Supporting local sustainability projects since 2016.
The McLaren Vale Community Sustainability Company (MVCSC) is a not-for-profit organisation formed by the McLaren Vale Irrigators Council in 2016.
Our primary purpose is to support community-led projects that promote ecological restoration, future-proofing water infrastructure, improved local biodiversity and education.
With an unwavering commitment to safeguarding the natural amenity and sustainable future of McLaren Vale, MVCSC has become a driving force behind numerous grass-root initiatives aimed at nurturing and preserving the local environment. Through strategic partnerships with community, businesses and government, MVCSC has been able to mobilise resources and channel them toward impactful projects.
Chaired by a Board of five Directors, MVCSC is the body responsible for deploying the $2.5M National Water Infrastructure Development Fund (NWIDF) grant that enabled the construction of a 600 ML dam for reclaimed water storage in McLaren Vale. The inaugural project secured a sustainable irrigation future for the region’s horticulture industry and laid the foundation for additional community-led projects to be funded.
View our funded projects here.
Our Board
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Jock Harvey
Chair
BAgSc CPAG
Jock is Director of Chalk Hill Viticulture in McLaren Vale, providing comprehensive viticultural management and contracting services. He co-founded Biodiversity McLaren Vale and serves on the Hills and Fleurieu Landscape Board. With extensive industry involvement, Jock also chairs Winegrapes Australia and was previously Chair of McLaren Vale Grape Wine and Tourism.
A stalwart advocate for water conservation, Jock played a pivotal role in developing and implementing the McLaren Vale Prescribed Wells Area, Water Allocation Plan in 2002.
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Shaun Allan
Director
B.A. (Acc.) CA (CPP) FTIA
Shaun Allan is a Chartered Accountant with nearly three decades of experience as an Equity Partner at Tilbrook Rasheed, Chartered Accountants. From July 2023 Shaun commenced private practice, focusing on the provision of board governance and strategic business and taxation advice.
Having shifted his focus towards board and advisory work, Shaun now serves on the boards of several private groups in wine and tourism, recycling, and manufacturing. Additionally, he provides advisory services to numerous large private enterprises.
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Fraser Bell
Director
Fraser Bell is a Partner at Thomson Geer specialising in environment, planning and climate change law. Fraser has a long history acting for irrigators and grape growers in a variety of regions across South Australia. Fraser has sat on Boards of wine companies and composting companies as well as being the Treasurer of the Law Society of South Australia. Fraser actively works with regulators and other entities in the environmental space in South Australia and nationally.
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Richard Leask
Director
Associate Degree in Applied Science (Winegrowing)
Richard Leask is the Principal of Leask Agri and Hither & Yon Wines in McLaren Vale SA. Active as a regenerative viticulture consultant across Australia. Thirty years' experience in viticulture and wine business. Previously a director of the McLaren Vale Grape, Wine and Tourism Association and a founding trustee of the Regenerative Viticulture Foundation. Graduate of the Australian Wine Industry Future Leaders Program (2017) and Nuffield Farming Scholar (2019).
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Toby Bekkers
Director
BAppSc (Ag) (Hons), GradCert (Mgt), GAICD
Toby Bekkers is the Principal of Bekkers Consulting and Bekkers Wine in McLaren Vale SA. Active as a viticulture and wine business consultant across Australia. Thirty years' experience in viticulture and wine business. Formerly General Manager/Senior Viticulturist of Paxton Wines. Previously a director of the McLaren Vale Grape, Wine and Tourism Association and a director of The Australian Wine Research Institute. Graduate of the Australian Wine Industry Future Leaders Program (2009) and Nuffield Farming Scholar (2017).