 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
The SGA Team
SGA is operating in four states across Australia. The following team members bring a diverse range of skills to the team ranging from project management, horticulture, retail, landscape design, landscape construction, landscape maintenance, education, training, research, marketing, graphic design, website development, accounting, editing and writing.
Mary Trigger - SGA CEO
Chief Executive Officer of SGA since 2003. Mary has previously worked for Environs Australia: the local government environment network, working on the prototype of SGA, the Sustainable Nurseries Alliance. Previously Mary worked for 5 years with Greening Australia (Victoria) as training coordinator and Manager of Education, Training & Community Events. She also worked for the Smith Family for 4 years and as a science secondary teacher for 7 years both in Australia and overseas.
Elaine Shallue - National Project Manager
Elaine is relatively new to the horticultural industry having spent 20 years working as an accountant in a variety of medium to large businesses. However following a conscious career change in 2003, Elaine commenced a Diploma of Horticulture (Parks & Gardens), completing this in November 2005. She was nominated for and won the college award for most Outstanding Student in Horticulture in her final year. In addition to her studies, Elaine worked for a retail nursery until September 2005. However, a strong interest in the environmental side of horticulture led her to join SGA at the beginning of 2006.
Helen Tuton - Sustainable Garden Centre Co-ordinator (Vic & Tas)
Helen joined SGA during 2007 with over ten years' experience in the retail nursery industry, both in Victoria and Queensland and she is currently completing the final semester of a Bachelor of Applied Science (Horticulture) at the University of Melbourne, and has already accrued two prestigious Dean's Honours awards for academic acheivement throughout this course. With a long and celebrated history in many facets of retail and horticulture, and a passion for consumer education and environmental issues, Helen is looking forward to helping the SGA Garden Centre certification program expand and develop, for the good of our backyards, and the earth!
James Robilliard - Sustainable Garden Centre Co-ordinator (WA)
James joined SGA in Aug 2006 and is the first member of SGA's team to be based in WA. James joined SGA after having been Garden Centre Development Officer with the Nursery & Garden Industry in WA for nearly six years. Before that James's backgound was in retail management and small business. James has a strong belief and committment to assisting garden centres progress along the sustainable pathway. James says 'I'm looking forward to seeing to WA Garden Centres grow and develop with SGA. The Sustainable Garden Centre certification process will assist them to become major influencers within their community on the take up of sustainable gardening practices...it's a great outcome for home owners, gardeners and the environment'
David Smyth - Sustainable Garden Centre Co-ordinator (SA)
David orginally started out studying Medicine, before leaving to discover his true passion - horticulture! He completed a Diploma in Horticulture at Yarrabee and Brookway Park TAFE, where he was presented with the 'Best Overall Student' Award. He has now worked in retail garden centres for over 30 years. He was manager at Skinners Garden Centres for over 20 years, then owned Littlehampton Nursery for a little over 5 years, selling the thriving business in August 2007.
Paul McMorran - Development Officer
Paul has a Bachelor of Science (Conservation Biology and Ecology) Hons. and has worked in the landscape and nursery sectors for a number of years. While working as a revegetation landscaper and at Bulleen Art and Garden Paul gained considerable hands on experience with the challenges that face the industry.
Peter Howey - SGA Accountant
Bachelor of Commerce (University of Melbourne) - major in accounting and commercial law. Peter worked for 6 years with BHP in various accounting roles. He has worked at Bulleen Art & Garden for 18 years working in accounting, project management and supervision and retail service and development.
Jane Edmanson - SGA patron (Victoria)
Well-known gardening identity Jane Edmanson is a committed supporter of the SGA project. “SGA is a terrific resource for all gardeners who want to garden in a more environmentally friendly way. The website contains a wealth of easily understood information and practical advice on gardening practices that help create a healthier environment - starting with our own backyard.” – Jane Edmanson
Josh Byrne - SGA patron (WA)
“How we garden makes a big difference to the health of our local environment. Water conservation, creating wildlife habitat and reducing nutrient pollution is just beginning. We can also grow our own food, switch to organics and tackle the spread of environmental weeds. Sustainable Gardening Australia is taking the lead to increase this awareness and should be congratulated” - Josh Byrne
Sophie Thomson - SGA patron (SA)
“Sustainable Gardening Australia is working to change the way Australian’s garden to ensure that we are working with the environment, rather than against it. By developing a sustainable garden, we can actually make our gardening experience easier and more enjoyable, as well as contributing to our local environment and leaving a legacy for future generations.” - Sophie Thomson