Key People

The GIQ staff members are all dedicated to offering our members the very best service and opportunities to grow; not just their plants, but also their businesses. Please don’t hesitate to get in contact with us.

Articles - Join Our Board
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Board of Directors

Christina Board Member

Christina Gnezdiloff

President

Christina holds a Bachelor of Marketing and has been involved in the nursery industry for over fifteen years in key roles in business development. As such, she has a large and established contact base within key sections of the industry, especially in Queensland and Northern NSW.

Jason Board Member

Jason Pearce

Vice President

With a passion for the craft of Horticulture and still learning with over 30 years of experience, Jason’s focus is set on getting the best for members particularly the independent business community. 

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Russell Higginbotham

Board Member

Joined QNA in 1981. Russell has owned 3 nurseries Jindalee, Harlequin and Clifton Park. Since 2000 Russ has worked as a Consultant, mainly to large developers and landscape architects, since 2000. Past President of NGIQ, past Tech Committee Chairman, Life Member. 

John Board Member

John White

Board Member

John’s started his horticultural career in 1999. His passion for plants and people led him to Eureka Landscapes and then on to Director of Evolve in 2015. John has extensive knowledge of the landscape and environmental industries and is now a Strategic Director and Manager of Tubestock Nursery. 

Patrick Board Member

Patrick O'Driscoll

Board Member

Patrick is a strong sales professional with a Post Graduate focused in Masters of Business Administration from University of Adelaide. Patrick is the General Manager/Director at Quality Plastic Products

Rick

Rick Warwick

Board Member

Owner and opperator at Bamboo Down Under. A small family business that has expanded to be the leading supplier of bamboo in Retail and Wholesale within Australia. Awarded the “Best Specialist Garden Centre in Queensland” at the Nursery & Garden Industry Awards! 

GIQ Staff

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Colin Fruk

Chief Engagement Officer (CEO)

Experienced Engagement Manager with a demonstrated history of success in industry associations, not-for-profits & the technology sector. Skilled in Management, Industry Policy, Community Engagement, Social Media, & Strategic Marketing.

Lili

Lili Powell

Operations Manager

Lili has successfully owned and operated multiple businesses for the last 12 years, encompassing both physical storefronts and online ventures. Lili spends her spare time camping with her husband and kids as well as renovating. She holds a diploma in both business as well as leadership and management.

Abby

Abby Zhang

Accountant

Mother of two and full time accountant, Abby really enjoys cooking, exploring different cultures and meeting interesting people. 

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Lauren Duffy

Marketing & Communications Officer

Lauren is an experienced marketer with a background spanning technology sectors, not-for-profit organisations and government. She is passionate about helping small businesses build their digital capabilities. Originally from Scotland, she has called Queensland home for the past 12 years and now lives on the Sunshine Coast, where she enjoys exploring this beautiful state with her black lab, Monty, whenever she can.

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Violet Evans

Membership & Events Officer 

Violet graduated from Griffith University with a Bachelor of Advanced Business (Honours), majoring in Event Management. She wrote her thesis on the social, economic and environmental sustainability of the proposed infrastructure for Brisbane’s 2032 Olympic Games

 
brendan

Brendan Roe

Principal Project Officer - Fire Ant Education

With an Honours degree in Agricultural Science, majoring in Horticulture, Brendan is passionate about supporting and protecting Australia’s primary industries. He has three years’ experience as an agronomist in the horticulture industry and previously worked as a Biosecurity Officer with the Department of Primary Industries. Brendan also holds Diplomas in Business and Leadership.

Branch Representatives

Laluh Baker

Laluh Baker

North Brisbane / President

E | sales@tropicalexotics.com.au

With a background in nursery management and sales, Laluh brings a unique blend of horticultural expertise and business acumen. Having led teams and driven sales, Laluh excels at building customer relationships and fostering growth in both plants and profits. Laluh is the sales manager for Tropical Exotics.

Nick Hutchinson

Nick Hutchinson

Sunshine Coast / President

E | nick.h@fernland.com.au

Nick has worked in horticulture since 1989, with global experience in Kenya, China, the UK, and Holland. He is General Manager at Fernland, a Director of the GIA, and President of the Sunshine Coast GIQ branch. He is passionate about driving industry growth through leadership, innovation, with strong national and international connections.

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Name

Title / Position

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Elaine Duncan

Far North QLD / President

E | elaine@flourishplants.com.au

Elaine is the owner & operator of Flourish Plants in Mareeba. Her parents Joy & Tom Paterson started the business & have recently clebrated 30 years with the GIQ. Elaine was named GIQ nursery person of the year in 2024.