Dungog’s Alan Smith launches Thrive Field and Flavour

ALAN Smith’s journey began in the rolling hills of North Yorkshire, UK, where his early life was steeped in craftsmanship and hospitality.

With a background in furniture design and a flair for fine food, Alan carved out a career in some of the UK’s and the world’s top restaurants, working alongside renowned chefs and handling the finest produce from the best farms.

His hands-on experience in quality and sustainability led him to establish the kitchen garden at The Black Swan in Oldstead, which was an experience that sparked his deep-rooted passion for agriculture and horticulture.

That passion followed Alan to Australia, where a working holiday visa brought him to the small town of Dungog.

What began as a temporary stop turned into a permanent home.

Drawn by the warmth of the community and the opportunity to get involved in meaningful projects, Alan soon became a familiar face – working in hospitality, running events, and helping local businesses thrive.

Alan co-founded Rocking Chair Farm with business partner John Monaghan, applying principles of holistic and regenerative agriculture to create a farm that mirrors nature’s interconnected systems.

“We’re not just growing food – we’re growing healthier systems, healthier land, and healthier communities,” Alan said

His approach focuses on improving soil, biodiversity, and produce quality by letting natural processes lead the way.

Committed to community development, Alan was involved with the Dungog Festival and connected with people running innovative environmental projects.

Inspired, he has now launched the Thrive Field and Flavour Festival, a platform to celebrate responsible agriculture and local food systems, happening in June.

Through events and partnerships, Thrive promotes healthier communities through better food choices and deeper connections between farmers and consumers.

Alan’s story is one of transformation – from hospitality to horticulture, from the UK to rural NSW – fuelled by a vision of community, sustainability, and shared knowledge.

He believes in the power of land and people working together and sees Dungog as the perfect place for that vision to grow.

To learn more about Thrive Field and Flavour Festival, search @thriveagfest on Instagram.

By Shannon BENTON