About Direct Seed:
Our Story, Our Land, Our Mission
Family-Run. Locally Grown. Three Decades of Expertise.
Direct Seed is more than just a business—it's a commitment to ecological recovery. We are dedicated to pioneering the most efficient and effective methods for ecological restoration across the region. We believe that environmental health and farming success are inseparable. Our mission is to provide Australian land managers, conservation groups, and farmers with sustainable, high-impact solutions that create complex, functioning ecosystems and protect the land.
Our Pioneer History and Scale
Direct Seed has pioneered the development of direct seeding since it was first recognised as an effective alternative to planting seedlings on improved land some 30 years ago. We have been successfully establishing vegetation using the mouldboard ploughing and hand broadcasting method ever since.
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Scale and Impact: We successfully establish 50-80 hectares of mixed species indigenous vegetation every year, making us one of the largest revegetators using direct seeding in Western Victoria.
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Seed Expertise: We have become the largest private supplier of indigenous seed in Western Victoria, supplying local native seed from all areas west of Geelong and as far north as the Mallee.
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Service Area: While our primary work is in Southwestern Victoria, we travel to other locations for larger projects.
Our Credentials and Personnel
We prioritise safety, professional expertise, and compliance on every job.
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Our Directors: The business is proudly run by Ricky Mansbridge and David Smurthwaite.
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Technical Expertise: Our personnel hold qualifications in Forest Science, Environmental Science (PhD), Arboriculture, and Horticulture, ensuring a high-level technical approach.
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Full Compliance: We maintain all required licences and permits (e.g., herbicide commercial operator's licence, seed collection permits), carry full public liability insurance and hold profession indemnity insurance.
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Safety First: All staff hold relevant Chemical Use and First Aid certificates and comply with strict company OHS practices.
We look forward to assisting you in restoring and protecting your land.
Our Network and Partners
We believe in working alongside the best in the industry to ensure the highest quality results. Our partnerships include key environmental groups, local government bodies, and trusted specialist suppliers across Southwest Victoria.