IPA Executive Management Committee
(+61) 0414 809 746
Ray is a business management professional with a strong background in leadership, business turnaround, change management, sales management, marketing, brand awareness, finance, operational and customer retention, mergers and acquisitions.
His financial background provides strategic, financial, planning and control skills to enhance business management abilities and pin point areas of concern quickly to achieve best practice operation efficiencies which in turn provide strong sales and profit results.
Ray also has a demonstrated history of development and growth of businesses teams and individuals resulting in strong commercial results.
Personal attributes include energetic, enthusiastic, self-starter, persistence, consistent open communication, active listening and the willingness to be flexible in the division, product range and locations.
Specialties are: Business turnaround, sales and account management, team and people management, strategic planning and implementation, financial and business analysis.
Ray is keen to see the horticultural industry continue to grow for the next generation.
(+61) 0458 708 107
Robert Shand is the owner and director of Advance Plants. Advance Plants is one of Queensland’s leading indoor plant hire and landscape maintenance businesses, and is trusted by a broad range of commercial clients to consistently deliver a high quality service.
Advance Plants was established in 1980 by Nick Holt who owned and operated the business until it was acquired by Robert in 2019. In addition to his role at Advance Plants, Robert has had significant experience as the director of a range of other companies over the past decade and is presently a director on the board of Pedal Group (the parent company of bicycle retailer, 99 Bikes).
Robert Shand is the owner and director of Advance Plants, which is one of Queensland’s leading indoor plant hire and landscape maintenance businesses. He has served on the IPA’s Executive Management Committee since 2021 as Treasurer and 2022 Inaugural Awards co-ordinator.
Advance Plants was established in 1980 by Nick Holt who owned and operated the business until it was then acquired by Robert in 2019. In addition to his role at Advance Plants, Robert has had significant experience as the director of a range of other companies over the past decade and is presently a director on the board of Pedal Group (the parent company of bicycle retailer, 99 Bikes).
(+61) 0418 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 company in Australia with 22 franchisees servicing offices in all major cities and regional centers around Australia. This business was sold in 2017 but Stuart remains as a franchisee for the Townsville and Cairns areas.
Stuart received many awards and has served on a number of Committees and Boards within Australia.
2011 – The Nursery Industry Association of Australia award of Merit
2006 – Awarded Life Memberships Nursery and Garden Industry of NSW and ACT
2009 – Awarded Life Membership Nursery and Garden Industry of Australia
2016 – Awarded Nursery and Garden Industry NSW Perpetual Trophy for Outstanding Contribution to Horticulture Industry
Committees and Boards:
1974 – 1977 Committee member NSW Parks and Recreation Institute
1985 – 2002 Director Nursery & Garden Industry NSW & ACT.
1997 – 2005 Vice President (NIPA) National Interior Plantscapers Association
1997 – 2001 Member WorkCover Rural Industry Reference Group
1993 – 2003 Director HortSuper Ltd an Industry Superannuation Fund
1998 – 2000 and again in 200- 2007 Director Nursery and Garden Industry Australia
2000 – 2003 Chairman HortSuper Ltd an Industry Superannuation Fund
2000 – 2003 Committee member Environmental Trust NSW Scientific Technical Committee
2002 – 2002 President Nursery & Garden Industry NSW & ACT.
2002 – 2005 Vice President Nursery & Garden Industry NSW & ACT.
2004 – 2007 President Nursery and Garden Industry Australia
2004 – 2007 Member (IAC) Industry Advisory Council,
2004 – 2007 Member Horticulture for Tomorrow industry leadership group
2004 – 2009 Chairman of (HAC) Horticulture Australia Council
2005 – 2009 Member Produce and Grocery Code Administration Committee
(+61) 0414 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 30 years. In 2017, Graeme purchased Tropical Plant Rentals along with the nursery. Over the past 3 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) 0451 371 415
Josh Ursem is the Sales and Marketing Manager of Green Design Indoor Plant hire. 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, Josh 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.
Consultants
CEO Elaine Tunn, has been employed by IPA for 17 years and brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience from owing a small business and volunteering for many Qld organisations in her local area: Foundation member for Redcliffe Central Chamber of Commerce, Redcliffe First Settlement Committee and Redcliffe City Heart Chamber, Co-ordinator Redcliffe region of the Miss Australia Quest, Chairperson of Brisbane North Institute of TAFE, Redcliffe Campus and Board Member of Brisbane North Institute of TAFE Gateway campus.
She is also 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.
Teaching the Leadership Program and Certificate IV in Business (Small Business Management and Frontline Management) at TAFE Qld was one of Elaine’s biggest achievements.
Elaine is mindful that managing IPA is exactly like owing a business, and must be treated with the same respect. Our members must have trust in the Executive Management Committee to manage their non-profit industry association and having a CEO inspired, optimistic, and confident and determined to support members and help grow the association is vital.
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. He is also the editor of Subtropical Gardening Magazine and currently does weekly segments on two radio stations (4BC882 and West Bremer Radio) in South East Queensland.
You can follow Paul on any of the following platforms:
If you are interested in joining the Committee next year, please see our Reasons to Nominate and FAQ page