2015 AIH NATIONAL AWARDS
23 Sep 2015
The 55th Annual AIH National Awards for professional horticulturists in Australia has just been hosted in Melbourne. Find out who the esteemed winners are for 2015.
Every year the Australian Institute of Horticulture holds its Annual National Awards and Dinner where a variety of awards are presented to professional horticulturists across Australia for their contributions to the industry.
This year the 55th AIH Annual National Awards night was held in Melbourne on Thursday 17 September, with Don Burke serving as MC for the evening
On this industry's ‘night of nights’ there are two significant awards presented; The Golden Wattle Award and the Silver Gum Award.
The Golden Wattle Award was established in 2010 to celebrate Horticultural Heroes. It is presented to a horticulture professional whose practice, in the opinion of the National Executive, has advanced the objectives as set down by AIH and the profession of horticulture.
The awardees hold a unique presence in the horticulture profession. Their hard work, innovative approach and dedication to horticulture have made their efforts successful in advancing the profession, increasing recognition of gardening to the public and enhancing horticultural events in various forums.
The 2015 Golden Wattle Award Winner is Peter Cundall.
The Silver Gum Award was originally commissioned by Horticulutural Training P/L, in recognition of a Past President’s dedicated and committed representation on behalf of AIH. This special award is presented to an AIH member for extensive services to the industry.
The 2015 Silver Gum Award Winner is Neville Passmore MAIH, RH.
Certificate of Appreciation Winners
The Certificate of Appreciation is awarded to members of AIH who have donated extensive time to represent AIH on industry advisory committees and/or who have enhanced the reputation and professional development of AIH members.
The 2015 recipients are:
Michael Casey MAIH, RH – Victorian Regional Convenor
Marc Percival MAIH, RH – NSW mid North Coast Regional Convenor
Annette Irish FAIH, RH – Queensland Regional Convenor
Diane Ellis MAIL, RH – NSW Southern Highlands Regional Convenor
David Strickland MAIH, RH – Western Australia Regional Convenor
Mathew Pearson MAIH, RH – South Australia Regional Convenor
Chris Poulton MAIH, RH – Sydney Regional Convenor
Tom Lantry FAIH, RH – NSW Hunter Regional Convenor
Patrick Regnault MAIH, RH – Northern NSW Regional Convenor
The remaining winners of the night are:
Award of Merit Winner Kerri Young
The Award of Merit was presented to Kerri Young for her commitment in developing strong industry networks.
Award of Merit Winners Lisa Ellis & Mark Browning
The Award of Merit was presented to Lisa Ellis and Mark Browning in recognition of the Gold medal and Best in Show award at the 2015 Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show, for their garden creation ‘Quietude’.
Award of Excellence Winner Spencer Denyer, MAIH, RH
The Award of Excellence was presented to Spencer Denyer for his work on the Registered Horticulturist program and industry commitment in Victoria.
Award of Excellence Winner Patrick Regnault, MAIH, RH
The Award of Excellence was presented to Patrick Regnault for advancement of the horticultural industry in Northern New South Wales.
Award of Excellence Winner Matt Mitchley AAIH, RH
The Award of Excellence was presented to Matt Mitchley in recognition of his design, construction and establishment of ‘The Jurassica Project’.
Award of Excellence Winner Tan Chee Hian John (John Tan) MAIH, RH, CPH (Singapore)
The Award of Excellence was presented to John Tan for achieving the Silver Gilt award for his display garden ‘the Hidden Beauty of Kranji’ at the 2015 Chelsea Flower Show.
Community Award of Excellence Winner Michael Casey MAIH, RH
The Community Award of Excellence was presented to Michael Casey for his project at the Catholic Regional College (Sydenham).
Secretary’s Award Winners Simon Leake and Elke Haege
The AIH Secretary’s Award for Horticulture Literature was presented to Simon Leake and Elke Haege for their book ‘Soils for Landscape Development’.
Student of the Year Award Winner Tessa Maunder
The AIH Student of the Year Award was presented to Tessa Maunder.
Horticulturist of the Year Award Winner Stuart Pittendrigh MAIH, RH
The AIH Horticulturist of the Year award was presented to Stuart Pittendrigh for his committed work on the Barangaroo Headland project in Sydney.
Fellowship Citation Winner Nicholas Rivett FAIH, RH
The AIH Fellowship citation was awarded to Nicholas Rivett for his extensive years of dedication to AIH and the broader horticultural industry.
Images (2-4): Certificate of Appreciation winners; Silver Gum Award Winner Neville Passmore & award sponsor Elizabeth Smith; Fellowship Citation Winner Nicholas Rivett & AIH President Wayne Van Balen.