The annual Women in Horticulture event at Hort Connections encourages all sectors of the horticulture industry to come together and celebrate the crucial role that women play in the industry. Tiahn Wright takes a look back at the 2019 event, which successfully raised funds and sanitary products for women who are doing it tough.

Developing resilience and maintaining wellness to live a truly happy, meaningful and fulfilling life were the key takeaway messages for attendees at the Women in Horticulture event at Hort Connections 2019.

A sea of pink lit up the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on Wednesday 26 June as delegates came together to celebrate the essential work of women in Australia’s horticulture industry and simultaneously raise much-needed funds and awareness for those doing it tough.

This year’s annual Women in Horticulture event, sponsored by Boomaroo Nurseries, encouraged everyone to support Share the Dignity, a charity that facilitates the donation of sanitary products to allow women who are in a crisis, or homeless, with a sense of dignity at a time when they need it most.

Delegates were asked to raise money or bring sanitary products to support the charity and were treated to the return of pink Boomaroo caps and cakes with flower-shaped frosting. The event also provided an opportunity to formally acknowledge the Boomaroo Women in Horticulture Award finalists.

Sending a strong message

During the event, delegates heard from a number of inspirational speakers. Boomaroo Nurseries Head of Marketing, Strategy and New Business Development Emily White kicked off proceedings by calling on all women in Australian horticulture to share their stories and show their support for others in the industry.

Emily also called on the audience to get involved using the hashtag #WIH1000reasons, to share the 1,000 (or more) reasons why women are so vital to the horticulture sector and celebrate some of the amazing women in our lives.

Next was Australian zoologist Tammie Matson, who shared her experiences working in southern Africa and her passion for African wildlife, particularly elephants, as well as her work as the head of World Wildlife Fund Australia’s species program.

Through Tammie’s extraordinary story and her observations of the animal kingdom, the audience was inspired to overcome their own fears and hurdles to achieve their personal and professional goals.

Tammie Matson.

The group then heard from Josie Thomson, CEO of Wise Advocate Enterprise and a two-time cancer survivor. Josie presented practical ways to break through barriers of limited thinking or perceived blocks to living a truly happy, meaningful, resilient and fulfilling life, as well as diving into the neuroscience behind how we respond to challenges we may be faced with.

Josie Thomson.

Finally, Belinda Adams, AUSVEG Deputy Chair and former winner of the Women in Horticulture and Grower of the Year Awards, acknowledged the finalists of the Boomaroo Nurseries Women in Horticulture Award for 2019 and presented them with a gift.

Belinda acknowledged the contributions of each finalist in their chosen field and encouraged all women in the audience to continue to challenge themselves and share their stories with their industry.

The winner was announced at the National Awards for Excellence Gala Dinner later that evening, with Victorian grower Carmel Ingram, from Bonaccord Ingram, receiving the honour.

The Women in Horticulture event is a fantastic way to recognise the contributions of dedicated women within the horticulture industry. These women often get left in the shadows, and it is the role of the entire industry to ensure their work is acknowledged and appreciated every day.

AUSVEG would like to thank Boomaroo Nurseries and all those who supported efforts to generously donate items and raise funds and awareness for Share the Dignity.

A fresh perspective on diversity and inclusion

The Produce Marketing Association Australia-New Zealand (PMA A-NZ)’s Fresh Perspectives: Diversity and Inclusion Awareness workshop was also held on Wednesday 26 June at Hort Connections 2019.

The workshop featured a workshop held by Fiona Krautil, one of Australia’s leading gender equity, diversity & inclusion specialists. Attendees were involved in a peer-to-peer discussion on diversity, inclusion and leadership and were provided with tangible tools to help effect change in the workplace.

Find out more

More information about Hort Connections 2021 will be released in the coming months. Hort Connections 2021 will be held from 7-9 June 2021 at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.

In the meantime, a comprehensive wrap-up of last year’s event can be found on the AUSVEG website.