Australian horticulture continues to demonstrate resilience, innovation and growing national importance. Across the green sector, professionals are advancing sustainable practice, strengthening urban and natural landscapes, and contributing meaningfully to community wellbeing and environmental outcomes.

As President of the Australian Institute of Horticulture (AIH), I am pleased to reaffirm the strength of our Institute, the professionalism of our members, and the confident direction in which we are moving. AIH remains firmly focused on supporting professional horticulturists, strengthening industry capability, and contributing constructively to the broader green sector.

Since 1960, AIH has been built on professional integrity, responsible stewardship and a commitment to advancing Australian horticulture. These values have underpinned our progress for more than 65 years and continue to inform our decisions today. As a registered charity, we remain firmly committed to education, sustainable development, environmental responsibility, and respect for people, culture and Country. 

AIH’s approach aligns strongly with the global shift toward values-based leadership. Meaningful progress in our sector comes through cooperation, integrity and shared purpose.

I extend my sincere thanks to our AIH National Council for their leadership and stewardship, and to our members and sponsors for the continued trust they place in the Institute. I also acknowledge the important contributions of:

• AIH Future Voices, who are helping shape the next generation of horticultural professionals
• The Chair of Fellows, whose work preserves and promotes the depth of professional expertise within our Institute
• The Chair of Environmental Sustainability, who continues to guide AIH’s leadership in responsible environmental practice
• Our valued contractors and professional service providers, whose expertise supports the effective delivery of our programs and operations

Together, these groups strengthen AIH’s capacity to serve the profession with credibility and purpose.

Our Strategic Plan provides clear direction across four key areas: education, environmental leadership, collaboration and organisational sustainability. It continues to guide the evolution of our Registered Horticulturist CPD program, ensuring AIH remains strong, accountable and future-focused.

For members, this means enhanced professional support and opportunities for recognition and growth. For sponsors and partners, it provides alignment with a credible, increasingly visible organisation committed to responsible promotion and meaningful partnerships.

AIH recognises that the future strength of Australia’s green sector depends on deeper cooperation across industry bodies. We see clear opportunities to work more closely with allied organisations through:

• Joint advocacy on national skills, workforce and environmental priorities
• Co-hosted professional development and CPD events that maximise reach and reduce duplication
• Shared research and technical knowledge initiatives, particularly in sustainability, biodiversity and climate resilience
• Cross-promotion of major industry events and awards programs
• Collaborative pathways for students and emerging professionals, building stronger career pipelines
• Strategic participation in national forums such as AGIN and related networks

AIH remains open and proactive in building respectful, mutually beneficial partnerships that strengthen the entire horticultural profession.

Our members are respected and appreciated for their ongoing support. Membership remains essential to our viability, supported by our professional advisors, annual budgeting and regular financial review.

Responsible financial management remains a central priority. Despite a challenging environment for sponsorship and membership, AIH is seeing growing interest from Australian companies that recognise and value our clear direction and strong communication.

To diversify income streams and strengthen industry standards, we are introducing AIH Endorsements — an evidence-based product assessment program aligned with our professional criteria. Importantly, this program operates independently from sponsorship to maintain clarity, integrity and trust in all partnerships.

Together with our members, sponsors and partners, AIH has delivered significant progress in recent years, including:

• Progress on dual patronage, including First Nations representation
• National participation in the Australasian Green Infrastructure Network (AGIN) initiative
• Increased industry support for AIH through formalised sponsorship agreements
• Our 2024 MIFGS Exhibition Garden and development of the 2027 Eco Wise Exhibition Garden
• Continued advisory engagement with Singapore NParks and the Centre for Urban Greening and Ecology (CUGE).
• Enhanced visibility through in-person events, filmed events and digital marketing
• Feature participation in the documentary Conquering Skin Cancer

These achievements reflect the strength, professionalism and collaborative spirit of the AIH community.

AIH is recognised nationally and internationally — as a trusted leader in Australia’s green industry. With more than six decades of expertise behind us, we remain committed to fostering responsible collaboration and advancing professional horticulture.

As we look to the future, our message is clear: we are not simply gardeners — we are Professional Horticulturists. Guided by our Rules of Incorporation, Standard Operating Procedures, and relevant polices, AIH will continue to uphold integrity, expertise and shared purpose as we help shape a sustainable and vibrant future for horticulture in Australia and beyond.

Thank you for your continued trust and support. Together, we are strengthening the profession and growing a healthier, greener future.