AIH 2023 Annual Awards
The Australian Institute of Horticulture (AIH) recognises the commitment, professionalism and excellence of those who have made a significant contribution to the horticultural industry.
October 27, 2023
Another Australian Institute of Horticulture Conference and Awards night has come to an end. A fantastic event was had by all this year in tropical Cairns, with 3 full days of pure plant love, with garden tours, day trips, workshop presentations, and, of course, the annual awards ceremony.
On the 27 October, our Night Captain, Costa Georgiadis again lead us through this year’s award ceremony. As always Costa entertained and enthused us all with the repartee.
Golden Wattle Award
Clarence Slockee MAIH RH
The prestigious Golden Wattle was presented to Clarence Slockee for his unwavering commitment to horticulture and First Nations plant knowledge.
His passion and dedication to preserving and promoting indigenous plant knowledge has made a significant impact on the horticulture industry.
Sponsored By AIH Gold Sponsors GLG
Silver Gum Award
The Silver Gum was bestowed upon Cairns Regional Council, the late Kevin Byrne, Val Schier, and Bob Manning. Their tireless collective efforts in greening Cairns City have transformed urban landscapes, and created green havens, in the heart of the city.
Kevin Byrne,
Val Schier and
Bob Manning
Sponsored by AIH Silver Sponsor Fitzpatrick & Co.
AIH Fellowships
Andrew Prowse FAIH RH and Matthew Mitchley FAIH RH
Andrew Prowse FAIH and Matthew Mitchley FAIH were conferred as AIH Fellows for their individual commitments to the active leadership, management, continuing support, and development of AIH. The recipients are highly respected landscape and horticultural specialists having worked in the industry over an extended period.
Sponsored by AIH
AIH Horticulturist of the Year
David Hawthorne MAIH RH
David Hawthorne was honoured as the AIH Horticulturist of the Year. His ground-breaking research on the health of Pandanus tectorius and his dedication to the industry have set him apart as a leading figure in the field of tree health and restoration of threatened habitats.
Sponsored by Botanica Nurseries
AIH Lifetime Achievement Award
Stephen Whitteridge MAIH RH
Stephen Whitteridge was recognised with an AIH Lifetime Achievement Award, recognising his significant contributions over his entire career. This award is given to individuals recognised by their peers for their contribution over the whole of a career, rather than or in addition to a single contribution.
Sponsored by AIH
AIH Horticulture Student of the Year
Georgia Delarue
Georgia Delarue, who is studying Landscape Construction at TAFE NSW, was awarded the AIH Horticulture Student of the Year. Her academic performance and commitment to the field have shown immense potential for future contributions to the industry.
Sponsored by AIH Fellows Group
AIH Kim Morris Student Merit Award
Zac Heapy
Zac Heapy, who is studying Horticulture with TAFE NSW, was recognised with the AIH Kim Morris Student Merit Award. His dedication and passion for the field are truly inspiring.
Sponsored by TAFE NSW
AIH Awards of Excellence
Daniel Fuller and Sue Wood
Daniel Fuller MAIH and Sue Wood MAIH were both recipients of the AIH Award of Excellence.
Daniel was honoured for his work supporting horticulture students and through various platforms in horticultural media.
Sue was recognised for her excellent contribution as a member of the Urban Street Tree Advisory Group in Tamworth.
Sponsored by Hort Journal & Andreasens Green
AIH Awards of Merit
Wildflower &
Eleanor Jenkins MAIH
Wildflower, Gardens for Good Inc, Redfern, and Eleanor Jenkins were both honoured with the AIH Award of Merit. Wildflower Inc. was recognised for creating therapeutic green spaces based on Indigenous culture.
Eleanor Jenkins MAIH was honoured for her work in growing, harvesting, and marketing medicinal herbs.
Sponsored by Interactive Landscapes & Bates Landscaping
AIH International Award of Excellence
Peter Donegan
Peter Donegan received the AIH International Award of Excellence for his exceptional design achievements, which have significantly influenced the field of horticulture.
Sponsored by AIH
AIH International Award of Merit
The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust and Dr. Tim Nevard – UK
The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust and Dr. Tim Nevard OAM received the AIH International Award of Merit for their worldwide recognised work in nature conservation and horticulture at the London Wetland Centre. The project has significantly embedded biodiversity into the heart of London.
Sponsored by Darren Mason
AIH Green Space Residential Award
Castlecrag Garden Project
The Castlecrag Garden Project, NSW, designed by Michael Bates of Bates Landscape, was honoured with the AIH Green Space Residential Award. This garden contributes to the
greening of Sydney Harbour.
Sponsored by Andrew Prowse Landscape Architect
AIH Green Space Urban Award
The Small Creek Naturalisation Project
The Small Creek Naturalisation Project QLD, by The Landscape Construction Company, won the AIH Green Space Urban Award for Ecological Restoration in Built Environments.
Sponsored by Scapex Landscaping
AIH Green Space Events Award
The Friends of the Botanic Gardens, Cairns
The Friends of the Botanic Gardens, Cairns, were awarded the AIH Green Space Events Award in recognition of their support of the Cairns Botanic Gardens through volunteer activities, garden tours, plant fairs, and fundraising.
Sponsored by Van Balen Horticultural
AIH Green Space Regional Awards
The Community Seed Collection Program
The Community Seed Collection Program, Cape York QLD, aimed at the rehabilitation of a bauxite mining project by Rio Tinto Weipa, QLD, was recognised with an AIH Green Space Regional Award.
Sponsored by LA3
AIH Green Space Regional Awards
Peterson Creek Wildlife & Botanical Walking Track & the Allumbah Heritage Walk
Another AIH Green Space Regional Award was given to Peterson Creek Wildlife & Botanical Walking Track & the Allumbah Heritage Walk by Yungaburra Landcare Group Inc. This award recognises their revegetation, rehabilitation, and interpretation project.
Sponsored by The Designer Garden
AIH Appreciation Awards
Coralie Stuart MAIH and Jeweles Heinrich MAIH
Coralie Stuart MAIH and Jeweles Heinrich MAIH were both honoured with the AIH Appreciation Award in recognition of their contributions to the AIH National Council.
AIH Green Space International Awards
Arden Chefs’ Garden
Two projects were honoured with the AIH Green Space International Award.
The first is the Arden Chefs’ Garden, a farm-to table concept in the sky, landscaped by Edible Garden City – Singapore.
Sponsored by Evergreen Infrastructure
AIH Green Space International Awards
Historial de Lá Grande Guerre, Château de Péronne
The second award went to Historial de Lá Grande Guerre, Château de Péronne, designed by Peter Donegan Garden Design.