AIH Annual Conference & Awards 2024
24 – 26 October 2024
The Link at Toormina NSW
The ‘Grow Shade Wise with AIH’ Conference and Awards event spans three days and will inspire, educate and inform everyone in the horticultural industry.
Off the back of our Grow Shade Wise garden exhibit at MIFGS earlier this year, we realised the importance of raising the question among the Australian population – Are you shade wise? There are so many aspects to the Grow Shade Wise message that will be explored both hands-on and delivered at this year’s conference by experts in their field.
Spending time in nature is paramount for human health so the role we play in horticulture is essential for health now and for future generations. Our keynote speaker, Professor Thomas Astell-Burt, provides evidence-based proof of this statement. His long-standing interest in the relationship between nature and human health, especially on the potential of green space to enrich environments for the prevention of noncommunicable diseases like depression, diabetes, and dementia, has led him to complete groundbreaking research in this area. His conference address will open your mind to the essential role of horticulture and the opportunities that await.
The other conference speakers will address key areas of interest to add to your horticultural knowledge and complete the Grow Shade Wise message. Your mind is sure to be brimming with possibilities by the conference end.
Then we move into the formal aspects of the three days, with the awards presentations, recognising those in our field who are making significant contributions to horticulture.
Our time together will be topped off with an informal bus tour that will provide the opportunity to be in the field with your horticultural peers as we visit various locations of horticultural significance in the greater Coffs Harbour region – more details on this below.
Join us as we come together at The Link, Toormina, NSW from the 24th – 26th October, 2024. Set among breathtaking, award-winning gardens, this is an event not to be missed.
Programme
Thursday
Thursday 11:00 am Potting Shed Area
TAFE Coffs Harbour
Plant raised vegetable garden beds
Assist with planting vegetable seedlings for the aged care community at The Link communal garden.
Thursday 12:30 – 5:30 pm The Pavilion
Steve Maginnity
(The Australian Native Bee Company)
Keeping Native Bees in the backyard
Learn how to make Australian backyards Native Bee friendly. Steve will discuss topics such as: Social endemic species, Care of hives, Planting for native bees, and Honey
My name is Steve Maginnity and I am the owner and director of The Australian Native Bee Company. Whilst teaching as a high school teacher I discovered native bees and was amazed and fascinated by them. Since 2008 we have developed our business which has grown considerably. We utilise our bees to operate a pollination service, deliver education programs to schools and the public and sell hives and native bee products.
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Marc Percival MAIH RH
Sustainability in High Intensity Horticultural Production
The Problem: off-farm pollution, aquatic, soil impacts.
The Solution: Drainage Planning, Sump, Transfer Tanks, Prefiltration, Treatment, Chlorination, Ultraviolet Block, Activated Carbon, Digesters, Reed Beds.
Marc Percival Bio
Studied Arts at Sydney University,1975-77,
1977 Port Lincoln SA Worked on SA Tuna Fleet,
1979 Sydney and began Gardening Business
45 years in Horticulture, studied at Ryde School of Horticulture 1980-1986
1982 Certificate Horticulture
Joined AIH 1982
Self-Employed in Landscaping, Garden maintenance
1985 NSW Dept Agriculture Agricultural inspection
1986 Associate Diploma Horticulture Ryde School of Horticulture
1987 Seconded to Fisheries research FRV Kapala TA Scientific
1991 Staff Supervision/Parks Technical Management North Sydney Council,
1993- 1995 Ryde School of Horticulture Teaching Staff Supervision
1995 Plant Nutrition, Fertilizer sales and marketing, Paton Fertilisers , Hi Fert, Vermtech,
2004 Self-Employed AgriSense, Soil Foodweb Consulting Agronomy, Organics , Biological Farming, consulting in Plant nutrition, enterprise planning and organic farm management
2008- 2018 Teaching at North Coast TAFE
2011 Diploma Agriculture NC TAFE
2015-2018 Regional Convenor AIH Mid North Coast NSW
Interests
Environment, Nature, Marine Sports, Diving, Photography, Fishing,
Horticulture and Soil Ecology
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Brenden Moore
First Nations Community Greening Officer
Engaging with community through planting
Brenden reveals how he engages with different communities with planting native and introduced species. Sharing stories and laughs along the way through his work and engagement in Social community housing, youth groups, Correctional centres and Aboriginal communities.
Brenden Moore, Biripi Man from Taree, First Nations Community Greening Officer with the Botanic Garden Sydney, Supporting Social and Community Housing growing green spaces together across Nee South Wales. Funded by Department of Communities and Justice with a diverse team to consult, educate and create.
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Sam Dalton
Product Analyst, Arborgreen
Mary-Claire King
Partnerships Manager, Arborgreen
Hope for the future – Protecting and creating greenspace for the next generation
Forests. Hope. Closed Loop Recycling. Explore the evolution of greenspace protection and the latest innovations and initiatives that are offering new alternatives and inspiring action in future generations.
Thursday 4:00 pm The Pavilion
Giingan Yiiliwiyay Dancers
Performance using the Didgeridoo for some of the songs. All the songs and stories are in Gumbaynggirr
Thursday 4:45 – 5:30 pm The Reflections
Friday
Friday 8:30 am The Pavilion
Welcome to Country by an elder from the traditional custodians of this land the Gumbaynggirr People
Steve McGrane
Horticulturist & local radio personality
Plants in Peril; How do Plant Breeders meet the challenges of Climate Change
Rising temperatures spell disaster for many plants. Traditional plant breeding will take 20 years to develop climate adaptive species. “Epigentic” breeding might just be the answer, reducing the time from decades to years to produce stable climate tolerant species.
Steve McGrane – Horticulturist, Agriculturist, Blogger, Educator, National Gardening Magazine Writer (Good Organic Gardener) and ABC Presenter, qualified in Horticulture, Agriculture and Ecology with 25 experience years experience in conventional horticulture/Organic Agriculture and a desire to reduce the horticultural footprint on the planet. Steve has developed a passion and expertise for blending ornamental and productive gardens in urban landscapes as demonstrated on his and other proprieties in the region.
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Arno King
Landscape Architect
Shading Urban Areas – selecting the right plants for the right reasons
Introducing shade utilising trees, climbing plants and green wall & roof plants; selecting plants for a changing climate; appropriate shade, maintenance, soil volumes; longevity and safety.
Arno is a Brisbane-based registered horticulturist and registered landscape architect, well known for his weekly radio broadcasts, presentations at conferences and events, and his numerous horticultural and gardening articles. He is acknowledged for his appreciation of planting design, plant selection and establishment, and enjoys sharing his passion for horticulture and plants with peers and the public.
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Friday 10:00 – 10:30 am MORNING TEA
Ben French
Yards Landscaping
MIFGS recap and the future of garden maintenance.
A behind the scenes recap working alongside MIFGS legendary contractor Semken Landscaping on Peter Donegan’s ‘A Moment in Time’ Show Garden at the 2024 Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show and discussing the future of garden maintenance.
With 26+ years industry experience in landscape design, construction and Horticultural care, Ben is driven to create gardens and spaces that allow people to enjoy their home and their downtime. From a personal perspective, one of his greatest joys is helping others achieve their dream lifestyle and he is committed to offering practical and hands-on advice.
Ben established Yards Pty. Ltd. in 2005, offering premium garden maintenance, design and construction services for beautiful gardens in the greater Brisbane area.
Ben has been a long-standing member of the Australian Institute of Horticulture since 2005 and is also a member of LDI and Landscape Queensland.
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David Trood
The Weedy Gardener
Creating community connection through storytelling
David shares how he went from locked down during the pandemic to YouTube sensation through combining his videography skills with his passion for horticulture.
David Trood is an Australian-born, prize- winning travel and commercial photographer who pushes the boundaries of visual storytelling with his passionate narrative of people and nature. For over thirty years he successfully completed thousands of photographic assignments in over 40 countries. David has been called a Hasselblad Master and is a valued contributor at Getty Images. He was born in Queensland and was based in Denmark (until 2020).
Since the Covid-19 lockdown in 2020 he has made his home in Northern NSW where he has turned his passion into growing organic food through the land management design of Permaculture. He documented his learning process and garden growing through his regular, online videos, The Weedy Garden, which turned into a YouTube sensation.
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Friday 12:00 – 12:45 pm LUNCH
Jason Summers
Remarkable Trees
Creating Cool Park Areas
The use of vegetation and water to create cool oasis in open spaces. To create heat refuges by planting trees irrigated turf and passive irrigation
Over 30 years experience in Local Government Parks management
PLA Board Member and World Urban Parks Academy Regent
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Liz King
Manager of NSW Skin Cancer Prevention Unit
The case for skin cancer prevention in Australia: a “no brainer” for organisations with outdoor workers
Liz talking on UV protection in Australia and how AIH members can improve their approach to protecting their outdoor workforce.
Liz King is the Manager of the Skin Cancer Prevention Unit at Cancer Council NSW and works to change social environments and individual behaviours that promote good sun protection and reduce the risk of skin cancer through strategic program, policy and advocacy initiatives.
With a background in psychology and Masters in Public Health, Liz has a breadth of experience delivering on population health outcomes for lead government agencies and peak bodies.
Since the Covid-19 lockdown in 2020 he has made his home in Northern NSW where he has turned his passion into growing organic food through the land management design of Permaculture. He documented his learning process and garden growing through his regular, online videos, The Weedy Garden, which turned into a YouTube sensation.
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Andrew Turnbull
Landscape Architect & advisor to ShadeSmart working group
Harnessing Shade for Skin Cancer Prevention
Andrew talking on design of outdoor spaces, including the ShadeSmart program as a CPD and award strategy to support improved shade implementation.
Today, Andrew contributes to forging strong partnerships between built environment professionals, health, and horticultural sectors to advance quality shade design, planning and research for the prevention of skin cancer in public spaces. A driving forcing behind the ShadeSmart leadership, AILA ShadeSmart awards and professional CPD learning. A member of the NSW Active Living Expert Advisory Group [2016-2019], NSW Shade Working Group [NSW Health – Skin Cancer Prevention Strategy] 2019-present, and Kidsafe NSW [2022-present].
40 years professional experience as a Landscape Architect | Urban Designer working widely in Australia and internationally. A guest lecturer at the Tsinghua University, [Beijing], UNSW and UTS. Andrew brings practical insight into the debate, standards, and advancement of shade infrastructure for the prevention of melanoma and skin cancer in Australia.
Since the Covid-19 lockdown in 2020 he has made his home in Northern NSW where he has turned his passion into growing organic food through the land management design of Permaculture. He documented his learning process and garden growing through his regular, online videos, The Weedy Garden, which turned into a YouTube sensation.
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Friday 2:30 – 3:00 pm AFTERNOON TEA
Keynote Speaker
Professor Thomas Astell-Burt
Sydney University
Urban Forests for Planetary Health: Evidence for Action
Thomas shares his research-backed findings of the potential of green space to enrich environments for the prevention of noncommunicable diseases like depression, diabetes, and dementia and overall improved planetary health.
Thomas Astell-Burt is the Professor of Cities and Planetary Health and an Australian Research Council Future Fellow in nature-based solutions for loneliness.
Thomas is a Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher and is ranked 1st out of 10,000 globally for nature and health research. Thomas’s ARC, NHMRC and MRFF-funded research involves collaborating, co-producing, and communicating studies positioned to create healthier cities for all, and uses ‘social prescribing’ to (re)connect people with things in cities that can enable flourishing, e.g., green spaces.
Prof Astell-Burt is the Expert Chair of Nature-Based Solutions in the Australian Social Prescribing Institute for Research and Education (ASPIRE) and a long-standing member of the Western Sydney Diabetes Leadership Alliance.
His research has influenced urban planning and health policies in Australia and around the world.
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Q&A
Jason Summers
Liz King
Andrew Turnbull
Professor Thomas Astell-Burt
Friday 6:00 – 10:30 pm PRESENTATION AWARDS EVENING
6.00 Opening Address by AIH President and hand over to Costa/Clarence
Paul Creighton
AIH Sponsor ‘Barton Hall’
Discover Australia Wines
Experience the taste of Australia with our carefully selected wines and join us in our mission to promote sustainability in the wine industry. Discover the artistry behind boutique wines. From small vineyards to handcrafted blends, experience the finest expressions of winemaking.
Educated at the Hotelschule, Austria, in the art of old school hospitality and with over 35 years of service experience behind him. Paul is equipped with huge depths of industry knowledge and can elevate your wine experience.
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6.30 – Presentations of awards start
Evening Menu – 6:30 – 10:00 pm
- Zucchini and haloumi fritters, lemon myrtle yoghurt (gf,v)
- Roast sweet potato, coriander & cashew empanada (v)
- Yakitori chicken & spring onion skewers (gf)
- BBQ brisket slider on brioche, gherkin, cheese, chipotle mayo
- Lamb kofta skewer, zucchini & preserved lemon &mint yoghurt
- Salt and pepper squid, citrus aioli, rocket (gfo) &
Market fish & chips, caper dill mayo, lemon - Key lime petit tart
Evening finishes at 10.00 / 10.30 pm
Saturday
Saturday 8:15am – 5:00pm GARDEN & NATURE DELIGHT FULL DAY TOUR
The bus tour kicks off at 8:15am with a visit to a local award-winning landscape designer’s large private garden.
- Then we head to Korora for a tour of a recently completed permaculture and ornamental garden.
- On the next stop, you’ll enjoy a walk along the Urunga foreshore where the rivers meet the ocean.
- Choose to either go on the wetlands boardwalk or relax at a local pub or café.
- After Urunga we travel to the historic town of Bellingen where we will have lunch on the verandah of a lovely home in the town and enjoy a semi-formal garden.
- After lunch, we view the town’s streetscape upgrade works, and we also have time to explore the quaint shops.
- The day concludes with a scenic drive back to Coffs Harbour and a tour of the North Coast Regional Botanic Gardens.
- A 5pm finish sees us being dropped off at either the accommodation venue or the Coffs Harbour Yacht Club
AIH has received a grant for partial funding of this event and has been included in the National Horticulture Roadshow:
The National Horticulture Roadshow is being delivered by the NFF Horticulture Council with funding from the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) through the Showcasing Australia grant.
