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28 NEW MEMBER PROFILE: EVERUN AUSTRALIA
03GROUNDSWELL AUGUST 2022
M: 0409 88 77 06
PRINTING Norwood Industries
www.oasishorticulture.com.au
6 Wedgewood Road, Hallam VIC 3803.
18 PMA: AUSTRALIAN INNOVATION WINS SILVER AT CHELSEA FLOWER & GARDEN SHOW
P.O. Box 2280, Wattletree Road LPO, Malvern East VIC 3145.
PUBLISHER
ADVERTISING NGIV T: (03) 9576 0599
15 POWERPLANTS: POWERING SUSTAINABILITY IN HORTICULTURE
FAX (03) 9576 0431
20 THE RIGHT TEAM AND INFRASTRUCTURE AT HAARS NURSERY
E: angie@valegraphics.com.au
25 GROWING PLANTS THAT CHANGE LIVES
EMAIL www.ngiv.com.aungiv@ngiv.com.au
FINISHED ART Vale Graphics
8 ADVOCATING FOR VICTORIA’S HORTICULTURE INDUSTRY
Volume 33 Number 5
34 NEXTGEN: BLAIR WHITTEN
TELEPHONE (03) 9576 0599
CONTRIBUTORS Simon Gomme, Craig Taberner, Matt Ross, Nan Cleven, Bonnie-Marie Hibbs, Gerard Tan, Mario Diaco, Elliott Akintola
23 BUILDING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN GROWER AND RETAILER
NURSERY & GARDEN INDUSTRY VICTORIA
MAILING ADDRESS
Oasis
4 EXECUTIVE UPDATE
36 TRADE DAY REPORT
Our front cover: Horticulture brightening up gardens with stunning senetti.
31 NEW PARTNERS & MEMBERS
32 THE NEXTGEN ARE PASSIONATE FOR PP5 RECYCLING
PRESIDENT Simon Gomme
12 PGA AND NGIV STRIVING FOR INDUSTRY EXCELLENCE FOR 49 YEARS
August 2022
ADDRESS Unit 3, 307 Wattletree Road, Malvern East VIC 3145.
6 OASIS HORTICULTURE: UPSKILLING THE HORTICULTURAL WORKFORCE
27 CREATING MENTALLY HEALTHY WORKPLACES
CEO Craig Taberner
CONTENTS
Welcome everyone to our August Groundswell, NGIV’s bi-monthly magazine, delivering all the latest news from Victoria’s horticulture industry, along with feature articles, profiles, technical advice, and business tips.
Executive update
The NGIV Team and Board, participated in strategy days in July. They served as a wonderful reminder of how much we’ve achieved in the past 12 months, and it’s exciting to lay the strategic foundations for the year ahead. I’d like to thank the NGIV Board and team for their ongoing commitment, enthusiasm, and ingenuity.
Together, we are Australia’s horticultural powerhouse, and we are dedicated to continual growth and excellence.
As an industry we are collectively indebted to our partners and the work they do; that’s why we would ask that our members seek out opportunities to work with them.
Thank you also to our Industry Partners who chose to renew. NGIV has more partners than ever before, which is a sign of the strength, solidarity and support of our industry. Our partners are industry leaders, innovators, and initiators of best horticultural practice, and it’s an honour to work with them to benefit the horticulture industry across Victoria.
Two events which do a great deal to raise the profile of our industry are just around the corner. We’re delighted to announce that we’ve been welcomed to host another Horticultural Showcase
The event will provide Members of Parliament with a greater understanding of the strength of our industry and its benefits to Victoria’s economy, environment, liveability, and wellbeing It’s an opportunity to share our Policy Priorities and put our industry right in front of Victoria’s decision makers. You can find out more about how we’re Advocating for Victoria’s horticulture industry and our members businesses to all levels of Government on page 8.
NGIV are also starting to prepare for Australian Horticultural Trials Week 2022 taking place between 6-9 December. We’re proud to partner with some of Australia’s top breeders, growers, and allied businesses for this prestigious horticultural event. Trials Week is all about experiencing exciting new lines, visiting some of Australia’s finest propagators, growers and allied businesses, and enjoying networking with industry colleagues from all over Australia and overseas. Reach out to ngiv@ngiv.com.au if you’d be interested in exhibiting this year or visit horticulturaltrials.com to find out more about Trials Week.
GROUNDSWELL AUGUST 202204
From August to December NGIV will deliver a series of free webinars hosted by our industrial relations consultant, Sheena Kane, for HR Managers, Business Owners, and Team Leaders/ Supervisors of NGIV Member businesses. The webinar series will provide our members with key insights and information across the following topics: drugs and alcohol in the workplace, personal/sick leave, unfair dismissal, sexual harassment and Christmas parties. We’ve shared registration details in our weekly e-newsletter, and we hope it’s another value add for our members.
After a year of bedding into its new home at KCC Park, NGIV will commence a big, ongoing promotional push to bring more buyers to
We would also like to welcome Oasis Horticulture and WorkSafe Victoria, who both join this elite network of businesses, as Gold Partners. Also, a big thank you to Moshie Enterprise Coaching & Development and All Green Nursery & Garden, who have both jumped from Bronze to Gold Partners.
We’d like to start by thanking all our members for renewing their memberships and their ongoing support to NGIV and the broader industry.
We are committed to helping member businesses and the State’s horticulture industry to grow, from promoting careers in horticulture and advocating on behalf of the industry to key decision makers to delivering a calendar of horticultural events and promoting the industry through our communication channels, but we could not do that without your help.
in Queens Hall at Parliament House between 29th August 2nd September 2022. The Showcase was sponsored by the former Minister for Agriculture, the Hon. Mary-Anne Thomas who has now moved into the Health portfolio.
Simon Gomme President, NGIV
Craig Taberner CEO, NGIV
05GROUNDSWELL AUGUST 2022
Since October 2022, the Partners in Wellbeing program has been serving the mental health and wellbeing needs of NGIV members. It supported businesses and their employees as Victoria reopened following extended lockdowns, and has continued to attend to their needs since. NGIV’s dedicated mental health clinician/consultant, Gerard Tan, has assisted people seeking support directly, as well as through managers seeking to better support their employees.
In July and August we attended the Melbourne Gift Fair, Australia’s biggest coming together of retailers, to invite them to experience the benefits of Trade Day. We will also reach out to former visitors and lapsed Trade Day Buyer to welcome them back with a complimentary visit. We have also purchased retail databases and will extend the same offer to them.
Trade Day. With the venue consistently full of Australia’s leading growers and allied businesses filling out the stands, we’re focused on attracting new buyers.
Simon Gomme President, NGIV Powerplants Australia
Partners in Wellbeing has also provided weekly reflections on mental health and wellbeing advice through the NGIV newsletter. Most recently, Partners in Wellbeing supported NGIV in developing and implementing the Creating Mentally Healthy Workplaces workshops for business owners and senior managers. Gerard is NGIV’s dedicated mental health clinician/ consultant. We’d encourage members to connect with him at gerard.tan@each.com.au to book a chat. It’s free!
Craig Taberner CEO, NGIV
At June’s Trade Day, a videographer was engaged who has put together a series of videos to entice buyers to KCC Park for what is Australia’s largest wholesale plantlife market. We’ve shared the videos through our communications channels and provided copies to our members if they wish to do the same. We’ve also share promotional social media tiles.
We believe that once they experience Trade Day, with the finest quality greenlife and allied products at the best wholesale prices under one roof; they’ll be filling up their trolleys each month as Trade Day regulars.
As we move towards the end of the winter months, we look forward to what we believe will be a bumper spring, as public demand for plantlife increases. We wish all our member businesses a prosperous end of winter and start to spring, and if you need our support please don’t hesitate to reach out.
One of the students, Belinda Reville, Pots and Packing Team Leader in Dispatch, has been with Oasis Horticulture for two years and has welcomed the opportunity to step back into the ‘classroom’ and undertake a formal qualification.
By Matt Ross
GROUNDSWELL AUGUST 202206 FEATURE: TRAINING
In an industry first, Oasis Horticulture and Kangan Institute are collaborating to deliver Certificate lll in Horticulture at Oasis’ Devon Meadows site. We went along to their Program Launch on 18 May to learn more about how the collaboration came about, to speak to those involved and understand the benefits.
Oasis Horticulture and Kangan Institute are conducting the program under the auspices of the Victorian Government’s Free TAFE initiative. The program will deliver a relevant horticultural industry prescribed tertiary course to upskill Oasis Horticulture employees within the convenience of their workplace.
‘There is no way I would have been able to study horticulture unless it was for the convenience of being able to do it at work, during my working day and without a cost attached. It’s motivated me, it’s making me a better horticulturist and means I’m able to apply my knowledge to different areas of the nursery rather than be pigeonholed into just one.’
‘As a team we’re coming together, getting to know one another better, and we’re all encouraging one another to do our best. A lot of us have worked in the nursery industry for a lot of years without a formal qualification, it’s fulfilling to have all that knowledge and experience recognised. It’s been a gamechanger.’
Oasis Horticulture and Kangan Institute collaborate to upskill horticultural workforce
Oasis Horticulture are currently supporting 36 of their existing permanent and casual employees to undertake a pilot of the 18-month course.
‘Looking ahead when we have our busier periods and bring in casual staff with less experience, we’ve got a cohort here that can effectively train them and bring them up to speed more efficiently. We aren’t a nursery that relies on automation to do the work, the knowledge and skills of our team is key to what we do.’
Craig Taberner CEO of NGIV, Victoria’s industry body for horticulture, is also enthusiastic about the program and said, ‘as an industry we are experiencing challenges in attracting and retaining skilled workers, the convenience of this training program offers an innovative approach to meeting those challenges.’
Business Development Manager – Major Projects & Workplace Delivery
The idea for the Program came about when Stephen Lade, Operations Manager at Oasis, connected with Kris Barker, Business Development Manager at Bendigo TAFE and Kangan Institute, at an industry event last year. Kris introduced Stephen to the Victorian Government’s Free TAFE initiative and the potential to upskill his workforce at their site.
m: 0402099760 | e: k.barker@bendigotafe.edu.au
Six months into the pilot program and Stephen is starting to see the impact that the course is having, ‘I think the biggest benefit we’ve seen to date is that as a business we have employees who are skilled across multiple areas of the nursery That means the team can step into different areas as and when we need them to.’
‘Oasis have been wonderful to work with. They’ve been very communicative about their needs, and it’s been very much a partnership. Already we’re hearing that some of the students are being recruited into leadership positions. The success of this program using the Victorian Government’s Free TAFE initiative shows that this is a viable delivery model which other horticulture businesses can benefit from.’
The educators from Kangan Institute are also enjoying the opportunity to deliver training on-site. Alisa, Horticulture Teacher at Kangan Institute, ‘we’re able to deliver hands-on training and apply the learning to the students work site, it brings everything to life. Working with students that are already part of the industry, they know a lot already, they just need to develop their confidence and this program is giving them that.’
The training is delivered to fit around Oasis’s work schedule; more training during quieter periods and less training when they’re busy.
Kris Barker has been delighted with the partnership with Oasis Horticulture and the opportunity to deliver onsite training at a Victorian horticulture business for the first time.
NGIV would like to wish the Oasis students all the best in the remainder of their studies and their future careers in horticulture.
More information
Bendigo Kangan Institute (BKI) delivers the Certificate III in Horticulture course direct to industry across Victoria. For further information relating to the onsite delivery of the Horticulture programs please contact: Kris Barker
07GROUNDSWELL AUGUST 2022 FEATURE: TRAINING
2. Increase awareness and commit to improving Victoria’s Green Infrastructure (GI)
• Establish a GI fund as part of Victoria’s commitment to achieve zero emissions
GROUNDSWELL AUGUST 202208 GOVERNANACE: POLICY PRIORITIES
• Develop a Victorian Urban GI framework with a focus on increasing GI across Victorian Government owned assets
Advocating for Victoria’s horticulture industry
• Our industry has been growing annually by 5 -10 per cent
Maintaining our leadership position requires the development of a peri-urban Horticulture Centre of Excellence, providing the following infrastructure:
• Research and development space for horticultural businesses
• Centralised base for all Victorian horticultural related industry bodies
• Permanent home for Australia’s largest wholesale greenlife market and a satellite flower market.
• 90 per cent of all overseas genetic material are imported into Victoria
Advocating for Victoria’s horticulture industry and our members businesses to all levels of Government, is paramount to what we do. We have refreshed our Government Policy Priorities which will guide our advocacy and promotion of Victoria’s horticulture industry to Local and State Government into the future.
• Training centre to educate teachers and students, and promote careers in horticulture
• Demonstration space to showcase new horticultural technologies
NGIV supports Victoria’s target of achieving net zero emissions by 2050 and improved future climate resilience, with initiatives that support communities and businesses to undertake positive action. Fostering a greater sense of awareness, appreciation, and commitment, to deliver improvements to our state’s natural and engineered ecological systems (Green Infrastructure [GI]), is vital.
• Recognise GI as an asset class
We seek financial support to undertake a feasibility study to develop a masterplan including costings for a Horticulture Centre of Excellence.
1. Help Victoria maintain its position as Australia’s leader in horticulture
Victoria is recognised as Australia’s horticultural powerhouse, and we need investment to maintain our position. Challenges from competing industries, cost pressures, labour and skills shortages, and a changing market, leaves our industry vulnerable. Victoria’s leadership position is demonstrated in the following ways:
• Display facility for horticultural trials and new plant genetics
The following measures will help us achieve those goals:
• Victoria produces over one third of all Australian greenlife
• The NGIV delivers Australia’s largest wholesale greenlife market
• Victoria leads domestic exports, critical to food production
• 75 per cent of production businesses are likely to expand in the next three years
NGIV CEO CraigTaberner with MIFGS Chair MichaelWarner, Achievable Gardens designer Gina Robertson and former Minister for Agriculture Mary-AnneThomas.
• Distribution centre/logistics hub for plant movement
• NGIV owns the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show.
• Employ more people to address labour shortages and breathe new life into the industry
• Reassess industry relevant qualifications to meet future skills demands
• Develop and deliver a state marketing campaign to promote the benefits of a greener Victoria through:
o Having a focus on private land to encourage communities to place an intrinsic value on GI.
• Raise awareness of the educational pathways to gain industry qualifications, creating a skilled workforce
• Promote industries use of current technology, to build workforce capacity, and attract future employees
• Facilitate immersion experiences for secondary school students, to increase engagement and awareness of Victoria’s horticulture industry.
o encourage and support LGA’s to increase GI in their municipality based on this data
u
We recommend that the State of Victoria supports and adopts the above.
09GROUNDSWELL AUGUST 2022 GOVERNANACE: POLICY PRIORITIES
NGIV is committed to facilitating and maximising the growth potential of our sector. To achieve this goal, we must develop a larger, more skilful workforce to fill the diverse and rewarding careers on offer. We hope to:
NGIV CEO CraigTaberner meeting local MP for Ripon, Louise Staley, at the beautiful Avalon Nursery with former owners, Dave and Joanna.
o define the key metrics, to monitor, measure, and grow, canopy and vegetation cover; and
• Partner with Local Government Authorities (LGA’s) to:
3. Workforce Capacity (attraction, retention and skills)
We seek to partner with the State of Victoria to help promote our industry as a rewarding career choice and fill the labour and skills shortages that limit future industry growth.
• Position horticulture as a rewarding career choice and address negative perceptions that may exist
o Establishing an overarching community engagement program
We are proud of the relationships we have with our members, the performance* of our fund and that extra personalised service and expertise we give to every member.
• Support the professional development of Victorian horticultural educators
We encourage the State of Victoria to invest in horticultural education institutions to ensure they have access to skilled educators, adequate resources and modern teaching facilities.
NGIV requires government support to attract, train and retain high calibre horticultural educators, to improve the standard and overall outcomes of horticultural education. Working with government we hope to:
We seek support from the State of Victoria to develop a framework and processes for businesses wishing to enter the export market and help create an overarching export strategy.
1800 675 839 primesuper.com.au Book a chat online Getting the right support can make all the difference. Talk to us today. * Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. This information contains general information only and does not take account of your personal circumstances. You should obtain personal advice where appropriate. Prime Super Pty Ltd ABN 81 067 241 016 AFSL 219723 RSE L0000277 is the Trustee of Prime Super ABN 60 562 335 823 RN 1000276. A copy of the Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determination is available by calling 1800 675 839 or visiting primesuper.com.au/pds
Small fund.
GROUNDSWELL AUGUST 202210 GOVERNANACE: POLICY PRIORITIES
With government support, the Victorian horticultural industry is ideally positioned to provide outstanding quality, high demand horticultural products to a global market. NGIV recommends that government works closely with industry to outline the framework and processes for those businesses that have the capacity and appetite to be involved in future export markets.
5. Horticultural Industry Resilience
• Providing resources to assist with disaster assessment and planning
• Increase funding to encourage a greater uptake of horticultural educators
• Technology and infrastructure upgrades to reduce labour shortages and increase production as identified in NGIV’s ‘Realisation of Growth Opportunities Project’
• The acquisition of an adequate and suitable power supply, including renewable energy upgrades
• Supporting the future proofing of utilities through energy management plans, instructional communications, and water security
Upon understanding the opportunities and developing a framework, government would collaborate with our industry to develop an export strategy.
NGIV CEO CraigTaberner at Ball Australia with Clifford Hayes MP and Paul Boland, Managing Director Ball Australia.
We recommend the State of Victoria establish a fund that disperses grants to support horticultural businesses adapt to the shocks and stressors of climate change in innovative and efficient ways.
Our local and global climate is changing, and will continue to change, in ways that will adversely impact the resilience of Victoria’s horticultural industry. To combat this, we recommend that the government establishes a fund to support horticultural businesses to adapt to the challenges of a rising climate. The fund would enable businesses to become more resilient and competitive in the marketplace, whilst protecting businesses and jobs. The fund would be dispersed through targeted grants, allowing Victorian horticultural businesses, to undertake resilience and disaster planning. This would include:
• Equip our educators with the latest resources and infrastructure to develop our next generation of horticulturalists
4 Horticultural Educators
6. Market Access (Exports)
Big heart.
NGIV CEO CraigTaberner, with NGIV Vice President Carl Soderlund and Leader of the Nationals Peter Walsh MP
Contact the NGIV Office to receive hard copies of our Policy Priorities brochure.
Training & Events Officer will be taking a short break as she cares for her new family, and will be on maternity leave from Thursday 4 August.
11GROUNDSWELL AUGUST 2022 GOVERNANACE: POLICY PRIORITIES
local businesses, and we would encourage members to reach out to their local member and invite them to their site, sharing the challenges and opportunities they face.
He transitioned Groundswell to bi-monthly and added a new dimension of digital, with great member based content, in addition to lifting our social media presence to the next Whilstlevel.sad to be saying goodbye, we thank Matt for his time and wish him well as he takes on the next exciting venture in his Lizziecareer.Earl,
StaffNGIVMovements
NGIV’s communications over the past few years led by Matt has been exceptional, particularly highlighted during the pandemic as we kept members informed of the latest amendments in covid rules.
Members are to be advised of pending staff changes at NGIV.
We believe that the realisation of these priorities would be of enormous benefit to our entire industry, and we will continue to actively seek opportunities to engage Local and State Government over them.
During this transition period, please contact Cathy Rideg for Events and Training and Groundswell matters and Tania Karamitos for anything related to NGIV’s weekly E-news.
Where possible we are providing Members of Parliament with tours of member businesses to highlight the varied nature of our industry. This also provides our members with an opportunity to highlight their own specific challenges and opportunities to their local member of parliament.
We wish Lizzie well and look forward to welcoming her back in 2023.
We’ve contacted 130 Members of Parliament, across Victoria, and met with nearly 50 thus far, to share our vision for Victoria’s horticultural industry Government backing and support is key to the realisation of these priorities, which will be of enormous benefit to our entire industry.
The event will provide Members of Parliament with a greater understanding of the strength of our industry and its benefits to Victoria’s economy, environment, liveability, and wellbeing. It’s an opportunity to share our Policy Priorities and put our industry right in front of Victoria’s decision makers.
Matt Ross, Marketing & Communications Manager has resigned and will be finishing up on Monday 8 August following 2 & ½ years of outstanding service.
With Victorian State Elections taking place on 26 November, they are extremely receptive to meeting
In September we’ll be taking over Parliament House with a Horticultural Showcase to highlight the size, scale, innovation, expertise and potential of our wonderful industry. The Showcase will be sponsored by the Hon. Mary-Anne Thomas, former Minister for Agriculture, a staunch supporter of NGIV and our industry.
In the early 2000’s, Howard Bentley (Production), Michael Cole (Sales and Marketing), and Malchom Dickson (Business/ Accounts Operations) became the new owners of PGA and began shaping the business in their vision.
Always driven by improvement, the new owners, along with Steve Eggleton, Propagation Manager at the time, combined all operations to one site in 2000. This allowed them to develop a new, cutting edge, propagation facility with the assistance of NGIV Partner, Powerplants. The improvements made to the structure, equipment, and environmental control, allowed them to create an environment suitable for an increased diversity of crops and allowed their propagation techniques to evolve. All the while hygiene, disease control, and plant quality, advanced alongside NGIV’s industry standards.
By Matt Ross
wholesale nursery to use UV water sterilisation in Australia to treat recycled water, and used fogging as a propagation tool.
PGA was born out of the merging of Brushy Park Native Nursery, owned by Fritz Myer, Emil Lim and Reg Weston, and Park Native Nursery, owned by David Leiw, Roger and Natalie Peate
GROUNDSWELL AUGUST 202212 PROFILE: PGA
A combination of growing and propagation skills enabled the business to flourish, producing quality native plants out of the two sites. An early vision of constant development inspired the adoption of state-of-the-art technologies, systems, and processes. Those progressions occurred alongside and in conjunction with NGIV, and its efforts to develop and promote industry standards.
Some early examples of PGA’s appetite to innovate, included, transitioning to soilless potting media, they were the first
‘I see NGIV as a leader in Australia. They’ve been the driving force to stimulate horticultural businesses, including our own, to have a mentality of constant improvement and progression. They represent the whole industry, retailers, allied suppliers, and growers. They’re a partner to what we’ve done in the industry, they’ve been integral in enabling and supporting us to grow,’ said Steve Eggleton, Director at PGA.
A keen advocate for the benefits of aligning with the industry association, Natalie was the initial driving force behind PGA’s relationship with NGIV. She went on to become President of NGIV and was fittingly awarded an Honorary Life Membership in 2001.
PGA and NGIV striving for industry excellence for 49 years
PGA evolved their plant portfolio to focus on quality garden plants, regardless of their origin. They also began to focus on their marketing output. They recognised, and responded to, increased demand for information, promotion, and improved presentation of plants, something that remains a key focus today. This was coupled with NGIV’s increasing focus on promoting the growing professionalism of the industry and the product it produced.
Plant Growers Australia (PGA) are the longest serving member of Nursery & Garden Industry Victoria (NGIV). A relationship that began back in 1973 and has become embedded in the culture of their business. PGA and NGIV have grown together over forty-nine years in what’s become a wonderful partnership as they strive for industry excellence.
(Left to right) Steven Eggleton, Michael Cole, Howard Bentley and Malchom Dickson
With NGIV driving and modernising industry standards, PGA developed an energy and water efficient recycling and irrigation system that enabled a dramatic reduction in both water and fertiliser use. In 2011 PGA was a top 4 finalist in the National ‘Save Water Awards’. This same system has now been installed at their second production site in Monbulk, purchased in 2015.
‘We are proud of what they each bring to the nursery, and how many of them take the opportunity to further develop skills and knowledge, something we actively encourage. Their contribution allows us to be dynamic and agile in our ongoing pursuit of progress and development,’ said Steve.
Drought was a persistent challenge for the nursery through the late 2000’s, leading PGA to focus on water efficiency.
The nursery occupies two sites, Wonga Park and Monbulk, and totals 32 acres. The business is owned by directors Michael Cole, Malchom Dickson, Howard Bentley and Steven Eggleton.
Today, PGA are an industry accredited, innovative wholesale nursery that encompasses new plant development, propagation, and wholesale production of over 300 ornamental garden plant varieties, supplying most suitable areas of Australia.
PGA have a team of over 120 staff, across the two sites, with a diverse range of skills, education, experience, and backgrounds. Some are there to utilise their scientific knowledge, others to embrace their love of working outdoors surrounded by nature, and for some the flexible hours on offer provides the work life balance they crave.
Howard and Steve continue as active directors, overseeing and developing the business.
Workplace culture is more important to PGA than ever following the challenges faced by their team throughout the pandemic. They strive to create a modern workplace, where people enjoy their work, their colleagues, and are given the autonomy to learn and grow.
13GROUNDSWELL AUGUST 2022 PROFILE: PGA u
Whether it’s the in-house designed plant labels, the website housing professional imagery and factsheets for every plant variety, or the point of sale displays they offer their retailers, PGA make every effort to help their customers and gardeners succeed.
‘At PGA we believe that information and support for our customers and the gardener to enjoy our plants is essential. Our marketing and design department, and our experienced customer service team, work hard to deliver labelling, online information platforms and in-store merchandising, to give the best information and inspiration for our varieties,’ said Howard Fox, Sales and Marketing Manager.
NGIV would like to congratulate PGA on the success, growth and professionalism of their nursery, and thank them for their longstanding support.
They invest heavily to deliver extensive, quality marketing and communications resources, to ensure customers and gardeners are supported to get the most from their plants.
GROUNDSWELL AUGUST 202214 PROFILE: PGA
The team at PGA are driven by a need for constant improvement, enabling them to lead the way in efficiency, technology, and environmental business practices. They do not shy away from change, recognising that new operational processes and systems, keeps them at the forefront of wholesale nursery production; somewhere they plan to remain, alongside and in partnership with Nursery & Garden Industry Victoria.
PGA are renowned for their regular introduction of new, interesting, and innovative Greenlife. Bringing quality new plants to the gardening public has always been, and remains, a core focus of the business. Through their dedicated new plant development processes, whether internally developed plants via PGA Innovabred, or imported new varieties, are carefully selected for performance in Australian gardens. Many varieties including Loropetalum Plum Gorgeous, Lavinnova Lavenders, Dreameria Armerias, Convolvulus Moon Series and Salvia Heatwaves, are now established garden favourites.
It’s an exciting time for Powerplants, with the company expanding its operations from being exclusively Australian to working in New Zealand and Southeast Asia, with some interesting vertical farming projects on the horizon in Singapore and “Whatelsewhere.we’vedone in Australia pretty well is learn how to help growers improve, not just straight to the top level, but
With over 28 years’ experience working with growers, wholesalers, researchers, and government authorities, Melbourne-based horticultural solutions leader Powerplants has a proven history of advancing Australia’s plant production and food sustainability.
Many of the company’s competitors from Europe tend to look at installing high-tech facilities as a matter of course, and not being interested in anything that isn’t large scale.
Powerplants: Powering sustainability in horticulture
“Right at the start it was just Climate Systems, so we were putting in Retractable Shading & Fog Cooling systems, Circulation Fans and so on just to optimize the growing environment for plants. So that was the first division, and gradually over the years we added three more divisions.”
its own line of products locally in Melbourne, including circulation fans, fogging systems, auto dosing and recycling systems for fertiliser and water, and benching systems.
Over the years, the company’s mission has shifted to making horticulture much more sustainable, not only by using less resources, but in making the lives of growers easier through the use of automation.
sometimes just taking them two levels up with one piece of machinery, or improving their greenhouse a bit, and it’s taken them to a level that they’re comfortable in.”
As the company expands into the Southeast Asian market, it is taking a similar approach, looking at smaller growers, with the same needs as the Australian growers Powerplants has helped for years. This tried and tested model promises to replicate that success.
“We’re also part of the Netherlands-based PB Tech Group, which is now also part of a much larger Atrium group of companies, which includes some very large glasshouse builders, designers, and turnkey Powerplantsproviders.”manufactures
Leading the company is CEO Carl van Loon, who assists with the design of new projects, undertakes customer and key supplier visits, and keeps up to date with new growing systems and techniques with his co-Director Simon Gomme. Mr van Loon’s father was a Nurseryman, and as such he learned about plant propagation from an early age, going on to further his knowledge by studying Engineering at RMIT and Horticulture at Melbourne University. Mr van Loon spoke with us recently about the steady growth of the company since its inception in 1994, the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the horticultural industry, and the exciting developments in energy conservation and vertical farming that promise to be a big part of Powerplants’ future.
Making Growers’ lives easier
“We’ve got pretty good at helping smaller and medium-sized growers get from whatever level they’re at to improving their productivity, improving their quality, reducing their demand on resources, pesticide use, fungicides, water, fertiliser, all of these things.”
15GROUNDSWELL AUGUST 2022 PROFILE: POWERPLANTS u
The company is formed of four main divisions, which have been introduced steadily over the years. These divisions are Climate Systems, Controls and Water Systems, Automation and Labour Saving Systems, and Design and Project Management
“I started the company in 1994,” Mr van Loon says, “to provide growers with greenhouse climate control, systems, and service The main goal was to improve productivity and quality of crops in their greenhouses.”
“We are always developing long-term relationships with our customers, and expand with them as the business grows. Our customers include growers who sell directly to supermarkets and retailers, as well as corporates and government. We design and provide R&D facilities for government and larger seed companies, such as Bayer and others.”
Over the years, the company’s mission has shifted to making horticulture much more sustainable, not only by using less resources, but in making the lives of growers easier through the use of automation.
With a number of tailored solutions that combine extensive industry knowledge with the latest developments in global products and services, Powerplants is doing all it can to raise the profile of the horticultural industry.
Next up was Controls and Water Systems, which involves designing and installing computers to control those Climate Systems already in place, and adding fertiliser dosing systems and recycling systems.
The final division, Design & Project Management, has developed more rapidly over the last five years – as the company’s projects have started to get bigger and more complex – and is all about delivering professional services to customers.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant effect on industries across Australia and the world, and horticulture is no different, with the sourcing of labour in particular becoming more difficult. But there have also been some surprising positive side-effects.
“I think we’re pretty lucky to be involved in the nursery industry, which has really boomed in the last two years. People have become more interested in growing products at home, and
The new normal
Carl van Loon and Paul Bowland either side of MinisterThomas officially openingTrialsWeek 2021.
“The Automation and Labour Saving division is becoming one of the biggest parts of the business, as in Australia labour is very expensive, but it’s also getting very difficult to find. So growers are looking more desperately at getting automation to do jobs that they can’t get any people for whatsoever.”
GROUNDSWELL AUGUST 202216 PROFILE: POWERPLANTS u
Visit www.powerplants.com.au
This article was originally published in The Australian Business Executive.
Cucumber greenhouse Reijm & Zn
doing veggie gardening and so on, but also home improvement in general, which includes gardening and landscaping.”
The main issue the company faces going forward is the relative obscurity the horticultural industry still sits in, with the major effect of this coming in building a workforce that can support consumer demand, with many people unaware that horticulture is a viable career.
Various parts of the business have been affected more negatively, with a downturn in the Food Service industry or restaurants. Almost all the company’s customers, however, have done very well during the two years of the pandemic.
There have also been significant supply chain issues, creating extra costs and delays in freight, with some suppliers struggling greatly with the computer chip shortage, which has made it difficult to get machines. Despite these issues, the future of the industry looks bright.
“We’ve had to resort a bit more to doing remote installs, and that’s actually worked pretty well, so that’s a good thing for the future too. We can reduce our flights and carbon emissions by doing more projects remotely.”
“Vertical farming can provide that. I think vertical farming will become a really interesting part of the industry, and we’re pretty well placed to do that, with a lot of really good suppliers in Europe.”
With a number of tailored solutions that combine extensive industry knowledge with the latest developments in global products and services, Powerplants is doing all it can to raise the profile of the horticultural industry.
“There are some pretty exciting things coming up on the energy side of things,” Mr van Loon says. “We’re really interested in finding better solutions – utilising solar and batteries, finding alternative methods of producing CO2 and getting it into the greenhouse so that plants can use it.”
“There are some pretty high-tech and pretty well-paid positions available in the industry, and in our company as well,” Mr van Loon concludes. “What I want to try and do is promote this industry as a really vibrant, interesting industry that also ticks all of the boxes as far as where we’re going as a society, what we need to do as far as reducing resources, providing and producing high-quality food with less resources. We’re really looking for younger people who are keen to make a difference in the world in these areas.”
There have also been issues with working across state borders during the pandemic, especially in Western Australia, Tasmania, and Queensland, but with people set up in all states, the company has managed to get all jobs done no matter the location.
After 28 years of driving hard to develop the hydroponic and CEA industry in Australia, Carl is now stepping back for six months to recharge and reinvent his role at Powerplants and in the industry.
“The biggest problem that they’re having is not selling product, but actually finding the staff to grow the product. That’s becoming the biggest issue for the industry, and also our biggest issue right now too. All the time there are staff with Covid at the moment, and I think that’s the same in every business in Australia.”
17GROUNDSWELL AUGUST 2022 PROFILE: POWERPLANTS
More information
‘I feel like I need a good break,’ he chuckles. ‘When you are focussed for such a long time, you tend to get a kind of tunnel vision. There are so many new opportunities in this industry, and for Powerplants, especially in the South Eastern Asian market. I’m very excited to be part of PB tec, and the broader Atrium Group and all the opportunities that this will give us, and I’m super confident that the Powerplants business is in great hands with Simon Gomme and the motivated team that we have. Now I look forward to the next chapter.’
Carl van Loon
A well-deserved break
There are also some newer technologies in vertical farming that are particularly interesting to the company, especially when they are utilised in larger cities, like Singapore and Tokyo, with a very dense urban environment and middle classes looking for good quality, clean food.
By Bonnie-Marie Hibbs, PMA
Only the best plant genetics and breeding programs are considered. A shortlist of the world’s twenty best plants are evaluated, with that number fine-lined down to the very best.
Armeria ‘Dreamland’, a part of the ‘Dreameria®’ collection, has been selected for second place in the ‘RHS Plant of the Year Award’ for its garden excellence, beautiful floral displays that bloom upward of seven to eight months and its breeding story. Judges had a challenging time deciding the winning position as it all came down to one point dividing first and second place.
The ‘Dreameria®’ collection comprises brand new innovative genetics with stunning large globed flowers in an array of beautiful colours and clean, tidy foliage. This breeding program has been a long twenty-year dedicated journey with many trials taking place worldwide. With over a million plants sold globally, this is just the start of an amazing journey for PGA Innovabred® and their global management partner Plants Management Australia.
Australian Innovation win silver at Chelsea Flower & Garden Show
The Chelsea Flower and Garden Show conducts one of the world’s most prestigious and globally recognised industry-leading awards through the RHS (Royal Horticultural Society). The Plant of the Year award gains the favour of enthusiasts and industry leaders from all over the world.
An elite panel of industry professionals judge each plant on its merits and breeding programs. After serious deliberation, the list of candidates drops to the top three. This prestigious award celebrates the exciting and diverse range of new plants launched at the show this year. The assessors were looking for innovation, excellence, impact and appeal.
GROUNDSWELL AUGUST 202218 PROFILE: PMA
‘Dreameria®’ series and in particular ‘Dreamland’ is an international favourite, with the collection now being sold worldwide with successful campaigns throughout Canada, Japan, America, South Africa, New Zealand and The United Kingdom.
Announced on Tuesday the 24th of May 2022, an Australian breeding house PGA InnovaBred® in partnership with global management companies Plants Management Australia and BALL Colegrave UK has secured second place, winning silver.
PGA InnovaBred® has a combined sixty years of expertise in developing innovative genetics, with the ‘Dreameria®’ collection being developed over a twenty-year journey. It took dedicated seed sowing, hand-pollination, cross-breeding, trials and a ruthless selection during that period to result in creating the world’s best new Armeria genetics. ‘Dreameria®’ varieties have the same hardy attributes of their wild cousins but have brought
For more information about visit www.pma.com.au
the Dreameria collection and other inspiring plant innovations
Contact Bonnie-Marie Hibbs, Communications & Marketing Manager. e: bonniemarie@pma.com.au
a new range of colours, including lilac, rosy-pink, salmon-pink, rich purples and white. Additionally, these selections have significantly larger ‘globed’ blooms than the wild form, with an average of the flowers measuring 30mm across. Flowers bloom for several months throughout the year, providing long term cheery colour from winter to late spring.
19GROUNDSWELL AUGUST 2022 PROFILE: PMA
More information
solutions for ornamental and landscape situations
This award is a significant achievement for Horticultural innovation and breeding and plant breeders across the country as it has placed Australia on a global map. Head breeders Steve Eggleton and Howard Bentley from PGA InnovaBred® are incredibly proud of their achievements; “We should all be very proud of what we have created,” Howard Bentley said with excitement on Tuesday when the news came through. “We have been to Chelsea many times and have long harboured the dream of having an InnovaBred plant featured at the most prestigious garden show in the world. We are extremely proud that a small company from Australia has been able to achieve a wonderful result.” Steve Eggleton and Howard Bentley.
ALWAYS USE ACCORDING TO PRODUCT LABEL Bayer CropScience Pty. Ltd., Environmental Science, Level 1, 8 Redfern Road, Hawthorn East, Vic. 3123 Technical Enquiries: 1800 804 479 es.bayer.com.au Banol®, Destiny®, Initiator®, Ronstar®, Specticle® & Tempo® are Registered Trademarks of the Bayer Group © 2022 // Weed control – Specticle®, Ronstar® // Disease control– Dedicate®, Banol® // Insect control – Initiator®, Tempo® XTRA
Innovative
centralised systems for everything from workplace safety, production planning and despatch management offering every department across the business with access to up-to-date information and records.
Haars have represented the genetics of many of the world’s best breeders for years and these relationships continue to strengthen and evolve.
By Matt Ross
The Haars senior management team, understand the importance of having the right people in the right positions. Over the last two years they’ve invested in strengthening the management team to take the business forward.
The right team
It’s not unusual at Haars that Damian was recruited from outside the industry. With a focus on driving a great culture, the Haars leadership team are more concerned with bringing the right people in to the team than selecting for industry experience.
New Hebe variety Hebe Tikitiki which is currenlty being trialed.
They are committed to providing the market with quality flowering indoor and outdoor plants, an extensive range of herbs and vegetables, including The Diggers range, hanging baskets and shrubs for garden landscapes, which are clean, virus indexed, and great performers in Australian gardens.
Damian North was brought in as Head of Operations, 18 months ago. Formerly in the wine industry Damian is enjoying his first role in horticulture and has been focusing on establishing efficient processes across the business to ensure they are ready for the next phase of growth. Damian has introduced
The right team and infrastructure at Haars Nursery
Having experienced rapid and considerable growth in recent years, Haars Nursery have been focusing on consolidating their team, processes, and infrastructure, to be the agile business they want to be. We visited their Lyndhurst and Somerville sites to meet the team and learn more about the changes they’ve made to support continued growth.
Established in 1981, Haars Nursery has grown through strong relationships with international breeders, investment in quarantine, elite and mother stock facilities across two sites, as well as an inhouse propagation division to ensure they have control over a high-quality supply chain.
GROUNDSWELL AUGUST 202220 PROFILE: HAARS NURSERY
‘As a business, we had reached a point where our systems and processes weren’t as efficient or as agile as they needed to be to keep up with demand for our stock. I’ve been focusing on embedding the right infrastructure to allow the team to do their jobs to the best of their abilities, without coming up against obstacles. I’m confident we now have the right environment to bring everyone on the journey.’
‘We want to reach those individuals who may never have considered horticulture as a viable career choice, and believe we’ve created an environment and culture to allow the right people to thrive, no matter what past experience they might have.
‘We take a broad approach to recruitment. We’ve developed relationships with local councils and TAFE institutions, to promote horticulture as an outstanding career choice, highlighting the variety of roles and the opportunity for ongoing learning. We also advertise roles through the Nursery & Garden Industry Victoria.’
It’s that expansive approach to recruitment that saw Haars identify Matthew Robertson in March last year. Now the Head Grower for their Propagation Department, Matthew was studying horticulture having pivoted from a career in manufacturing. He was seeking hands on experience to supplement his studies and fast track his career in horticulture, having come into the industry at 35 years old.
‘Having previously studied biology, the transition into horticulture has come quite naturally, I was able to grasp horticultural concepts given my scientific background. I spoke with Jordan and Damian, making them aware of my desire to take on more responsibility and progress my career.
To their credit, they listened, and I’ve quickly established myself as the Head Grower in Propagation, a role I’m really enjoying. It’s something I’ve really noticed during my time at Haars, it’s a business that listens to its employees and when appropriate acts on their feedback, and that’s really refreshing. I now manage a young, dynamic, enthusiastic team and I in turn take a lot of pride in being open to their input and helping them to develop their skillset,’ said Matthew.
Having the right infrastructure in place to allow their team to flourish has also been a priority for the senior management team.
‘I’d never really considered horticulture as a career choice. A friend who works at Haars suggested I give it a go and I haven’t looked back; I love it. The variety of work, the constant learning , the opportunity to work outdoors and create life, all make it such a rewarding industry and I’d encourage other young people to give it a go,’ enthused Emily.
Emily Moorhead, Propagation Supervisor, Haars Lyndhurst with team member.
Another key introduction to the team was Emily Moorhead. She too came from outside of the industry, previously working in hospitality, her enthusiasm, professionalism and capacity to learn, has seen her climb the ranks to the position of propagation supervisor at the Lyndhurst site.
The right infrastructure
21GROUNDSWELL AUGUST 2022 PROFILE: HAARS NURSERY
Matthew Robertson, Propagation Manager at Haars Sommerville.
Kylie Balmain and Rob Thorpe members of the team, supporting the development of the propogation and genetics division.
New Fuchsia Shadow Dancer varieties Shanaya, selected for its colour, form and flowering time.
‘The flexibility of in-house propagation has allowed us to deliver the right product, at the right time, in the right quantity into the retail channel. We’ve learnt a lot in the last couple of years about how important that quality control and agility is,’ said Kylie Balmain.
They’ve also invested in automation and technologies across the two sites allowing them to control the growing environment to improve quality, conduct growing trials of new genetics, and introduce more diversity into the range.
Establishing their own bio-security houses, elite mother stock facilities, combined with a knowledgeable, passionate team and access to new plant genetics, makes the next chapter of growth and diversification for the business a very exciting one.
One of approximately 40 new Pelargonium varieites Haars have brought to the market P. Mexica Ruby.
GreatOrange.winter colour lines, with new vareities of Erysimum being introduced. E. Winter Orchid
Haars Nursery are supplying over 10 million plants a year to their customer base of partner growers (from WA, NSW, TAS & QLD) as well as strong retailers, and the landscape industry. Their focus on innovation, agility and quality remains a constant. The team’s position in the industry is also being strengthened by obtaining well recognised accreditations such as Fair Farms status.
New Range the Belleconia Begonia’s perfectly suited for baskets, B. Belleconia Soft
Establishing an in-house propagation division at both their Lyndhurst and Somerville sites has given the business more control to adapt to changing market demands, emerging sales trends and quality over the supply chain. This division also enables the team to develop technical skill in propagation and mother stock management. Broadening the skill set of the team provides more development opportunities and improves labour flexibility through the seasons. In two years, they’ve gone from outsourcing propagation to doing 80 per cent of their own.
GROUNDSWELL AUGUST 202222 PROFILE: HAARS NURSERY
Rolling benches, temperature control, shade, feed & spray systems, and blackout facilities, have all been added over the last couple of years.
‘The growers that we do the most business with are the ones who take a proactive approach. They’re the ones who reach out, either in person or remotely, and keep us updated on what plants they have coming through, their key lines, whether they have excess stock that they are looking to sell on.’
And how can retailers work with the growers?
‘Consumers will often pay a premium and seek out plants from growers who have an outstanding reputation for delivering quality stock. It’s something we leverage in a sale; we make the consumer aware that the plant has been supplied by a certain grower and that their plants are of a consistently high quality. That’s something growers should focus on, as consumers are increasingly conscious of where a plant began its life, and it
‘Retailers need to know their top 20 or 30 selling lines. They need to then understand from the grower the season for that plant, when they can be ready by, in what quantities and when they will be looking their best on the shelves. This allows the retailer to pre-order those plants and have the right quantities when the customer is demanding them.’
‘Retailers can provide growers with a wealth of valuable insights, straight from the consumer, having that information can really guide suppliers to grow the right plants and eliminate some of the risk of growing the wrong plants or the wrong quantities. We know what the trends are, we know what’s selling and what isn’t, and why. Those insights are so valuable.’
23GROUNDSWELL AUGUST 2022 RETAIL NEWS
‘Retailers should also consider the number of growers they work with. I think that comes down to understanding your customer base. If a retailer is selling exclusively to the consumer, I feel like a small supply chain with trusted growers is beneficial. However, if you’re a ret ailer who deals a lot with landscapers,
‘Pre-ordering also lets the supplier grow the plants with the confidence of knowing they are sold. It gives the retailer buying power and creates a good relationship with the grower. I will often pre-order our top seller to be delivered in batches, ensuring that plant is always on the shelves and looking its best.’
Getting the most out of the relationship between grower and retailer
‘If a grower is focusing on a new line and we haven’t seen the plant, I appreciate them visiting us with a sample, so we can see the plant and they can educate us on its potential.’
u
By Mario Diaco
does inform their choice. For that reason, having grower branding on pots and labels is worth considering.’
The relationship between grower and retailer is key to providing consumers with the plants they want, when they want them. We caught up with Mario Diaco, Managing Director of Diaco’s Garden Nursery, to understand how both parties can work together to get the most of the relationship.
‘Like any business, maintaining and nurturing relationships is key. Sometimes growers can fall into the trap of focusing solely on growing the plant and not on selling them. I would advise growers not to wait for the retailer to approach them, but to take the initiative and stay in regular contact with their customers.’
‘When I do converse with our suppliers, I’ll always let them know how their plants are selling and providing them with consumer feedback, which they appreciate and take onboard.’
‘And so whether you’re a grower or a retailer, developing good relationships, being proactive and sharing information, are all key to getting the most of what is a really important horticultural relationship.’
who want larger quantities of a plant there and the, it might be beneficial to work with a larger supply chain to give yourself a better chance of being able to meet those orders.’
Diaco’s Garden Nursery have stores in Mornington, Heatherton, Geelong and Keilor. We believe in the value of local garden nurseries, where staff have the time and the passion to chat with you and offer valuable, practical advice for your gardening needs. Our team lives and breathes plants and gardening.
‘I don’t pay too much attention to our competitors in terms of the plants they stock and the growers they work with, I focus on ourselves, our customers and what works for us. Every retailer has a unique customer base, and we are guided by understanding them and their spending habits.’
More Diaco’sinformationNursery, diacos.com.au
‘I will sometimes reach out to our suppliers to understand whether they have excess stock they need to get rid of. This allows us to buy a large quantity of the plant at a reduced price and sell it on to the consumer through as a sale promotion.’
GROUNDSWELL AUGUST 202224 RETAIL NEWS
Next time you require green life supplies for your commercial project, government department, large private project, landscaping business or to fulfil orders for your retail nursery, Billabong Garden Complex is a great place to start!
Billabong Garden Complex is a ‘social traders’ certified social enterprise, operated by disability service ConnectGV. Growing and evolving over the years, the expansive garden complex, open seven days, is home to a large production nursery, a retail nursery, gift shop, the Ruby Saltbush Café, a floral arrangement studio and most recently a venue hire facility for training, meetings and social gatherings. Every facet provides meaningful employment and work experience opportunities for people with a disability.
Billabong is a preferred supplier for local government authorities, wholesale trade customers, supplies to many retail nurseries across the state and interstate and supplies and contract grows for large commercial and domestic projects.
Growing plants that change lives
25GROUNDSWELL AUGUST 2022 PROFILE: BILLABONG GARDEN COMPLEX
Plant quality is paramount, all plants grown on site in the production nursery go through the establishment and hardening off process, so they are ready for successful plantings.
A purchase from a social enterprise is the most impactful transaction you will make! You purchase quality products or services required for your business to thrive, whilst at the same time you meet your social procurement requirements. However, it is the ripple on effects where the impact is really appreciated.
By Kate Smith
Supported employees with a disability work alongside qualified horticulturalists to produce tens of thousands of plants annually The range of green life produced is extensive including native plants, ornamentals/cottage/hedging plants, licensed native plants species (including Ozbreed, Bush Magik and Austraflora), deciduous trees, camellias and more. This extensive range of green life is produced in varying pot sizes from tube stock to advanced trees. Billabong is also a part of a group of other social enterprise production nurseries that work together to fulfil large scale commercial orders. In addition, long-standing connections with a substantial network of growers ensure diversity in their own retail nursery and enable efficient and quality assured sourcing of other species outside of Billabong’s plant repertoire to meet your requirements.
Celebrating 20 years of operation this year, Billabong Garden Complex was born from humble beginnings, before it become a garden complex open to the public it started out as a little gardening program that operated on the outskirts of Shepparton ‘The Farm’ as it was affectionately known then, provided people with a disability the option to participate in an activity to learn new skills, for social connections and to obtain the numerous benefits associated with horticultural therapy. The plants propagated were sold at an annual fundraising fete. The program was so sought after and successful that a retail nursery to sell the plants grown, Billabong, was opened to the public.
Your purchase from Billabong makes a difference! You are supporting meaningful employment, training, and work
Having been a part of the community for two decades, Billabong is now a destination for locals and visitors alike. This holistic approach results in year-round garden solutions for the general public and industry whilst at the same time provides enhanced community connections and diverse and sustainable opportunities for supported employees with a disability.
GROUNDSWELL AUGUST 202226 PROFILE: BILLABONG GARDEN COMPLEX
T: 5821 8632 | www.billabonggardencomplex.com.au
Billabong Garden Complex Manager, Tracy Lamont said, “It is so rewarding seeing our staff grow with every plant order Skills grow due to the diversity of orders, confidence grows, community and social connections grow and opportunities to achieve their individual employment goals grow.”
Billabong Garden Complex 295 Numurkah Road, Shepparton
Tracy Lamont, Manager
The benefits of gardening have long been known; however, it is when you visit this social enterprise, Billabong Garden Complex, that you can truly appreciate the enormity of the benefits of horticultural therapy. Contact Billabong to discuss your requirements and to arrange a visit to meet the team and tour their operations.
experience opportunities for supported employees with a disability. These staff are involved in the entire process from the taking of cuttings, planting seeds, potting on, plant maintenance, stock movement and control, labelling plants and the picking, packing, and processing of orders.
More information
ESTABLISHED 1998 JMK NURSERY 160 Wandin Creek Rd Wandin East VIC 3139 E jmknursery@bigpond.com | T 03 5964 2971 | jmknursery.com.au WHOLESALE NURSERY | LANDSCAPING AND SEASONAL LINES BORDERING PLANT OPTIONS | POTTED PLANTS
Research has found that while nine in ten Australian workers said having a mentally healthy workplace was important to them, just over half described their workplaces as being mentally healthy. The performance gap had significant implications. Employees in mentally unhealthy workplaces were almost three times as likely to take time off work due to feeling mentally unwell, compared to their counterparts in mentally healthy workplaces. They were less likely to seek support or to provide it to others.
Following a successful application for a Mental Wellbeing of Business Communities grant, NGIV embarked on a project to strengthen mental wellbeing in the Victorian nursery and garden industry. The project highlighted industry interest in creating mentally healthy workplaces. Representatives of two industry partners participated in 10 hours of mental health training, and shared their experiences of using the Workwell Toolkit via recorded video interviews.
It has been estimated that poor mental health costs Australian businesses more than $10 billion annually, comprising nearly $5 billion in absenteeism, more than $6 billion in presenteeism, and $146 million in compensation claims.
The project is now in its evaluation phase, with the final report due at the end of the month. Results have so far been promising. Participants have given feedback that the sessions were informative, and provided practical knowledge that could be implemented at work and in their personal lives. All participants said that they would recommend the workshops to others.
27GROUNDSWELL AUGUST 2022 BUSINESS NEWS: HEALTH & WELLBEING
By Gerard Tan
Members also came together in several in-person and virtual workshops to consider the alignment of employee wellbeing with their businesses. NGIV’s dedicated mental health clinician/consultant outlined the framework for discussions, drawing on the literature on wellbeing and psychological safety. Members’ learned from each other’s successes as they discussed building wellbeing at the individual, team and organisational levels; as well as strengthening their businesses psychosocial safety climates. They also learned about the Workwell Toolkit, developed by Worksafe Victoria to assist businesses in creating mentally healthy workplaces.
Among participants’ key takeaways were a better appreciation of how employee wellbeing is aligned with and supports the achievement of business objectives, the importance of a whole-of-business approach to employee wellbeing, and how Worksafe’s Workwell Toolkit could be a valuable resource. However, perhaps the most rewarding outcome has been participants’ increased confidence in improving their own wellbeing upon completion of the workshop, and stated intentions to take the next step in businesses’ journeys towards mentally healthy workplaces.
Nearly half of Australians aged 16 to 85 years will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime. With most of us spending more than one-third of their waking hours at work, work has the potential to affect our mental health, for better or worse. Conversely, the effects of our health and wellbeing can and often do flow through to our workplaces.
Creating mentally healthy workplaces in the Victorian nursery and garden industry
Who is a typical Everun customer?
New member profile: Everun Australia
By Matt Ross
material handling solutions to the horticulture, agriculture, and commercial/industrial sectors.
Our customers are wide ranging. We supply to horticultural businesses, hobby farmers, agricultural verticals, SME’s, builders, landscapers, recycling companies, schools, underground mining, demolition shopping centre fit out and caravan retailers.
@powerplantsaust/user/powerplantsaustralia@powerplantsaustraliaFollow Us /powerplantsaustralia Technology is what we do, innovation is what we live for powerplants.com.au pb-tec.com Proud Partners of NGIV BrettWestland, Regional Manager, attending NGIV Trade Day.
As Victoria’s peak industry body, we are committed to helping our member businesses grow. We caught up with one of our new members, Everun Australia, to understand more about their business, what makes them unique, and why they chose to become members of NGIV.
Everun Australia, is a factory owned subsidiary of the global manufacturer who trades in over 50 countries worldwide. We are not a dealership. We also stock electric eco-friendly Australia’s first and favourite electric eco-friendly wheel loader in the smaller entry level range, which proving to be extremely popular.
Our range from the smallest excavator to largest loader enables us to cater for nearly all applications in the agriculture, construction and mining industries.
Everun specialises in wheel loader and excavators ranging between 900kg-20,000kgs offering extremely competitive
The BRUMBY is Australia’s first and favourite electric eco-friendly wheel loader in the smaller entry level range with over 300 machines sold in the past 12 months. Key markets include the nursery industry, hobby farming, and equine industries. Designed and built with an emphasis on the environment, the BRUMBY is a battery powered electric loader which means no fumes, minimal noise, and low impact.
GROUNDSWELL AUGUST 202228 PROFILE: EVERUN AUSTRALIA
What makes Everun unique?
What is your stock range?
We’re delighted to have Everun Australia join the NGIV as a full member. AsVictoria’s peak industry body, we are committed to helping our member businesses and the State’s horticulture industry to grow. Find out how you can become a member –ngiv.com.au
Why did you decide to choose to become an NGIV member?
Visit our website or social media, or contact Brett Westland, Regional Manager Asia Pacific, for a friendly chat (0411 114 434).
Have you worked with any NGIV members?
t: 0411 114 434 | e: brett.westland@everun.com.au
Brett Westland, Regional Manager Asia Pacific Everun Australia, 35B Colemans Road, Carrum Downs, VIC 3201
Tell us a little bit about your core team and skills
Our team has a combined experience of over 50 years in capital equipment. My personal background combines many years in senior management for organisation throughout Asia Pacific in equipment sales for the likes of Linfox, Toll, Visy, BHP, Coles, and Woolworths.
How do you market yourselves to your customers?
Do you have any longer-term plans for Everun?
How can NGIV members learn more about Everun’s products and services?
We commence part manufacturing at our Melbourne facility in 2023. We are also being urged by Local Government Authorities to expand our electric range to assist suppliers to offset their carbon footprint.
More information
29GROUNDSWELL AUGUST 2022 PROFILE: EVERUN AUSTRALIA
To network with members and supply horticultural businesses with the right material handling solutions at the right price.
www.everun.com.au
Social media represents 70 per cent of our sales traffic. We also advertise through industry equipment websites.
We’ve worked with a number of NGIV members who have been instrumental in Everun joining the association. Our products are extremely valued by the horticultural businesses we work with.
Specialising in potted lisianthus, cyclamen and hydrangeas.
Dümmen Orange (Production)
New members
Process Water (Allied)
Riversdale Irises (Retail/Production)
NGIV has more partners than ever before, which is a sign of the strength, solidarity and support of our industry.
We’d like to thank All Green Nursery & Garden and Moshie – Enterprise Development & Coaching, for upgrading to Gold Partners.
A partnership with NGIV not only helps to grow your business, it benefits the horticulture industry across Victoria.
We understand that every business is unique and following a comprehensive consultation, tailor each partner package to give the most benefit to every industry partner.
As the peak industry body for horticulture in Victoria, we know the industry, we have the member base, event calendar and communication channels, to promote our partners better than anyone.
31GROUNDSWELL AUGUST 2022 INDUSTRY NEWS
Urban Green (Allied)
Specialising in dwarf bearded iris, we retail, trade, and hybridise new varieties, and import new material from USA. Tim and Maria are both qualified horticulturists, Tim is also a professional nurseryman.
Dümmen Orange, with almost a century of years of experience, is a leading breeder providing a strong pipe line of annuals, pot plants, perennials, cut flowers, tropical plants, and geophytes in Australia, as well as orchids, anthuriums, and succulents.
As an industry we are collectively indebted to them and the work they do; that’s why we would ask you to seek out opportunities to show them your support.
Designer and producer of grow kits for sustainable gifting includes in range: Microgreens windowsill kits, Garden starter kits, Sprout growing, Seedballs and related accessories.
timboonnursery.com.au
Timboon Wholesale Nursery (Production)
Supply of premium gardening gloves. www.gardenkeepers.com.au
NGIV partners lead the way in delivering excellence; executing plans and delivering projects that permeate and benefit the entire industry.
www.urbangreens.com.au
And thank you to all our Industry Partners who recently renewed.
A big welcome to our latest members, who have joined the NGIV and our growing community of horticultural businesses. We look forward to helping you build your business through a long and fruitful relationship.
https://apac.dummenorange.com/site/en
www.riversdaleirises.com.au
Process Water develops, manufactures and sells water treatment systems. These systems are used for pathogen control and/or adding fertilisers into a water supply Additionally we do water recovery and disposal systems through PH correction, salinity reduction, UV & RO systems. www.processpumps.com.au
Garden Keepers Australia (Allied)
As an association, we would not be able to provide the level of service and member benefits that we currently do without their generous support and ongoing commitment.
We welcome Oasis Horticulture and WorkSafe Victoria who became also became Gold Partners.
Become a partner
Our partners are known as industry leaders, innovators, and initiators of best horticultural practice. By becoming an industry partner of NGIV, you will be joining an elite network of businesses.
We’d like to extend our enormous grati tude to all of our partners; welcoming the new and thanking all those that have recommitted. We couldn’t do what we do without your help.
» Stack – the containers with or without their labels, to maximise the bin volume
These steps are critical to ensure that customers can return used pots for recycling and not to kerb side recycling streams where they are lost to landfill. The collection bins are delivered free of charge to the retail and commercial collection locations
» Tap – media or substrate out of the container
GCP’s Victorian Sales and Marketing Manager, Greg Carrick, started the event by delivering a presentation to the group on the need to close the loop on plastic recycling in the horticultural industry. He outlined GCP, Norwood, and Polymer Processors, collaboration to ensure that all polypropylene pots, containers, trays, and labels marked with the recycling number ‘5’ are collected within a single stream for recycling and manufacturing into new products for the industry. He highlighted that polypropylene (pp5) is a versatile material with good chemical properties that makes it very sustainable for the industry. GCP has been using recycled materials in its production facility since inception over 4 decades ago, all black containers produced for the industry include recycled materials.
On Thursday 30th June 2022, the next generation of horticulture professionals gathered to tour Garden City Plastics (GCP) manufacturing facility, and Polymer Processors recycling facility. Nearly 40 members of the NextGen association from leading horticultural businesses in Victoria attended the event which kicked off at the GCP facility in Dandenong South, Victoria.
By Elliott Akintola
Another important message was the distinctions that exist with other types of plastics used in the industry. An understanding of these differences is necessary to ensure that there is no contamination of the recycling stream. For instance, plug trays and some punnets are made from Polystyrene (PS6) which is a different material and should not be collected in the same stream
The NextGen are passionate for PP5 Recycling
GROUNDSWELL AUGUST 202232 NEXTGEN: GCP TOUR
with Polypropylene (PP5) material. In the future, businesses will need to take more responsibility of their waste and the overall impact of their systems on the environment. It is crucial that we individually and collectively play our role in ensuring that we save as many plastics going out into the stream. Through, the GCP, Norwood, and Polymer Processors PP5 initiative, recycling cages have been made available at different retail and commercial nursery sites. Once the business meets the criteria for having a bin, they are expected to implement the 3-step process of:
» Check – that the material is pp5
session, the group proceeded to tour the GCP production plant with a front row view of the machines in action, producing new products for the industry. It was the first time many of the attendees had witnessed the capabilities that exist within an Australian family owned and operated business. A sneak peek was also provided into the print room and warehousing facility before the group proceeded on to Polymer Processors.
On arrival at Polymer Processors, the group were fortunate to witness a GCP truck offloading the recycling cages. The group was received by John Wilson, Operations Manager at Polymer Processors, who explained that the collected material will first go through a state-of-the-art wash plant designed to simultaneously crush the material, remove soil, substrates and separate the materials using a unique flotation technique. He explained that different materials will float, or sink based on their densities. After the stage of washing and separation, the materials then go through an extruder which converts them into the pellets needed by the GCP machines to make new pots.
waste materials can be collected cost effectively and in large volumes, there is capacity to recycle them.
The NextGen would like to thank the leadership of the NGIV for their support, as well as all production nurseries and businesses who sponsored their staff to attend the event. Many thanks also to the management teams at GCP and Polymer Processors for opening their doors and taking the time to provide insights whilst safely conducting the tour of the facility.
and are also picked up by the GCP trucks for free. They’re then taken to the recycler, Polymer Processors, to clean and remake into raw materials for GCP to manufacture new containers for the Afterindustry.theinformation
The objective of the NextGen event was to provide the young professionals a 360-degree insight into how the small contribution of checking, tapping, and stacking of collected materials, ensures that the process continues to be free to the businesses, cost-effective for collection, and assure raw material availability for the industry whilst being kinder to the environment. Indeed, the success of the program depends on our collective effort and passion for sustainability.
33GROUNDSWELL AUGUST 2022 NEXTGEN: GCP TOUR
Through the PP5 recycling program, supply of raw materials is assured within the industry whilst avoiding losses to landfill or other plastic production industries. Both GCP and Polymer Processors are making huge investments in their manufacturing facilities to meet the growing demand of the industry. There are also strong indications that the partnership is already looking to commence a PS6 recycling scheme in a similar model as the PP5. Norwood are the key drivers of the marketing initiatives for the program and have been committed for over 20 years in using the PP5 material to manufacture pot labels. More information on the initiative is available at www.pp5.com.au
A major takeaway from the visit to the Polymer Processors recycling plant was that many materials can be recycled and made into raw materials for new products, however, it is a volume game. Should opportunities arise where other plastic
Are you currently studying and if Yes, where and what?
GROUNDSWELL AUGUST 202234
Personally, I love working in the outdoors all year round, although it can be challenging during winter, the sunny days definitely outweigh the rainy ones.
What do you like most about the nursery industry?
Where do you work and what is your role?
NEXTGEN: BLAIR WHITTEN
Plants have always been a passion my entire life and I’ve had the privilege to watch this business grow and develop into what it is today. I hope one day I’ll be able to have the privilege of helping grow Top Ten Trees for many years to come.
The people within the industry are also so connected with one another, and welcoming to the younger generation which just makes getting involved and learning everything that little bit easier.
I’m currently studying my first year for a certificate III in Nurser y Operations through Peninsula Training and Employment.
I’m currently loving my employment at Top Ten Trees, I’m enjoying learning all aspects of nursery and I look forward to helping the business grow in the future.
Interview with NextGen BLAIR WHITTEN Top Ten Trees
My father Damien Whitten has been in the industry for three and half decades, this has definitely pulled my interests into the direction of horticulture and ultimately encouraged me to join the industry. I have also been very intrigued by plantlife from a young age, and the importance of plants for the survival of our planet.
I work at Top Ten Trees in Baxter. We’re a wholesale plant nursery who specialise in high quality trees and shrubs, and I am a first-year nursery apprentice working for my boss and father, Damien Whitten.
How did you end up working in the industry?
Where would you like your career to go to within the industry?
Although I am a first-year apprentice, I’ve been working at Top Ten Trees for two years, during this time I’ve progressed from general nursery hand up to picking out and detailing orders for retailers, as well as potting up tube and 6” stock into 10” pots which we specialise in.
NEXTGEN: BLAIR WHITTEN35GROUNDSWELL AUGUST 2022
Proudly sponsored by
Days where I’m potting, I’ll typically aim to personally pot 400-600 plants into 10” pots either from tube stock or 6” stock using a pot filling machine. This involves de-potting, weeding, potting, pruning, staking, taping and watering in each individual plant.
All of my immediate family work alongside me at Top Ten Trees. My mum and dad own and operate he business and my brother works as the truck driver.
My grandad Graeme Whitten has also worked in horticulture for 50 odd years in both wholesale and retail nurseries.
My whole life I’ve been into water sports, such as, wakeboarding, kneeboarding and skiing, as well as playing tennis.
Are any of your family members in the horticultural industry?
Each day at work differs depending on what department I’m allocated to on that day.
About NextGen
Typically, I go to the gym 5 days a week and listen to a wide range of music and podcasts.
The Victorian nursery and garden industry is full of young, enthusiastic people, who are shaping the industry of the future. NGIV's NextGen is a forum for people under 35 years of age to meet, exchange ideas and hone their leadership skills.
NextGen provides a unique opportunity for young horticulturalists to form networks and develop their careers, learn more about the industry, and have fun.
Any other day I’ll be working on orders, which involves picking out stock, weeding, staking and top dressing each plant for retailers.
I’m a very social person and often catchup with friends when I’m not working. But mostly I love going away camping on the Murray River with friends and family any chance I get.
TopTenTrees is a family owned and operated wholesale plant nursery dedicated to growing high-quality trees and shrubs for customers across Melbourne, CountryVictoria, New South Wales, Canberra and South Australia.
What do you do in your spare time?
What’s a typical day like?
GROUNDSWELL AUGUST 202236 TRADE DAY REPORT
«
June Trade Day signalled our one-year anniversary at KCC Park. We celebrated the occasion with a complimentary BBQ and drinks, giving standholders and buyers the opportunity to catch up with peers towards the end of trading.
Trade Day report
Welcome to NGIV Trade Day, Australia’s largest wholesale plantlife trading and networking event.
«
« Standholders delighted with the volume of byuyers.
June and July Trade Day’s certainly lived up to their wintery reputations but buyers and standholders warmed up with some brisk trade. Deciduous and bare rooted stock featured prominently, along with the usual extensive range of indoor and outdoor plantlife, and allied products.
By Nan Cleven
We provided Encouraging Women in Horticulture with a stand to promote their outstanding efforts to inspire, encourage, develop, empower and value all women in horticulture.
We welcomed Oasis Horticulture back to Trade Day after many years. They brought a much needed pop of colour to proceedings and buyers stocked up on their flowering and edible hanging baskets, herbs, Grandessas, cyclamen and more.
« In July we welcomed special guest, Member for Murray Plains and Leader of The Nationals, Peter Walsh MP. Peter opened trading with the customary bell ring, before enjoying a tour of Trade Day and NGIV members, Botanix Plant Supply, Ball Australia, and Chrysco Flowers.
«
37GROUNDSWELL AUGUST 2022 TRADE DAY REPORT
In an industry where waste is inevitable, they are committed to lessening the impact of horticulture packaging on the environment and meeting Australia’s 2025 National Packaging Targets. Through the repurpose and recycling of PP5 plastic, they aim to close the plastic packaging loop and use old pots to make new pots. Find out more at https://pp5.com.au
June Trade Day was sponsored by NGIV Partner, Humphris Nursery. Humphris supplies well over one million plants to the retail, council and landscape trade annually. They grow over 600 lines, including their network of licensing agreements which allows them to grow the very best of the latest PBR plants from around the world and are committed to undertaking their own research and development.
Garden Centres of Australia
21st Level 3 Chemical Users Course: Training
PMA Ginkgo ‘Lemonlime’ Spires
1st Human Resources Webinar Series: Leave EducationEntitlements
Leigh Siebler
GROUNDSWELL AUGUST 202238
3rd Human Resources Webinar Series: Sexual Educationharassment
AUGUST
5th Level 3 Chemical Users Course: Training
DECEMBER
Preliminary Calendar. Dates subject to change. Details of events and booking details will be released closer to each date. Please check our website for the latest information.
Our Training & Events Officer, Lizzie Earl, has been working hard to put together a year of events that will educate, inspire and excite our members. Events are spread across Tree and Shrub Growers, Educational, NextGen and Marquee Events; to provide something for every member.
SEPTEMBER
One supplier was so excited he even declared that Ginkgo ‘Lemonlime’ Spire from PMA was “Plant of the Decade”. Ian Firth from Warners had been at the Victorian Landscape Show and had a display of Gingkos. The comments from landscapers were exceptionally positive hence the quote.
4th Trade Day
6th Trade Day 6-9th HorticulturalAustralianTrials Week
22nd Tree & Shrub Growers Meeting: PropagationMansfield’sNursery
It has been a pleasure being able to get out more this year visiting retailers and suppliers. You really cannot beat physical interaction and networking. NGIV Trade Day of course offers this networking opportunity too so be there if you can.
By the time you read this GCA will have had its first ‘live’, non-virtual, meeting for some years. We hope to report on new ideas in the next edition of Groundswell.
SPONSORED BY:
RETAIL STATE OF PLAY
4th Human Resources Webinar Series: Drugs and alcohol in the workplace Education
29th–2nd HorticulturalSeptemberShowcase
Marquee
20th NextGen: Tall Trees Nursery
20th Tree & Shrub Growers Meeting: Tall Trees Nursery
Talk with the Growers
22nd Annual General Meeting: PropagationMansfield’sNursery and online
20th Level 3 Chemical Users Course: Training
NOVEMBER
6th Human Resources Webinar Series: Unfair Dismissal Education
M:leigh.siebler@bigpond.com0409889779
2022 EVENTS
GCA delivered a series of very successful Zoom sessions through June, July and August. It is another way of reinforcing that essential partnership between retailer and supplier.
Follow GCA on Facebook for www.facebook.com/gardenreleafaustraliaupdates
2nd Trade Day
NGIV events are a fantastic way to meet industry peers, socialise and learn together. Further details on each event will be shared closer to the time.
Gardens and plants are therapy for body and mind
8th Trade Day
OCTOBER
15th Level 3 Chemical Users Course: Training
6th Trade Day
7th Tree & Shrub Growers Meeting: Trials Week –Marquee
6th Level 3 Chemical Users Course: Training
www.gardenreleaf.com.au
1st Human Resources Webinar Series: Christmas parties Education
39GROUNDSWELL AUGUST 2022 INDUSTRYMAJORPLATINUMBRONZEPARTNERSGOLDSILVERCORPORATEIncreased by $31.99 per tonne (1.63 cents per litre) Prices effective 1st-31st August 2022 (inc GST) Cat Cents per litre Melbourne Geelong Other Mildura A Base Price 108.46 109.01 110.11 110.55 B Usage below 2,500 litres 99.11 99.66 100.65 101.20 C Usage between 2,500 5,000 litres 98.56 99.11 100.10 100.65 D Usage between 5,000 – 10,000 litres 96.91 97.46 98.45 99.00 E Usage between 10,000 – 30,000 litres 95.81 96.36 97.35 97.90 F Usage 30,000between–50,000 litres 95.26 95.81 96.80 97.35 PRICE UPDATE
