Plants for Hire – VIC
(+61) 414 402 746
Tara Heels is a seasoned leader in the plantscaping industry, driven by a passion for harmonising nature with interiors. With over 25 years of hands-on experience and a Bachelor of Applied Science in Horticulture, Tara has developed an exceptional understanding of the unique challenges and abundant opportunities within the plantscape sector.
Currently, Tara oversees operations, service teams, and sales at Plants For Hire, one of Victoria’s foremost interior plantscaping businesses. Her impressive journey began as a part-time service technician at Ambius, where her expertise and dedication quickly set her apart. As her career progressed, Tara took on pivotal roles including Service Supervisor and National Training Manager, honing both her technical skills and leadership capabilities.
Tara’s passion for horticulture extends beyond business. She played a key role in running the ‘Work for the Dole’ programs, which taught valuable horticultural skills and contributed to the creation of the Melton Botanic Gardens. Her leadership experience also includes managing production and sales teams at some of Australia’s largest wholesale nurseries.
With deep technical expertise in plant identification, propagation, pest and disease management, fertilisers, and potting media, Tara is widely regarded as a trusted resource in the industry. Her dedication to knowledge sharing has made her an invaluable mentor to others in the field.
As the incoming President of the Interior Plantscape Association, Tara is committed to advancing the association’s mission, supporting its members, and shaping the future of the plantscaping industry. Her unique blend of experience, expertise, and passion positions her as a driving force in the growth and innovation of the sector.
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
Tropical Plant Rentals - QLD
(+61) 418 751 875
Stuart Swaddling, Horticulturist, has been directly involved in the horticulture industry for over 45 years. Stuart started his career as an apprentice nurseryman completing the three-year Horticulture Certificate Course at Ryde School of Horticulture. Stuart then worked in Local Government Parks and Gardens. Stuart’s nursery and business, Tropical Plant Rentals Pty Ltd, commenced in 1980 and is now one of the leading national indoor plant hire companies in Australia with 22 franchisees servicing offices in all major cities and regional centres around Australia. This business was sold in 2017 but Stuart remains as a franchisee for the Townsville and Cairns areas. Stuart has received many awards and served on numerous committees and boards within Australia.
His dedication to the horticultural sector is exceptional, and Stuart continually offers assistance, guidance, and leadership to help our industry association thrive.
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.
Advance Plants - QLD
(+61) 491 140 985
Natalie is the Operations Manager for Brisbane-based indoor plant hire and landscape maintenance business, Advance Plants. She joined the company in 2020 as a plant technician and has since gained valuable experience in installations, tendering processes, staff management, and overseeing large-scale projects.
With a background in plant regeneration and a strong commitment to preserving cultural practices, Natalie has a deep passion for working with native plants and integrating them within the interior plantscape industry. Her dedication to sustainability and innovation is evident in her work, and she strives to create impactful, environmentally conscious designs.
Natalie is excited to be joining the 2025 IPA Committee, where she plans to actively contribute to the growth and innovation of the horticultural community. Her goal is to support the industry’s development and strengthen connections among professionals, ensuring continued success and collaboration within the field.
Just Add Plants - QLD
(+61) 420 935 953
Profile and Bio coming soon!
Just Add Plants - QLD
(+61) 478 558 850
Profile and Bio coming soon!
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.
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