It’s contagious - NextGen phenomenon claims fifth state

Allora Gardens Nursery and NGINT were the proud hosts of a special general meeting marking not one, not two, but three momentous events for the Northern Territory nursery and garden industry last month.

Attracting around 80 industry members, sponsors and family and friends, the event at Allora Gardens Nursery marked the official launch of the 2008 Yates Nursery & Garden Industry Awards and the NGINT NextGen Nursery Group. It was also a celebration of Allora Gardens’ entry into the Awards ‘Hall of Fame’, an honour granted to any business or individual who has won the same category (or its closest equivalent) for three consecutive years.

The launch of NextGen in the Northern Territory signals another achievement for the the NextGen initiative, which began in Victoria and has since spread to New South Wales, South Australia and Tasmania. NextGen aims to provide a forum for 18 to 35 year olds to meet, exchange ideas and hone their leadership skills.

Belinda Halliwell, NGINT Young Leader has been a driving force behind NextGen NT, lending an abundance of time and enthusiasm to the project of getting a group up and running in the Territory. Addressing the attendees at the meeting, Belinda spoke about the value of NextGen and her own experiences as a Young Leader, which allowed her the opportunity to participate in this year’s National Conference.

National Communications & PR Manager Tracey Wigg spoke on behalf of NGIA about the benefits of participating in the national awards program and the merits of the new and improved 2008 structure.

If you’re interested in getting involved in NextGen NT contact Belinda Halliwell at Allora Gardens Nursery via email: aallora@bigpond.net.au or Jane Dellow on ph: 08 8983 3233.

For more information about the 2008 Yates Nursery & Garden Industry Awards visit the Awards website www.ngia.com.au/awards, contact Awards Absolute on ph: 1300 882 259 or contact your State NGI Association.