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Meet our team

our Team

Hopsters Co-operative Brewery’s team consists of seven Board of Directors from a diverse and complementary range of backgrounds, making them the dream team to propel Hopsters toward new phases of growth and ever-increasing milestones. Our Operations Manager runs nall day-to-day aspects of the business in conjunction with the Board.

Read on to learn more about our all-star team, what they bring to the table, and how they plan to help shape the direction of Hopsters.

ben dunn

Finance & Admin

Member No: 118

Ben is an experienced and long-standing member of Hopsters, bringing over 20 years of professional expertise in finance, data analytics, and project management to his passion for craft beer and homebrewing. As member 118 and former Company Secretary, he has a deep understanding of Hopsters' operations and future ambitions. Ben is committed to guiding Hopsters toward sustainable growth and independence as a production brewery, with a focus on sound financial management and member engagement. He believes in education, transparency, and empowering members to actively shape our beers and community.

Mitch Hobbs

Managing Director & Licensee

Member No: 7

Mitch has been working in the liquor industry for over a decade, managing bottleshops, sales territories for both breweries and wineries and was the bar manager at the Hopsters taproom from its inception. Now with the business' growing demands, Mitch runs all day-to-day operations of the taproom, brewing, wholesale and everything in between.

Mark William Bandte

Sales & Logistics

Member No: 828
Joined: 12 Nov 2022

Mark is a passionate homebrewer, having been brewing for five years, and is dedicated to building a strong community for like-minded individuals through Hopsters. With over 20 years in sales, including 15 in high-end interiors across Scandinavia and Australia, Mark excels in marketing, building brand cultures, and understanding client needs. His dynamic and honest approach to sales and leadership emphasises mentorship, adaptability, and continuous growth. Excited to support the team with his sales and retail operations knowledge, Mark is committed to building the Hopsters community. Mark holds an RSA and has attended Hopsters' very own Cicerone courses.

Kerri clarke

Marketing

Member No: 910

Kerri is a dedicated local and enthusiastic supporter of Hopsters, where she and her partner are regular visitors. Living within walking distance, she's passionate about strengthening the welcoming, community-focussed spirit that makes Hopsters special. With 30 years of experience in committee management, stakeholder engagement, and corporate governance, Kerri brings strong leadership, accountability, and communication skills to the Board. She believes deeply in the power of democratic member control and is committed to helping Hopsters grow its membership, expand its vibrant event offerings, and maintain its warm, inclusive “lounge room away from home” atmosphere that defines the taproom's unique charm.

HANSI LEIJONHUFVUD

Company Secretary

Member No: 704
Joined: 22 Jan 2021

Hansi is a linguist and an experienced healthcare administrator with a passion for homebrewing and the science behind beer. He has experience as a director on multiple not-for-profit boards and advisory groups, and occasionally masquerades as a live guitarist. Hansi holds an RSA and is a Cicerone Certified Beer Server. If he’s not checking in an imperial stout on Untappd you’ll probably find him convincing someone that either Darkthrone or Depeche Mode are the greatest bands of all time.  Hansi’s favourite Hopsters beer is Cool Kids Volume 25 - Mosaic Incognito Hazy IPA.

 

Paul Martin

Entertainment

Member No: 841

Paul has been instrumental in the taproom's live music line-up – booking acts and running the sound and technical production. He also owns his own media production company and brings decades of experience in both the live music production and audio-visual tech scenes.

Jill Halliday

Education

Member No: 885

Jill is a passionate and dedicated member of Hopsters, combining her scientific expertise and community spirit to help us thrive. With a PhD in biochemistry and a strong background in education, she brings analytical thinking and a love of learning to everything she does. Since joining Hopsters in 2023, Jill has contributed as a casual bartender and board member, supporting events that bring members together. She is deeply committed to fostering education, engagement, and the success of Hopsters' on-site brewery and believes in promoting beer knowledge and creativity across all levels of experience.

Linda dansereau

Maintenance & Construction

Member No: 942

Linda is a passionate and knowledgeable homebrewer with a PhD in molecular neuroscience, bringing strong analytical and project management skills to the Board. In her role as a facility manager, she oversees complex equipment, collaborates with technicians and vendors, and trains others in safe and effective practices. Currently participating in the Cicerone study group, Linda is expanding her expertise in beer assessment and brewing. She is committed to helping Hopsters develop a fully functional on-site brewery within five years and to fostering greater member involvement through education and community-focussed events.

BRUCE CECH

Tech

Member No: 832
Joined: 16 Dec 2022

Bruce’s Brews attained legendary status among homebrewers in the 80-90’s, and still to this day is held as THE homebrew store against which all others are measured (and inevitably found to be inferior).

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