Marty Phillips

Marty Phillips joined Mainstream in October 2018 when Mainstream merged with PEJO Enterprises, which he built with his wife Linda, over the last 20 years. Marty has a background in agriculture: having gained an associate diploma and degree in applied science, he worked in the sugar industry as an extension officer. He also grew sugarcane, bananas and papaya on the family farm near Innisfail in North Queensland.
Two cyclones in three years prompted the diversification into aquaculture. This quickly become the main focus of the business, operated over two sites. One was developed from a ‘green field’ site 20 years ago. The other site was a rundown prawn farm purchased in 2013 and has recently completed the first stage of expansion. Marty has continually refined the way he produces Barramundi. This has resulted in numerous awards, including champion, for the quality of their fish at the prestigious Sydney Fine Food show in recent years.

Marty has been an active member of the Australian Barramundi Farmers Association (ABFA), as an executive for over 10 years, including president for 7 years. In 2010, Marty was awarded a Nuffield scholarship. In 2012 he attended the Worshipful Company of Farmers Challenge of Rural Leadership Course in the United Kingdom. Marty is looking forward to working with Mainstream through his continued compassion for growing Barramundi.