Building the Future: David Brian on Hemp Connect and Australia’s Hemp Potential
When it comes to hemp construction in Australia, few names carry the weight and hands-on experience of David Brian, founder of Southern Hemp. With a career built on pioneering cast-in-situ hempcrete systems, David has helped push the industry forward by developing methods that are both carbon-smart and builder-friendly. His work is not only about creating sustainable structures — it’s about creating a viable, practical pathway for builders and clients alike.
In July 2025, Hemp Building Australia released a short interview with David, recorded during the Hemp Connect Forum held in June at the AgriBio Building, La Trobe University in Melbourne. The event brought together industry “old hats” alongside the next generation of builders, designers, and researchers. For David, that blend of wisdom and fresh perspective was a sign of the industry’s maturity and momentum.
Southern Hemp Founder
“What I really loved about Hemp Connect was how it brought everyone together, the pioneers who have been experimenting with hemp for decades, and the new wave of professionals ready to take it further.”
David Brian | Southern Hemp
Southern Hemp sponsored the forum, underlining David’s commitment not just to his own business but to the broader growth of the hemp building sector. Sponsorship in this space isn’t just branding, it’s about enabling conversations, collaborations, and connections that move the industry forward.
Hemp as an Export Powerhouse
One of David’s strongest messages was about the potential for Australia to become an export leader in hemp. With the right investment and collaboration, Australia could supply hemp materials, knowledge, and systems to a world that is urgently searching for low-carbon building solutions.
“The world needs hemp, and Australia has what it takes to be an export powerhouse.”
That vision ties into a broader narrative: hemp is not just an alternative building material; it’s a strategic industry capable of addressing climate change, rural economies, and construction innovation all at once.
Short but Sweet
David’s quick chat at Hemp Connect 2025 segment video may have been brief, but it was powerful. Sometimes, the most important messages don’t need long explanations. His mix of grounded experience and forward-looking vision reminds us why builders and innovators like him are so vital to the future of the hemp building industry.
Watch the Interview
You can watch the full interview with David Brian on the Hemp Building Australia YouTube channel. Released 25 July 2025, the video captures his reflections on the Hemp Connect Forum and his optimism for where the industry is heading.
