A fond farewell to Humphris’ Andrew White

By Rebecca Humphris

Between the ages of 15 and 20, Andrew worked on farms during school holidays, operating as a wool presser and taking on night plough work. He finished high school in 1977 and attended university.

After completing his studies in 1981, Andrew pursued his interest in gardening by starting his own garden maintenance business in the eastern suburbs of Sydney. To boost business when he was short on money, Andrew cheekily sprayed sulphate ammonia on his customers’ grass, resulting in accelerated growth and more work. He successfully operated this business for two years.

In 1983, Andrew took on a job opportunity through a friend, conducting a research project. The aim of the project was to explore methods for preserving Australian native plants inside shipping containers for eight weeks. Over the course of 12 months, Andrew conducted various trials, simulating different conditions, and employing chemical treatments and coverings. With a team of six staff members, this project proved to be a valuable experience for Andrew, allowing him to buy and outsource plants.

In 1984, he embarked on his career as a plant breeder in Sydney, marking the beginning of his journey in the industry. During this time, he established a tissue culture lab, transforming a men’s locker room. That company was Woodlands, now Oasis, where Andrew remained a valued employee for 32 years.

Following the tissue culture experience, Andrew transitioned into plant breeding for a period of 3–4 years, focusing on cultivating various plants, including poinsettias. Throughout this period, he collaborated with the University of California to explore the techniques for successfully growing Australian native plants in the Californian environment.

In late 80s, the recession hit, resulting in a halt on research and development. Andrew took on a new role as the manager of a propagation team of 15 employees. Under his management, the team successfully handled the propagation of four million cuttings a year. Additionally, Andrew provided technical support to growers throughout Australia.

In 1998, he commenced work in the seedling area within Oasis. Two years later, Andrew and Michelle (Andrew’s big boss) were approached to relocate to Melbourne, a decision that entailed uprooting their lives along with their four young children and pets. Accepting the challenge, Andrew stepped into the role of Oasis site manager in Cranbourne. Initially slated as a two-year commitment overseeing a team of 150 staff members, the position proved was extended to a seven-year term.

In 2015, Andrew was appointed Oasis general manager, overseeing 300 staff across two sites in Cranbourne and Springwood (Blue Mountains). Managing such a widespread operation necessitated frequent travel between the sites. Andrew would spend 2–3 nights every fortnight away from home, which not only allowed him to efficiently oversee operations but also presented an opportunity to travel the world.

As a side note, from 1992 to 2015, Andrew served as a director for Bonza, a plant breeding company with Japanese connections. Despite the duration of his involvement, Andrew did not learn much Japanese unfortunately. Furthermore, Andrew had a four-year term on the NGIV board.

On March 15, 2016, Andrew joined Humphris Nursery as the general manager, embarking on a role that has required him to wear many hats.

Throughout his time at the nursery, Andrew has managed staff, overseeing the team’s growth from 60 to 120 employees. He also contributed through grant writing, staff recruitment (some of which have had us asking ourselves, “what was he thinking?”), and assumed the role of grafting manager. Additionally, Andrew served as a valuable sounding board for Kerstie and, most difficult of all, he faced the difficult task of trying to control Baz.

Andrew is a man of loyalty and honesty. He has a fantastic work ethic and he is stoic. He is humble about his contribution to Humphris Nursery and the industry at large. He is a true professional who has shown by example that hard work is something to aim for daily. Andrew will walk away from the industry with many friendships, a well-respected and kind man, whose presence knowledge will be missed.

We love all that he has done for us and now he must go and do all that he loves for himself. All at Humphris are going to miss Andrew in our own individual way.