The NGIQ 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.
Head Office Staff
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.
AMY CARTER
EVENTS MANAGER
Experienced Engagement Manager with a demonstrated history of success in industry associations, not-for-profits and the technology sector. Skilled in Management, Industry Policy, Community Engagement, Social Media, and Strategic Marketing.
LILI POWELL
OFFICE 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.
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 NGIQ.
ANNA ZIH
EVENTS ASSISTANT
With a passion for organising international conferences & B2B events, Anna has dedicated her career to orchestrating diverse events, including scientific projects for Dubai Municipality & representing Dubai at global conferences. Anna is currently finishing a master’s degree in hospitality & tourism.
Qld Garden Show staff
MARION BEAZLEY
EVENTS MANAGER
Marion commenced employment with NGIQ 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 EASDALE
EVENT ADMINISTRATOR
Chloe officially commenced employment with NGIQ 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 VAUTIER
MARKETING MANAGER
Kristen commenced employment with NGIQ 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.
Board Members
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 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.
ELAINE DUNCAN
TREASURER
Elaine is the owner & opperator of Flourish Plants in Mareeba. Her parents Joy & Tom Paterson started the business & have recently clebrated 30 years with the NGIQ. Elaine was names NGIQ nursery person of the year in 2024.
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.
RUSSELL HIGGINBOTHAM
BOARD MEMBER
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 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 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.
