SHARP, LyndsaySharp Group Co-owner and Director Lyndsay Sharp is passionate about local tourism for Geelong and the Bellarine. Within her family’s business ventures and more broadly she has become a leader, putting the Bellarine on the map and promoting local producers.
Lyndsay established her public relations career in Melbourne, setting the foundation for her and husband David’s business ventures. The Sharp Group now owns and runs Leura Park Estate, Flying Brick Cider Company, wine brand Yes said the seal, Jack Rabbit and Curlewis Golf Club. Each venture has set new ambitions for the Bellarine for hospitality, business, tourism and its community.
In 2007 Lyndsay and David bought Leura Park Estate winery and their Bellarine story began. They had been looking for a business adventure and the winery captured their imagination. The business would play to their strengths: David coming from farming and accounting and Lyndsay’s background in marketing and PR.
From here the business grew. In 2010 the pair bought the winery know known as Jack Rabbit Vineyard, then in 2014 created the Flying Brick Cider Co. and wine brand Yes, Said the Seal. In 2015, they redeveloped the Curlewis Golf Club, becoming custodians of the golf club and breathing new life into the club with innovations and activations.
Lyndsay has been integral to helping the Bellarine become a tourist destination along with others working to attract people as visitors and new locals from around the state and international tourists. Lyndsay works closely with Tourism Geelong and the Bellarine, the Chamber of Commerce and Visit Victoria, and other operators. She loves to showcase local producers and activations that create collective community pride.
Lyndsay established her career in Melbourne, working for HOLT Public Relations as a senior consultant from 1988-1994. During this time, she also established her own private consultancy. Perhaps in a sign of things to come, Lyndsay was the publicist for the first three Melbourne Food and Wine Festivals.
Following her family’s move to Barwon Heads when David started a new job in Geelong, Lyndsay began lecturing at Deakin University. She was a unit chair at Deakin in Public Relations, Marketing Communication, Electronic and Internet PR. She had studied a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing and Public Relations at the University of Melbourne and later studied a Master of Professional Communication.
Lyndsay attended The Geelong College from 1976 to 1979. She was a school Prefect and was involved in many sports, serving on the Swimming team, Girls 1st XI Hockey team. During her time here she received many School and Coles House colours.
Lyndsay’s career has seen her become a leader and educator in Public Relations, but also an advocate for tourism and hospitality on the Bellarine.
Lyndsay and husband David have three children who all attended The Geelong College.
Sources: Pegasus, OGC 1979.