milestone in the program’s governance evolution and future strategic direction.
The appointment is the first step in the implementation of governance reforms announced in December 2025, which established the transition to an independent Chair, skills-based Board and dedicated Executive Officer to strengthen oversight, responsiveness and long-term impact across the Australian grape and wine sector.
Ms Toohill brings extensive executive leadership experience in sustainability strategy and risk management and involvement in shaping industry frameworks and tools across climate, nature and social impact. As Chair, she will play a central role in guiding Sustainable Winegrowing Australia through its next phase of development — including oversight of Board and Executive Officer selection, governance establishment, and development of the program’s strategic plan.
Her leadership will support the program’s continued growth, balancing this with the need to remain practical and cost effective, credible and internationally recognised while delivering value to Australian grapegrowers and winemakers.
Sustainable Winegrowing Australia is a national collaboration between Australian Grape & Wine, Wine Australia and the Australian Wine Research Institute (AWRI), providing a framework for continuous improvement, benchmarking and certification across environmental, social and governance practices.
The establishment of an independent Chair and refreshed governance model reflects the sector’s shared commitment to strengthening sustainability performance and ensuring the program is equipped to meet evolving market, climate and regulatory expectations.
“Siobhan’s appointment as independent Chair represents a significant step forward for Sustainable Winegrowing Australia. Her expertise in sustainability leadership and system transformation will be invaluable as the program enters this next phase of governance maturity and strategic impact.” Lee McLean, Chief Executive Officer, Australian Grape & Wine Inc.
“Siobhan’s appointment confirms the sector’s commitment to strong, independent governance and credible sustainability leadership. Sustainable Winegrowing Australia and its members will benefit from her knowledge and guidance across climate, nature and social impact.” Dr Mark Krstic, Managing Director, AWRI.
“This is an important milestone in the evolution of Sustainable Winegrowing Australia. Siobhan’s strategic and governance experience will ensure the program is positioned for long-term impact and aligns with the expectations of members, regulators and the broader community.” Dr Martin Cole, Chief Executive Officer, Wine Australia.
“I’m delighted to take on the role of Chair for Sustainable Winegrowing Australia. The program plays a critical role in supporting the sector’s sustainability ambitions, and I look forward to working with industry to strengthen its impact, accessibility and global credibility.” Siobhan Toohill, Chair, Sustainable Winegrowing Australia.
Ms Toohill’s appointment comes at a time of strong program momentum, with growing national participation and sustained focus on continuous improvement, usability and cost-effectiveness for members.
Ms Toohill is working closely with the Australian Grape and Wine, AWRI and Wine Australia to finalise the appointment of the Sustainable Winegrowing Australia Advisory Board and recruitment has commenced for an Executive Officer for the program. Further information about the Executive Officer role can be found here.
About Sustainable Winegrowing Australia:
Sustainable Winegrowing Australia is the national sustainability program for grapegrowers and winemakers, measuring, reporting and encouraging best practices in vineyards and wineries. The voluntary program is supported by more than 1,900 grapegrowers and winemakers from around the country. Certified members who are eligible may display the Sustainable Winegrowing Australia trust mark on promotional materials and wine packaging to publicise their commitment to practising
sustainably. Learn more at sustainablewinegrowing.com.au
About The Australian Wine Research Institute:
The Australian Wine Research Institute is the Australian grape and wine industry’s own research organisation. It supports a sustainable and successful grape and wine industry through world-class research, practical solutions and knowledge transfer. Learn more at awri.com.au
About Australian Grape & Wine:
Australian Grape and Wine Inc. is the national association of grape and wine producers. We address issues across the supply-chain that impact on the profitability and sustainability of the sector. Australian Grape & Wine is recognised as a representative organisation for winegrape and wine producers under the Wine Australia Act 2013, and is incorporated under the SA Associations Incorporation Act 1985. We work in partnership with the Australian Government to develop and implement policy that is in the best interests of winegrape growers and winemakers across Australia.
About Wine Australia:
Wine Australia empowers the success of the Australian wine sector through Research, Innovation and Adoption to enhance global competitiveness and meet the challenges of tomorrow, today; Market Development to increase the demand and premium paid for Australian wine; and Regulatory Services to safeguard Australian wine’s integrity and uphold the sector’s reputation. Wine Australia is funded by the sector, for the sector, through grapegrower, winemaker and exporter levies and user-pays charges, with matching funds from the Australian Government for research and innovation. Established under the Wine Australia Act 2013, it is a Commonwealth Government statutory authority.
