Georgie Gaff is the backbone of our Armidale operations – a true mainstay who cares deeply for the people around her. Whether it’s reminding staff to “walk carefully”, welcoming visitors with warmth and enthusiasm, or organising staff events that bring everyone together, she’s at the centre of everything. In her role, Georgie connects every part of the business and embodies the spirit of community that defines the ANTG team culture.
How do you describe your typical day?
Every day is different. My job is a mix of HR, Communications (internal and external), campaign work for socials, executive support and having oversight of the tours that come through the facility. It is so rewarding working with such a diverse group of people.
How do you describe the gig to others?
I keep it pretty simple. I just say that I work for a medicinal cannabis company, and I summarise my job by saying I do HR and Communications.
How do you get a gig like this?
I progressed into this role but originally, I started with ANTG doing HR support and Work Health and Safety.
Best thing about the gig?
Probably meeting and working with so many different people from across the business. I get to work with every department, and I am not confined to any one team.
Favourite place in Armidale?
When organising staff events, we love the Great Hops Brewery and Tatts Hotel. For personal outings I love The Bolt Inn at Uralla for lunch and just Uralla in general. I love going down there for a drive, there is a beautiful flower shop, clothing shops and cafes, parks… so much to do and see!
You have a unique role taking people through the facility – what’s that like?
I try to take lots of photos of people to capture the shock and amazement as soon as you open the door to a cultivation bay – it’s like ‘what is this?’ It is very unassuming on the outside, but we have this incredible state-of-the-art indoor facility, and you open the door into a room with the plants and it’s so different. Every single person who comes through is in awe of what we do, even those who have been here a couple times still get so amazed.
You are also uniquely around a lot of SME’s in the business, what’s it like being exposed to that?
It’s both overwhelming and insightful. You can be listening to someone like our Chief Scientific Officer, Justin Sinclair (a leading plant science expert in Australia), or chatting with one of our Production Operators, it doesn’t matter who you’re talking to, the passion is the same. Everyone here cares so much about what they do, and you always walk away knowing just that little bit more! I always say that I work with the people, not with the plants, and it’s so interesting listening to people and how passionate they are about what they do.
What do you think the community thinks of the facility?
To be honest, I haven’t heard much negative feedback. I’ve not come across anything other than interest and so often you answer lots of questions about who we are and what we do. It’s always pretty positive because people are so intrigued by what we do. They range from the plants to the facility to the industry…. you cover a lot of ground. People are keen to know more and they are positive about our facility and our company.
Your mantra?
Diamonds are made under pressure. You have to put the work in, but it will be worth it.
