AIH 2026 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.
September 5, 2026
The Australian Institute of Horticulture Conference and Awards returned in 2026, bringing together horticulturists from across Australia and beyond for a celebration of excellence, innovation and the vital role of plants in shaping our future. Held at the National Wine Centre of Australia in Adelaide, South Australia, on 5 September, the event was a highlight of the Plants, People, Planet gathering.
The annual AIH Awards ceremony was once again hosted by Costa Georgiadis, whose warmth, enthusiasm and trademark humour created an engaging and memorable evening as the Institute celebrated the outstanding achievements and contributions of horticulturists across the profession.
We also appointed Judy Horton OAM as our first AIH Patron. Read about this announcement HERE.
Life Member
Annette Irish FAIH
The Australian Institute of Horticulture proudly recognises Annette Irish as a Life Member. Over 43 years, Annette has served as an AIH member, Fellow and President, chaired the Fellows, and continues supporting members today. Through her consultancy, she helped shape professional pathways including the Certified Practising Horticulturist and Registered Horticulturist programs, while developing horticultural training frameworks in Australia and Singapore.
PICTURED: Annette Irish FAIH & Andrew Prowse FAIH.
The Golden Wattle Award
Anton van der Schans MAIH
The Australian Institute of Horticulture proudly recognises Anton van der Schans as the 2026 recipient of The Golden Wattle. From his early work at Cairns Botanic Gardens to his leadership as Principal Horticulturist at Singapore’s internationally acclaimed Gardens by the Bay, Anton has made an extraordinary contribution to horticulture through plant exploration, conservation, innovation and the development of world-class living collections, bringing international recognition to Australian horticultural expertise.
PICTURED: Anton van der Schans & Matthew Gerakios (Evergreen Garden Care)
Sponsored By: Evergreen Garden Care Australia
AIH Fellowship
Michael Casey FAIH
For over 30 years Michael has been a respected leader and advocate for the profession, while also advancing horticulture through his work in urban green infrastructure, therapeutic horticulture and nature-based solutions. His outstanding leadership of AIH, combined with his generous commitment to education, mentoring and international collaboration, has strengthened both the Institute and the profession.
PICTURED: Michael Casey FAIH & Matt Mitchley FAIH
AIH Fellowship
John Tan Chee Hian FAIH
John has advanced the profession of horticulture for over three decades through internationally acclaimed landscape design, industry leadership and professional education. His longstanding support of AIH, generous mentorship and commitment to fostering collaboration between Singapore and Australia have strengthened horticulture across both nations.
PICTURED: Annette Irish FAIH, John Tan Chee Hian FAIH, Andrew Prowse FAIH.
AIH Horticulturist of the Year
Jason Summers MAIH RH
The Australian Institute of Horticulture proudly recognises Jason Summers as the 2026 Australian Horticulturist of the Year. For more than 30 years, Jason has combined expertise in nursery production, arboriculture and soil science to advance climate-ready horticulture and urban forestry. As Founder and Director of Remarkable Trees, he has produced more than 15,000 advanced trees, creating healthier, more resilient landscapes while sharing his knowledge through education and mentorship.
PICTURED: Andrew Bottomley (TLCC) & Jason Summers.
Sponsored by TLCC (The Landscape Construction Company)
AIH Horticultural Student of the Year
Elizabeth ( Ellie ) Krainz
In recognition of her studies for the Diploma of Horticulture Management at Ironwood College SA. Ellie is an exceptional young horticulturist whose leadership with commitment distinguishes her as one of SA’s emerging horticultural professionals. Ellie consistently demonstrates how vocational education develops highly skilled industry leaders.
PICTURED: Evan Reid (2024 AIH Horticultural Student of the Year) & Ellie Krainz
Sponsored by AIH Fellows Group
AIH Kim Morris Student Merit Award
Connie Cao
In recognition of her studies in Certificate III Horticulture with Melbourne Polytechnic Fairfield. Connie demonstrates outstanding horticultural knowledge and a remarkable ability to share it with others through her book ‘Your Asian Veggie Patch’, media work, educational content and public presentations. Her ongoing dedication and enthusiasm make her a deserving recipient of The Kim Morris Fellow’s Award for Students.
PICTURED: Suellen McCaffrey (CEO BBM) & Connie Cao
Sponsored by BBM Global Footprints Scholarships
AIH Lifetime Achievement Award
Gabe Mostafa
The Australian Institute of Horticulture proudly recognises Gabe Mostafa as the recipient of the 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award. For more than 26 years, Gabe has connected and strengthened Australian horticulture through his leadership of Hort Journal Australia, providing a trusted platform for industry knowledge, innovation and achievement. His dedication to communication, collaboration and professional connection has created an enduring legacy for the profession.
PICTURED:
Sponsored by Shape Scaper
AIH Award of Excellence
Keith McNaught MAIH
The Australian Institute of Horticulture proudly recognises Keith McNaught MAIH with the 2026 Award of Excellence for his innovative Growing Health Together initiative. By embedding therapeutic horticulture within medical education, Keith has transformed community gardens into living classrooms, giving medical students firsthand experience of nature-based health interventions and demonstrating horticulture’s vital role in holistic healthcare.
PICTURED: Keith McNaught & Joseph Corbin from LA3
Sponsored by LA3
AIH Award of Excellence
ARO College MAIH
The Australian Institute of Horticulture proudly recognises the ARO College training team with the 2026 Award of Excellence. Their commitment to delivering high-quality, industry-responsive horticulture training across regional, rural and remote communities removes barriers to education, strengthens local workforces and supports students and employers throughout South Australia and Victoria.
PICTURED: Xavier Arozena (Aviso Specialty) & Judy Parkes (Director & COO Aro College)
Sponsored by Aviso Specialty
AIH Award of Merit
Annette Irish
The Australian Institute of Horticulture proudly recognises Annette Irish FAIH RH (Ret) with an Award of Merit for her publication Consultancies – Fees for Horticultural Practices. Drawing on 50 years of consultancy, business management and industry experience, Annette has created an invaluable resource that supports ethical, transparent and sustainable professional practice through practical guidance, templates and examples for horticultural consultants.
PICTURED: Annette Irish FAIH & Patrick Regnault (Interactive Landscapes)
Sponsored by Interactive Landscapes
AIH Green Space Community Award
‘Loxton Community – Planting with Forests of Hope
The Australian Institute of Horticulture proudly recognises the Loxton community with the 2026 AIH Greenspace Award. Supported by Forests of Hope, the community planted more than 400 native trees and shrubs, creating habitat, engaging young people and fostering lasting environmental stewardship, education and community pride.
PICTURED: Mary-Claire King (Forests of Hope) & Karen Echermann.
Sponsored by Forests of Hope
AIH Green Space Regional Award
Clare Valley Biodiversity Blitz
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXFor recognising outstanding leadership in restoring landscapes, inspiring communities and advancing biodiversity across the Clare Valley.
PICTURED: Tristan King (ARS Tools Japan) & Sarah Castine, Clare Valley Private Lands Network.
Sponsored by ARS Tools Japan
AIH Green Space Regional Award
Gresford Community Arboretum
The Australian Institute of Horticulture proudly recognises the Gresford Community Arboretum with the 2026 Greenspace Regional Award. Through dedicated community volunteers, thoughtful planting and local collaboration, the Arboretum showcases resilient native species, provides an enduring community space and has flourished through droughts and floods, inspiring education, connection and environmental stewardship.
PICTURED: Shaun Cole CEO of GIA & Jason Summers
Sponsored by Greenlife Industry Australia
AIH Green Space Urban Award
Fred Hollows Reserve, Randwick NSW
The Australian Institute of Horticulture proudly recognises Tanya Wood and the University of Technology Sydney with the 2026 Greenspace Urban Award for Fred Hollows Reserve. Through community-led horticultural regeneration, more than 900 locally indigenous plants have transformed a neglected urban space into thriving habitat, strengthening biodiversity, community connection and environmental resilience.
PICTURED: Andrew Prowse & Stephen Whitteridge (LLC)
Sponsored by Landmark Landscape Consultants
AIH Green Space Environmental Award
The Ironwood Urban Horticultural & Landscape Partnership
The Australian Institute of Horticulture proudly recognises the Ironwood Urban Horticulture & Landscape Partnership with the 2026 Greenspace Environmental Award. Its innovative “living classroom” model combines vocational training, industry collaboration and environmental stewardship, giving students hands-on experience while supporting urban greening, biodiversity, sustainable practices and the development of Adelaide’s future horticultural workforce.
PICTURED: Navtej Bal (Ironwood Institute), Andrew Bruce (National Wine Centre,) Matt Sexton (Adelaide City Council) & Kathryn Oosthuizen (Arborgreen)
Sponsored by Arborgreen
AIH Green Space Habitat Award
The Royal Zoological Society of South Australia
The Australian Institute of Horticulture proudly recognises the Royal Zoological Society of South Australia with the 2026 Greenspace Habitat Award. For more than 130 years, Adelaide Zoo has cared for its remarkable botanical landscape, supporting animal welfare, conservation and visitor experiences while preserving plants of exceptional heritage and cultural value.
PICTURED: Matt Mitchley (DGC) & Jeff Lugg (GM of Operations Adelaide Zoo)
Sponsored by Designer Garden Co
AIH Green Space International Award
Siura Studio (Taman Bendera Pusaka)
The Australian Institute of Horticulture proudly recognises Taman Bendera Pusaka, South Jakarta, with the 2026 Greenspace International Award.
Designed by SIURA Studio, leaders in blue-green infrastructure and resilient landscape design, the project transforms concrete stormwater infrastructure into biodiverse public green space, addressing flooding, urban heat and biodiversity while continuing SIURA Studio’s important work to improve urban environments across Indonesia
PICTURED: Michael Casey FAIH & John Tan (Esmond Landscapes)
Sponsored by Esmond Landscapes and Horticulture Pte Ltd
AIH Mentorship Award
Cynthia Matthews MAIH
Through exceptional care and dedication, Cynthia Matthews has supported struggling apprentices to complete their qualifications and remain in horticulture, personally investing time beyond the classroom to change lives and strengthen the regional NSW workforce.
PICTURED: Costa Georgiadis, Cindy Mathews & Jonathan Garner.
AIH Mentorship Award
Dr Kalyan Dhanagopalan MAIH
For more than 15 years, Dr Kalyan Dhanagopalan has mentored over 3,000 horticulture students at Ironwood Institute, connecting science, industry and community. His dedication to education has inspired successful careers and strengthened the future of Australia’s horticultural profession.
PICTURED: Costa Georgiadis, Dr Kalyan Dhanagopalan & Navtej Bal
Did you get snapped by our photographer? 📸 Take a look through the photos from the evening and see if you can spot yourself:
Cover image: Lantern banksia (Banksia ericifolia) at the Adelaide Zoo. © Dianne Wallyn