Supported by
Our team
We’ve built our team from scratch, discovering that you can achieve a lot with the right people. From talented, hard-working locals who stepped up to the challenge and quickly learnt new skills – to local farmers who have shared years’ worth of experience with our ever-expanding community of growers. Thank you. We couldn’t do it without you.
Board Members
From our Shareholders and Board to our Management and staff we are out and about in our community and ready to meet.
Please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
CHAIRMAN
Patrick Bourke
Patrick has long and distinguished career, with over 35 years business experience in Business Leadership and Director roles.
During his career Patrick has led both business turnarounds and hi-growth national expansions. Whilst renowned as a sharp strategic thinker Patrick adopts the creed that everybody is entitled to a pleasant, secure and safe environment.
Patrick understands the strength and value of community highlighted by his long involvement in the Surf Life saving movement and as a Director of the Cronulla Sharks Rugby League Club. As Chairman of the Board Pat provides astute guidance and direction for the Executive and Senior Managers.
CEO
Darren McCoy
Darren has a deep understanding of the Lemon Myrtle industry dating back to the early 1990’s, in Northern Rivers NSW. He has extensive commercial knowledge of, and passion for, the Australian native botanicals market and a clear vision for its future development.
Darren has overseen the establishment of multiple greenfield Lemon Myrtle production facilities as well as innovative planting programs, and is across the operation structures and systems of plantations abroad.
Darren is equally well connected to the myriad of dedicated traditional growers as he is to the vast network of global buyers of botanicals.
In a short space of time Darren has successfully led the establishment of Australia’s finest producer of Lemon Myrtle – The Myrtle Trading Co.
Darren is a graduate of Wharton Business School, a leader and director with extensive cross-border business experience.
COMPANY SECRETARY
Neil Parker
Neil is a Fellow of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand and a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Neil is one of the founders and the current Managing Director of BridgePoint Group, a professional services group servicing small and medium business in Australia.
Neil has broad and extensive experience advising privately owned businesses, particularly those with an orientation to growth, innovation or change. Neil is extremely passionate about Australia’s manufacturing sector and our “right to exist” being earned through quality and innovation.
Neil is a highly experienced and sought-after company director and advisor to the Boards of some of Australia’s best-performing privately-owned companies.
Our team
Harvest lead
David Walker
David leads the harvest operations at Myrtle Co, passionately ensuring the efficient collection of Australia’s finest Lemon Myrtle. His dedication has led to the successful implementation of timely and safe harvesting practices across the company’s plantation sites. He is always on the lookout for new and improved methods to enhance these processes.
Born and raised locally, David’s early years on a cattle farm in Clunes sparked his interest in tractors and farm machinery. This childhood fascination evolved into a deep-seated passion for farming, connecting him closely with the region. When not working, David enjoys engaging in outdoor pursuits like riding dirt bikes, camping, and traversing Australia’s landscapes in his 4WD.
Horticulture lead
Jessie Ball
Jessie expertly manages the horticultural aspects at Myrtle Co. Her extensive experience in Macadamias and culinary herbs has honed her skills and fueled her passion for the native botanicals sector. She’s often referred to as the ‘Myrtle whisperer,’ a testament to her deep connection with these plants.
In Jessie’s own words, she is passionate about working on an innovative farm that employs organic farming techniques. She believes in a gentle approach to the environment, proving that sustainable farming can coexist with high productivity.
Originally from New Zealand, Jessie has long since made the Northern Rivers region her home. She’s a proud mother of four incredibly gifted children and cherishes her role as a grandmother to two little ones.
Processing lead
Bernie Rooney
Bernie is in charge of the processing line at Myrtle Co. Daily, he transforms top-quality organic and regenerative biomass into what is renowned as Australia’s finest Lemon Myrtle. With over two decades of experience in food production, initially with Coffee and now Lemon Myrtle, Bernie has honed a keen sense for quality and efficiency.
A resident of the Northern Rivers area, Bernie dedicates his free time to the community as a volunteer for the Rural Fire Service.
Operations Manager
Steve Conti
Steve oversees operations at Myrtle Co, from planting to processing, instilling a dynamic culture that sets the company apart. His broad experience in sectors like Beef, Wool, Prime Lamb, and Macadamia, along with skills in yield management, quality assurance, and financial control, significantly contribute to the company’s high-quality standards.
His unwavering commitment to excellence and regulatory compliance, combined with his positive and energetic leadership, is crucial in producing ‘Australia’s finest’ Lemon Myrtle.
Steve holds an Economics degree from the University of Sydney and a Business Administration diploma from Central Queensland University. Beyond work, he’s a dedicated father, active in the Northern Rivers community, and passionate about Muay Thai boxing.
Chief Financial Officer
Henrik Ekström, ACMA
Henrik Ekstrom leads our Finance and Accounting functions. He is vastly experienced in the world of Lemon Myrtle having previous CFO experience in the industry. Henrik has held senior Finance or CFO positions for global food companies and has considerable international experience working out of Sweden, Switzerland and Sydney.
Henrik ensures efficiency not only of finances but also our operations, planning and risk management.
He holds a Master of Science, Finance and Accounting and is a member of Chartered Institute of Accountants and CPA Australia.
Having started his professional career in acoustic warfare in the Swedish Navy, he is now also a published author of a thrilling cold war novel UNBROKEN SILENCE.
ACCOUNTING LEAD
Kylie Smith
Kylie holds a Bachelor of Business Degree and is a CPA Accountant. She has had 25+ years experience in Senior Corporate Accountant roles responsible for the financial and administration functions and reporting to senior management / board level.
Kylie’s experience & skills bring an assurance of financial accuracy and corporate compliance and as such she is a key member of the team overseeing the accounting procedures for The Myrtle Trading Co.