Justin Southwick, Southern Ocean Mariculture

A Local Connection, A Global Reach

For Justin Southwick, working in Moyne Shire isn’t just a job — it’s a return to a place that has always felt like home.

Having holidayed in Yambuk since before he was born, Justin’s family has strong roots in the area. His father purchased land in Yambuk when Justin was young, and later worked as an abalone driver. As a child, Justin would dive with his dad and listen to stories of life on the water — experiences that stayed with him.

After relocating from Gippsland with his partner Kate around two years ago, Justin found himself unexpectedly reconnecting with that early connection through his role at Southern Ocean Mariculture, an innovative abalone producer based in Moyne Shire.

Why Moyne?

Before the move, Justin was working in Melbourne in sales, supplying cafés with alternative milks. The daily commute from Drouin meant long hours on the road — up to three hours a day. Moving to Moyne changed everything.

“Getting that time back has been huge,” Justin says. “I’m able to spend more time with my family, work on our block of land, and help my dad, who lives next door.”

Finding work locally was a pleasant surprise. Despite transitioning into a different industry, Justin secured a role at Southern Ocean Mariculture after just a handful of interviews — proof, he says, that opportunities exist for people willing to back themselves. 

Surprised by Opportunity

“What surprised me most was being able to find a job so close to home that felt meaningful,” Justin explains. “There was already a personal connection — my dad’s history in abalone — and suddenly I was part of an industry I’d grown up hearing about.”

Southern Ocean Mariculture’s culture of innovation and openness also stood out. Justin quickly found himself contributing ideas, collaborating with other local businesses, and helping shape how the brand connected with customers — both locally and internationally. 

Innovation Through Collaboration

One standout example of this innovative mindset was a collaboration with local gin producer Suffoir. Originally brainstorming ways to cross-promote products at market stalls, the idea evolved into an infused abalone product using Suffoir gin.

The result was a win-win: both businesses accessed a similar boutique, food-focused demographic, strengthened their local networks, and created a product with a strong regional story.

“It was a great marketing experience and showed what’s possible when local businesses work together,” Justin says.

Going Global from Moyne

Southern Ocean Mariculture’s reach extends far beyond the region — and sometimes in unexpected ways.

A customer suggestion led Justin to experiment with TikTok marketing. After sending a can of abalone an food influencer in the UK everything changed

After the food influencer posted about their product, international interest surged. Within an hour of the post Southern Ocean Mariculture gained hundreds of new followers, and 14 sales from the United States and Europe. 

The business now ships directly to overseas customers, having had  to quickly adapt its website to enable international sales. Enquiries now come from places like Finland and across Europe — a powerful example of how regional businesses can access global markets with the right approach.

Advice for Workers Considering Moyne

Justin’s advice for people looking to work in Moyne Shire is simple:

“Don’t be scared to try something new. You don’t need a perfect background — just transferable skills and a willingness to put your hand up.”

At 41, Justin has worked across sales, assistive technology for people with disability, and now aquaculture. That varied experience, he says, has been an advantage.

“Think outside the box. There are plenty of jobs here if you’re open to learning and having a go.”