NGIA enters exciting new era with announcement of Geoff Richards as President

Geoff Richards from Western Australia has been announced as the new President of Nursery & Garden Industry Australia (NGIA) following the Annual General Meeting held in Queensland this month.

Geoff, who also served as National President from 1999 through to 2002, is again looking forward to the challenge of leading NGIA through the exciting and sometimes difficult times ahead.

“Many issues are impacting on our industry as we move into the future. While they often seem daunting, they also give us the opportunity to improve how we operate to open new doors and business opportunities,” said Geoff.

Managing director of Richgro Garden Products, a company started by his grandfather in 1916, Geoff has been involved in the nursery and garden industry for most of his life. In 2005 he was made a Life Member of NGIA in recognition of his continued leadership, dedication and service to the nursery and garden industry.

According to Geoff, there are many opportunities for the industry to promote its environmental credentials to consumers and government alike. Stressing the importance of green-life and plants to the future of Australia is a task that will need the cooperation of all industry players.

“Moving forward requires all players to work together as a united and sustainable industry. Our task is to grow business, promote our horticultural expertise and educate consumers and government about the benefits of green-life in our environment. I’m looking forward to leading the NGIA team that will help to achieve this vision,” added Geoff.

Stuart Swaddling, from NSW, steps down after two years as National President, but remains on the Board to serve the remainder of his third two year term along with Bryan Hillier from Queensland and Dianne Hall from South Australia who have both been re-elected for a further term of two years. They will join Geoff, Stuart, David Mathews from Victoria and Fergus Higson from Northern Territory who are all midway through their two year Board term.