(+61) 418 751 875
Stuart Swaddling has dedicated his entire career to horticulture. For over 50 years, he owned and managed an Interior Plantscaping Business, Tropical Plant Rentals Pty Ltd, which now operates Australia-wide. He recently sold the majority of his shareholding in the business. TPR has been a proud member of the Interior Plantscaping Association (IPA) since 2004.
A Life Member of both Green Industry Australia and the Nursery and Garden Industry NSW, Stuart has held the role of President for both associations, in addition to serving on numerous other boards and committees. He is also a founding member of the National Interior Plantscaping Association (IPA).
Stuart represented the horticulture industry in Canberra for over five years as a registered lobbyist, working with both sides of politics and engaging with several Ministers. His deep passion for the horticulture industry is evident, and he has witnessed firsthand how IPA fosters valuable networking opportunities.
Comment from Stuart: “Our members generously share advice, knowledge, and wisdom with one another. I look forward to serving as IPA’s President for 2025 and continuing to support the growth of our industry.”
Inferno Accounting - QLD
(+61) 428 226 982
Melinda is the principal of Brisbane based accounting firm, Inferno Accounting. Melinda is a registered tax agent and Chartered Accountant with a specialisation in self-managed superannuation.
Inferno Accounting was formed in December 2017, taking over from an existing practice when the principal decided to retire.
Melinda’s focus and passion is supporting small to medium businesses achieve success – cheerleading and counselling through each high and low.
The Inferno mantra is recognising that no business is the same and providing individual support is key.
As a parent to a busy toddler, she understands that the juggle business owners go through, particularly those with families, which can contribute to why businesses are operated the way they are. This in turn leads to understanding drivers in financial position and business planning.
Having worked closely with IPA over the last three years, Melinda joined as Treasurer to be able provide a different viewpoint to the association on their financial literacy.
Evergreen Interiors - QLD
(+61) 432 243 880
Tegan is the proud owner and manager of Evergreen Interiors in Mackay, Queensland. Since taking over the business in 2021 alongside her partner, she has worked diligently to build upon the foundation of over 20 years of exceptional customer service. Tegan is introducing a fresh, creative vision to the business, with a focus on enriching the local Mackay community.
With a double degree in Business and Creative Industries (Marketing and Interactive and Visual Design) from QUT, Tegan has a diverse background. She has gained valuable experience working in various small businesses across Australia and abroad, with expertise in industries such as marketing, tourism, and retail.
Tegan is passionate about expanding her knowledge in the plantscape industry. She is committed to learning from seasoned professionals and using that expertise to further strengthen and support the vibrant community in Mackay.
In 2024, Tegan and the team at Evergreen Interiors were thrilled to receive the Small Installation IPA Award, a recognition that filled her with immense pride. This achievement is a testament to the dedication and hard work that Tegan and her team put into every project.
Tegan is also excited to have taken on the role of Secretary for the 2025 IPA. Her involvement in this capacity allows her to further contribute to the industry and support her fellow professionals while continuing to grow her business and community connections
Green Design - NSW
(+61) 451 371 415
Josh Ursem is the General Manager of Green Design Indoor Plant hire, NSW. Green Design is one of Australia’s leading indoor plant hire and vertical garden companies. Josh has been with Green Design for over 10 years, in which time he has gained significant experience in many aspects of the business, including plant maintenance as a technician, and installations as an installer. Josh enjoys being engaged in every part of the business. Josh has an interest in the environment and an understanding of the importance of sustainability. Josh was heavily involved in developing Green Design’s CSR plan which includes a commitment of a 25% reduction on their 2021 carbon footprint by 2025.
Josh has a passion for the industry and a strong belief in Australian business owners supporting other local businesses.
In Josh’s current role as Sales and Marketing Manager, he is focused on promoting the many benefits of biophilic design in workspaces and is excited to see the interior plantscape industry continue to grow in Australia.
Managing Director Tropical Plant Rentals - NSW
(+61) 414 455 677
Graeme grew up with an agricultural background early in his life. He attended Hurlstone Agricultural High School as a boarder where he studied horticulture, plant biology and propagation. Post high school, he worked as a stock and station agent for 10 years. Graeme has been involved with Tropical Plant Rentals for over 30 years. In 2017, Graeme purchased Tropical Plant Rentals along with the nursery. Over the past years he has successfully taken the business to new heights.
Graeme has a passion for sustainability and this is reflected in his approach to office plant hire and nursery management.
He is an accredited professional with the Green Building Council of Australia. He loves to get his hands dirty and being involved in every aspect of the business.
(+61) 452 590 255
CEO Elaine Tunn, has been employed by IPA for many years and brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience from owning a small business, teaching at TAFE and volunteering for many Qld organisations in her local area. Elaine is a qualified workplace Trainer and Assessor, Lifestyle Coach and has a Cert IV in Small Business Management; Cert IV in Business Administration; Diploma of Business and Marketing; Diploma of Frontline Management and Leadership.
One of Elaine’s most notable accomplishments was teaching the Leadership Program and Certificate IV in Business (Small Business Management and Frontline Management) at TAFE Queensland.
Elaine understands that managing the IPA is similar to owning a company and must be addressed with the same attention. Our members must trust the executive management committee to handle their non-profit industry association, and having a CEO who is inspired, positive, confident, and determined to support members and expand the organization is critical.
(+61) 452 590 255
IPA Accreditation officer Paul Plant, a Registered Horticulturist, is responsible for overseeing the accreditation process for Interior Plantscape Association members. Paul has worked in the landscape, nursery and interior plantscape sectors, as well as education, media and industry development for many years.
(+61) 422 110 921
Julie Watson is the IPA Sponsorships Coordinator and CEO of Stronger Than My Excuses, a media production company dedicated to helping businesses, organisations, and causes find their voice and speak up about their passion, their work, and the issues that matter to them while driving meaningful outcomes through action.
Having overcome her own challenges in health and finances, and building a business that allows her to work from anywhere in the world, Julie is well positioned to support others in creating their own version of success. She helps individuals and organisations tap into their inspiration and turn ideas into impact.
Julie excels at managing client and stakeholder relationships, with a strong focus on communication, motivation, and delivering exceptional experiences. She leads with integrity and a commitment to achieving results.
Her ultimate goal is simple: to make the world a better place and to bring others along for the journey. How? Let’s work it out together!
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