Awarded to an AIH member who has made extraordinary contributions above and beyond their membership. The Fellow Award recognises exemplary leadership, dedication, and influence. Graham has set a remarkable standard, advancing professional practices and inspiring peers across the industry both in Australian and international communities.

The Golden Wattle Award celebrates Julie Whitfield’s significant commitment and dedication to horticulture and design in Local and State Government in New South Wales. This year’s recipient, Julie Whitfield, has driven substantial environmental and social benefits through her work, making a profound difference to landscapes and communities of Sydney alike.

The Lifetime Achievement Award honours an individual who has dedicated their career to the horticultural industry. Both recipients have spent decades advancing knowledge, mentoring future generations, and promoting sustainable practices, leaving an enduring legacy in horticulture.

The AIH Silver Gum is a significant and prestigious AIH Honours award. Criteria for the award may include recognition of the support of exemplary projects, work and promotion of horticulture advancement and application by an individual, company or not-for-profit organisation. 

Garrick Hawkins was named as the AIH Silver Gum Award 2024 winner, for his patronage and promotion of horticulture through the creation of Mayfield Garden.

The AIH Horticulturist of the Year Award is an award of significance to an outstanding horticulturist. This is the highest award of institute recognition to be given to a horticulturist whose practice has advanced the profession of horticulture in Australia.

This AIH Member-Only Award celebrates an exceptional member’s contribution to horticulture, inspiring peers and promoting their achievements. Recognising excellence in projects, education, or media, this award showcases their skills and dedication to the public.

Ben French was named as the AIH Horticulturist of the Year Award 2024 winner, for his significant contribution to the horticulture industry in Queensland including building award-winning display gardens at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show.

Evan Reid is an exceptional talent in the Australian horticulture industry. With a passion for plant care, he completed his Certificate II in Horticulture while volunteering at Mayfield Garden, leading to full-time employment. Evan’s commitment saw him balance a 38-hour work week while self-funding and completing his Certificate III. His knowledge in plant identification and care, coupled with his leadership, has made him a highly valued team member at Mayfield. We are proud to honour Evan Reid as Horticultural Student of the Year 2024.

Acknowledging Lisa Ellis Gardens’ 20 years of excellence in award-winning horticulture and design in Victoria

Lisa Ellis Gardens, a multi-award-winning design studio based in Melbourne, has been a leader in garden design since its establishment in 2004. Renowned for their bespoke and enduring designs, the studio collaborates with architects and designers to create landscapes that harmonise with architecture and the environment. Their projects have been widely recognised in top publications and media. Lisa Ellis Gardens’ commitment to collaboration, transparency, and innovative design is why we are proud to present them with the Award of Excellence.

Friends of the North Coast Regional Botanic Gardens, Coffs Harbour – NSW for their support of the botanic gardens through volunteer activities, guided tours and fundraising. We are pleased to present the Green Space Community Award to the Friends of the North Coast Regional Botanic Gardens, Coffs Harbour.

North Coast Regional Botanic Gardens Coffs Harbour – NSW for the development of a botanic garden showcasing northern regional ecology and international horticultural themes. We are pleased to present the Green Space Community Award to the North Coast Regional Botanic Gardens, Coffs Harbour.

For providing a place where the community can connect with nature and support physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing.

The Link exemplifies community-focused green space design. This project integrates vibrant, accessible gardens that enhance local quality of life and foster community engagement. The thoughtfully designed spaces feature diverse plantings and multifunctional areas that cater to various community needs.

By creating welcoming outdoor environments for recreation, social interaction, and relaxation, The Link stands out as a model of how green spaces can effectively serve and uplift a community and it’s our pleasure to honour their work with the Green Space Community Award.

For creating landscaped recreational spaces as part of the Council’s Healthy Street Project.

Logan City Council’s Healthy Street Project has revitalised the Meadowbrook precinct with a dynamic new recreational area. Featuring a full-sized basketball court, outdoor gym, public art, and landscaped gardens, Armstrong Place—located between Loganlea and Armstrong Roads—now serves as a vibrant community hub. The addition of futsal courts, more public art, and amenities will further enhance this space. Mayor Darren Power and local leaders celebrated the project’s success, highlighting its positive impact on local lifestyles and well-being. So we present Logan City Council Healthy Street Project with the Green Space Urban Award.

For the creation of a biodiverse green roof garden in Melbourne City.

The Bruce in Kensington, Victoria, is a remarkable 400m² green roof that integrates seven stories of trees, enhancing urban biodiversity in Melbourne. By using native plants and creating vital corridors for insects and birds, this project exemplifies the City of Melbourne’s Nature in the City Strategy.

The green roof not only supports diverse plant and animal species but also provides cooling effects and improves air quality. The Bruce stands as a model for sustainable urban design and a valuable resource for learning and inspiration. Without further ado we present The Bruce, Kensington with the Green Space Urban Award.

By Resilient Urban Gardens & Landscapes member owner Paul Kirkpatrick, for creative sustainable horticultural design based on biophilic principles for a small block.

Rhagodia in Cape Paterson, Victoria, is an exemplary small-scale garden that embraces sustainable horticultural practices and biophilic design. On a 573m² block, Paul and Fran Kirkpatrick have created a vibrant oasis featuring over 1,000 plants, including natives, succulents, and vegetables. Their garden not only produces food year-round but also showcases innovative soil improvement techniques and effective water management.

By opening their garden to the public and sharing their expertise, Paul and Fran have demonstrated how thoughtful design can enhance urban living and contribute to community well-being. Put your hands together as we present Rhagodia with the AIH Green Space Residential Award.

Designed by Garden Expressions: a semi formal peaceful retreat that combines formality with practical considerations for the local climate.

Classic Bellingen Town Garden, designed by Claudia Nevelle, is a stunning example of formal garden design adapted to a humid climate. The garden features a central lawn with a majestic Frangipani, a stone fountain from France, and a timber pergola dividing two seating areas.

Shade is provided by Waterhousea and Magnolia Teddy Bear trees, while an outdoor bath framed by Crepe Myrtles and a steel pergola with climbing plants add elegance and practicality. The use of large pots and Wisterias enhances the garden’s classic charm, beautifully illuminated at night. It’s our honour to present this Classic Bellingen Town Garden with the AIH Green Space Residential Award.

For featuring horticultural display and an edible landscape within the estate’s streetscape and facilities.

Botanica in Caravonica, Queensland, is a lifestyle resort that seamlessly blends architectural elegance with lush, natural surroundings. Enveloped by greenery, the resort offers residents a tranquil escape where they can enjoy beautifully maintained gardens without the burden of upkeep.

The passionate team of gardeners ensures that the streetscapes and grounds are lovingly cared for, creating a harmonious and serene environment for all who visit and reside at Botanica Lifestyle Resort. And so, it’s our pleasure to present them with our Green Space Regional Award.

For the Bellingen streetscape beautification.

Bellingen Shire Council’s streetscape beautification project has transformed Hyde Street and its surroundings into a safer, more vibrant space for residents and visitors.

By incorporating traffic calming, pedestrian safety, and community feedback, the project successfully enhances connectivity and creates inviting social areas using traditional garden plants and local materials. AIH congratulates Bellingen Shire Council on this outstanding achievement, and we are pleased to present them with the Green Space Regional Award.

For the restoration and rehabilitation of endangered ecological communities through sustainable landscape design.

Salt Pan Reserve, nestled between Brooklyn Road and the rail corridor, exemplifies successful landscape restoration. Over the past decade, it has transformed from a site dominated by invasive species to a flourishing native habitat. As part of Hornsby Council’s ongoing restoration efforts, it now boasts accessible pathways, educational opportunities, and diverse vegetation communities.

The reserve’s heritage, cultural values, and innovative use of materials make it a vital green space for the community and a model of environmental stewardship. The Salt Pan Reserve is a credit to all involved and we recognise this achievement with the Green Space Environmental Award