Olivia Jones from Riddells Creek Nursery wins 2023 Global Footprints Scholarship

The horticulture industry is one that holds immense promise, not only for those who are passionate about plants but also for those who are committed to sustainability. Olivia Jones, a young and driven individual working at Riddells Creek Nursery, exemplifies this commitment to both her career and the environment. In a remarkable achievement, Olivia has won the 2023 Global Footprints Scholarship, a prestigious award that is set to take her on a journey of learning and discovery around the world.

A Global Footprints Scholarship is a golden opportunity for aspiring horticulturists and sustainability enthusiasts to kickstart their careers and make a positive impact on the planet. It provides young Australians like Olivia the chance to travel the world, gain valuable insights into sustainability practices, and contribute to building a better future for themselves and our planet. This scholarship program offers opportunities in various fields, including Agriculture, Horticulture, and many trades, making it a versatile and promising avenue for the next generation of professionals.

Sponsored by Nursery and Garden Industry Victoria (NGIV) and Garden Centres Australia, the 2023 Global Footprints Scholarship is a significant step towards nurturing young talent within the industry. It reflects the commitment of these organisations to support and encourage the next generation of horticulturists and sustainability advocates.

Olivia Jones, upon winning this scholarship, expressed her gratitude and enthusiasm for the horticulture industry. She stated, “I am so grateful that I have found the horticulture industry as a career. It has truly given me a purpose. I am excited for what the future holds for the industry, and I look forward to seeing that unfold. I’m sure the industry will work together to become a more sustainable workforce, and I hope I get to be a part of that.”

Olivia’s passion for sustainability and her dedication to her work in the production and growing side of the nursery make her an ideal recipient of the Global Footprints Scholarship. She intends to use this opportunity to broaden her knowledge by implementing new ideas and refining her skills, all while learning from experts in the field.

One of the most exciting aspects of the scholarship is Olivia’s chance to travel abroad and immerse herself in the world of plants. She expressed her dream of working in greenhouses in the Netherlands, where cutting-edge technology has transformed the horticulture industry. Renowned for being one of the world’s top exporters of plants, it’s an ideal destination for someone like Olivia.

Olivia also has a keen interest in plant propagation techniques and tissue culture, and she is eager to gain a deeper understanding of these aspects during her scholarship journey. Additionally, she is eager to explore and work in some of the most beautiful gardens across Europe and the UK, where she hopes to learn about their history and the diverse array of plants they host. She’s thrilled by the prospect of experiencing iconic events like the Chelsea Flower Show and visiting renowned gardens like the Claude Monet garden.

Moreover, Olivia aims to understand how Europe leads the way in modern green spaces and how they incorporate plants into their designs. This knowledge will not only enrich her professional expertise but also enable her to contribute to the sustainable future of the Australian horticulture industry.

Olivia Jones’s journey with the 2023 Global Footprints Scholarship promises to be a transformative experience. We look forward to following Olivia’s adventures and benefiting from the knowledge and inspiration she will bring back to our local horticulture community.