EXECUTIVE UPDATE

Simon Gomme

President, NGIV

Craig Taberner

CEO, NGIV Welcome, everyone, to our December Groundswell. Spring is now behind us – what an eventful and challenging one it was for so many – and we now look forward to the start of summer.

Our hearts go out to those involved in the October floods, which directly impacted several members. You have a great network of support around you and we know you’ll fight back bigger and stronger in the months ahead.

Further challenges will continue to mount and opportunities arise; for our retailers, it might be managing the expected Christmas rush and for our growers and allied members, it may be the continued difficulties of managing supply chains. For all of us, there are the ongoing issues of labour shortages, increasing cost pressures and the uncertainties of rising inflation and interest rates.

Let us remember that ours is an industry used to dealing with the unknown. We are resilient: we’ve come through a pandemic, prior recessions and even water restrictions, so stay the course! Whatever is thrown up, you will get through it.

Jobs Victoria grant

On the labour/workforce challenges in Victoria, NGIV was recently a recipient of a $1.9M State Government grant through the Jobs Victoria Fund – Priority Workforce Projects. This is part of the Labor Government’s $19 million inclusive employment package – helping businesses find staff and supporting Victorians into secure work.

NGIV will partner with Jobs Victoria to connect people facing barriers to employment with our members. Priority will be given to young people, women aged 45 and over, people with disability, long-term jobseekers, people seeking asylum and refugees and newly arrived migrants from non-English speaking backgrounds.

NGIV, in conjunction with a designated training organisation, will recruit, train and aim to place 100 employees into permanent employment over the next 12 months. The project will target existing vacancies for full and part-time (minimum 19 hours per week) and will be for entry level roles. For more details refer to page 32.

Much like our members, it’s been a busy few month’s for NGIV. Whether it’s advocating on behalf of the industry to the Victorian Government, communicating and navigating issues for members or hosting Tree & Shrub Growers Events, which are back in full swing.

Wellbeing Project

We’d like to remind members about our Small Business Wellbeing Project providing our members with free and confidential wellbeing,

NGIV is proud to partner with Australia’s top breeders and growers for the Australian Horticultural Trials 2022.

Trials Week encompasses multiple events at various locations in Victoria showcasing the very latest innovations in container, bedding, indoor and outdoor plants. We’re looking forward to a fantastic event with on-site experiences and online offerings to enjoy throughout the week wherever you are. Contact NGIV on 9576 0599 to find out how you can be involved. Visit www.ngiv.com.au for more details.

financial and business support, which has been extended to 30 June 2023. A number of you have already meet and engaged with Gerard Tan, our dedicated mental health clinician/consultant. If you haven’t, you’re encouraged to do so and can connect via gerard.tan@each.com.au

MIFGS 2023

Preparations for MIFGS are well underway. There’s a real sense of optimism following our successful return in March 2022 and we encourage members to become involved promoting their businesses, growing their brands and broadening their customer bases.

Our activations will receive increased support from IMG, providing exciting opportunities to truly showcase our industry to the 100,000+ attendees. We look forward to experiencing MIFGS together.

If you have any enquiries about MIFGS 2023 contact NGIV or Trent Cornish at IMG – trent.cornish@img.com

A new arrival

Congratulations to Lizzie Earl (NGIV Training & Events Officer) and partner Padriag Keogh, on the arrival of their healthy baby boy Tadhg (pronounced Tige) Douglas Padraig Keogh, born on 15 September 2022. We wish Lizzie and Padriag all the best with their new roles as parents and baby Tadhg, a happy and healthy life.

Looking ahead

The Australian Horticultural Trials are just around the corner, taking place between 6 – 9 December. It’s a true celebration of the innovation and ingenuity that permeates the horticultural industry in Victoria. It is wonderful to have the Garden Gurus as seen on Channel 9 as our presenting partner. Find out from some of this year’s exhibitors why you should visit the Australian Horticultural Trials 2022 on page 9.

It can often be hard to look through the challenges to see the many positives. In writing this update it brings to the fore how much good work we’re still able to do, despite all of the difficulties. Stay strong and look for the positives in life, and if you do need support, get in contact with NGIV, your association.

On behalf of the NGIV Board and team, we’d like to wish all our members a wonderful holiday season with loved ones; and we look forward to 2023 with great optimism.

Simon Gomme

President, NGIV Powerplants Australia

Craig Taberner

CEO, NGIV