Riv on the Record – Lyndsay Sharp

WELCOME to Riv on the Record, a new weekly column connecting you with the unique and fascinating individuals shaping our community.

This series will offer an intimate, conversational look into the lives, passions, and expertise of local figures — from business owners and artists to community leaders and everyday heroes.

This week I had the great pleasure of being joined by Bellarine business queen Lyndsay Sharp. Spin it!

Tell us about career and how you got into it?

I always knew I wanted to write so it was either journalism or PR as a career path. I pursued both, but predominantly in the PR and marketing sector/in-house corporate, and subsequently with a big consultancy [firm], which I loved because of the diversity of clients and strategic comms involved.

As inaugural publicist for the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival (1993, 1994, 1995), I was exposed to myriad dynamic and extremely passionate people in the hospitality industry — restaurateurs, winemakers, chefs, food media and artisans across the board — and I was hooked.

When [my husband] David and I purchased Leura Park Estate in 2007, a 40-acre vineyard with a teeny cellar door, it was a dream come true, and it’s gone on from there.

 

What gave you the inspiration to chase your career of choice?

A love for food, wine, events and tourism, coupled with seeing the potential in our region, in particular the Bellarine.

What’s the best part of your job?

Coming up with ideas and facilitating positive experiences for both patrons and staff. Add to that working with great people across a number of dynamic industries.

Facilitating people’s downtime is a privilege. To see patrons enjoying time with friends, family or work associates is very rewarding — whether it be wining and dining, staging events or seeing fulfilled golfers completing a round. It’s also very rewarding being in a position to nurture and mentor people in their respective career paths.

Which winery or business has been your favourite to undertake?

That’s like asking who my favourite child is — an impossible question to answer! Like children, all have their own individual personas and I love them all to bits.

A highlight has been creating brands from scratch, such as Jack Rabbit, Flying Brick Cider Co and Yes said the Seal. Working with architects and builders to create unique venues from scratch is also very exciting. Curlewis Golf Club was the most challenging, but simultaneously, hugely rewarding to contribute to its evolution.

Where do you see the tourism industry heading in the next five years?

We’ve only seen the tip of the iceberg when it comes to tourism in our region. Geelong and the Bellarine are now firmly established as destinations of choice — the secret is well and truly out.

There are so many experiences and attractions on offer which stand tall on the national and international stage. There’s also a lot of talented people, teams and organisations who are all working collectively hard to promote the region.

I believe tourism will have at least doubled in the next five years.

 

Tell us about your love for the Geelong Cats.

Growing up in Geelong, Cats have always been a part of my life — and when I was little, hot jam donuts at the footy sealed the deal!

We are so very lucky to be uniquely positioned as a one team town. Barrack for them or not, the club is part of this region’s DNA and brings so much joy — and conversation — to so many.

Geelong Cats contribute to the community in so many ways, not just on the field, but with all the foundation work they do. It’s a privilege to be on the board and I’m continually inspired by the pillars underpinning all they do as well as the sincerity and passion of the great people who work there. The concept of “Team of All’ is not just a tagline, it’s tangible.

What’s good about where we live?

Absolutely everything! We are so blessed living in this pocket rocket of a region, it’s got the lot — amazing beaches, beautiful landscapes, loads of attractions, great restaurants and wineries, as well as a vibrant commercial scene.

It’s the fastest growing region in Australia for a reason and it’s great to see more and more talent, in all sectors, choosing to move here. Although our region is becoming increasingly cosmopolitan, at its core remains all that is good about a big country town: community values, care and collaboration remain strong.

RAPID RIV:

I’m coming over for dinner, what are you cooking? Charcuturie board. Oysters. An organic Leura lamb rack, cauliflower puree (loaded with butter, sour cream and parmesan) and a salad. Mini magnums or good chocolates appear to finish the dinner off.

Pump up song? AC/DC’s It’s a Long Way to the Top or Michael Jackson’s Beat It.

Favourite movie? Notting Hill

Holiday destination? Byron Bay

Favourite wine? Good bubbles