Executive update

Welcome to the December issue of Groundswell. As the year draws to a close, it’s with great pleasure that we look back on a successful year for our industry, and we’re excited to share some exciting developments since our last issue.

This month, we’re thrilled to present Australian Horticultural Trials Week, a gathering of Victoria’s top breeders, growers, and allied businesses. Presented in partnership with Garden Gurus and taking place from 5–8 December, Trials Week will showcase the latest innovations in container, bedding, indoor, outdoor plants, and allied products. With both on-site experiences and online offerings, this promises to be a week of unparalleled learning, networking, and celebration of industry innovation. Turn to page 6 to find out more about our exhibitors and the events taking place during this exciting week for our industry.

We’re thrilled that the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show is returning in 2024. Mark your calendars for 20–24 March, when we reconvene at Carlton Gardens and the Royal Exhibition Building. As owners of MIFGS, this is consistently one of the largest events on our annual calendar and takes considerable effort from all staff to plan and execute. We’ve been busy planning and preparing for our key activations at next year’s Show, and we’re excited to announce what we’ve been up to soon Supported once again by IMG, our activations will offer exciting prospects to authentically represent our industry to well over 100,000 attendees. We encourage our members to actively engage in promoting their businesses, expanding their brand reach, and diversifying their customer networks by getting involved in MIFGS. To enquire, contact NGIV, and to buy tickets visit the MIFGS website.

In October, we had a fantastic networking meeting with the Tree and Shrub Growers of Victoria at Australian Growing Solutions. We extend our gratitude to Paul Mercurio MP and Cr Steve Holland, Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor, who joined us to learn about a local business and meet members of our industry. Special thanks to the team at AGS for their warm hospitality.

And once again, in November, we gathered at Orth’s Nursery in Coldstream for NGIV’s Annual General Meeting. The AGM provided us with an opportunity to both reflect on our Association’s achievements throughout the year and look forward to what the future holds. We expressed our sincere gratitude to our dedicated Board members for their service and warmly welcomed some new faces into our ranks. Notably, the AGM marked the conclusion of Simon Gomme’s tenure as NGIV President; as is required by our constitution, he stepped down after a successful two terms as President. We extend our appreciation for his significant contributions to NGIV and the wider industry, as we welcome incoming President Carl Soderlund, Vice President Matthew Mills and newly appointed directors, Ben Scoble and Edward Mosley. We also thank Michael Callaway who stepped down as a director after completing his term. Finally, Mr Noel Mansfield, of Mansfield's Propagation Nursery, was elected a Life Member of the association having rendered valuable and distinguished service to the Association. The AGM was followed by our monthly Tree and Shrub Growers of Victoria industry networking event, an enlightening site tour, dinner and drinks.

NGIV is proud to partner with Australia’s top breeders rowers for the Australian Horticultural Trials 2023.

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 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.

Finally on the events front, at our Meet the State Member for Monbulk event, we heard from Ms. Daniela De Martino MP following her election success in 2022. The event was an excellent opportunity for NGIV members and others from the horticultural community to understand Ms. De Martino’s priorities and policies for the Monbulk electorate and our local horticulture industry. With an insightful Q&A session and plenty of time for networking, it was beneficial for many of our members in the Monbulk area. We look forward to creating more opportunities for members across the state to engage with their parliamentary representatives in the future as we continue our important advocacy work.

This year, NGIV curated a series of free webinars hosted by our Human Resources consultant, Sheena Kane, and other expert guest presenters. These webinars were designed to benefit HR Managers, Business Owners, and Team Leaders/Supervisors of NGIV Member businesses. These webinars have come to an end for now, but they will soon be hosted on NGIV’s website for members’ reference and for anyone who might have missed them. Keep an eye out for the webinar recordings and other valuable resources being added to our website over the coming months.

It’s been another successful year for The Victorian Schools Garden Program, which saw a significant number of entries for its awards. All categories were judged by our panel, with the winners presented with their awards at our awards ceremony in November. We congratulate all winners and schools who entered and look forward to sharing the results with you next issue. The VSGP and the high level of engagement it enjoys with schools is a great testament to the importance of our industry and the benefits it provides to people of all ages.

As 2023 draws to a close, we want to express our deep appreciation for your unwavering support and active engagement in NGIV and our work this year. It's through our members’ dedication that our industry continues to thrive and evolve.

May this holiday season be filled with joy, laughter, and welldeserved rest. We hope you return in 2024 reenergised and ready to take on the exciting ventures that await us. Here’s to a bright and prosperous new year ahead.