Donald McAllister grew up on a rice, wheat and sheep property near Deniliquin, NSW and attended The Geelong College from 1987 until 1990. He was a boarder in Mackie House, a School Prefect and was Boarding House Vice Captain. During his time at College, he played 1st XVIII Football, Tennis and Cricket.
Donald lives in Newcastle, NSW with his wife Sally and sons, Foster (12) and Henry (10).
He is currently Operations Manager for Bonvilla Estate Winery in the Hunter Valley, where he coordinates all aspects of wine production, wholesale, wine club, on-site accommodation, marketing and cellardoor operations. An additional 28 villas are earmarked towards the end of next year.
Donald attended University of New England where he completed a Bachelor of Economics. He also has Certificates in Wine Making WSET Level 2, Scuba Diving and a fork lift licence.
Before joining Bonvilla Estate, Donald established, owned and operated The Source Café Bar, a Newcastle waterfront hospitality business, for 13 years. He is currently director and founder of Source (SDFH) Enterprises.
Donald’s experience in small business development and operations allowed and inspired him to consult and mentor other local businesses and organisations within the Newcastle area, particularly new start-ups and wine bars.
Donald and his family are active volunteers of “Surfing the Spectrum,” a not-for-profit surf therapy initiative that works to positively impact the lives of autistic youth and their families, providing free learn to surf events. Foster has a chromosomal condition called NF1 with an additional diagnosis of Autism and ADHD. He attends regularly.
Donald plays competitive tennis, futsal and supports the local AFL team Newcastle City and of course the Cats.