An introduction to our founding fathers:
Eric White, Thursday Plantation
Convinced of the medicinal applications and benefits of Australian tea tree, Eric White planted his first crop at Bungawalbyn Swamp, New South Wales, in the early 1970s. He spent the next four years researching and lobbying until a crown lease was granted, marking the birth of Thursday Plantation.
He is renowned internationally as the pioneer of the Australian tea tree industry.
Eric’s step-son, Christopher Dean, was introduced to tea tree after exhausting all efforts to treat an infection in his foot. Despite being told surgery was the only option, his feet were healed within four days of applying the plant.
Having experienced the remarkable healing properties of tea tree, Chris and his wife Lynda moved to Bungawalbyn and planted the first Australian Melaleuca alternifolia. They went on to establish the Australian Tea Tree Industry Association, lobbying for government research support.
Thursday Plantation commenced sustainable and ecologically sound tea tree production in 1988, the Ballina factory distilled its first oil in 1989, and research and development started the following year.
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