Gold Coast, Queensland – Queensland vegetable grower Sharron Windolf has received the Women in Horticulture joint industry award at the 2016 National Awards for Excellence in recognition of her outstanding contribution to both her growing operation and the wider industry.

The award is supported by Steritech, a leader in sterilisation and decontamination services for domestic and export markets. The company was also the proud sponsor of the 2016 Women in Horticulture event at the National Horticulture Convention. 

Mrs Windolf is the co-owner of Windolf Farms based in Gatton, which produces and packs lettuce, broccoli, parsnips, washed potatoes, pumpkin and watermelon for export markets and supplies directly to supermarkets and wholesalers in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia. 

AUSVEG National Marketing Manager Nathan McIntyre said Sharron’s dedication to the development of the Australian vegetable industry made her a worthy recipient of the Women in Horticulture award. 

“Sharron plays an integral role in the management and success of Windolf Farms in partnership with her husband, Paul, and other family members. While the owners contribute to a variety of management and production roles, Sharron is responsible for administration, finance and compliance,” Mr McIntyre said.

“In addition to this, Sharron is a Director of Queensland horticulture body Growcom and she is actively involved in the Lockyer Valley Growers Inc. as Treasurer, organising a variety of functions and raising funds for the growing community.”

Mr McIntyre said Sharron’s participation in a range of industry initiatives provided a platform to continue to learn and promote the invaluable role of women in the Australian horticulture industry. 

“Sharron is a dynamic and proactive leader and shares her valuable industry knowledge as a current member of the vegetable industry’s  Farm Productivity, Resource Use and Management advisory panel, which reviews applications for levy-funded research projects,” Mr McIntyre said. 

“Sharron was also instrumental in developing and participating in the Reverse Trade Mission Produce Displays, which allowed export-ready vegetable growers throughout Australia to showcase their produce and network with a group of international fresh produce buyers. She has also welcomed visitors to her farm for research and networking purposes on many occasions.”

“Sharron is testament to the fundamental role that women play in Australian horticulture, be it in key managerial roles or behind the scenes, and this award is an important recognition of that fact.”
 
The 2016 National Awards for Excellence was the capstone event for the 2016 National Horticulture Convention, which incorporated seven industry co-hosts and attracted around 1,500 delegates to RACV Royal Pines on the Gold Coast.

For photographs, or to request an interview with award winners, please contact the AUSVEG media representative below.

ENDS
MEDIA CONTACT: Shaun Lindhe, National Manager – Communications, AUSVEG
Phone: (03) 9882 0277, Mobile: 0405 977 789, Email: shaun.lindhe@ausveg.com.au