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.

GIQ Brisbane Team
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Board of Directors

Christina Board Member

Christina Gnezdelloff

President

Christina holds a Bachelor of Marketing & has been involved in the nursery industry for over fifteen years in key roles in business development. As such she has a large & 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, My focus is set on getting the best for members particularly the independent business community. 

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Elaine Duncan

Board Member

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.

Paul Board Member

Paul Lancaster

Board Member

Paul and Margaret have owned the Nursery since 2005 and with a lot of hard work and determination, they have been able to make Suncoast Water Gardens a well-established, reputable and successful Business providing the highest quality plants, service and advice.

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Russell Higginbotham

Board Member

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

Rick

Rick Warwick

Board Member

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

Lindsay Board Member

Lindsay Jenkinson

Board Member

Experienced Key Account Sales Manager & qualified horticulturist with a demonstrated history of working in the horticulture, agriculture industry & other sales environments. Lindsay is the QLD sales manager at Ball Australia.

John Board Member

John White

Board Member

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

Patrick Board Member

Patrick D'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

GIQ Staff

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Colin Fruk

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.

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Amy Carter

Events Manager

Amy has been an event manager with GIQ since 2019. She has 2 sons and way too many indoor plants. Green Expo has seen massive growth since she took it over, bringing buyers from all over Australia. 

Lili

Lili Powell

Operations & Membership Manager

Lili has successfully owned & operated multiple businesses for the last 12 years, encompassing both physical storefronts & online ventures. She is currently completing a dual diploma in business as well as leadership & management.

Marion

Marion Beazley

Events Manager

Marion commenced employment with GIQ as Event Coordinator in 2002 and moved into the role of Qld Garden Show Event Manager in 2005. Marion oversees all aspects of the event to ensure that we are delivering an event that is in line with the organisation’s core goals and values.

Chloe

Chloe Easdale

Event Administrator

Chloe officially commenced employment with GIQ in 2022 after assisting with the QGS event set up for several years prior. Chloe oversees all exhibitor activities prior and during the event, onground logistics and QGS accounts.

Kristen

Kristen Vautier

Marketing Manager

Kristen commenced employment with GIQ in 2010 as QGS Marketing and Communications Coordinator. Primary responsibilities include development and implementation of the Marketing Plan and managing ticketing and staff at the event.

David Hunt head shot

David Hunt

Project Officer

David has conducted research into energy and water use efficiency, and smart technologies for the nursery industry since 2006 and currently manages the Pest ID Tool for GIQ.

 
Anie Agius

Anie Agius

Membership & Events Coordinator

Anie combines backgrounds in environmental design, horticulture, and information management. With experience across libraries, not-for-profit, and local government, she’s passionate about conservation and is a keen native gardener, BushCare volunteer, and native bee enthusiast.

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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Title / Position

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Elaine pic

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.