Gold Coast, Queensland – Young Queenslander Shaun Reina has cemented his position as a future industry leader by taking out the AUSVEG Rising Star of the Year Award, proudly sponsored by Coles, at the 2015 National Awards for Excellence Gala Dinner at Jupiters Gold Coast on Saturday 27 June.

AUSVEG CEO Richard Mulcahy said that the award recognised Mr Reina’s impressive leadership capabilities through his management of over 70 people as Assistant Production Manager at the Gatton site of Barden Produce, as well as his participation in the industry more broadly.

“Over the course of this year, Shaun has consistently impressed those around him by showing leadership and initiative far beyond his years,” said Mr Mulcahy.

“By playing an ongoing lead role his business, while also demonstrating his passion for the Australian industry as a whole, he is a worthy recipient of this award.”

AUSVEG is the leading horticulture body representing Australia’s 9,000 vegetable and potato growers.

Proudly supported by Coles, the Rising Star of the Year Award recognises an individual who displays exceptional commitment and passion towards the horticulture industry, while also actively contributing to the organisation and/or management of a farm or company. Recipients are innovative, challenge convention, implement efficient practices on-farm and actively engage with the wider industry.

Aside from his everyday leadership position at Barden Produce, Mr Reina is also a recent graduate from the acclaimed ‘Growing Leaders’ program, which teaches participants to both learn from their peers and create a brighter future for the horticultural industry.

“With his impressive work ethic and obvious passion for the vegetable industry, Shaun is just the sort of rising star our industry needs to remain prosperous in to the future.”

The 2015 National Awards for Excellence Gala Dinner honoured growers and other members of the Australian vegetable, potato, apple and pear industries for outstanding achievements in their respective fields.

The event was the capstone event of the 2015 National Horticulture Convention, incorporating AUSVEG and Apple and Pear Australia Limited, which is the biggest in Australian horticulture and attracted more than 1,400 delegates.

For official photos of winners or the awards ceremony, please contact the AUSVEG media contact below.

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: Andrew MacDonald, Manager – Communications, AUSVEG

Phone: (03) 9882 0277, Mob: 0406 836 330, Email: andrew.macdonald@ausveg.com.au