Our Team

NEIL GALLAGHER
Winemaker/Viticulturist/Director

Neil came to Margaret River in 1980 to help his parents establish their vineyard. He worked in other trades to maintain an income, whilst tending the vines and building the Winery. He took over the winemaking role in 1990 and, with the new ownership, continues to be responsible for all aspects of wine production at Woody Nook, as well as being Manager and a shareholder of the property.

MICHAEL BROPHY - Assistant Winemaker

MICHAEL BROPHY
Assistant Winemaker

In 2006, Michael completed a degree in oenology at Curtin University's Margaret River campus, but comes to Woody Nook with many other qualifications and a varied background. Some of his experience includes lecturing to MBA students for the University of Western Australia both in Perth and several Asian countries; patenting agricultural inventions; marketing; restaurant ownership; and farming (including viticulture) all of which make him a most versatile and valuable member of our team.

SUSIE MCROSTIE - Front of House Manager

SUSIE MCROSTIE
Front of House Manager

Susie McRostie’s attributes are many. She is very well trained and has had many years of experience in the hospitality industry. She has her crew of waitstaff on their toes and her energy level, efficiency and enthusiasm for the job reflects through them.

BRODERICK NEWLAND - Head Chef

BRODERICK NEWLAND
Head Chef R.I.P.

It is with great sadness that we advise that Broderick died in a car accident on June 22, 2008. We are all stunned by this tragedy. Brod was doing a fabulous job for us in the Nookery Café and we will miss him terribly, not just for his competency and creative flair as a chef - he was admired and appreciated by everyone at Woody Nook, not to mention all of our customers - but because he was such a lovely person to know and to have on the team.

AMANDA BIRSS
Bookkeeper/Admin. Assistant

Amanda has been employed by Woody Nook since February 2007. Born in Narrogin, Western Australia, Amanda has been working in the local wine industry for some time and has lots of wonderful office and computer skills to apply to all of our bookkeeping and word processing needs.

PETER BAILEY
Director

Although he has had a long time appreciation and knowledge of fine wine, Peter has not been involved in its production until now. His background is in mining and refining, a career which has taken him to Africa and several locations in both Australia and the U.S.A. After more than twenty years with Alcoa, where his final position was that of President of their industrial chemicals division, Peter was the CEO of Sherwin Alumina in Corpus Christi, Texas until his retirement in January 2007.

He and Jane have a 22 year old son, Nigel, who lives and works in Tampa, Florida.

JANE BAILEY
Director

Jane oversees the day-to-day running of Woody Nook, or at least those aspects not directly under Neil Gallagher's field of expertise. She had a long secretarial career that began at 10 Downing Street in London and ended with twelve years with Qantas in Perth. Her office skills are now being put to good use again and she is especially enjoying her involvement with the promotional and marketing side of the business and selecting new lines for the gift shop.