Want to help guide GIA?

Last week I experienced one of the highlights of the Australian horticultural calendar: the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show (MIFGS).

After a downpour threatened the first day, the sun came out and so did the crowds. As always, it was a delightful and enriching experience and I thoroughly enjoyed talking to the exhibitors and members of the public whose enthusiasm for this event seems to grow every year. It’s a great testament to our colleagues at Nursery and Garden Industry Victoria (NGIV) who have established MIFGS as a world class horticultural showcase.

I am very excited to report that the new levy-funded Nursery Communications Program has launched. The aims of this program are to spread the word about the pot levy and explain why it exists, how it is invested and how you can benefit from the projects that it funds. For the first time, we are asking levy payers to give GIA frank feedback at regular points throughout the life of the program to help ensure we hit the mark. We are deeply grateful to industry legends Samantha Birkwood (NSW), Ian Firth (VIC), Carole Fudge (WA), Christina Gnezdiloff (QLD) and Amy Woollard (SA) for their participation in the project reference group which is tasked with assessing program impact. These are your industry spokespeople, so please get in touch with your local representatives to let them know what you think as the program unfolds.

Leading the program on behalf of GIA is our new Communications Manager, Jennifer McQueen. Jennifer, who is currently based in Tasmania, has a wealth of experience in communications and we are delighted that she has joined the team to direct this important project. Jennifer will also be reviewing GIA’s wider communication channels and activities, and I know you will be stimulated by some of the changes she has in store. Read more about Jennifer’s career and what led her to GIA in this issue.

I am also delighted to welcome a new state association colleague into the greenlife family. Lisa Passmore has taken over as Chief Executive of Nursery & Garden Industry WA (NGIWA), following Matt Lunn’s move to Turf Australia. Lisa’s credentials barely require an introduction: the Passmore family are horticultural royalty in Western Australia. I look forward to working with Lisa as she takes NGIWA forward into its next phase of growth.

This month, GIA farewells director Brian Acworth AM. Brian joined the GIA Board in 2019 and was instrumental in helping give life to GIA. Brian’s long experience in corporate finance and management were incredibly valuable in helping guide the board and staff team, and his sage wisdom and warm personality will be greatly missed. Our constitution directs that GIA appoints a director to fill this casual vacancy who will occupy the seat until the 2023 Annual General Meeting. Later in the year, the GIA Nominations Committee will invite nominations for a three-year appointment to this position, in addition to other vacancies arising on the board of directors.

Would you like to get involved in guiding GIA’s next phase of development?

If so, we’d love to hear from you when board nominations open.

As I passed my first anniversary as GIA’s CEO, I was gratified to note that I hear from more of you, more of the time. Keep it coming! The GIA team is here to serve you and as we progress through an exciting period of transformation to become the peak body you need and deserve. I remain keen to know what’s on your mind. Get in touch any time at jo.cave@greenlifeindustry.com.au or on 0468 368 961.