Meet the Team

Aymon Gow – General Manager

The heart of Tropical Fruit World is our General Manager. Aymon embodies the very essence of our operation. His journey with us began over 27 years ago, starting as a Tour Guide. Aymon's dedication and profound understanding of our unique farm have propelled him through various pivotal roles within our organisation. He ascended from Tours Supervisor to Duty Manager, Farm Manager, and Operations Manager, finally onto the position of General Manager. With such extensive experience, it's no exaggeration to say that Aymon is more than familiar with every tree, orchard, and facet of our farm.

Credentials and Local Contributions: Aymon's dedication extends beyond our farm gates. He proudly serves as a member of the Business NSW regional advisory council and previously held the position of Chairman at Destination Tweed, a dynamic marketing body for the Tweed Shire. In 2021, he was honored with the title of a "local tourism hero" at the prestigious Destination North Coast tourism Awards.

Beyond the Farm: When Aymon takes a break from orchestrating excellence at Tropical Fruit World, you'll find him out on the waters, indulging in offshore fishing in the picturesque Northern Rivers. He also rides the waves along the pristine Tweed Coast, embracing the natural beauty of our coastal paradise.

Tropical Fruit Delights: Aymon's gravitates toward the Crunchy Jakfruit, a tropical treasure renowned for its delectable flavor and satisfying texture. But he also has a penchant for the Guisaro, a rare and exotic berry with a pineapple-infused Guava essence.

Aymon’s unwavering commitment, extensive experience, and deep connection to our community make him not just the General Manager of Tropical Fruit World but a cherished and well respected cornerstone of our tropical haven, radiating an infectious spirit of kindness and always ready to share a hearty laugh. His dedication and warm spirit are an invitation for all to experience the magic of our farm.

Bella Rutherford – Marketing Manager

After a three-year stint in New York City to advance her marketing career, Bella Rutherford has returned to Tropical Fruit World, trading her former role as Operations Manager for her current position as our Marketing Manager. A Griffith University graduate, Bella possesses a wealth of knowledge that has proven to be a game-changer for our marketing initiatives.

Dynamic and results-oriented, Bella is passionate about showcasing the extraordinary offerings of Tropical Fruit World. Her marketing prowess is evident in her innovative strategies and knack for crafting compelling marketing campaigns that not only captivate our visitors but also propel our business forward.

Bella leverages a broad spectrum of channels—including digital marketing, social media, event promotion and unique community engagement approaches, to elevate our brand. Bella excels in elevating our brand and enriching your experience of the world we've cultivated. Her focus isn't just on visibility; it's on creating meaningful connections with our valued customers, both locally and globally.

Outside the Office: An adventurer at heart, Bella finds inspiration in her travels and her love for nature. From yoga retreats in the Costa Rican jungle to surfing the Western Australian coastline, She’s passionate about exploring nature, and immersing herself in diverse experiences that often fuel her innovative marketing strategies.

Fruit Favourites: “For snacking, I love the delicious Achacha and for a tasty home made margaritas, the citrus-y Pomelo (I also love adding our Lemon Myrtle Syrup to my magaritas, it’s made from our very own farm lemon myrtle leaves!)”

In her dedicated pursuit to showcase the lush and nutritious offerings of Tropical Fruit World, Bella is a transformative force in our marketing realm—captivating hearts and minds one campaign at a time.

Christian Chester - SHEQ Officer

Meet Christian, our dedicated Safety, Health, Environmental, and Quality (SHEQ) Officer at Tropical Fruit World. Hailing from the picturesque landscapes of New Zealand, Christian brings a unique perspective to our team, rooted in his rich background in adventure tourism and extensive international experience. In early 2022, he made the bold decision to relocate to the vibrant Tweed Coast, embracing a new chapter of his life.

Before joining Tropical Fruit World, Christian embarked on exhilarating journeys across the globe, using rafting as both work and exploration. His wanderlust led him to manage high-risk tourism businesses upon returning to New Zealand, showcasing his unwavering commitment to the adventure tourism industry.

Beyond the Office: In his downtime, Christian immerses himself in a various activities, from hiking to sailing, always seeking new horizons and adventures. Recently, he has discovered a profound passion for freediving and finds solace in tranquil walks along the beach.

Christian shares his northern NSW home with his partner, Amy, and their beloved canine companion, Mojo, making their household a hub of warmth and camaraderie.

Fruit Favourite: Christian's palate is captivated by the Bowen Mangoes, a tropical delight that contrasts with his cooler climate origins. This fruit's sweet, tropical flavor adds an exciting dimension to his connection with Tropical Fruit World. Additionally, he finds intrigue in our soursop, recognising its incredible health benefits, deepening his fascination with our farm fruit offerings.

Christian's extensive experience in adventure tourism, coupled with his adventurous spirit and genuine passion for the farm's produce, makes him an invaluable part of our team.

Jen Magnum - Accounts

Allow us to introduce Jen, our esteemed Accounts Manager at Tropical Fruit World. With a remarkable career spanning several decades, Jen's professional journey started in the realm of Merchant Banking. Moving up the ranks, she eventually took on the role of Manager in the Domestic Markets Division. Her career was marked by a passion for banking, finance, and administrative management. However, in 1994, Jen embarked on a new chapter in her life, relocating from Sydney to the captivating Tweed region, where she would soon become an integral part of our team.

Jen is not just a financial wizard; she's also the most positive and bubbliest person you'll ever meet, bringing brightness to the office every day. Her infectious positivity infuses our workplace with an energy that enhances our team's dynamics and work environment.

A Wealth of Expertise: Jen's diverse career has seen her excel in various roles, including Loan Writer, Book Keeper, Office Manager, and IT Administrator. Currently, she is at the helm of our accounts department, bringing her extensive financial acumen to ensure the smooth operation of our financials since joining us in 2010.

Beyond the Office: Outside of Tropical Fruit World, Jen has a few passions that keep her energized. She's an avid photographer, capturing the beauty of the world from behind the lens. And has a strong commitment to fitness, training at the gym most days of the week.

Fruit Favourites: Jen loves all of our farm fruit, but is particularly fond of our exotic Pitaya or Dragon Fruit varieties. Making her daily granola smoothie bowl with granola, topped with our farm banana and dragon fruit.

Shona Fuller - Sales & Promotions Manager

Meet the bubbly Shona, our driving force behind Tropical Fruit World's sales and promotions efforts. With a decade of experience spanning domestic and international trade sales, along with roles in local tourism organisations, Shona brings unmatched expertise and boundless enthusiasm to her role with us.

A Natural Connector & Socialite: Joining our ranks in July 2019, Shona quickly carved her place in the heart of our community. Renowned for her engaging communication skills, she effortlessly connects with individuals from all walks of life—a skill that shines in her sales endeavours. Shona's knack for fostering relationships is equalled only by her unwavering passion for our unique haven, Tropical Fruit World.

Beyond the Office: Outside the hustle of her sales role, Shona embodies the spirit of exploration. She delights in uncovering hidden gems at local markets and embracing the beauty of her surroundings. Travel holds a special allure for Shona, fuelling her insatiable curiosity.

Tropical Fruit Delight: Among the tropical wonders, Shona's fruit of choice is the versatile avocado. She declares no gathering or party is complete without the presence of this green marvel. As Shona playfully puts it, "When you're part of TFW, you're expected to bring the guac!"

Chrissy Marten – Retail Manager

A dynamic and spirited force at Tropical Fruit World, Chrissy Marten joined our team in 2019 and has since become an indispensable part of our daily retail operations. With her keen focus on delivering unparalleled customer service, Chrissy uplifts both staff and guests with her positive energy.

Her roots in surf retail align well with her current role, allowing her to blend her love for the outdoors with her career. Always eager to learn, Chrissy continues to explore the rich agricultural and tourism possibilities that our beautiful region offers. Her blend of operational acumen and genuine interest in people makes her the go-to person for fostering a great team environment.

Hobbies: When she’s not ensuring everything runs smoothly at TFW, Chrissy enjoys basking in beach time and sunshine, staying fit with cross-fit and group fitness training, and reconnecting with nature.

Chrissy’s fruity faves are the Achacha, this fruit is sweet with a bit of a sour tang like a mango or peach as well as the delicious Lychee and Mulberry.

Chrissy's passion for top-notch service and community building truly sets the bar high, making her a pivotal piece in our ongoing mission to offer an unforgettable experience at Tropical Fruit World.

Kat Hamilton - Events Co-Ordinator

Meet our Events Coordinator, Kat, who has recently relocated from the UK to the vibrant Tweed Coast. Her journey in event management began in London, where she honed her skills by coordinating a variety of high-profile events, from festive Amazon parties at the National Gallery to large corporate gatherings at Evolution, Battersea Park. Her passion for fine dining and crafting unforgettable guest experiences is deeply rooted in these formative experiences.

Curator of Memorable Experiences: Beyond her role at Tropical Fruit World, Kat is a food enthusiast with a fondness for Italian cuisine, particularly homemade pasta sauces. Her leisure activities reflect her love for the outdoors and wellness, including spin classes, beach outings, and coastal bike rides.

Fruity Favourites: Kat's favorite fruits are our farm grown passionfruit and mango. She cherishes their fresh, sweet and juicy quality, which she believes is unparalleled anywhere else in the world. Whether it's passionfruit drizzled over ice cream on a sunny day or enjoying chilled mango slices as her mid morning snack, Kat's enthusiasm for these fruits enhances her appreciation for our farm grown produce.

Kat's expertise in events, coupled with her passion for food and local produce, makes her a valuable addition to our team. Her attention to detail and dedication to delivering premium experiences align perfectly with the values of the newly launched events division at Tropical Fruit World. Be sure to meet Kat and experience her magic touch at your next personalised event!

Lucas de Oliveira Andrade – Café Manager

Meet Lucas, a Brazilian native who's made Australia his home for the past seven years. Lucas brings a vibrant flair to our dining experience. From the first greeting to the last bite of food, Lucas's attention to detail and warm hospitality make our café a welcoming haven for all.

Credentials: With over six years of expertise in the hospitality industry, Lucas is a master of customer service, ensuring that every café visit is a memorable one.

Beyond the Café: When he’s not delighting customers, Lucas enjoys Australia's natural beauty, whether he's enjoying the local beaches, spending quality time with family and friends, or taking his dog for leisurely walks. Lucas favourite tropical fruit world delights are the custard apple and soursop.

Come by and say hi to Lucas in our café!

Armando Icaza - Head Chef

Meet Armando Enriquez Icaza, our culinary maestro at Tropical Fruit World

Born and raised in Mexico, Armando brings a rich and diverse culinary background to Tropical Fruit World. He began his apprenticeship in Mexico and San Antonio, Texas, before embarking on his Australian journey eight years ago. Armando's first stop was Cradle Mountain in Tasmania, where he honed his skills before moving to Kingscliff Bowling Club. After two years, he joined PLB as Lolita's sous-chef. Post-Covid, Armando rose to the position of Executive Chef, overseeing PLB weddings, Lolita's Cantina, and contributing to the opening of Farm and Co restaurant.

Armando holds a qualification of Certificate IV in Cookery and a bachelors degree in Hotel Management and Culinary Arts. His passion for cooking and dedication to creating exceptional dishes are evident in every meal he prepares. Armando's expertise, combined with his innovative approach to using tropical fruits, brings a unique and delicious dining experience to our visitors.

Beyond the Kitchen: When he's not crafting culinary masterpieces, Armando enjoys reading about cooking and exploring different restaurants. His continuous quest for culinary knowledge and new dining experiences fuels his creativity and passion for food.

Armando's favorite fruits from the farm are the Mamey Sapote and Black Sapote. He loves the rich, creamy texture and sweet flavor of Mamey Sapote, which he often incorporates into decadent desserts and exotic salads. The Black Sapote, known for its unique taste, is a versatile ingredient he uses to create innovative dishes like tropical fruit tarts and savory sauces.

Nikki Austin

Meet Nikayla (Nikki), our nature loving Farm Co-ordinator

Nikki brings a calm, confident yet considered approach to her role at Tropical Fruit World. As Farm Co-ordinator, she works closely with both the farm and production teams, helping to keep schedules on track and daily operations running smoothly. 

Credentials: With a background in tourism and administration, her journey took a turn when she began studying agriculture and found her passion in working with the land. 

Currently completing a Bachelor of Science majoring in Regenerative Agriculture, Nikki has a strong interest in soil health, microbiology and agroforestry. Her work is driven by a desire to build productive, resilient systems that mimic nature, support the environment, and produce high-quality food for local communities. 

Outside of work, you’ll find Nikki camping or bushwalking with her fiancé Kaya and their dog Koda, exploring freshwater creeks, tending to her garden, reading, or getting creative with pottery.

Fruity Favourites from the farm? Achacha, soursop, rollinia and guavas! 

Nikki plays an important role in caring for the land here at the farm, blending scientific understanding with a deep respect for nature. 

Joseph Smith – Farm & Packhouse Supervisor & Horticulturalist

Meet Joey, a cornerstone of the Tropical Fruit World team who rose from trainee to supervisor in just 5 years, thanks to his extensive know-how and enthusiasm. A Tweed native, his deep connection to the land inspired a career focused on sustainable horticulture here at Tropical Fruit World.

Credentials: Joey holds Certificates II and III in horticulture and is pursuing a Certificate IV in leadership. His expertise ranges from sustainable farming to water management and tree identification. He’s also savvy in marketing our premium produce.

The Heart and Soul of the Farm: Joey infuses our farm with his infectious enthusiasm. His dedication to his craft is palpable, and his zest for farm life is evident in every task he undertakes. There's no mistaking his deep connection to our mission—it's almost as if he owns the place himself!

Beyond the Farm: Off-duty, Joey is an adventurer and musician. He's an avid surfer and enjoys playing guitar, but he never strays far from his horticultural interests.

Joey isn’t just a supervisor; he embodies the perfect blend of passion and profession, welcoming visitors into the tropical splendour we cultivate.

Brodie Crowther - Orchard Supervisor & Horticulturalist

Meet Brodie, our dedicated Orchard Supervisor. His journey with us began in 2015, and today he stands as an irreplaceable pillar of our team, holding the esteemed title of Orchard Horticulturalist. Brodie works his magic to implement the most effective growing practices for our orchards. With an intricate understanding of soil nutrients and natural fertilizers, he optimizes growing conditions, ensuring our fruit trees receive the highest level of care for the most delicious and generous yield.

Credentials: Brodie holds Certificates II and III in horticulture and has learnt most of his knowledge from working alongside our founder Bob and General Manager Aymon, Brodie delved deep into the intricacies of orchard health, nutrition, pruning techniques, and pest management. His profound passion for soil health and its direct influence on the quality of our produce is second to none.

Beyond the Orchard When he's not tending to our orchards, Brodie is an adventurer at heart. You might spot him barefoot in the orchards even on his days off. When he's not on-site, he's exploring the wonders of nature, particularly on the water, indulging his passion for fishing.

Brodie's connection to the earth and his dedication to nurturing our orchards make him an essential part of our team, ensuring that the taste of our tropical fruits remains nothing short of extraordinary.

Nik Epton – Production Supervisor & Chef

Meet Nik, the man orchestrating precision in our food production at Tropical Fruit World. Having joined us in 2023, Nik brings a unique blend of culinary expertise and military discipline to the role.

Credentials: Originally a chef, Nik's diverse experience in food production is elevated by his military background, equipping him with unmatched attention to detail, making him a standout when it comes to precision and quality. His unique skill set ensures that each product meets our high standards while maximizing efficiency.

Beyond the Production Line: When Nik steps away from work, he continues to explore his love for food by experimenting with new recipes and flavors. With Mango and Banana as his favorite fruits, you can bet he’s conjuring up some tropical delights in his own kitchen.

Nik's keen eye for detail makes him a vital asset, ensuring that each piece of produce lives up to the Tropical Fruit World promise and ensuring that the fruits of our labor are nothing short of exceptional.

Elizabeth Mackenzie

Meet Liz, our dedicated Fauna Park Supervisor, whose extensive background in wildlife care and farm management makes her an invaluable asset to our team.

Raised on a diverse farm, Liz has worked with a range of animals. Her early passion for wildlife led her to roles as a wildlife presenter and keeper, where she exhibited native Australian reptiles—including crocodiles, snakes, and lizards—as well as iconic birds like kookaburras and tawny frogmouths. Most recently, Liz served as Operations Manager at a large horse racing farm, further honing her animal skills. She has also been a volunteer at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, caring for a range of native animals like dingoes, echidnas, wombats, and koalas.

The Heart of the Fauna Park: Liz brings a hands-on, compassionate approach to animal care, backed by years of practical experience. Her commitment to the animals and her connection to their well-being are evident in every aspect of her work, making her a trusted leader and mentor within our team.

Interests: Outside of work, Liz is a competitive showjumper, blending her love for horses with her passion for sport. She also plays oz-tag and rugby league, and her adventurous spirit often takes her on travel excursions whenever she can get away.

Liz finds joy in simple pleasures, like picking mulberries from the trees near the horse paddocks or enjoying fresh avocados from the farm. These small traditions tie her to the land she cares for.

Liz embodies dedication, passion, and expertise, infusing the Fauna Park with her commitment to animal care and her authentic connection to the natural world.

Ashleigh Cone

Ash brings a vibrant, creative energy to her role as Tours Supervisor at Tropical Fruit World. With a background in small business and a love for storytelling, she connects visitors to the land and its incredible produce in a fun, down-to-earth way.

Before joining our team, Ash ran her own vintage and preloved clothing store, Crooked Cupboard, where her eye for the unique and unusual thrived. Originally from the country town of Quirindi, she’s a proud free spirit who followed her curiosity into the world of nature, plants, and people.

Outside of work, you’ll find Ashleigh treasure hunting through thrift shops, tending to her ever-growing collection of houseplants, making jewellery, or getting salty with long beach walks and ocean swims and surfing, (which she says, is a work in progress).

Her favourite fruits? Rollinia, a crisp jackfruit, mango, passionfruit, and the vibrant pink panther dragon fruit.

Ash brings heart, humour, and a love for the natural world to everything she does at Tropical Fruit World, making every guest’s visit feel like a warm welcome into our farm family. 

Olivia Belsey - Retail Market

Meet our Retail Market Supervisor Olivia, returning to the Tweed Valley a year ago, after living in the USA, where she pursued her passion as an artist. Olivia's journey is rooted in her deep commitment to sustainable and natural products. She believes in the significance of forming genuine connections and actively incorporates these values into her role, ensuring that our farm products resonate with our customers.

Creative at Heart: Beyond her role at Tropical Fruit World, Olivia is a creative soul. She enjoys hobbies such as drawing, sewing, painting, and various DIY projects, which showcase her artistic talents.

Fruit Enthusiast: Olivia has a unique taste for tropical fruits, with her top favourites being our famous farm Passionfruit and Custard Apples.

Olivia's dedication to sustainability, creativity, and her love for tropical fruits make her an invaluable part of our team, ensuring that our retail market offerings align with the values and tastes of our visitors. Say hello to Olivia and explore our farm produce on your next visit to Tropical Fruit World!

Dan Stewart – Nursery Supervisor & Horticulturalist

Dan has quickly become a cornerstone of the Tropical Fruit World team since joining in 2023. With an impressive 17 years of experience in the horticultural industry, Dan's deep expertise and passion for sustainable practices enrich our nursery and tours every day. His journey spans across Australia and the United States, bringing a global perspective to his work in nursery management, landscaping, tree care, and bush regeneration.

Credentials: Dan holds an array of qualifications that highlight his commitment to horticulture and sustainability:

• Certificate IV in Horticulture
• Certificate IV in Organic Farming
• Certificate III in Nursery Horticulture
• Certificate III in Conservation Land Management

His dedication to education and professional growth has equipped him with a robust knowledge of edible plants and the creation of edible landscapes, benefiting both humans and native wildlife. His innovation in sustainable design was recognized when he won the Sustainable House Design competition in 2017 across four local shires.

Dan infuses our nursery with his boundless enthusiasm and expertise. His commitment to his craft is evident in every task he undertakes, from propagation to leading tours. Dan's passion for tropical fruits and sustainable practices resonates with everyone he meets, making him an invaluable member of the TFW family.

Beyond the Nursery: Off-duty, Dan is an adventurer at heart. He enjoys growing exotic edible plants, discovering freshwater swimming holes in the rainforest, off-road racing, and listening to progressive music across multiple genres. His diverse interests and energetic spirit bring a unique and vibrant dynamic to our team.

His top 3 fruit favorites are the Abiu, Mandarin and Aussie native the Bunya Nut.

Milly Sheridan

Creative, quick-witted, and always two steps ahead, Milly brings a fresh perspective to her role as Marketing and Executive Assistant at Tropical Fruit World. With a background that blends hospitality and digital content creation, she knows how to craft stories that connect.

Her journey into marketing began behind the coffee machine, working in high-end cafés where she realised that even the best-tasting coffee needed a strong online presence to be truly appreciated. From there, she paired her barista skills with a knack for social media, managing content for local bars, salons, and hospitality businesses—turning everyday moments into shareable, engaging content.

After completing a Diploma of Business and spending three years studying law, Milly shifted gears and found her passion in postgraduate business studies, where she's now putting the finishing touches on her honours degree.

Outside the office, you’ll find her watching live music, and discovering hidden local gems with friends.

Favourite exotic fruit? Finger limes—perfect for a zesty snack or for pretending you're fancy enough to enjoy citrus "caviar."

With a sharp eye for detail and a love for storytelling, Milly helps bring the Tropical Fruit World brand to life—one reel, post, and pun at a time.