There is no doubt 2020 started out on the back foot. As much as I think we are all a bit tired of hearing the ‘C’ word and witnessing people fighting over toilet rolls, I was really heartened to read the message this week sent out as an e-bite by our CEO Elaine Tunn. It was titled ‘IPA Community – supportive of each other!’ It spoke of being supportive of each other and much more. Thankyou Elaine and thanks also to advocates Arthur Stacey from Sunnydale Green Solutions Qld and Peter Dolley from IEQ Indoor Plants Qld for their contributions and sharing information and offering assistance to everyone. If you haven’t read it, please do.

I recently attended the GreenLife Industries Australia conference in Perth and I have to tell you I came away feeling very inspired and positive about the future in horticulture. The scope covered by the speakers and presenters was varied, informative, educational and inspirational.

IPA was represented by IPA Board Member Gabrielle Stannus who did a fantastic job. Gabrielle also contributes a monthly article in Hort Journal Australia on behalf of IPA therefore constantly driving awareness of our organisation.

Our Singapore trip is still going ahead, as the Singapore Garden Festival date has been changed to the first quarter of 2021 due to the ‘C’ virus but we are keeping those people who have planned to attend the trip up to date. The dates will be confirmed as soon as we get word from the Singaporeans.

I am sure many of you have had to cancel travel arrangements, it is disappointing but when everything gets back to normal life will go on and we will continue to remind the public that their lives are much healthier with plants.

To those of you who are suffering in your businesses we are here to support you in any way we can. We are only a phone call or an email away.  In the meantime, we will do our best to keep you informed with the latest developments.

Stay well, be kind and keep the communications open.

Karen Smith

2020 IPA President

(M) 0425 349 137